Alright, so this whole Cleveland Christmas thing started because my kids – bless their little hyperactive hearts – wouldn’t stop bugging me about Santa after Thanksgiving dinner. Seriously, turkey wasn’t even cold yet! Figured instead of just one lame light show, we’d try a bunch this year. See what actually lives up to the hype. Grabbed the laptop, did some frantic Googling while sipping lukewarm coffee – you know how it is.
Saturday: Tower City Center Chaos
First stop Saturday around 10 AM. Mistake number one: thinking “early” meant less people. Place was already swarming. The big draw? Santa setup looked fancy online. Got inside, felt like navigating a sardine can. Kids spotted the massive train display first thing – little dudes lost their minds. Detail was crazy good, tiny little Cleveland landmarks and everything. Score one point.
Then we saw the Santa line. Whoa. Snaked halfway to Macy’s, I swear. People looked miserable. Thought “Forget that noise,” and hunted for the reindeer petting zoo instead. Found it tucked near the food court. Three reindeer looking kinda bored. Kids touched one antler for two seconds. Ten bucks for hay? Nah. Left feeling like we dodged the Santa bullet but kinda underwhelmed. Hot chocolate was legit though.
Sunday Freeze Fest at Public Square
Sunday rolled around, decided to tackle the “WinterLand” at Public Square. Kiddos bundled up like little marshmallows. Heard about the ice skating rink. Paid for the rental skates – ouch, my wallet groaned. Skates felt like they’d seen better decades.
Kids managed maybe three wobbly laps holding onto the wall before my youngest face-planted. Tears? Yep. Not from hurt, just cold frustration. The big tree? Okay, yeah, sparkly. Cold wind was biting, though. Found the little vendor huts selling ornaments. Prices made my eyes water. Grabbed mini-donuts to save the mood. Kids perked up instantly. Sugar fixes all, I guess. Overall? Fun for like 45 minutes tops before we froze our butts off. Packed up fast.
Downtown Aquarium Christmas Dive
Headed over around Wednesday afternoon hoping for calmer vibes. Kids love fish anyway. They had Christmas stuff added – divers in Santa hats underwater blowing bubbles? Yeah, kids got a kick out of that. Fish near coral decorations with lights wrapped around… surprisingly neat effect.
- Coolest Part: Shark tunnel walkway decked out with green and red lights. Felt kinda magical swimming overhead.
- Biggest Downer: Crowded pathways. Hard to see the smaller tanks without jostling. Felt rushed.
- Kid Vote: Oldest loved the sharks. Youngest fixated on the “elf diver.” They sell candy canes everywhere? Obvious trap.
Better than freezing outside, but pricey. Felt more like a cool aquarium visit with a Christmas sprinkle, not a full festive event.
The Verdict? Who Actually Won Christmas?
Okay, breakdown time.
- Tower City: Train display = awesome. Santa wait = nightmare. Other stuff felt meh. Hot chocolate saved it.
- The Aquarium: Unique Christmas twist. Indoors = BIG win. Felt less “Christmassy,” more “fishy holiday.” Kids loved it, wallets cried.
Public Square Skating: Ice is fun… if you can skate. Wind chill is brutal. Tree’s nice. Short stay essential.
Honestly? Tower City kinda edged out for us, mainly ’cause the train display genuinely dazzled the kids and the hot chocolate was top-tier. Public Square skates? Maybe next year when they’re steadier on their feet. Aquarium? Great rainy/cold day backup. No perfect winner, just gotta know what you’re signing up for and layer up! Bring snacks. Always bring snacks.
