THIS WEEK'S TOP PICKS

55 things to do for the holidays in Greater Cleveland

Festive cheer abounds in Northeast Ohio this time of year -- and we’ve got the scoop on some of the holiday events taking place in the region. There are plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit this season in Cleveland; just be sure to bring your winter coat. Visit with Santa, Mrs. Kringle, Mr. Jingeling or Krampus. Ice skate in the heart of downtown Cleveland. View millions of holiday lights in iconic locations. Rock out to some Christmas classics at local venues. Here are a few ideas on events to check out around town, before 2021 wraps up. READ MORE

Home for the Holidays

Conductor Carl Topilow and the Cleveland Pops Orchestra have few rivals when it comes to entertaining a crowd at Christmas time. Their early holiday show at the Connor Palace this year features all the usual suspects along with guest vocalist Tricia Tanguy and narrator Wayne Dawson. Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28. DETAILS

Related: This holiday season, for fans of classical music and dance, almost every day is like Christmas

Winterfest

Downtown Cleveland will kick off the holiday season the weekend after Thanksgiving with Winterfest. Enjoy ice skating, a Cleveland Bazaar market, performances, family-friendly activities and more -- and be sure to stick around for the tree lighting ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Free. Public Square, Cleveland and surrounding blocks. Nov. 27. DETAILS

Wild Winter lights at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

This annual holiday light spectacular features over one million individual lights illuminating hundreds of displays spread across the zoo. There are also carousel rides, costumed characters, model train displays, ice carvers, live music, a dazzling light show with a 50-foot tree and photos with Santa, of course. Tickets, $18-$20. Drive-through experience available on select dates for $54-$60 per vehicle. 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland. Through Dec. 30, Jan. 2. DETAILS

A Garden Holiday at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

‘Tis a feast for the senses as Cleveland Botanical Garden is turned into a holiday wonderland, full of festive plants and towering trees. Tickets, $12-$16. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland. Through Jan. 2. DETAILS

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure

Hop aboard a train and ride the rails through the Cuyahoga Valley to the magical North Pole. Enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and fun before getting a glimpse of Santa’s helpers preparing for Christmas Eve. Then, hand-deliver your letter for St. Nick to the North Pole’s Postmaster. Tickets start at $45. Board at CVSR stations at 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence or 27 Ridge St., Akron. Now through Dec. 19. DETAILS

Magic of Lights

This magical drive-through experience returns to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds where around every corner your favorite holiday scenes and characters are brought to life through spectacular light displays. You can also hop out of the car to meet Santa, decorate a snowman and enjoy seasonal treats at the Jolly Holiday Village. Tickets, $21-$26 per vehicle. 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights. Through Jan. 2. DETAILS

Cleveland holiday market guide: 40 ways to shop local in 2021

This year, consider tackling gift shopping through Cleveland’s holiday market scene, and support local crafters, creators and more in the process. Some of the most unique items will be on sale at fairs, pop-ups, art walks, festivals and more around Greater Cleveland neighborhoods. It’s never been easier to shop local. We put together a guide to some of the festive shopping opportunities you can check out -- with an emphasis on local businesses. READ MORE

A Christmas Story House & Museum

Tour the Parker’s home from the 1983 classic movie, which has been restored with great detail to its original splendor. Fans can find original props, costumes, memorabilia and rare behind-the-scenes photos in the museum across the street. Tickets, $11-$15. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland. DETAILS

Great Lakes Theater’s “A Christmas Carol”

One of Northeast Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions returns this year as Cleveland’s classic theater company presents Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a grumpy banker who learns the true meaning of Christmas after being visited by three ghosts. Tickets, $30-$80. Mimi Ohio Theatre, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Nov. 26-Dec. 23. DETAILS

Larchmere Boulevard Holiday Stroll

The holiday spirit will be in the air at Larchmere Boulevard's annual Holiday Stroll event, which is now in its 50th year. Guests can get a cup of hot chocolate while perusing local shops along the eclectic street, enjoying shopping specials and giveaways. Horse and buggy rides will also be available. Free. Larchmere Blvd., Cleveland. Nov. 26-27. DETAILS

Cleveland Foundation Rink at Public Square

Head to downtown Cleveland for a chance to ice skate in Public Square, at this year’s Cleveland Foundation rink. The rink will be set up for much of the winter season. Tickets $12. 50 Public Square, Cleveland. Nov. 26-Jan. 17. DETAILS

Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

“Lights, Cameras, Christmas” is the theme of the hall’s annual holiday event. Inside, 25 decorated trees will be on view as classic Christmas movies and television shows play in the background. Outside, the gardens and grounds will be illuminated with one million lights, choreographed to holiday music in a dazzling display. Tickets, $6-$18. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Select nights Nov. 26-Dec. 30. DETAILS

Winter RiverFest

Enjoy festive fun along the Cuyahoga as Rivergate Park and Merwin’s Wharf are transformed into a holiday village. The event, put on by Cleveland Metroparks, features ice skating, beer garden, retail shop and reservable igloos where you can dine on a special winter menu. Free. 1785 Merwin Ave., Cleveland. Nov. 26-Jan. 2. DETAILS

Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo

The Akron zoo’s transformation into a winter wonderland is bigger and better than ever with more lights and brand-new displays. Meet Santa, check out a dazzling animated light show and see many of the animals in their habitats. Tickets, $9-$13. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. Nov. 26-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-23 & 26-30. DETAILS

Cleveland Metroparks Toboggan Chutes

Find your thrill in the chill at the Chalet in Strongsville, whooshing down 700-foot refrigerated ice chutes on an old-timey toboggan. Reservations required. Tickets, $11-$13. 16200 Valley Pkwy, Strongsville. Nov. 26-March 6. DETAILS

Little Italy Holiday Arts + Small Business Fest

Take in the sights and sounds of Little Italy while shopping for friends and family at the neighborhood’s Arts + Small Business Fest. The three-day event incorporates one-of-a-kind sales with gallery showings. Free. Mayfield Road, Cleveland 5-9 p.m. Nov. 26; Noon-9 p.m. Nov. 27; Noon-5 p.m. Nov. 28. DETAILS

Cleveland Bazaar

Cleveland Bazaar’s holiday-themed market pops up in three locations around town this season: first at the 5th Street Arcades during Winterfest, then at Lake Affect Studios on Dec. 5 and, finally, at the 78th Street Studios for its biggest event on Dec. 11-12. DETAILS

5th Street Arcades, 530 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Nov. 27
Lake Affect Studios, 1615 E. 25th St., Cleveland Noon-6 p.m., Dec. 5
78th Street Studios, 1305 W. 80th St., Cleveland Dec. 11-12

Crafty Mart

After going virtual last year, Akron’s Crafty Mart returns as an in-person shopping event at the organization’s new Carbon Black Event Space. Free. Bounce Innovation Hub, 526 S. Main St., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 27; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 28. DETAILS

“The Nutcracker” at the Akron Civic Theatre

The Akron Civic Theatre will turn into a winter wonderland with plenty of festive programming slated for the iconic downtown Akron space. It all kicks off this weekend with the Ballet Theatre of Ohio production of “The Nutcracker.” 182 S. Main St., Akron. Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5.Tickets $40-$50. DETAILS

Castle Noel

This unique retail and museum-type experience bills itself as America’s largest indoor year-round Christmas attraction. You’ll find props and costumes from some of your favorite Christmas movies, animated window displays from major New York City department stores, visits with Santa, a 25-foot Christmas tree, slide and more. It even snows inside! Reservations required. Tickets, $19.50-$24.50. 260 S. Court St, Medina. Open daily except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day. DETAILS

“Picturing Motherhood Now” exhibit at Cleveland Museum of Art

One of the museum’s major fall shows features works by a diverse group of more than 30 contemporary artists focusing on the subject of what it means to be a mother. The works explore motherhood through the lens of slavery, racism, feminism, undocumented immigration, the changing definitions of family and gender, and more. Members free. Non-member tickets start at $10. Now through March 13. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland. DETAILS

Cleveland Museum of Art takes on slavery, racism, discrimination, injustice in ‘Picturing Motherhood Now’

Immersive Van Gogh

This popular art experience at the new Lighthouse ArtSpace offers a unique way to experience Vincent Van Gogh’s post-Impressionist works. The projection-based displays unfold on the walls around you, showcasing the Dutch master painter’s iconic works, including his most famous, “Starry Night.” Tickets $39.99-$49.99. Through Feb. 6. 850 E. 72nd St., Cleveland. DETAILS

READ MORE: Looking for more things to do this holiday season in Greater Cleveland? Cleveland.com's Anne Nickoloff and Joey Morona have your guide. READ MORE

EAT & DRINK

Barrio’s Strongsville restaurant nears opening – first look

The old saying “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” sure applies to Barrio. The restaurant company has built a reputation on its build-your-own tacos, craft beers, drinks and – of course – Day of the Dead artwork. And it looks to open its Strongsville location about three miles west of Interstate 71 and just north of Ohio 82 at 13169 Prospect Road, hopefully in December. Cleveland.com’s Marc Bona has a sneak peek. READ MORE

Blue Habanero opens in Strongsville

If you like tacos and you live in or near Strongsville, you’re in luck. Blue Habanero is open in the former B Spot. The restaurant - at 18066 Royalton Road, Strongsville - is the third Blue Habanero to open. The first opened in 2018 on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland’s Gordon Square and another is in Brecksville. READ MORE

Celebrating "works" pizza

We visited five of Greater Cleveland's iconic pizzerias to taste test their spin on pizza with the works. Check out the our reports from Angelo's, Antonio's, Geraci's, Noce and Samosky. READ MORE

TV & MOVIES

Lady Gaga, Adam Driver shine in "House of Gucci"
This new film about the iconic fashion brand from director Ridley Scott ("Gladiator," "Thelma and Louise") aspires to be “The Godfather,” but instead winds up giving off “Dynasty” vibes. And I mean that in the best possible way. Everything about it is extravagant and over-the-top. The cast, the clothes, the cars, the Tuscan villas, and the drama. Oh, the drama! This thing has everything: money, power, passion, greed, betrayal, revenge and, gasp, even murder. Featuring a star-studded cast, the film has Oscar aspirations but, frankly, it's too fun for that. READ MORE

"Hawkeye" now streaming on Disney+
Jeremy Renner's Clint Barton, the most brooding and underwritten of all the Avengers, finally gets his own starring vehicle. The amazing archer teams up with Hailee Steinfeld's Kate Bishop in a new series reminiscent of buddy cop and Christmas action movies. The unlikely duo find themselves in the middle of a criminal conspiracy after Kate is mistaken for Ronin, the masked vigilante persona that Clint adopted during “The Blip.” The first two episodes ask more questions than they answer, but there's enough potential there to see how the rest all plays out. READ MORE

‘Becoming Cousteau"
The acclaimed documentary "Becoming Cousteau" finally makes it to Disney+ this week. The film takes an inside look at the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the underwater adventurer, explorer and author who became a devoted environmentalist. Directed by Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Liz Garbus, "Becoming Costeau," is, as the AP's Jake Coyle writes, "A defining documentary portrait of the French oceanographer — the real-life Steve Zissou — as a fish only truly content below the surface." DETAILS

"The Hot Zone: Anthrax”
Daniel Dae Kim and Tony Goldwyn top the cast of National Geographic's "The Hot Zone: Anthrax," a dramatization of the deadly 2001 bacterial attacks. Described as a "scientific thriller," the six-part series tracks FBI agents and scientists as they hunt for the source of tainted letters sent to targets in Florida, Washington, D.C., and New York. Enrico Colantoni plays New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, with Harry Hamlin as news anchor Tom Brokaw. The limited series, part of "The Hot Zone" anthology, airs at 9 p.m. on three consecutive nights beginning Sunday. DETAILS

"One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga”
Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga and the Great American Songbook are the stars of a CBS special showcasing the friends on duets and solos. "One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga," airing 8 p.m. Sunday, was taped at a pair of Radio City Music Hall shows last August. The New York concerts, which marked Bennett's 95th birthday, were held shortly before he announced he was retiring from performing. Earlier this year, Bennett's family revealed that the famed singer was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. DETAILS

"The Humans”
Stephen Karam adapts his Tony-winning play "The Humans," about three generations gathering in a prewar New York apartment for Thanksgiving, into a feature debuting on Showtime and in theaters this week. But be warned, this is not your traditional Thanksgiving fare, aside from the general dysfunction. With shades of horror and existential dread "The Humans" is, as Karam has described it, a "kind of family thriller." The cast includes Richard Jenkins, Amy Schumer, Beanie Feldstein, Steven Yeun, June Squibb and Jayne Houdyshell, who is reprising her Tony-winning role. DETAILS

“Pig”
Nicolas Cage playing a truffle forager who is on a mission to save his beloved truffle pig from violent assailants sounds a bit like a parody. So it may come as a surprise that not only is "Pig" real, and serious, it is also one of the year's best reviewed films. And, it'll be available to stream on Hulu starting Friday. In the Los Angeles Times review of writer-director Michael Sarnoski's debut, critic Noel Murray writes that, "though its plot follows the same rough outline of a 'John Wick'-style shoot-em-up, 'Pig' is actually a quiet and often melancholy meditation on loss, anchored by a character who wishes he could shake free of the person he used to be." DETAILS

"Black and Missing”
The intense focus on Gabby Petito's disappearance and death ultimately drew attention to the unequal treatment given to missing people of color as compared to whites. It's a fight that sisters-in-law Derrica and Natalie Wilson know well, as detailed in "Black and Missing," a four-part documentary series debuting this week on HBO and HBO Max. The Wilsons created the grassroots Black and Missing Foundation to raise community and media awareness and boost police resources. Emmy-winners Soledad O'Brien and Geeta Gandbhir are among the docuseries' makers. DETAILS

MUSIC

"The Beatles: Get Back"

Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson's engrossing new film documentary, "The Beatles: Get Back" debuts exclusively on Disney+ over Thanksgiving weekend, comprehensively chronicling the making of the fabled band’s penultimate album, "Let It Be," and an identically titled film documentary. It will be shown in three installments between Thursday and Saturday that, together, total more than six hours. It will feature an exclusive, full cut of The Beatles' final public performance, an impromptu 42-minute winter gig on a London roof by the band and guest keyboardist Billy Presto. Jackson's documentary follows the October release of the 240-page book, "The Beatles: Get Back," and a new "Let It Be Special Edition" box set. The latter includes five CDs with 57 songs, one Blu-ray disc and a 100-page book. It is also available in a vinyl edition and in smaller CD iterations. DETAILS

Related: Peter Jackson’s ‘Get Back’ offers a new look at the making of ‘Let It Be’ and the beginning of the end for The Beatles

Jim Brickman at Hanna Theatre

Acclaimed pianist Jim Brickman will bring his Christmas magic back to Playhouse Square for a string of shows at the Hanna Theatre. He’ll be joined by longtime collaborator Anne Cochran for the show, titled “The Gift of Christmas.” Tickets $50-$75. 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland. 8 p.m. Nov. 26-27, 3 p.m. Nov. 28. DETAILS

Related: Jim Brickman returns to Playhouse Square for annual holiday shows: Q&A

Holiday Ball at Beachland Ballroom

Plenty of tours and local traditions will take over the Beachland Ballroom for both concerts and shopping opportunities this festive season. Things kick off Friday with the Holiday Ball featuring Meg & The Magnetosphere, Lewis, Church of Starry Wisdom, more. 15711 Waterloo Road, Cleveland. Tickets $10-$12. 7 p.m., Nov. 26. DETAILS

Deep Purple

Deep Purple have been covered plenty of times so it's only natural that they turn the tables with "Turning to Crime," their first-ever covers album. The band take on Huey "Piano" Smith's "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" and Ray Charles and Quincy Jones' exuberant "Let the Good Times Roll." Elsewhere, the band tackles Bob Dylan's "Watching the River Flow" and Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels "Jenny Takes a Ride!" The album is out Friday and fans can check out the video for the cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well." The album finds the band in a well, purple, patch following the release just over a years ago of their 21st studio album, "Whoosh!" DETAILS

David Bowie

The latest box set chronicling David Bowie's career from 1969 to the 21st century is out Friday. "David Bowie 5. Brilliant Adventure (1992-2001)" is an 11-CD box, 18-piece vinyl set and standard digital download box set. The collection is named after the penultimate track from the "Hours" album. The set contains some of Bowie's most underrated and experimental material, including the albums "Black Tie White Noise," "The Buddha of Suburbia," "1. Outside," "Earthing" and "Hours." Bowie fanatics will also want to check out the legendary previously unreleased album, "Toy." DETAILS

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils Tom Petty exhibit, celebration plans

It is wildflower season at the Rock & Rock Roll Hall of Fame. Last week, the museum unveiled its “You Don’t Know How It Feels – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers’ Wildflowers” showcase inside the Rock Hall’s “Right Here Right Now” exhibit. The collection celebrates Petty’s 1994 album “Wildflowers,” which has seen recent reissues through Warner Bros. Records. The Rock Hall will also host a “Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Fan Weekend” from Nov. 26 to 28, featuring Petty-themed festivities, release a Tom Petty episode of its Induction Vault podcast and host a virtual interview with members of The Heartbreakers in December. READ MORE

Listen to the latest episodes of CLE Rocks podcast, with Troy L. Smith

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