Lake County Winter Bucket List

Dive Into Our Merry Must-Dos and Wintery Wonderland Adventures!

With the holiday bells ringing, there are hundreds of ways to deck the halls and soak up those winter vibes! Get in the festive groove by visiting local holiday open houses, boutiques and shops, where you’ll stumble upon quirky gifts, hand-crafted ornaments and scrumptious seasonal snacks to enjoy.

If you’re a winter warrior, grab your skates and glide over to the local rink or discover epic snowshoe adventures. For those cozy nights in, gather your crew for a hot cocoa bonanza — complete with holiday flicks and treats galore!

Don’t skip the local wineries or breweries! They’re serving up festive drinks that’ll warm your heart, whether it’s a spiced wine hug or a jolly craft beer toast.

This winter, let the holiday magic sprinkle some joy into your life and create unforgettable moments with your favorite people when you check it all off Lake County’s Winter Bucket List. 

Photo: Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive-thru

1. Drive through a dazzling holiday light wonderland at the Lake Metroparks Farmpark Country Lights Drive-Thru! (Local’s Tip: This event sells out early! Reserve your day and time online while planning your visit.)

2. Decorate tasty cookies for Santa (or your own elves) at the festive Wildwood Cultural Center in Mentor.

3. When you need a break from all that holiday shopping, stop for a bite to eat and taco ’bout your day at one of the stops on the Lake County Taco Trail. 

4. Lace up your skates at Mentor Ice Arena! Glide into the wintertime fun of indoor ice-skating as you enjoy the chill and thrill surrounded by a family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the Mentor Ice Arena offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season and create joyful memories with loved ones. Public skates are offered most weekends. View the dates and calendar here.

5. Listen to the Grinch read from the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse during Fairport Harbor Holidays.

6. Attend one of the charming community tree lightings in Painesville, Fairport Harbor or Willoughby. Mark your calendars for the following dates!

• Thursday, Nov. 21: Painesville’s Holiday Shop & Stroll
• Friday, Nov. 22: Painesville’s Spirit of the Season Community Tree Lighting
  
• Thursday, Dec. 5: Willoughby Annual Holiday Lighting 
  
• Saturday, Dec. 7: Harbor Holidays & A Day With The Grinch
  
• Saturday, Dec. 7: Christmas in the Village Park in Madison

Photo: Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail

(Local’s Tip: Warm up with a hot chocolate from the Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail along the way!)

7. Bundle up and try your hand at snowshoeing or head out for a hike under the lights at Chapin Forest Reservation. (Local’s Tip: Watch the live stream for current weather conditions before traveling.)

8. Exchange gifts with friends over a Christmas ale at Red Wine & Brew. (Local’s Tip: Do it all in one sleigh ride and shop their market for top holiday wines and beers to gift.)

9. Step into holiday elegance with a visit to the stunning Vincent William Mansion & Winery along the icy shores of Lake Erie. 

10. Get the elves together for a selfie in the Painesville gazebo under the lights and holiday wreaths

11. Attend a holiday opera at Cask 307 winery or the holiday cabaret at Steele Mansion.

12. Bundle up, grab a sled and head outside for the Annual Wickliffe Winterfest.

13. Sip a holiday cocktail at Rudolph’s Revenge Christmas pop-up bar at Debonne Vineyards or at the Grand River Cellars Grinchmas Pop Up Wine Bar.

Photo: Holiday Inn Express Madison

14. Treat yourself to an overnight experience at the extra-festive Christmas-themed suites at Holiday Inn Madison. A stay in the Jingle all the Way Suite is perfect for a night of Christmas movies, games and hot chocolate. You and your guests can get all snug in the holiday-themed beds to await visions of sugar plums dancing in your heads. Then, wake up to a complimentary breakfast. Or book the Merry & Bright Suite, which is perfect place to stay during your getaway to Ohio’s Wine Country this holiday season. Enjoy the king-size bed, a seating area, bistro table for two and a bottle of wine from Debonne Vineyard. (Local’s Tip: Call ahead and reserve transportation to four nearby Grand River Valley wineries. The holiday-themed hotel rooms can be booked via phone only.)

15. Relive your childhood with the whole family on a life-size Candyland game at Penitentiary Glen.

16. Make a magical memory when you cut down your own Christmas tree at Mountain Creek Tree Farm in Concord Township.

17. Chill in a cozy igloo at Old Firehouse Winery with friends sipping wine among the snowflakes.  

18. Embrace the frosty waves of Lake Erie with the Polar Plunge at Fairport Harbor.

19. Make a very merry memory when you join Santa for breakfast at Tall Oaks Resort or snap a pic in the big chair at Great Lakes Mall. (Local’s Tip: There are fewer elves in line for photos when you travel during the weekdays.)

20. Pause the winter whirlwind with Helicopter Daughter’s enchanting self-care treasures like calming teas, luxurious lotions and holistic favorites.

21. Let the holiday magic happen at Blank Boutique when you shop the latest trends for your New Year’s Eve outfit.

22. Embark on a charming horse-drawn carriage ride through Madison Village during their inaugural Christmas in the Village, where a festive holiday market awaits.

Photo: Red Wine and Brew Mentor

23. Share a holiday mocktail with Cindy Lou Who at the Grand River Cellars Grinchmas Bar.

24. Indulge in a cozy cup of cocoa (or two) along the Hot Chocolate Trail with a stop at Julbean’s Coffee & Crepes. (Local’s Tip: Visit eight delicious stops on the trail and earn your free #TourLakeCocoa mug.)

For more holiday fun in Lake County, sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Instagram to receive updates from Tour Lake County on holiday happenings and events at various northeast Ohio wineries, restaurants and other venues.