WinterLand Kickoff FAQ

  • WinterLand is a free event! The only ticketed experience is ice skating. Tickets and skate rentals can be purchased on-site.

  • Public Square’s ice rink opens at 12 pm accompanied by food trucks, games and giveaways beginning at 3 pm.

    • Public Square Ice Rink – 12 pm to 10 pm

    • Fire Pits, Smore’s, and Hot Chocolate Giveaway – 3-5 pm while supplies last

    • Live performances – 3-6 pm

    • Jingle Bell Tent – 3-8 pm

    • Food Trucks – 3-8 pm

    • Trackless Train Rides – 12-8 pm

    • Destination Cleveland’s Illuminate CLE Light Show (Beginning at 5:30 pm and repeating every 30 minutes until 11 pm)

    • Photos with Santa – 6-8 pm

    The tree will be lit every half hour with a holiday light show from Illuminate CLE from 5:30-11pm. See it light multiple times while you’re downtown!

    There are also activities within walking distance all day long. For a full calendar of things to do on November 28, click here.

  • We will not be having fireworks at this year's kickoff. This will allow us to keep Superior Ave. open to pedestrian traffic creating better flow between Public Square and downtown restaurants and businesses. The Trackless Train will transport people to and from the library down Superior Ave!

  • Yes, this is a family-friendly day! Children will enjoy pictures with Santa Claus, live music, giveaways, games, and more.

    Individuals 17 years of age and younger are required to be accompanied at all times by a parent (or supervising adult) at 25 or older.

  • Yes, Public Square is ADA-accessible.

  • Downtown Cleveland has partnered with iParkit to offer discounted $8 parking adjacent to Public Square. Reserve your spot in advance here.

    Click here for a full list of ways to get downtown, including a map of all parking options.

  • There will be Porta Potties in Public Square and bathrooms can also be found in Tower City.

  • Baby changing stations can be found in Tower City.

  • The Child Unification Center is located in Downtown Cleveland’s Square Station in Hotel Cleveland.

  • Downtown has plenty of places to stay for a festive holiday weekend. Within a five minute walk of Public Square, check out Hotel Cleveland, the Ritz Carlton, Hyatt Regency at the Arcade, Fidelity Hotel on East 6th, the Kimpton Schofield, Holiday Inn Express, Cleveland Marriott at Key Tower, ROOST Cleveland, Drury Plaza, and Hotel Indigo.

  • Tickets to ice skate are available on-site and cannot be reserved in advance. Ice skates are available for rent on-site. Participants will be required to sign a waiver before skating. All levels are welcome!

    skating rink info

  • Glad you asked! WinterLand takes place on Small Business Saturday, and there are plenty of options to get your shopping done while supporting local:

    1.      HOLIDAY MARKET: Cleveland Bazaar hosts an annual holiday market featuring a variety of local artists, makers, and small business owners inside the 5th Street Arcades. The market will be open the day of the tree lighting ceremony from 10am-7pm. It is 5-minute walk from Public Square.

    2.      TOWER CITY: There will be immersive holiday decorations and activities inside Tower City, in addition to the dozens of retailers open for business. It is a 1-minute walk from Public Square.

    3.      ACROSS DOWNTOWN: For a full list of retailers downtown, click here.

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