Get In The Spirit At The Biggest Christmas Museum Near Cleveland: Castle Noel
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 13, 2022
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
The A Christmas Story House is generating buzz in the news again, having recently been listed for sale. Believe it or not, though, it’s not the only holly jolly museum in the Greater Cleveland area. In fact, there’s a massive Christmas museum near Cleveland that’s downright magical. It operates all year round, but it’s situated in a cozy Victorian town center that feels like a real-life model train town. Quaint and always charming, Historic Medina Square is an incredible place to visit in any season… but it’s truly pure magic in the winter. Ready for a road trip? This dreamy destination is just a little over half an hour outside of Cleveland.
From the outside, Castle Noel doesn't look huge. Of course, looks can be deceiving.
Castle Noel is an attraction like no other. In fact, it's one of the most unique attractions in Northeast Ohio. This neat local museum is open all year round, and it's massive. You'll need to make a reservation to visit, as this local landmark belongs on your bucket list.
Not only is this holly jolly wonderland the largest Christmas museum near Cleveland, it's also the largest in the nation.
Each tour takes between 15 and 17 people through the museum at a time, so you'll have its massive expanse largely to yourself. Tours take roughly two hours, so be ready to walk!
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This magical museum spans 40,000 square feet, and it's beyond intricate.
Each tour begins at the outside exhibit, but you'll soon move inside to dart through Santa’s Chimney Squeeze and to step into a world of pure imagination. Willy Wonka ain't got nothing compared to the magic in this charming spot!
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During the tour, you'll find all sorts of nostalgia awaiting you. You can even ride the Santa Klaus Mountain Slide, just like Ralphie did in A Christmas Story!
If you're over 80, a trip down the slide will earn you a place on Castle Noel's wall of fame. For tour members with different levels of need, Castle Noel will do its best to accommodate you. Let your tour guide know about any sensory challenges, and possibly plan to bring headphones to tone down the loudness of the tour.
If you're a wheelchair user, you can tour the first floor easily. The second floor is not handicap accessible, but the Castle Noel team will set you up in a little theater to see video of the upper level displays.
Speaking of holiday movies, there are a few attractions you might recognize.
If this setup looks familiar, that might be because it's Cindy Lou Who's bedroom! This set from the 2000 film is almost perfectly preserved, and you'll feel like the Grinch himself is waiting to greet you just around the corner. (Spoiler alert: he totally is!)
In addition to props from The Grinch and Elf, you'll spot all sorts of recognizable movie memorabilia. Even Cousin Eddie's RV from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is on-site awaiting your visit!
You'll also spot old holiday window displays from New York City, which are oddly reminiscent of swinging through Cleveland during the era of big department stores.
Remember going downtown to shop? Remember Christmastime at Higbee's? Though these window displays come from another state, they'll take you back to your childhood in Cleveland with a dose of almost-familiar nostalgia.
Oh, and speaking of reminiscing, you'll stroll through a world of toys that makes Santa's workshop look dainty.
Toys from the 1950s through the 1980s will also take you back to your childhood in this unique exhibit. Break out your ugly holiday sweaters and get ready for a tour, because this neat local landmark is sure to enchant.
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All in all, there's enough holiday cheer in this charming year-round Christmas museum to make your heart grow three sizes.
Tickets are $27.50 for adults and $22.50 for children under 12. Seniors and military members will save one dollar on admission, too! As an alternative, you can also purchase a private tour and visit with your family and friends!
And when all is said and done, you can snag some swag in the gift store to commemorate your experience.
Visit this charming landmark at 260 S Court St, Medina, OH 44256. You can park near their sister attraction, Alien Vacation MiniGolf, or at the free public parking decks northeast and northwest of Castle Noel in Medina Square.
This incredible year-round Christmas museum near Cleveland is worth a visit, whether you swing by during the coldest season or any other. Iconic and welcoming, there are few places that serve up nostalgia quite like Castle Noel. Have you ever visited this enchanting Greater Cleveland landmark? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
While you’re in the area, take some time to walk around Historic Medina Square. The area is lit by warm-hued strings of lights, and a beautiful Christmas tree in the gazebo at the center of town makes the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
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