The Charming Small Town Near Cleveland Where You Can Still Experience An Old-Fashioned Christmas
By Nikki Rhoades|Published November 21, 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.
Christmas in Cleveland is magical. The snowfall, the lights, the iconic destinations that have made it on the big screen… there’s so much to love right here in town! However, it would be a shame to miss out on the surrounding festivities throughout Greater Cleveland, because there are just as many local small towns that make the holidays every bit as festive as (if not even more festive than) Cleveland. Today, we’re going to look at a quaint community that makes the holiday season magical: Kirtland! From local lights to the Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit, the whole community grows magical as the holidays approach. Cozy up, because this is one cool event!
Kirtland, Ohio is just a stone's throw away from Cleveland.
This Lake County community is roughly 20 miles away from home... just a half an hour's drive or so. With just 7,000 residents, the small town is quaint, sleepy, and welcoming.
And as things cool down across Northeast Ohio, the community takes on a particularly festive atmosphere.
It's easy to enjoy a season of magic in this small town. Local homes decorate with great enthusiasm, and community landmarks are coated in silver, gold, and rainbow elements to infuse the season with cheer.
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Kirtland is full of hidden gems, including spots like Chapin Forest Reservation.
When coated in a soft blanket of snow, Chapin Forest Reservation is magical to visit. This park stretches across the only mountain near Cleveland, and light-lined paths like Arbor Lane Loop Trail ensure you can enjoy hiking even when daylight hours are limited.
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Chapin Forest Reservation's on-site ski center empowers visitors to make the season memorable.
Rent snowshoes or skis here to make your visit especially memorable. You can opt for an all-day adventure or an hourly rental, which allows you to curate your perfect outdoor adventure.
Plus, the Historic District gets particularly colorful each holiday season.
With streets lined with Christmas lights and trees adorned with ornaments, the historic buildings in this section of town look especially quaint and charming. Here, a variety of historic buildings including an old general store and a former temple are open to visitors, but there's also one incredible annual event that takes place.
For nearly two decades, the free and interesting Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit has offered an old-fashioned take on Christmas decorations.
The event runs from late November to New Year's Eve each year, and it is truly unrivaled in Northeast Ohio. With nearly 1,000 nativity exhibits from around the world, there's a great variety of decorations here... both big and small!
From porcelain to wood and even bullet casings, the nativities you'll spot during your visit will range from traditional and familiar to unique. With representations from more than 70 countries across the globe, it's no wonder the event attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Outside of the nativity display, some 150,000 colored lights contrast beautifully with the snow.
Wintry nature scenes are bound to infuse your day with holiday cheer! Occasionally, holiday events provide an extra degree of cheer on-site... or you can experience them right in Cleveland at the arboretum's sister campus at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.
After you're done exploring the snow-kissed landscape, the comfort food and warm welcome at Just One More Tavern will round out your day of fun.
This cherished local watering hole is an epic place to warm up. From breakfast to burgers, their kitchen knows how to make a delicious and hearty meal.
Whatever you decide to do while in town, it's plain to see that Kirtland has much to offer.
Kirtland is a cute community with so much to offer, and the holiday season is simply magical here. Have you ever visited the Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit? Did you have a favorite display? We’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Looking for more small-town vibes this season? Swing by Historic Medina Square just south of Cleveland for an entire season of magic.
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