You WILL Want to Stay (and Sleigh!) during the Holiday Season in Willoughby, OH✨
Downtown Willoughby, OH is where the holiday spirit comes to life & the magic of the season unfolds into nights filled with twinkling lights and festive memories.
This holiday season discover a weekend itinerary with Christmas pop-up bars, holly jolly boutiques filled with perfectly packaged gifts, festive flavors lining the streets at local restaurants, and special events lighting up one of Northeast Ohio’s most charming walkable downtowns.
If you're searching for things to do near Cleveland this holiday season, DTW, as we like to call it, offers a cozy, frosty and festive getaway with small-town joy and big-city energy.
🎄Holiday Events
🎶Featured Events throughout December in Downtown Willoughby:
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When you SHOP SMALL, you could WIN BIG in our Shop the Block Golden Ticket Raffle!
🛍️ How It Works:
Every time you make a qualifying purchase at participating Downtown Willoughby shops during the event period, you’ll receive a Golden Ticket for a chance to win one of the cash prizes!
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Get into the holiday spirit and join us in Downtown Willoughby for the annual Holiday Lighting Celebration on Thursday, December 3rd at 7 pm. Before we turn on the holiday lights, enjoy the sounds of the season from local entertainment:
Event performances will be posted at a later date.
We will LIGHT UP DTW following the last performance at APPROXIMATELY 7:35 pm.
Additional events include:
Live Nativity, sponsored by Willoughby United Methodist Church from 6 pm – 8 pm.
The annual Evening Lions Holiday Auction downstairs of City Hall to benefit the Lions Eye Care Program and community service projects starting at 7:45 pm (after the lights).
Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on stage after the lighting to greet the children. A line will form in front of the clock, on the south side of the stage.
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Visit Santa at his house in Wes Point Park.
Thursdays: 5:00-8:00 PM
Fridays: 5:00-8:00 PM
Saturdays: 2:00-5:00 PM
Sundays: 2:00-5:00 PM
We will also be collecting non-perishable food to donate to the Willoughby United Methodist Church food pantry.
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Come run, walk, and be merry with us – because this isn’t just a run… it’s A Miracle on Erie Street from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Saturday, December 5th.
Make the Miracle on Erie Street 5k a holiday tradition! All runners get a race shirt, finishers medal and your very own Santa hat. After the race, the celebration continues with complimentary drink tickets to be used in Downtown Willoughby. It’s our way of saying cheers and thanks for joining in.
Check back to register!
All race proceeds to benefit Erie Street Miracles, as Willoughby-based non-profit that provides “Christmas Mornings” to deserving families in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties. https://www.facebook.com/ErieStreetMiracles
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Step outside on Saturday, December 12th from 11 am - 1:30 pm to get a glimpse of Santa as he rides through Willoughby!
Santa and his elves will travel through neighborhoods beginning at 11:00 am with the help of the Willoughby Fire Department.
The elves will be collecting non-perishable food items for the Willoughby Food Pantries along the route for those who wish to donate.
Parade Route to be posted the week before.
Shopping & Boutiques
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Located in the heart of charming Downtown Willoughby, our shop offers a unique blend of running culture and community spirit. Whether you're training for your next race or just love the lifestyle, we’re here to help you gear up and get inspired.
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Located in Historic Downtown Willoughby, Arabica Coffee House has been a local favorite since 1996.
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We are a Specialty Dog Boutique and Pet Groomer located in the heart of Downtown Willoughby, OH. We offer fun and interesting stuff for you, and your pooch.
4074 Erie St Unit 2, Willoughby, OH 44094 -
At DavEd Jewelers, jewelry is more than just decoration; it’s a way to celebrate life’s milestones and preserve cherished memories. For 80 years, families throughout Northeast Ohio have trusted us for engagement rings, wedding bands, fine jewelry, watches and custom creations. Each piece is selected for its beauty, significance and ability to become a cherished part of your story.
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A cozy destination for thoughtfully curated home décor, unique gifts, soft textiles, and handcrafted goods from local artists — inspired by warmth, comfort, and relaxed living.
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Our boutique is home to a variety of handcrafted, artist made, and artist designed products, such as jewelry, glassware, pottery, wall art, and gifts
4076 Erie St, Willoughby, OH 44094
https://www.finestragallery.com/
📍Stella’s Art Gallery
📍Willoughby Library
📍Daved Jewelers
📍Barktown
📍Pulsart
📍Arabica Coffee House
📍Etc on Erie
📍Daved Jewelers
📍WBrown Jewelers
📍Heart of Willoughby
📍WE Library
📍SweetGeeks
📍Achilles
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The Green Shepherdess is a Fair Trade Boutique carrying unique gift items from around the world!
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It is the longest-running outdoor market in Lake County. Each Saturday morning from May to October, you will find the market in the parking lot of Willoughby City Hall from 8 am to 12 noon, rain or shine.
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In Beautiful, Historic Downtown Willoughby!
We are a husband and wife team of wedding and portrait photographers with good souls and an obvious sense of humor. -
Stella’s Art Gallery is a vibrant, working arts space in the heart of Downtown Willoughby, showcasing the work of over 70 local artists across a wide range of disciplines. Painting, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, wood, metal, photography, and mixed media are all represented, offering visitors a rich and varied experience.
The gallery spans three levels and includes 14 working artist studios, a dedicated pottery studio, an event gallery, and a classroom space used for workshops, classes, and community programs.
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Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Desserts that will WOW your whole crew. Local, Safe, One of a Kind!
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At The Viridian Bookshop in Willoughby, books and games aren’t just pastimes—they’re ways to connect. Explore a curated world of fiction, enjoy tabletop adventures, and take part in a community built for readers, gamers, and creative minds alike.
A welcoming “third place” where imagination thrives, friendships form, and stories come to life.
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Custom designed Jewelry manufactured in store and Jewelry repairs done in store as well. A jeweler is always on staff.
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The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our community.
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Our vision is to improve the lives and livelihood of residents, visitors and businesses in and around Lake County through a robust connection to, and a genuine investment in, arts and culture.
🍕The In-Between (Where Good Food Blends with Bar Vibes)
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Laid-back gastropub serving wood-fired pies & New American fare, plus craft & Belgian-style beers.
4113 Erie. St Willoughby Oh 44094
https://www.ballantinedtw.com/
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Voted one of the top 10 taco stands in the United States, but also known for our vast selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer. The atmosphere is casual with a unique energy that’s created from the combination of our decor, music, and staff. serving signature & build-your-own tacos, plus cocktails, in a hip, casual space.
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COMING SOON!
Where the bold flavors of Nashville, KC and Austin meet a funky honkytonk vibe in the heart of Northeast Ohio.
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Welcome to erie + vine where we are built by friends, and fueled by community.
E+V is the ultimate throwback hangout serving craft cocktails, late night vibes, and food by Tony’s Burger Shop.
You can find us in the heart of downtown Willoughby. -
Hip hangout with happy hours serving pizza, wings & craft beer in a lively setting; open late.
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Known for our stone oven pizzas, friendly service and local feel, The Wild Goose is always hot spot in downtown Willoughby.
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A unique style Irish Pub with a full menu that blends Irish and American fare. We feature 19 taps both local and craft brews, 20 TV's, a large assortment of Irish Whiskey selections, biggest patio in Downtown Willoughby and live entertainment weekly.
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Casual boozer bar with a fenced patio, serving wings, burgers, hot dogs and cocktails.
🍸Where the Drinks Do the Talking
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18 drafts and 99 bottles.
Your local neighborhood dive bar🍻Relaxed fixture known for its craft beer selection and patio, plus casual food options. -
Westel's, named after the doctor and name sake of Willoughby, is a place with a fun and friendly atmosphere designed to be a neighborhood location where people can meet to socialize while enjoying craft cocktails & great beer with a local influence.
4084 Erie St, Willoughby, OH 44094
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Mullarkey’s is Lake County’s oldest Irish Pub. Owner John D. Bowers poured his first Guinness Gold-Certified pint in 1996. The growth of Mullarkey’s helped establish Downtown Willoughby as a premier entertainment district over the next 25 years. An authentic Irish experience featuring some of the best live music in Cleveland, there’s always something fun going on at Mullarkey’s.
🍱For the Foodies
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Sol is a global fusion restaurant offering a playful culinary experience like nothing else in the area.
With a range of elevated dishes from different regions of the world, Sol also offers comfort American classics with a twist.
Enjoy unique craft cocktails with no mixes, no shortcuts - and experience real ingredients, thoughtful technique, and flavor.
Experience our eclectic space with modern design and architecture dating back to the 1930's.
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At Sage Karma Kitchen we are committed to serving you with clean eating and healthy options. Your meal is prepared fresh when ordered using organic food and produce from our scratch kitchen.
Holiday Party Hot Spots
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Are you looking for an event space on the east side of Cleveland that will wow your guests? Welcome to Sol located in historic downtown Willoughby. 6000 square ft., 2 party rooms, and available for full buyouts.
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Celebrate With Us
We are a boutique property with several dining spaces of various sizes. We would love to have a conversation with you about hosting your special occasions.
Our restaurant, Julia’s 1902, is open Tuesday-Saturday evenings, so if your event falls within these times, additional fees may apply. Jose Coronado, executive chef and partner Julia’s 1902 can tailor the menu to your specific needs and desires.
Speak with a team member about your event and set up a tour of the property to explore possibilities with us.
https://willoughbyhouse.com/celebrate
Phone: (216) 440-0955
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Join us in our 1920's themed speakeasy behind a hidden door for special and private events. Rental inquiries link below.
Private parties welcome
https://westelswlby.com/our-speakeasy
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Looking for the perfect spot to host your family, friends, or company Christmas party? Garage Bar has got you covered for your casual event!
Good drinks, great vibes, and plenty of room to celebrate.
440-510-8663
Featured Lodging Destinations
🛎️Unique & Stylish
The Willoughby House & Carriage Inn
37819 Euclid Avenue, Willoughby, OH
Visit The Willoughby House, an inn offering ten unique suites and exquisite dining at Julia’s 1902.
🛎️Each suite is like going back in time, but with all of the modern amenities.
🍱Inn guests receive 20% off at Julia’s 1902, the onsite, upscale restaurant.
🥞Fresh baked pastries, coffee, and tea for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
🍋🟩Will you find the The Hungry Ghost? This Latin inspired small-plates and cocktail speakeasy is on-site, but will you find it?
🛍️Ten minute walk from the center of Historic Downtown Willoughby.
🏖️Ten minute drive to the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.
💤Traditional & Casual Vibes
Courtyard by Marriot - Willoughby
35103 Maplegrove Rd, Willoughby, OH 44094
Situated in a Cleveland suburb, less than 10 minutes to the charming shops and restaurants of historic Willoughby. Unwind in well-appointed guest rooms or spacious suites, complete with modern amenities
🥞Breakfast offered at the Courtyard Bistro
🛍️Ten minute drive from the center of Historic Downtown Willoughby.
🏖️Ten minute drive to the beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.
🛟Indoor Heated pool and fitness center
