Discover the magic of winter in Lake County, Ohio, when you check off all the memorable experiences on our Lake County Winter Bucket List!
Explore our scenic winter trails and enjoy outdoor adventures at local Metroparks or join the Hot Chocolate Trail for a cozy and warm escape at one of the 21 locations.
Visit our Grand River Valley wineries for trails, Holiday & Christmas Pop-Up bars and restaurants, and more special events near Cleveland. Embrace the season at family-friendly community tree-lightings, ice skating, or winter festivals.
There are so many ways to make the most of winter in Northeast Ohio. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, looking for fun things to do in Lake County, or searching for unique winter activities close to home, this list is packed with local experiences, hidden gems, and can't-miss stops to help you make this winter one to remember.
Warm up in the Grand River Valley, when you follow the Winter Warmer Wine & Cocktail Trail. Comforting food pairings, local wines, and festive cocktails, plus live music, specialty dinners, and seasonal events.
Follow the Hot Chocolatey Goodness on the Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail. Choose from 21 stops & collect points towards earning your mug through Feb. 14th.
Shop Small, shop happy, find a few “just for me” gifts at local favorites like The Helicopter Daughter & Badass Tea Company and Blank Boutique. Then wander the walkable shops of a very merry and bright Downtown Willoughby.
Local Tip: Check our online Events Calendar for pop-up shopping events at all three of these spots!
Bundle up this January and celebrate all things cold and icy at the Mentor Chill Out or “Chilloughby” Winter Festivals. Explore ice sculptures, outdoor rinks, winter crafts, chili cook-offs, and music performances.
Keep the pickleball fun going all winter! Learn the game, join a league, or challenge your friends to a match at indoor favorites like Mentor Community Recreation Center, Willoughby Pickleball, and Erie Pickleball.
Warm up on a tasty winter adventure on the Lake County Taco Trail with 23+ family-owned Mexican restaurants.
Local Tip: Queso keeps you warmer than soup!
Lake Metroparks Farmpark Holiday Ice & Lights Festival
📸Earl Linaburg, Andy McGovern
Enjoy timeless holiday music classics at a live show, concert, or theater performance this Winter. Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra, Willoughby Fine Arts, Cask 307 Winery, and Steele Mansion hosts various holiday concerts to warm up inside and let the music, lights, and energy make your winter nights a little more memorable.
Start your season with a new experience and then finish it with a familiar tradition at the Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Holiday Ice & Lights Festival Nov. 27–29 and Dec. 18–23
Country Lights Drive-thru Dec. 4–6, 11–13 and 26–27
Try a new Winter sport! Trade in those hiking boots for cross-country skis or snowshoes and explore Lake County when snow conditions allow.
Local Tip: Chapin Forest Reservation is a crowd favorite, but check snow conditions online or call the Lake Metroparks hotline before you go! 440-256-2118 x4178
Chase the Holiday Lights, shop local vendors and maybe see the big guy light up a tree at a community event.
Mentor Tree Lighting
Get cozy in a festive Christmas-themed room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Madison, then add the hotel’s wine shuttle for your own Winter winery adventure. You and your plus-one can visit four nearby wineries, leaving just one question: “red or white?”
Go headfirst into Winter at the Miracle on Erie Street 5K or Grinch Harbor Holiday 5K in Fairport Harbor. For a bigger thrill, take the Port Plunge on January 1st at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach.
Go See the Ice Dunes! When Lake Erie gets serious, winter can create incredible ice forms. Bundle up and explore one of 17 lakefront parks.
Local Tip: Be smart. Lake Erie and its ice dunes are for viewing, not climbing or playing on.
Are you interested in joining our list of attractions in Lake County, OH? Email elyse@tourlakecounty.com to learn more about how to partner with the Lake County Ohio Visitors Bureau!
