Skaters trying out the new rink in University Circle's Wade Oval.

Wow! That’s a loaded question. I mean, there’s really a lot out there. But, given that many of let’s look at 20 or so of the highlights.

Visit A Christmas Story House & Museum: Those of us who live in CLE know that the cult classic holiday film about Ralphie Parker’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB Gun was filmed, in part, in Cleveland. (The santa scenes were shot in Higbee’s Department Store, the building where Positively Cleveland’s offices are today!)  Leg lamp entrepreneur Brian Jones bought the Tremont house where “Black Bart” and other scenes took place, restored it to its big screen look and opened it to the public. Now, people from all over come year-round to pay homage to an Xmas favorite. (All-year)

Then watch A Christmas Story on stage: The stage play of the holiday film made its professional theater debut here in CLE a few years ago. The Cleveland Play House remains true to the Jean Shepherd’s memoirs. The production and its really innovative sets have become a tradition for many. And, while you’re there, check out the Festival of the Trees. It includes some 50 locally decorated and sponsored trees with a rotunda centerpiece tree by famed floral designer Don Vanderbrook. (Play through Dec 21, trees through end of year)

So, this is the first year for this display and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Mark Klaus is an ornament designer from Seven Hills who sells his goods on QVC. He collects holiday movie memorabilia including props, costumes, promotional posters and more. My favorite parts of the exhibit included the original window display from Miracle on 34th Street, the last can of Who Hash from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and an indoor demonstration of movie set snow. The display is off of 77 at Route 82, about 15 minutes south of Cleveland. (It’s open late too, through Jan 3, 2009.)

Flyer and plastic Santa figure from Klaus' "Holly" Wood Movieland.

Stop by Mark Klaus’ “Holly” Wood Christmas Movieland:

Don’t miss The Santaland Diaries: I love, love, love this one-man performance based on David Sedaris’s oft-cynical, somewhat touching and always funny remembrance of his time spent as a department store elf. Cleveland Public Theatre is, in my experience, the best place to see this offbeat production. (Through Dec 20)

Skate on the rink at Wade Oval: This is a new addition to the winter scene here in Cleveland. University Circle is a concentrated square mile of arts in culture that includes Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Museum of Art, Western Reserve Historical Society, Severance Hall, Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Institute of Art and Cleveland Botanical Garden. This year in University Circle’s center–underneath trees adorned with picturesque, lit, snowflakes–there is a polymer skating rink.  Admission is free, skate rentals are $3. (Through Feb 16. Regular hours of operation are Fridays & Saturdays, noon – 7pm and Sundays, noon – 5pm. Special hours during the school holiday break, December 22 – January 4, Sundays – Wednesdays, noon – 5pm; Fridays and Saturdays, noon – 7pm. Rink hours subject to change. For daily info, call 216.707.5033.)

Admire some serious bling: I just saw Artistic Luxury at the Cleveland Museum of Art and this high-end exhibition is impressive. It’s a glitzy display of the incredible luxury items (bags, pins, perfume bottles, necklaces, flowers and more) created by famed designers Faberge, Tiffany and Lalique a century or so agao. All the sparkle a holiday demands . . . (Through Jan 18, 2009)

Go on a Candlelight Tour of the Hay-McKinney Mansion: Re-created trees and antique ornaments of Christmases past are on display in the historic Wade Oval home that’s part of the Western Reserve Historical Society. (Special Wednesday tours through Dec 17.)  

See The Nutcracker: Christmas fantasy jumps from “visions of sugar plums” to giant dancing mice and a magical nutcracker. See Ohio Dance Theatre’s professional production of this beloved classic at Lorain Community College’s Stocker Center. Tickets are just $30. (Dec 19-21)

Recite your favorite lines of A Christmas Carol: This is no bah, humbug. Great Lakes Theater Festival revisits the classic tale of a miser who finds the true spirit of the holiday. It’s one of my favorite stories . . . I can recite many of the lines. (Through Dec 23)

Watch Karamu’s Black Nativity: Karamu alum Langston Hughes’ joyful, soul-stirring classic is complete with colorful pageantry. This annual holiday tradition is a favorite for Karamu, an African American arts organization with a long history in Cleveland.  (Through Dec 28)

Drive thru holiday lights at Blossom: Load up the minivan or SUV and light up your family’s night with a drive-thru of the grounds at Blossom Music Center–about 30 minutes south of Cleveland. Some two million twinkling holiday lights create 42 major scenes include a snowflake arch. (Who doesn’t like drive under a lit arch? Show that person to me!) Discount coupons available at Marc’s stores. (Through Jan 4, 2009)

Then see Stan Hywet Hall all decked out: Disclosure moment here. I worked for Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens for five years, so I can wax poetic on the historic Seiberling mansion, its manicured grounds and its amazing history which includes the first meeting of the Alcoholics Anonymous founders in the Gate Lodge. Stan Hywet is gorgeous during “Deck the Hall.”  Unique lighting displays on the snowy grounds and a gaily bedecked manor house (including nativity sets on loan from University of Dayton this year) make for a really happy holiday outing. Especially if you pair with your Blossom lights night, since it just down the road. (Through Dec 28)  

And/or take a Lantern Tour at Hale Farm & Village: While your are in the Akron area, take a holiday-history tour of Wheatfield Village in 1863 and meet townsfolk who keep the Yuletide spirit in their hearts in spite of absent loved ones far away on the field of battle. (Through Dec 23)

Need more holiday lights? Try CountryLights: With horse-drawn wagons, model train displays, “Santa’s Workshop” and themed holiday light displays, it’s really a winter wonderland perfect for the whole family.  Experience a country Christmas just 20-30 minutes east of Cleveland. (SOLD OUT)

Check out WinterShow 2008: The Cleveland Botanical Garden with its giant glasshouses, butterflies and exotic plants can be a pretty magical place all-year round. But, add gingerbread houses, nostalgic department store window-like displays and festive decorations and you’ve got something even more special. (Through Jan 4, 2009)

Try and “Old-Fashioned Christmas Tree Adventure“: I admit, I haven’t tried this one but I think it sounds like one of those authentic experiences so many of us are chasing these days. You stay overnight at Punderson Manor State Park Resort, you get to choose a tree to take home from Rhodes Sisters Christmas Trees and you can go sledding, snowshoeing or cross country skiing before enjoying a warm beverage in front of the fire. To make reservations, call 800-AT-A-PARK (or visit www.pundersonmanorresort.com and mention the promotional code TREE. (Through Dec 23, 2009)

See the some of the city’s celebratory sights aboard Lolly the Trolley: Jump on the bright red trolley and head out on any of its holiday-themed tours! (Varies by tour choice, through Dec 31)

Enjoy the fanciful with ZAP! POW! BAM! The Superhero: The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage has an exhibit with something for the whole family. Zap! Pow! Bam! explores the golden age of comic books and the evolution of icons like Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman through memorabilia, video, vintage toys and more. (Through Jan 4)

Make a toast with a Great Lakes Christmas Ale: I could tell you why this local seasonal brew from Great Lakes Brewing Company is so sought after, but why not let another Clevelander do it for me? Read all about it here. (As long as supplies last)

Take comfort in the Mighty Macaroni Melt: It’s homemade mac and cheese fried and put in the middle of grilled cheese sandwich and served up at Melt Bar & Grilled in the near west suburb of Lakewood. (Through Dec)

Find a new favorite holiday tune from Ohio City Singers: A “supergroup” of Cleveland area musicians put out an original holiday album that’s really a lot of fun.

Check out the lights (and Positively Cleveland’s A Christmas Story tribute windows) of WinterFest on Public Square: Downtown is lit up like, well, a Christmas tree, and the Higbee Building’s windows are decorated for the movie that once was filmed inside its walls.  Even more holiday cheer awaits with fanciful large-scale hanging decorations, gingerbread house displays and toy soldier live shows inside Tower City Center. –Samantha Fryberger, Dir. of Communications