Holiday Celebrations 2020

The holidays in Cleveland have always been a magical time of year. This holiday season the Cleveland History Center, headquarters of the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS), located in the heart of University Circle, invites you to discover the nostalgic holiday traditions of Cleveland with “A Century of Celebrations”. 

Beginning Friday, November 27th, guests of all ages will connect celebration traditions past and present as they explore seasonal vignettes and nostalgic décor. From Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa, to New Year celebrations, each vignette will evoke the spirit of giving, connection, reflection, and hope for the future.

Among the historic collection of vehicles in the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum guests can find:  

  • 1905 Red Peerless: Millionaires’ Row Family Scene
  • 1929 Ford Model A Woody: Traveling Family Scene
  • 1939 Black Lincoln Zephyr: High Fashion New Year’s Scene
  • 1948 Chrysler Woody: Holiday Advertising and Motoring Out for the Family Tree
  • 1956 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing: Department Store Shopping Scene
  • Mid Century Mr. Jingeling Scene
  • Higbee’s Window Display
  • Ethnic Holiday Traditions in Cleveland

Families are encouraged to experience the wonderful days of Cleveland past. Each vignette is safely set apart to allow for distancing between guests and plenty of time to capture the perfect family photo.  The first seasonal vignette is now available, just in time to capture the holiday card family photo.  Photography will be permitted throughout and guests are encouraged to share their photos on social media @clestartshere. #NEOHistory.

For those looking for holiday experiences at home, the CHC continues its Speaking of Cleveland series on December 16th at 6:00pm with Ghosts of Christmas Past. During this one-hour virtual program guests will explore the ghosts and folklore that shaped 19th century holidays in Cleveland.  Tickets and information are available at wrhs.org.

“A Century of Celebrations” runs through January 3rd , Friday through Sunday 10am to 4pm at the Cleveland History Center. The museum will be open every day between Christmas and New Year, December 26-31st.  Advanced timed entry is required. 

General Admission Tickets (which include “A Century of Celebrations”) can be reserved at cletix.com.