Are you looking for the best things to do in Cleveland, Ohio during the month of November?
November marks the end of the fall season and the kickoff of the holiday season in Cleveland. There’s a lot going on in the city this month, including events for Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season.
Here are some of the best activities around Cleveland to check out in November!
Weather in Cleveland in November
November in Cleveland is chilly, but not unbearably cold. The average monthly high is 52° F and the average monthly low is 39° F, with temperatures tending to drop later in the month.
While the weather in northeast Ohio is certainly cooling down in November, you can still enjoy crisp fall days without having to bundle up too much.
It’s not out of the ordinary for us to get our first snow in November, though snow usually doesn’t stick around for very long during this month.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cleveland in November
Here are some of the best November activities in Cleveland! You can also check our Cleveland Events Calendar for more suggestions on things to do.
1. DÃa de Muertos
When: November 4, 2023
Where: 6415 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland
You can celebrate DÃa de Muertos in Cleveland this year for a unique cultural experience. DÃa de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is celebrated primarily in Mexico. This holiday combines Catholicism with indigenous traditions and is all about remembering and honoring those we have lost.
It’s celebrated on November 1 and 2, but the DÃa de Muertos parade and festivities in Cleveland will occur on November 4, 2023. This is a free, family-friendly event with live entertainment, Latin food, face painting, altar installations, and a parade at 3:30 p.m.
The majority of events will be happening at Cleveland Public Theatre, at 6415 Detroit Avenue.
2. Cleveland Pizza Week
When: November 6-12, 2023
Where: Various area pizza shops
Cleveland Pizza Week is another foodie event happening in November that pizza lovers will not want to miss.
From November 6-12, 2023, participating restaurants and pizza joints will be offering $9 pizzas. With 30 options to choose from around Cleveland, this is a great way to discover new favorite restaurants and sample delicious pizzas.
3. Cleveland Comedy Festival
When: November 8-11, 2022
Where: Odeon Concert Club
The Cleveland Comedy Festival will be returning for its 16th year this November at the historic Odeon Concert Club in Cleveland. This festival celebrates the comedy scene in Cleveland and features new and veteran local comedians.
Running from November 8-11, 2022, tickets are available for an all-access pass to all performances ($80), or individual tickets for select shows ($10-$20.)
4. Wild Winter Lights at the Zoo
When: Most evenings from November 14-December 30, 2023
Where: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
One of the best places to see holiday lights in Cleveland is at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Starting on November 14, 2023, their Wild Winter Lights event will illuminate the zoo with more than 1.5 million twinkling lights.
Lighting displays cover a trail of themed areas including Candyland, Enchanted Forest, Starry Skies, Future for Wildlife Trail, and Santa’s Workshop, where visitors can meet and take photos with Santa.
Tickets are $22 per person for walk-through visits, and $55 per car for drive-through visits. Zoo members received discounted tickets.
5. Frost at Cleveland Botanical Garden
When: November 18-December 31, 2023
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
Frost at the Cleveland Botanical Garden kicks off on November 18, 2023. This is an annual holiday event with a new theme each year. This year’s theme of Frost incorporates dazzling light displays, ice-capped arches, icicle-lined paths, and more.
Additionally, guests can admire decorated gingerbread houses, lighted outdoor trails, and festive horticultural displays.
Tickets are $23-26 for adults and $16-18 for children.
6. Cheese & Wine Fest Cleveland
When: November 19, 2023
Where: 6111 Landerhaven Dr, Mayfield Heights
One of the best events for late fall this year in Cleveland is the Cheese & Wine Fest. During this day-long festival, you’ll be able to sample more than 50 types of cheeses from around the world and more than 50 wines to pair with them.
All cheese and wine samples are unlimited, so you will not need sampling tickets. The regular registration price is $60 through November 14, late registration through November 18 is $65, and the door price is $70. (Buy tickets here.)
In addition to unlimited wine and cheese samples, you’ll also enjoy a complimentary souvenir glass, snacks, and live entertainment.
7. Turkey Trot
When: November 23, 2023
Where: Downtown Cleveland
If you’re looking for a fun Thanksgiving Day event in Cleveland, the annual Turkey Trot is always popular. This race occurring in the morning on November 23, 2023 takes participants on a 1-mile or 5-mile route through downtown Cleveland.
Registration is $35 per person and includes a medal, long-sleeve race t-shirt, and post-race refreshments.
8. WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting
When: November 25, 2023
Where: Public Square
Now in its 37th year, WinterLand (formerly known as WinterFest) is one of the most popular holiday traditions in Cleveland.
Public Square in downtown Cleveland is transformed into a winter wonderland every year, and the kickoff event this year occurs on November 25, 2023. Events start in the late afternoon, with the tree lighting ceremony set for 6 p.m.
Activities will include musical performances, visits with Santa, ice skating, food trucks, holiday tree lighting, and fireworks. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.
9. Book dinner in an igloo
When: Anytime!
Where: Various local restaurants (find the full list here)
As the weather gets chillier, you may not be as keen on outdoor dining. November evenings in Cleveland can get pretty cold!
But one of the best things to do in Cleveland during the colder months is having dinner in your own private igloo. A number of Cleveland restaurants transform their outdoor patios into magical winter wonderlands with heated igloos to dine in.
Most of these start taking bookings whenever the weather starts to turn cold (usually by mid-November).
10. Cozy bookstore date or brunch
When: Tuesday-Saturday for the evening event, Saturday-Sunday for brunch
Where: Visible Voice Books, 2258 Professor Ave, Cleveland
As the weather turns colder, a really unique date night idea in Cleveland is renting out a bookstore for the evening.
Visible Voice Books, a cozy independent bookstore in Tremont, allows you to do just that. For $75, you’ll get an hour and a half of private browsing in the bookstore, a large pizza from Crust, a bottle of wine, and a $10 merchandise credit.
They also offer a similar “brunch and browse” option on weekends, which is perfect for groups at $25 per person.
What are you most excited to do in Cleveland in November?
Amanda was born and raised in northeast Ohio, and has always been a fangirl of her home state. Now, she’ sharing her love of the Cleveland area with the world, highlighting all the best things to do, see, and eat in the CLE. She’s been running Cleveland Traveler since January 2019.