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
What are the best things to do in Cleveland during the month of 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. WinterLand Kickoff and Tree Lighting
When: November 26, 2022
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 26, 2022. 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.
2. Cleveland Comedy Festival
When: November 2-5, 2022
Where: Odeon Concert Club
The Cleveland Comedy Festival will be returning for its 15th 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 2-5, 2022, tickets are available for an all-access pass to all performances ($80), or individual tickets for select shows ($10-$20.)
3. Cleveland Restaurant Week
When: November 1-12, 2022
Where: Various Cleveland restaurants
If you’re looking for things to do in Cleveland in November, don’t miss Cleveland Restaurant Week. This annual event allows you to check out some of the best restaurants in Cleveland for a discounted price.
This year from November 1-12, 2022, you can get a three-course meal for $36 per person at 35 top restaurants around Cleveland.
4. Cleveland Pizza Week
When: November 7-13, 2022
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 7-13, 2022, participating restaurants and pizza joints will be offering $8 pizzas. With 30 options to choose from around Cleveland, this is a great way to discover new favorite restaurants and sample delicious pizzas.
5. Wild Winter Lights at the Zoo
When: Most evenings from November 15-December 30, 2022
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 15, 2022, their Wild Winter Lights display 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 $66 per car for drive-through visits. Zoo members received discounted tickets.
6. Twinkle in the 216
When: November 19-December 31, 2022
Where: Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland
Twinkle in the 216 at the Cleveland Botanical Garden kicks off on November 19, 2022. This is another annual holiday event that this year will celebrate the character of Cleveland’s neighborhoods with vignettes of different neighborhoods aglow for the holidays.
Additionally, guests can admire decorated gingerbread houses, lighted outdoor trails, and festive horticultural displays.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $14 for children.
7. Turkey Trot
When: November 24, 2022
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 24, 2022 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. 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).
9. Visit a local harvest craft show
When: Various dates
One of the best late-fall things to do in Cleveland is visiting a local harvest craft show.
The Harvest Bazaar Craft & Vendor Show will be happening in Crocker Park on November 5, 2022 from 10 AM until 4 PM. You’ll be able to shop for unique handmade crafts and gifts from over 50 local vendors.
Artisans at the Arboretum is another event happening November 5-6, 2022 from 10 AM until 4 PM at Holden Arboretum. This open-air market will showcase 20 local artisans. There will also be live music and concessions from local eateries.
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.