In Ohio, when winter rolls around people often think of cold, bare and gloomy days to come. However, winter is incredibly overlooked. With the holidays and the weather, there are so many fun activities you can do in the winter that you can’t do during any other season. These are my top 5 recommendations for holiday fun this year.

Bethlehem Hills Christmas Lights

The drive-thru light show in Burton, OH is one of the most spectacular seasonal attractions around.  For just $25 you can drive through the light show while sipping on hot chocolate or eating a funnel cake that can be purchased at one of the pop up stands before entering. As you enter, you can turn your radio to the Christmas music station displayed on a sign that mimics the light display throughout the entire 30 minute drive which includes various Christmas light decorations on houses, a drive-thru tunnel and decorated trees. As you drive through with your friends or family, you can enjoy the beautiful light show that’ll have you mesmerized.

It is open everyday at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. or 11 p.m. depending on the day.

A Night at Crocker Park

What’s better than shopping? At Crocker Park you can browse stores like Urban Outfitters, Dick’s, American Eagle and Lululemon. However, that’s not all, you can find various mini stands of different food options like The Pasta Co-Op, along with many popular restaurants including Condados, 3 Palms and Hyde Park Steakhouse. During the holidays, there is an ice skating rink and holiday lights that everyone can enjoy. Hurry while you can, because Crocker Park has everything to do.

It is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. typically, but restaurants and some stores hours may vary.

Winterland Festival Downtown Cleveland

The Winterland Festival Cleveland has been putting on for 37 years has never failed to occupy everyone when it comes to fun. The festival has different events like The Magical Wonderland Adventure shop, the Cleveland Foundation Skating Rink, “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” and Santa in the Square. Throughout the entire downtown is a variety of fun winter activities that everyone can enjoy. The festival is taking place now until the beginning of January. If you’re bored on any night of the week, just take a drive downtown and you can have your entire night filled.

Visit the Christmas Story House

Everyone knows one of the best movies to watch during the holiday season is “A Christmas Story,” where Cleveland is luckily home to the house of Ralphie from the movie. Visiting the house is a once in a lifetime experience that you can only get here in Cleveland. There are tours given out, and even opportunities to stay in the house overnight. The house is currently up for sale so don’t miss out on this special experience that is so close to you.

Hours are 10 a.m-7 p.m. on the weekdays and 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. on the weekends with a general admission price of just $15.

Ride on the Polar Express

The famous movie “The Polar Express” has been a tradition for many families to watch during Christmas. However, the movie comes to life with a train ride designed just like the Polar Express. This is the type of event where you can come right in your pajamas and enjoy some hot chocolate. The Christmas-themed ride has a children’s book reading, a visit from Santa and an overall experience that you will never forget.

The Polar Express is brought to you by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad which has there customer service line open Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for various time schedules for the train.

Winter is arguably one of the best times of the year, and shouldn’t be wasted sitting inside. It has various experiences for everyone to enjoy. So get up, don’t be (s)no(w) fun.