21 Cleveland Winter Date Ideas

By Scene Staff on Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 12:15 pm

It's always a long winter in Northeast Ohio. With COVID-19 raging through the region, it's even tougher to get through the cold months. But getting out safely and seeing people, especially with that special someone, is still important. Here are some ideas to get you through until spring.

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Tabletop Board Game Cafe

1810 W. 25th St., Cleveland

For those who are content to chill at home and play board games, but also want a change of scenery and a hot drink, Tabletop in Ohio City is the perfect date night out.

Photo via Scene Archives

Check Out MOCA

11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

Winter is a great time to try to become more cultured, or it's a great time to impress a date by pretending you're more cultured. Either way, the Museum of Contemporary Art has several new exhibits like Martin Creed’s ‘Work No. 339 EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT”. The best part: ruminating on the artist's sculptures at MOCA is free on the first Saturday of each month.

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Try a Seasonal Ale

We all know by know Cleveland is home to the craft beer and plenty of local breweries have cooked up holiday drafts by the barrelful for beer-loving partners to sample. For starters, there's Great Lakes' classic Christmas Ale, as well as Fat Head's Holly Jolly and the Butcher and the Brewer's Spice Spice Baby. Don’t forget Market Garden’s Festivus, Platform’s Winter Wit, Brick and Barrel’s Autum Ale and Masthead’s Sleigh All Day.

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Visit the Christmas Story House

3159 West 11th St., Cleveland

Everyone in Cleveland has to visit the Christmas Story House in Tremont at some point. The house was used as the exterior for shots in the film and is open 7 days a week for fans. For $10 admission, couples can find actual set props and a gift shop filled with literally everything a Christmas Story fan could want, from waffle makers to snuggies.

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Go Sledding

Look, we get it, it’s cold as shit out. But sometimes, you just have to get out of the house and do something. Why not find your local sledding hill and bring back some childhood memories?

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Brite Winter 2021

While Brite Winter will be different this year due to the pandemic, the popular winter music festival will still be taking place in some form this year. Whether it’s virtual or in small settings outside or a combination of the two is still being planned, but whatever the organizers come up with will be a fun date.

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Hike the Cleveland Metroparks

In addition to snowshoeing, Cleveland Metroparks also offers winter hiking for adventurous couples. At most parks, guided tours are available that vary in skill level and are all free. Some even let a couple's dog join in on the fun of playing in the leaves and seeing Northeast Ohio from totally new heights.

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Go On A Hot Chocolate Tour of Cleveland

Take a look outside, people. It is hot chocolate weather! We suggest cutting out of work early to enjoy one of these cocoa concoctions and combat this cold.

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Dine in an Igloo or Heated Patio

If you need to go out to eat and drink during the pandemic, experts recommend you at least do it outside to mitigate the risk of contracting COVID-19. Well, who eats outside in the middle of a Cleveland winter? Lucky for those that want to brave the elements and the virus, these restaurants and bars have adjusted by adding heaters, igloos, tents and more to keep Clevelanders warm throughout the winter. (Just be mindful that infectious disease experts warn of a false sense of security when outdoor setups begin resembling indoor setups with four walls and inadequate air flow.)

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Tobogganing in Strongsville

16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville

It’s fun, it’s active, and you get to cuddle up with your partner while you sled down the hill. No snow is required, so the toboggans will stay sliding through the first weekend in March.

Photo via @clevemetroparks/Instagram