Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Cleveland, OH

Part of the holiday joy is the fantastic traditions that go along with it ... right?

Separate from our personal holiday traditions, I wanted to share two of our favorite local traditions.

Blossom Music Center Holiday Lighting

Take a drive through the Blossom grounds in Cuyahoga Falls and see the thousands of beautiful lights!  Going on now : November 28 - December 14 and December 18 - January 4; Sunday - Thursday: 6pm - 9pm, Friday and Saturday: 6pm - 11pm; $15 per carload.

Cleveland Botanical Garden

If you love the holidays as they were meant to be, the 2008 Cleveland Botanical Garden WinterShow is for you! Twinkling lights, magical decorations and displays, and other nostalgic surprises await.  You and your family will experience the nostalgic feeling of peering into downtown window displays while out with the family for a holiday stroll. There is even a rumor that you might see a life-size snow dome!

As in years past, dozens of fanciful gingerbread creations by skilled local bakers will be exhibited throughout the building. All of these fantasy creations will carry out the charming â??City Sidewalksâ?? theme. The Gardenâ??s gingerbread competition is the areaâ??s biggest and best display of gingerbread houses in our area. You'll be amazed by the clever, "edible" interpretations of buildings and other holiday scenes.

Monday through Saturday: 10am - 5pm; Sunday: Noon - 5pm; Wednesdays until 9pm. Adults $7.50, Children 3-12 $3, Children under 3 are free.