Thanksgiving Day is nearly here, bringing with it the opportunity to gather with friends and family and indulge in some hearty American classics. This day typically requires a full day (or more) of preparation from the host, and hours of cleanup after the fun is over.
There isn't just one way to celebrate Thanksgiving, so this year, maybe it's time to explore the city and try something new! While cooking your own meal is certainly fun, there is also a number of high-end local restaurants offering up Turkey Day feasts of their own!
We gathered up some of our favorite Thanksgiving Day deals in Cleveland to make your job even easier—all you have to do is make a reservation.
20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland
This unique dining destination is located right across from the runways of the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Watch planes take off and fly in as you dig into your Thanksgiving feast! This year, enjoy their famous Thanksgiving buffet from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for $58.95 per person ($27.95 for children 5-12). You can make a reservation by visiting their OpenTable page.
1613, 10 East College Street, Oberlin
1833 Restaurant inside the Hotel at Oberlin in Tappan Square serves soul-warming food year-round, which makes it the perfect destination for your Thanksgiving feast. The restaurant will serve a traditional Thanksgiving buffet on the big day, featuring a butter and sage roasted turkey; a brown sugar glazed Virginia ham; whipped potatoes; green bean casserole; and plenty of sweet, festive treats! Reservations are required, so call (440) 775-7001 to reserve your spot.
2017 East 9th Street, Cleveland
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Housed within Cleveland's prestigious Metropolitan Hotel, Adega serves fresh, Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that is delicious all year long. While they won't be serving their usual menu on Thanksgiving Day, be sure to expect equally delicious dishes like a honey smoked turkey, sweet potato fettuccine and pumpkin creme brulee! Visit OpenTable to make your reservation.
28810 Lake Shore Boulevard, Willowick
At the Cabin of Willowick, diners come hungry and leave happy. The menu features fresh sushi, incredible steaks and fresh sandwiches alongside hand-crafted cocktails and a world-class wine list. Diners can expect the same excellent quality at their annual Thanksgiving Day dinner! Expect succulent turkey and a wide assortment of delicious trimmings! Reservations are required.
8922 Ridge Road, North Royalton
Carrie Ceninos, a family-owned event venue and restaurant, is known for its mouthwatering Italian cuisine. The restaurant hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner and buffet—and this year is expected to be the best yet! Indulge in all of your holiday favorites for just $29.50 ($15.50 for children 8-12 and $12.50 for children 4-7). Click here for more information.

Photo courtesy of Horizons Restaurant at The The Lodge at Geneva on the Lake
Nestled in Ohio's wine country, The Lodge at Geneva On The Lake is a gorgeous place to escape to this holiday season. This Thanksgiving, you can enjoy their Thanksgiving Day Buffet, which is stuffed with traditional holiday favorites and tasty new dishes that the whole family will love. While the lodge is about a 45-50 minute drive from Cleveland proper, we promise the stunning scenery and delicious food will be entirely worth it. Call (440) 415-1546 to reserve your seats today!
2035 East 4th Street, Cleveland
For just $39.95 a person ($14.95 for kids ages 4-12), you and the family can sit down to a spectacular feast at Pickwick & Frolic. Buffet offerings will include freshly carved turkey and glazed ham, mashed potatoes, candied yams, a chocolate fountain, and all of your favorite seasonal items.
The sweeping views, modern setting, elegant natural finishes and live piano make Pier W a spectacular place to celebrate Thanksgiving! Dinner at Pier W is always amazing—and their Thanksgiving offerings will be no exception. The selection will be fresh and delicious, and you can eat your fill of trimmings while marveling at the breathtaking view of Cleveland and Lake Erie. Call (216) 228-2250 for more information on their holiday menu and to reserve your seat!
792 Mentor Avenue, Painesville
The cozy yet elegant atmosphere at Rider's Inn draws you in from the beginning. Cozy up at a table on Thanksgiving Day and enjoy a traditional turkey dinner along with ham and a non-traditional menu. Call (440) 354-8200 to make your reservation—and think about spending the weekend there while you're at it!
2207 West 11th Street, Cleveland
Nestled in Tremont, Southside is famous for their spacious patio and incredible brunch (we even featured them in our article on the best brunch spots in Cleveland!) so it's no surprise that they also have a great Thanksgiving menu! This year, they're planning on serving their late-night menu from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring special holiday dishes. Click here to make a reservation.
1325 East 6th Street, Cleveland
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While Urban Farmer isn't technically "open" on Thanksgiving, they're still on a mission to make putting a Thanksgiving dinner on your table as easy as pie! That's why they're offering a curbside Thanksgiving meal pick-up on the big day. All you have to do is place your order before November 21st at 6:00 p.m. and you'll be treated to a fresh, roasted turkey, smashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing and pumpkin pie—which will be hand-delivered to your car on Thanksgiving Day. Have a vegetarian in your life? Don't worry, they'll also have a roasted vegetable wellington available. Visit their Eventbrite page to reserve your meal before they're gone!
Did we miss your favorite spot to celebrate Turkey Day in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments!
Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
While a lot of "A Christmas Story" was shot in Toronto, Canada, the exterior shots of the Parker residence were of a modest 19th-century Victorian home in Cleveland. The creators of the movie scoured Cleveland neighborhoods to find the perfect place that would resemble story creator Jean Shepard's childhood home. They finally found it at 3159 West 11th Street. Bob Clark, director of the film, ultimately chose this specific home because it gave off a classic-American feel while also having features that they were looking for such as steel mills in the backyard, a wrap around porch and an empty lot next door — perfect for the crew to set up camp. In December of 2004, Brian Jones, a San Diego entrepreneur, bought the house on eBay for $150,000. He had been a massive fan of the movie since childhood and had even founded his own business based off of the film; the Red Rider Leg Company, which manufactures replicas of the "major award" Ralphie's father wins. The previous owners of the home had remodeled the house, installing new windows and covering the original wood siding with blue vinyl. Jones watched "A Christmas Story" frame by frame to draw detailed plans of the interior and spent $204,000 to gut the structure and reconfigure it into the floor plan we know and love. Today, the house sits as a near-replica of the set.
Photo courtesy of A Christmas Story House
The neighborhood is also home to two more "A Christmas Story" inspired buildings — the museum and gift shop! At the museum, you can see behind the scenes photos, props, costumes and memorabilia. While you're there, be sure to check out the Higbee's Department Store holiday toys, Randy's snowsuit and zeppelin he receives for Christmas and even the family car! After spending a day immersed in the Ralphie's world, you'll definitely want to pick up a souvenir, which you can do at the A Christmas Story Gift Shop. There, you can purchase your own leg-lamp in any size you please as well as apparel, miniature figurines and more. If you can't make it to the gift shop in person, visit their website where you can purchase memorabilia from "A Christmas Story", "Christmas Vacation", "Home Alone" and many more classic holiday movies.
Photo courtesy of The Rowley Inn
This holiday season, The Rowley Inn, the restaurant right across the street from A Christmas Story House, will be serving up several "A Christmas Story" themed cocktails and dishes! Make sure to check out this special spot and see where the cast and crew of the movie hung out after filming.
Photo courtesy of The Spotted Owl
Join the Spotted Owl during their special Christmas cocktail popup this season! They'll be hosting this special event until December 30th in their vintage 1850's bar space. The bar will be decorated head-to-toe in Christmas decor and they'll be serving up original Christmas cocktails every day!With the holidays fast approaching, it's easy to run into the nearest department store for last minute holiday shopping or to get free two-day shipping from Amazon Prime. But what if we told you there was a way you could spend the day at a fun event, eat great food, all while perusing art and handmade gifts from local artisans in one central location? This season, Cincinnati will play host to several fantastic holiday arts and craft shows where you can not only check off everyone on your shopping list — you can also support local artists! We've curated a list of the winter-themed arts and craft shows that we are the most excited for this year. Grab your bags and get ready to #ShopLocal!
Santa will have his workshop set up at Tuttle Crossing Mall until Christmas Eve! As he prepares for his trip around the world, his hours might be more limited, so be sure to check his schedule before your planned visit.
Caring Santa will also be paying a visit on December 2 for children that may have sensory, physical or other developmental needs. Reserve your appointment here!
Photo courtesy of The Columbus Zoo
Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo continues for its 30th year! Find Santa settled in his Holiday Home located in North America at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost. He can't wait to meet the children and hear what is on their holiday wish list! There will be professional photos available for an additional fee. Afterward, check out one of the other incredible features going on at Wild Lights including the 1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel, camel rides and so much more!
Bring the family together to experience Christmas in Downtown Delaware! The festivities start off with the Home for the Holidays Weekend. On Friday, watch the tree lighting before visiting with Santa and some of his reindeer. On Saturday there will be a Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, where you and your family can scour downtown and follow Santa's clues to find Dasher. Then, finally, on Sunday come out and watch the Holiday Parade!
Santa will also be available at The Strand from December 1-21 on Fridays and Saturdays to visit and take photos. There will also be free gifts for each child while supplies last!
Photo courtesy of Hillard Historical Village
Get your photo taken with Santa from the 1800's! This kid-friendly holiday event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, refreshments, and beautiful lights. This historical take on Christmas will provide your family with endless fun and memories.