Birdies, Bands & Holiday Cheer: Cleveland’s Must-See Moments 🎄⛳

Together With

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop, encouraging you to warm up at West Side Market with some pierogies and hot apple cider before tackling the week! 🥟🍎 First time reading? Join over 10,000 local curious readers. Sign up here.

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with family & friends (copy URL here)​

And, as always, send us feedback at [email protected].

In today’s 216 Scoop Edition: 

• Ace concept: Birdietown Mini Golf and Lounge is ready to tee off

• Mr. Kringle Suite: Is there a more over-the-top Christmas display?

• Here comes the sun: The darkest days are behind us

• Really, you don’t have to listen to Mariah Carey tonight

• German Christmas Eve with one of Cleveland’s oldest bands

by John Petkovic, Mark Espinosa, Victor Takakura

Advertise with Us!
Reach over 10,000 engaged readers each week. Boost your brand visibility and connect with a highly targeted audience. Reply to this email to learn more!

IN THE NEWS

Ace concept: Birdietown Mini Golf and Lounge ready to tee off

“How are we going to be unique?” It’s the first question restaurateurs ask themselves when opening a new place. Yes, the menu and drink list will ultimately determine the success of a place. But the proliferation of bars and restaurants has spawned new themes and entertainment options to stand out in a crowded field.

Bring on Birdietown Mini Golf and Lounge, which will open Jan. 4 in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood, 12501 Madison Avenue. The 12,000-square-foot space will feature two 9-hole courses of mini golf to go with two bars and a 150-seat restaurant. Jill Vedaa -- the James Beard nominated chef known for Salt and Poppy – designed the menu.

The last decade has seen the rise of “eatertainment” – a trend that pairs activities with dining and drinking. You could point to the sports bar as the original eatertainment concept. The latest wave involves doing not just watching, and has spawned the duckpin bowling craze and spots like Pinstripes, Hi and Dry and Pins. The trend includes activities such as table and arcade games and shuffleboard. It not only provides an activity for patrons, but adds a retro flair to a place that is often reflected in the décor.

Birdietown features a contemporary take on mid-century modern as well as a speakeasy bar that rolls out signature and classic cocktails. The menu is divided into two parts: “Front 9” and “Back 9” lists of appetizer and entrée offerings, respectively, with, yup, nine options in each.

SPONSORED BY AMAZFIT

Step Up Your Wellness Game ⌚

Ever feel like your fitness journey needs that perfect sidekick? Meet your new best friend: the Amazfit Bip 5. Whether you're crushing those morning miles at Edgewater Park, getting lost in the magic of our Metroparks, or conquering your urban adventure through the 216, this isn't just another smartwatch – it's your personal cheerleader on your wrist.

Picture this: You're hitting your stride on the Detroit Shoreway, and your Bip 5 is right there with you, tracking every step, monitoring your heart rate, and keeping you connected to what matters. It's like having a personal trainer, health coach, and tech guru all wrapped up in one sleek package that's as stylish as a summer sunset over Lake Erie. Ready to transform your Cleveland adventures? 🏃‍♂️ Grab yours here and join the movement!

Mr. Kringle Suite: Is there a more over-the-top Christmas display? 

Cleveland has recently named the 2^nd best last-minute Christmas vacation destination in the country by NerdWallet. The popular personal finance site proclaims: “For movie buffs, there might be no city more festive than Cleveland.”  Yes, it cites the house from “A Christmas Story,” which attracts 80,000 tourists a year, most of which arrive around the holidays.

NerdWallet also highlights the area’s most high-end, over-the-top holiday attraction: The Mr. Kringle Suite at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. It’s the total Christmas experience packed in one suite.. The suite is decked out with Christmas trees and ornaments, holiday décor and furniture, velvet bedding, seasonal movies and music. You also get Kringle’s favorite treats delivered to your room during your stay.

It’s pricey – running anywhere from $429 to $1099 a night. But it accommodates four. The room is available through Jan. 5. More info here.

Here comes the sun: The darkest days are behind us

Cheer up, Cleveland -- things are going to get brighter. Saturday was shortest day of the year and marked the beginning of winter. We’ve gained a full 10 seconds since then. OK, not much – but it gets better.

You see, the days get shorter or longer by smallest increments leading up and following the Winter Solstice. The gains will accelerate as we reach the mid-point between the shortest and longest days – maxing out at around 2:44 a day in March.

Going forward, the gains won’t come equally in the morning and evening.  The sun won’t start rising earlier until Jan. 7. The earliest sunset was Dec. 11 (4:56 p.m.) and was actually four minutes later on the shortest day of the year.

Gains in daylight accelerate in January -- from 44 seconds on the 1^st to 2:14 on the 31^st. By then, the sun will go down at 5:41 p.m., a full 45 minutes later than the Dec. low. So stay patient: here comes the sun.

The 216 Digest

Really, you don’t have to listen to Mariah Carey tonight

The Pogues’ “Fairytale of New York” has become a Christmas classic, especially among those that like to drink and don’t want to listen to Mariah Carey while doing it. Which is a lot of people. Expect them to see Cleveland Pogues tribute act Boys from County Hell perform its annual Christmas show at House of Blues, 308 Euclid Avenue. 6 p.m. tonight.

Wild Winter Lights at the zoo: Quick, before they turn out the lights

Time is running out for the winter wonderland at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. In one week, the 1.5 million lights will go dark on areas such as Enchanted Forest, Candy Lane and Polar Pathway go away until next year. But you still have a chance to hit the glowing, family- and selfie-friendly walkabout. Wild Winter Lights runs tonight and Thursday Dec. 26 through Monday Dec. 30.

German Christmas Eve with one of Cleveland’s oldest bands

So, you get to celebrate the season, indulge in German food and beer while listening to one of Cleveland’s oldest bands? Christmas Eve with the Hermit Club Orchestra is like a holiday party, German food fest and history tour all rolled into one. It runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and features dinners consisting German holiday staples. The Hermit Club Orchestra will perform Christmas music from 1:10-3:10 p.m. The ensemble was founded in 1904 by the Hermits – a private society of artists and patrons of the arts and rarely played publicly until a decade ago.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CIGARS INTERNATIONAL

Find the Perfect Gift 🎁

'Tis the season to treat the cigar lover in your life (or hey, maybe that's you – we won't tell!). The Cigars International Holiday Gift Guide is your one-stop treasure trove of premium samplers and sophisticated accessories that'll make any aficionado's eyes light up brighter than a holiday hearth.

Looking for that perfect "wow" moment? Their expertly curated collection features everything from artisanal samplers to elegant accessories that elevate the entire experience. Whether you're shopping for a seasoned connoisseur or someone special who appreciates life's finer moments, 🎄 unwrap the perfect gift here and make this holiday season one to savor.

NOTES ON A COCKTAIL NAPKIN!

SPORTS, ENTERTAINMENT, & CULTURE

The category killer of Christmas bars

The pop-up Christmas craze has taken over Barland. But Brew Garden, 16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville, takes it to different level. It looks like Gimbels department store in “Elf,” with lights and décor in every corner of the place. But the sports bar is also family-friendly restaurant – so kids of all ages get to bask in the glow. Brew Garden also feels like a loge: The screens are massive and the views are stellar. Bonus: A Happy Hour deal that features $5 drinks, $6 appetizers and $7 flatbreads.

VINTAGE CLEVELAND

The Higbee’s Santa on Public Square, Cleveland, 1955.

The Higbee’s Santa display on Public Square in Cleveland, 1955, remains a cherished memory of the city’s holiday traditions. A centerpiece of the festive season, the iconic Santa Claus symbolized the magic of Christmas for generations of Clevelanders. Situated at Higbee's Department Store, a landmark of Cleveland retail, the display was more than just a seasonal decoration—it became a community gathering spot.

Families flocked to see Santa, enjoy the elaborate holiday window displays, and revel in the warmth of downtown Cleveland’s vibrant atmosphere. Today, the Higbee’s Santa is remembered as a nostalgic emblem of Cleveland's mid-century holiday charm.

Ooh, and don’t forget! Tag @LiveMusicInCleveland or @The216Scoop to get your photos in the Scoop!

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Take Control, Naturally, with FemiClear 🌱

Say goodbye to the itch and irritation caused by yeast infections. FemiClear offers an all-natural, science-backed solution that works quickly to give you the relief you deserve. Powered by oxygenated olive oil and a blend of natural ingredients, it’s designed to fight yeast infection symptoms while being gentle on your body. Ready to take charge of your health? Join the FemiClear newsletter for expert tips and special offers that help you stay your healthiest self! 💖

Wander More, Worry Less 🌍

Dreaming of exploring the world without breaking the bank? Affordable World turns your travel bucket list into reality with expertly planned vacation packages that deliver incredible value. Whether it’s a cultural journey through Asia, a romantic escape to Europe, or a once-in-a-lifetime safari, these packages include everything you need for an unforgettable trip. Why spend hours planning when it’s all done for you? Discover your next adventure with Affordable World and make your travel dreams a reality today! ✈️✨

WEATHER

Monday

43°F 🌡️ 36°F | ☁️ | 20% | 💨 SW 15 mph (13 knots)

Tuesday
39°F 🌡️ 34°F | 🌧️❄️ | 60% | 💨 SW 12 mph (10 knots)

Wednesday
35°F 🌡️ 30°F | ❄️ | 50% | 💨 W 10 mph (9 knots)

Live Music in the 216

Monday

Mandel Concert Hall | Canadian Brass | 7:30 PM

Beachland Tavern | Home & Garden + Duo Decibel System + MAJRn | 6:30 PM

Wednesday

Beachland Tavern | Blue Lunch + Hank Mowery + Tom Moore | 6:30 PM

Thursday

Grog Shop | Corry Michaels + KC and The Collective + Others | 7 PM

Beachland Tavern | Goodmorning Valentine + Non Bruises + Marie Corbo | 7 PM

Beachland Ballroom | Into The Blue | 7 PM

For tickets and more information visit: livemusicincleveland.com

The 216 Sports Arena

Upcoming Games

Cavaliers
Home vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 23

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who went to the Cleveland Botanical Garden recently.

Follow us on social media!