Cleveland -- a city transformed

Good day, Cleveland! Guess who’s coming back? Your friends and family visiting for the holidays — to a city transformed. Learn about the places here.

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John Petkovic, Jude Perez & Victor Takakura

They might leave Cleveland – but they always return, at least this time of year.

With expats heading home for the holidays, the question invariably pops up: “So, what’s been going on?”

The city has experienced several changes since this time last year, with the opening of new eateries and shops, revived museums and things to do.

The additions have earned raves, and Cleveland has been tipped as a prime place to visit around Christmas.

Check out the 216 Rundown for places to hit while you’re giving your out-of-towner a tour of the city.

Is Hopkins’ on-off relationship with United Airlines ready for takeoff?

CLE served as carrier’s easternmost domestic hub until the 1980s and operated a hub here until 2014.

Now, it could be eyeing a return, according to a new report.

“[United] operates multiple non-hub routes from Cleveland to leisure destinations in the Caribbean and Florida,” reports aviation publication Simple Flying. “With budget airlines continuing to expand their offerings from the airport, United may be forced to open a hub soon to compete with airlines like Frontier.”

United operates maintenance bases at the facility and an expansion would leverage CLE’s central location, existing facilities, and passenger volumes.

Hopkins handled over 10.17 million passengers in 2024, marking its highest total since 2008 and reflecting steady recovery and growth. Numbers have been mixed this year – mirroring national trends.

But the city’s multi-billion dollar makeover of Hopkins positions it for growth — and the ability to lure a legacy carrier to open a hub in Cleveland.

In February, Frontier expanded its Cleveland presence with 14 new flights.

Hilarities reached a milestone and yet there was little time to celebrate.

One of the country’s top comedy clubs turned 40 – a rare feat for any kind of venue, let alone the topsy-turvy comedy world.

Too busy to throw a party; the calendar was so packed – with performers like Louis CK, Leslie Jones, Dave Smith and a rare pop-up engagement with Pete Davidson.

Hilarities, located in the Pickwick and Frolic complex, is ending 2025 with a run of shows – including Mike Polk’s annual holiday variety extravaganza.

He’ll roll out the area’s top stand-up guys, sketches, music and sports gags. 8:15 p.m. Friday in the Frolic Cabaret. Info.

Thursday through Saturday, the Hilarities theater will host the irreverent Felipe Esparza. Info.

No resting on laurels… There’s always more coming at this Cleveland icon.

Fidelity Hotel: It’s a striking mix of Art Deco and Mid-century modern design and looks like a spot from the 1940s – and the first hotel in Ohio to receive a Michelin Key award. The Club Room is a sophisticated spot for drinks and the Happy Hour is stellar.

Flower Child: More than a vintage store, it’s an emporium of 20^th century culture filled with mid-century artifacts, furniture, clothes and pop curiosities — including a Hough Bakery display with an animatronic figure. Spend a day wandering the aisles.

Sherwin-Williams Global HQ: The 616-foot skyscraper is the biggest addition to the skyline in decades and will be the fourth-tallest building downtown and was featured in ‘Superman.’ Fahrenheit is a nice perch to observe it from over a drink.

“Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses”: The stunning CMA exhibition explores how Italy’s fashion houses were inspired by the Renaissance, Mannerist and early Baroque periods.

Visible Voice: The just-opened bookstore boasts a café, bar, restaurant and performance space – not to mention décor that’s homey yet chic and a welcoming vibe. Hang out with a book or to grab a drink, meal or show.

Natural History Museum: It’s drawn raves for the immersive transformation that accompanied its $150 million, decade-long renovation – from the New York Times to National Geographic – and has won acclaim for its architectural design.

Jolene: The cowpoke coral of a bar inspired by the Dolly Parton song is electrified by neon and fueled by party vibes. The rooftop patio offers great views of East Fourth. Good Pizza, which also opened on the street in 2025, is perfect for a slice.

Encore: The 40-seat cocktail lounge is a late-night getaway in the theater district, with speakeasy vibes, stellar views of the theater and big-city glamor.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

We mourn the piles of snow, sheets of ice and teeth-chattering cold. The ski resorts are celebrating – especially Boston Mills, which opens for the season on Friday.

The weather has created a 12-inch base at the resort – which means that five trails are ready to go. Its sister park Brandywine will open soon. Info.

An undated photo of a Christmas display at Sterling Lindner department store in downtown. Founded in 1845, it operated until 1968 — and was renowned for its Christmas tree and displays that it started in 1927.

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43 °F 🌡️ 33 °F | ☁️ (sprinkles late / overcast) | 78% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 14 mph (≈ 12 knots)

48 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | 🌧️ (rain / overcast) | 86% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph (≈ 16 knots)

44 °F 🌡️ 40 °F | ☁️ (mostly cloudy) | 60% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 9 mph (≈ 8 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Bulls, 8:00 PM December 17 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Bulls, 7:30 PM December 19 (Friday)

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