The 28th Annual Holiday CircleFest Brings Holiday Cheer to University Circle

Posted November 14, 2022 in Press Releases

The 28th Annual Holiday CircleFest, presented by University Circle Inc. (UCI), will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4 in University Circle. The event ushers in an exciting season of family-friendly holiday activities in the neighborhood.

Wade Oval will bustle with activity from Noon until 7 p.m. A full schedule is below:

• Noon-7 p.m. – Skate on the fresh ice at The Rink at Wade Oval (free admission for Holiday CircleFest; tickets must be reserved at universitycircle.org/rink)
• Noon-7 p.m. – Grab a bite to eat from one of Cleveland's famous food trucks
• Noon-6 p.m. – Officers from the University Circle Police Department will be on Wade Oval accepting donations for the Cops in the Community program. Proceeds will be used to purchase hats, gloves, and scarves for local school children.
• 1-2:30 p.m. – Visit with Mr. Jingeling at The Rink at Wade Oval. As Keeper of the Keys for Santa, Mr. Jingeling will be passing out 100 keys to his first visitors.
• 1-6 p.m. – Watch ice carvers transform solid blocks of ice into works of art at the top of each hour
• 1-7 p.m. – Shop for everyone on your list at the outdoor Holiday Market
• 1-7 p.m. – Enjoy a leisurely ride around Wade Oval in a horse-drawn carriage
• 2-6 p.m. – Take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on RTA’s Holiday Trolley
• 5-7 p.m. – Explore fire displays and winter lanterns

University Circle’s museums, including The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland History Center will welcome guests and offer holiday exhibits, activities, performances and shopping.

This is the final year for Holiday CircleFest its current format. Over the next year, UCI will work with its partners to plan for a new and exciting way to celebrate the holiday season.

“For nearly 30 years, Holiday CircleFest has warmed the hearts of Clevelanders,” said David Robinson, UCI’s Director of Events & Engagement. “To celebrate its success, we are eager to go out with a bang! Join us as we warm your hearts one last time – quite literally – with Phoenix Rising. This partnership with Ingenuity Cleveland is just a preview of what type of experiences we hope to bring visitors in 2023."

University Circle Inc. is thrilled to partner with Ingenuity Cleveland to bring Phoenix Rising to Wade Oval. First created as part of the Cuyahoga 50 celebration in remembrance of the 1969 Cuyahoga River Fire, Phoenix Rising is a testament of hope and rebirth. As the final chapter of Holiday CircleFest closes, Phoenix Rising is the perfect symbol for the rebirth of winter at Wade Oval with new experiences and events coming in 2023.

Support for Holiday CircleFest is courtesy of Cleveland Public Power, Cleveland Department of Water, Cleveland Department of Water Pollution Control, and RTA.

For more information on Holiday CircleFest, visit universitycircle.org/holiday.