This post documents my experience on December 4, 2010.
Out in the Cleveland neighborhood of Ohio City…
…across the street from the foodie mecca, the West Side Market…
…Great Lakes Brewing Company had an idea.
This idea was to create a festival in the spirit of the German Christmas markets, which they would call…
…the Ohio City Christmas Festival.
Since it was the festival’s first year, it was a rather small event.It took place in front of the brewery…
…and ran about the length of a city block.
But, although small, they did have some nice things, including…
…carriage rides…
…cookie decorating…
…and a picture with Santa.
But all of these events were only accessible through tickets…
…which were purchased at the info booth.
Beyond that, the festival did offer…
…gift shopping through local vendors…
…dining opportunities at nearby restaurants and cafes…
…holiday snacks galore…
…and even some freshly cut trees to take home.
But, as always, the one thing the festival did not have was the highly coveted Christmas Ale…
…although there was some available on tap…
…so bring a thermos with you next year.