Once chilly weather arrives, we all start craving the most magical holiday experiences. Around this time of year, Clevelanders become willing to brave the cold and spend time outdoors in the name of making incredible memories. At one location in Cleveland, locals have spent nearly 100 winters in awe of a spectacular holiday light display. You have to see it to believe it, and you will love the tradition this magical destination brings to the region.
Welcome to the stunning Nela Park, located at 1975 Noble Road, East Cleveland.
The National Electric Lamp Association (NELA) was born in 1901, and General Electric (GE) almost immediately became a major stockholder. Their share concerned courts, who, in 1911, ordered the dissolution of the company. GE absorbed it, as well as what would become Nela Park.
You are gazing upon the first industrial park in the world.
Nela Park was constructed on Panorama Heights, a former German vineyard. The facility was something of a village, offering employees perks such as a general library, a cafeteria with decent meals, medical and dental care, a barber shop, and more. As far as entertainment went, the site maintained a bowling alley, a baseball field, and even a pool. The 92-acre campus, littered with delightful Georgian Revival buildings, took care of its employees, and they took care of their community.
For 93 years, the campus of Nela Park has become something truly magical around the holiday season.
Around the holidays, you will find the campus covered in more than 500,000 LED lights. Several blocks are covered in displays, stretching from the majestically lit buildings to the unusual shapes that grace their lawns.
For decades, this entrancing display of lights has captivated families.
This stellar snapshot takes you back to a moment in 1954, a time when the light show had already been a well-established tradition.
This year promises to be bigger and better than ever. With a themed of Melodies & Memories, you just know it's going to be unforgettable.
Themes vary from year to year, but each one is equally as magical. In 2015, the theme was GE in the CLE. Last season, the motto was, "Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall... Holiday time is the best of all!"
You won't believe how these lights will make you feel like a kid again.
Aside from endowing you with awe and wonder, these lights also have the power to transport you back to your childhood. Keep your eyes peeled, because these recreations of vintage light displays may seem kind of familiar.
And, for the first time in nearly 60 years, you can actually enter the park.
Once upon a time, cars were allowed to drive through the park to admire the lights. That tradition was discontinued after traffic jams became a problem, but now the tradition has been given new life. On December 8, 15, and 27, non-commercial vehicles will be welcome to drive through Nela Park between 6 and 9 p.m.
'The displays will be illuminated nightly from December 1 through January 1.
Nothing is as magical as a stroll around this world-famous lighting display, and fortunately, you've got a full month to pay it a visit.
You will see a number of charming trees, but one, in particular, will stand out brilliantly.
For 55 years, GE has lit the National Tree in Washington, D.C. You will find a small-scale replica of the tree right here in Northeast Ohio. Who knew?!
This display is a must-see, and you'll want to make a visit into an annual family tradition.
With designs dating back to the 1920's, there is an unimaginable amount of vintage charm in these lovely city blocks.
Plan your trip today! You'll be glad you did.
This Cleveland tradition is incredible, and you won't want to miss this unforgettable season of light. For more information on the drive-through events, click here.
In case we haven't convinced you yet, here is a very merry video to show you just how magical Nela Park truly is:
It's the most wonderful time of the year, and there is no better place to experience it than right here in the charming milieu of Northeast Ohio. There is an incredible amount of magic contained in the region during the holidays, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Want more holiday cheer? There's plenty to go around at Kringle's Inventionasium!
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