N※N

Explore Cleveland's 'A Home for the Holidays' Wonderland

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/11/2 .. veland-s-a-home-for-the-holidays-wonderland.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 15:38 GMT by Cleveland

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 12422 Bytes

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 13097 Bytes

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 12883 Bytes

2025-11-25 179 x 224 / 7693 Bytes

When You Can Tour the “A Home for the Holidays” House – A Festive Guide to Cleveland’s Most Talked‑About Holiday Display

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a living, breathing holiday wonderland, News5 Cleveland’s feature on the “A Home for the Holidays” house is the one‑stop guide you need. The article, published on October 12, 2024, is not just a simple announcement of dates and times; it’s a deep dive into the story, the magic, and the logistics behind one of the city’s most celebrated seasonal attractions.

The House That Has Captured Hearts

At the heart of the piece is the story of a modest, two‑story brick house on Cleveland’s West Side that has transformed into a dazzling, multi‑room holiday spectacle every December. The home’s owners, the Martins, began the tradition in 2015 when their teenage children asked if they could decorate the house like the “greatest Christmas movie.” What started as a family project has blossomed into a full‑scale community event that attracts thousands of visitors each holiday season.

The article describes how the house is now known for its eclectic mix of classic holiday décor—think tinsel‑laden wreaths, a roaring faux fireplace, and giant Nutcracker statues—paired with unexpected twists such as a gingerbread maze, an “Elf on the Shelf” photo booth, and an entire Christmas market set up in the back yard. The Martins have also incorporated a rotating “theme” each year (e.g., “Victorian Christmas” in 2022, “Nordic Winter Wonderland” in 2023) to keep repeat visitors coming back.

When the Doors Open

The article breaks down the event schedule into three distinct phases:

The article notes that early access is “crowd‑friendly,” allowing visitors to stroll through without the bustle of holiday crowds. Phase 2 begins on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving and runs through the second Friday of the holiday season, with longer hours to accommodate families and tourists. Finally, the holiday glow phase—beginning on Christmas Eve—offers a shorter window of light‑filled wonder, making it a must‑visit for those who crave the festive ambiance of the season’s peak.

Ticketing and Accessibility

Ticketing is handled through the city’s official partner, TicketSource.com, a link included in the original article. The ticketing page explains that tickets can be bought online or at the gate, but the online pre‑purchase is strongly recommended due to limited space. The website also offers discounted “early bird” pricing and a Family Pack option that allows up to five adults and five children to enter for a single rate.

Accessibility is a priority: the house is fully wheelchair‑accessible, with a ramp that connects the front porch to the ground floor. The article highlights that the front entrance is only 3 inches high, allowing even stroller‑laden families to enter without barriers.

What’s Inside? Highlights and Activities

The article gives readers a “tour” of what they can expect inside:

• The Gingerbread Maze: A labyrinth of gingerbread walls that is both a fun activity for kids and a photogenic backdrop for Instagram.
• The Elf on the Shelf Photo Booth: A set built around a giant elf that visitors can pose with, featuring a live‑streaming backdrop for sharing on social media.
• The Christmas Market: Set in the backyard, the market sells handmade ornaments, hot cocoa, and local crafts from the Cleveland Artisan Collective.
• The Winter Wonderland Library: A room that displays classic holiday books, complete with a cozy reading nook.
• The Holiday Choir Performance: The house hosts a small choir that performs on Fridays during Phase 3, an event that is especially popular with the older crowd.

The article also mentions a “holiday scavenger hunt” for children, which involves searching for hidden ornaments throughout the house, culminating in a small gift bag at the end.

Behind the Scenes

The feature devotes a substantial section to the Martins’ preparation process. The article quotes the family on their weekly volunteer efforts: “We’re the whole neighborhood, so neighbors help us hang lights and bake gingerbread cookies,” says Mark Martin, the homeowner. The house’s décor budget—over $8,000 for the 2024 season—comes from a mix of personal savings and community fundraising events, including a silent auction that raised $3,500 last year.

The article also explains that the Martins use a mix of “real” and “synthetic” trees. The real ones are trimmed and watered throughout the season, while the synthetic trees are brought in for the final week to create a “glowing” effect with integrated LED lighting.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

The News5 article offers practical advice to visitors:

1. Arrive Early: Especially during the early access phase to avoid long lines.
2. Plan Your Route: The back yard is slightly uphill, so plan accordingly if you’re carrying a stroller or luggage.
3. Bring Cash: While tickets can be bought online, the on‑site gift shop and hot cocoa stand only accept cash.
4. Dress Warmly: The back yard can be chilly, especially during Phase 3.
5. Share on Social Media: The house’s official Instagram handle, @AHomeForTheHolidays, encourages guests to tag the house for a chance to be featured in the next year’s promo.

Community Impact

The article concludes by highlighting the event’s community impact. The local Chamber of Commerce notes that the house attracts about 20,000 visitors each year, bringing a significant boost to nearby businesses. Several small restaurants and cafés report increased patronage during the early and mid‑season phases. The Martins have partnered with the Cleveland Food Bank to set up a “Holiday Food Drive” within the market area, encouraging guests to donate non‑perishable items.

Final Thoughts

In all, the “A Home for the Holidays” feature is more than a simple event announcement. It is a comprehensive look at how a single family’s passion for décor has grown into a citywide celebration that blends tradition, community, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re a local looking for a familiar seasonal touchstone or a visitor planning your next holiday trip, the article provides every detail you’ll need to know—from dates and times to ticketing and accessibility—to make the most of the festive experience. The Martins’ dedication to creating a warm, welcoming environment is evident in every corner of the house, and the News5 Cleveland feature does an excellent job of capturing that spirit, ensuring that this holiday tradition continues to thrive for years to come.