The Cleveland Christmas Connection is set to return November 20-22, 2026, bringing live entertainment and a Friday appearance by Hallmark Channel actor Tyler Hynes to kick off the holiday shopping season for Northeast Ohio families. The event marks its 39th annual show this year, with holiday décor, apparel, toys and treats on offer.
According to the event's official website, the show will take place at the I-X Center, drawing on a tradition organizers say has brought in more than 40,000 shoppers in past years. That location listing runs counter to earlier reporting: both Cleveland.com and FOX8 reported last November that the 2026 Christmas Connection was scheduled to shift venues to the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. The discrepancy between the official site and those earlier reports has not been resolved.
Tyler Hynes and Karolyn Grimes Headline the Weekend
Tyler Hynes, a Hallmark Channel actor, will headline the weekend with a live stage appearance Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m., per the event's website. The Christmas Connection also features an appearance by Karolyn Grimes, who played Zuzu Bailey in the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life — a callback to her appearance at last year's show, according to Cleveland.com's account of the 2025 event.
The 2025 edition drew more than 550 exhibitors and more than 30,000 people, per the same Cleveland.com report.
Shopping, Trains and Amusement Park Nostalgia
Beyond the vendor booths, the 2026 show features holiday décor, apparel, toys and treats.
A stamp card gives guests chances to win prizes.
Hours, Tickets and Parking
The show runs Friday through Sunday, November 20-22, with hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, according to Cleveland Scene's event listing. Friday early-bird shopping is also available.
Shoppers who bring two cans of vegetables on Friday can save $4 off regular admission, with the donations benefiting the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Active-duty military personnel, veterans, police, firefighters and first responders can attend free on Sunday with valid identification.
