20 Reasons Why We Love Winter in Cleveland

Snow angels aren't just for tots. Head on over to Public Square and try your hand at making the perfect angel. Remember not to step in your imprint when you stand up!

Who says we have to be confined to just American New Year? The College Club of Cleveland typically hosts a Chinese New Year celebration of epic proportions (think a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet, firecrackers, decorations and the whole nine yards). Go celebrate!

Snow days aren't just for kids. Lots of businesses and corporations have been known to close down when a particularly powerful storm sweeps though Northeast Ohio. Keep doing the snow dance.

If Christmas Ale doesn't embody everything that is truly good and wonderful about winters in Cleveland, then we're fresh out of ideas. Try a batch of this year's crop, and we guarantee you'll be singing Christmas carols all the way home.

They may not receive as much hype as the Browns or the Cavs, but if you've never been to a Lake Erie Monsters hockey game, this winter is your chance. Grab some friends and head on over to the Q for a little ice action. But do remember to dress warmly: Those games are cold.

Local bars love winter because we all drink more alcohol to stay warm and we never want to venture out into the snow. As for the bars with cozy, crackling fire places... well, we'll be there all night.

Summer festivities at the Cleveland Botanical Garden ain't got nothing on the larger-than-life winter gingerbread house display. Every year, hundreds of visitors stop in to marvel at the graham cracker shingles, the candy cane lamp posts and the gum drop keystones created by local kids and adults alike.

Q: What's better than eating your body weight in peppermint stick ice cream? A: When your obsession helps stimulate the local economy. Choose Pierre's and never experience gorger's guilt again.

Adorable. Pets. Wearing. Sweaters. Enough said.

Remember when you were a kid and thought it'd be neat to live in a snow globe? Well, if you walk through Little Italy during a snowstorm, it's pretty much the same sensation. Plus you can stop by Corbos for a cannoli on the way out. Score.