Christmas Cheer in Crocker Park in Westlake, Ohio

Winter days can be long and harsh, especially when living in the northern states of America when there are more inches of snow than in the length of Santa Clause's beard. Thankfully, there is a hidden wonderland just outside of downtown Cleveland, Ohio called Crocker Park.

Crocker Park is an outdoors mall that changes throughout the months of the year. My husband and I found this "75 tree-lined and beautifully landscaped acre" development when we were searching for a Trader Joe's store. We were surprised to find the Trader Joe's that we were seeking was located in a beautiful twelve blocks of area that felt more like a California style shopping center than the traditional indoor malls of the Northwestern states. According to the website, there are around "550,000 square feet of upscale retail and restaurants in this one area. It simple has something for everyone.

Even though there are 2,000 people that live in this Crocker Park area, located above the stores, the main attraction in the shopping experience. Our first time going to Crocker Park was in the summer months. Our last was just a few days ago when the temperatures were decreasing and snow clouds was threatening us. It was a Christmas shopping excursion that we found more than appeasing.

The entire shopping center had been turned into a wonderful winter play land full of decorated Christmas trees, super-sized presents and other decorations pinpointing the season. Of interest to us, we found the middle boulevard to be the most exciting place to sit and enjoy the cooler months. The boulevard contains kiosks that were still open and selling freshly made hot meals such as pizza, calzones, hot cocoa and so much more. Once you purchased a hot item, you could enjoy the company you were with or listen to the Christmas music as you sat next to the fireplace or other heaters located around the area. It was warm enough to sit outside with a jacket on without even getting too cold. It was as if we were no longer in Ohio and had been transported to a European country that delights in the changing seasons.

Crocker Park is located at the intersection of Crocker and Detroit Roads in Westlake, Ohio. There are numerous types of stores to choose from such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Dick's Sporting Goods, Arhaus, Coldwater Creek, Barnes and Nobles, Hollister, Gamestop and so much more. It really is a one stop shop for everything on your Christmas list this year. Not only can you complete your list, you can have a wonderful time getting into the holiday season with the music and decorations all around.

The stores hours vary upon the week you are intending on shopping. The complete list can be found on the main Crocker Park website. Click here for the hours. Generally speaking the hours tend to be from 8AM to 9PM. The stores are open on Christmas Eve but are closed on Christmas Day. So, plan ahead and get there before Christmas day. In Toy Zam, Santa will have his own hours to take photos. He will be there on Saturday from 10AM-9PM; Sunday Noon-6PM; Monday-Friday Noon-8PM; and on Christmas Eve Noon-5PM.

My personal experience at visiting Crocker Park was a wonderful one each and every time. It is great for all ages. Whether you are looking for a one-stop shopping area or a place that your whole family can just walk through and get in the spirit of Christmas, this is the place to be this year. I highly recommend going to Crocker Park and experience it for yourself this year.