Tis the season for a magical Ohio Christmas! Festive events all over the state take place during the holiday season; if only we had a little bit of Santa’s magic to visit them all in one night. Choosing to see an over the top light display, ride the Polar Express, or ice skate at a winter festival is the only hard part of checking off this Ohio Christmas bucket list. Whether you are sticking close to home or traveling around the state, there is something special nearby.
Cleveland
The most unique way to get into the Christmas spirit in Cleveland is visiting the famous yellow house (Yes, the real house!) from A Christmas Story. Tours go on all season long through the fully restored home. After a tour, head across the street to the museum displaying original movie props. If you want to go all out, the house can actually be rented for overnight stays.
Ohio christmas bucket list ideas – Cleveland
- The Christmas Story House
- Wild Winter Lights at the Columbus Zoo
- Cleveland Metroparks Tobogganing
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway Polar Express
- Cleveland Winterfest
- Cleveland Orchestra Christmas Concert
- Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
- WonderLights
- Lake Farm Park Country Lights
- A Christmas Carol at at the Ohio Theater
- Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse Christmas flower displays
- Nela Park Light Display
- Cleveland Public Square Ice Skating Rink
- Black Nativity play at Karamu
Columbus
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo gets bigger and better every year. Over three million twinkling lights, animated displays, and musical light shows turn the zoo into a magical wonderland during the holiday season. Although the lights are the main attraction, other festive activities like train rides and visits with Santa add to the fun. For an extra special experience, book a Reindeer Encounter to get up close and personal with Santa’s furry helpers.
Ohio Christmas Bucket List – Columbus
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
- Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo
- The 12 Elves of Dublin
- Village Lights in German Village
- Holiday Lights Segway Tour
- BYOB Holiday Lights Trolly
- Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village
- Winterfest
- Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival
- State Auto Christmas Corner
- Shadowbox Live Holiday Hoopla
- Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
CINCINNATI / Dayton
Featured in Midwest Living magazine and USA Today, Clifton Mill celebrates the season by decking out the historic mill and grounds with over 4 million lights. The best part of the celebration happens every day at 6:00pm when all the lights are turned on together, complete with a 100 foot waterfall of twinkle lights and a synchronized music and light show.
OHIO CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST – Cincinnati / Dayton
- Cincinnati Museum Center
- PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
- Light Up Middleton
- Holiday in Lights
- Woodland Lights
- A Carillon Christmas
- Holiday Junction at Union Terminal
- Holiday Lights at Sharon Woods
- Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
- A Very Merry Garden Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
- Holiday Lights on the Hill
- Winterfest at Kings Island
SouthEast Ohio
Cambridge Ohio is home to Dickens Victorian Village, a charming display of scenes from the Victorian era. Each of the 180 figures, posed in 92 scenes, are lifesize and wearing real vintage clothing. Strolling along from display to display, don’t miss the backdrop of original buildings from the 1800’s. When it’s time for a break, there are plenty of unique shops and restaurants to pop into along the way.
OHIO CHRISTMAS BUCKET LIST – Southeast Ohio
- Collision Festival of Lights
- The Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival
- Historic Roscoe Village
- Steubenville Nutcracker Village
- 1920’s Holidays on Main Street at Sauder Village
- The Christmas Ranch
Toledo
A 45 foot Christmas tree and 200,000 ‘Hensville Lights’ illuminate the buildings on St. Clair Avenue between Monroe and Washington. A favorite event during the season is the Hensville Holiday Night Market. Taking place at Fifth Third Field, visitors can explore the market’s holiday items, art and crafts. Snacks and drinks are available as well to keep you going.
- The North Pole Express
- Children’s Wonderland
- Rosary Cathedral Christmas Concert
- Maumee Holiday Lights Parade
- Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo
- Holiday Trolly Tours
- Holidays in the Manor House
Akron / Canton
During the holidays Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens get a merry makeover like no other. The Hall, a historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor and its gardens are covered with over a million lights. The inside is decorated just as lavishly with Christmas trees and animated displays. Enjoy hot cocoa and gingerbread while exploring the different themed gardens.
- The Polar Express at Dennison Depot
- Lock 3 Park Light Show
- Medina County Fair Holiday Fantasy
- ‘Twas the Night Before the Holiday Celebrations- Outdoor Art Gallery
- Vintage Holiday Window Displays – Garden Alley
Time to Celebrate
Do you have a favorite Ohio Christmas tradition that needs to be on the list? Let us know in the comments!
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