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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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