Ohio
Experiences|Events

The Old-Fashioned Christmas Festival In Ohio That Will Take You On A Journey Back In Time

Published Nov 27, 2023

Written by 

Rachel Pfutzenreuter

There is a chill in the air, reports of potential snowfall in the not-too-distant future, and Christmas carols beginning to occupy our thoughts. In Ohio, we are getting into that holiday celebration mode. In particular, our very own Grove City puts on an old-fashioned Christmas festival in Ohio that will take you on a journey back in time. If you haven’t attended in the past, now is your chance to see what it’s all about!

The annual Christmas festival in Grove City is often held during the first weekend in December – starting the month off with just the right amount of holiday cheer.

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Grove City Ohio Government/Facebook

Pick up a map showing houses and businesses with holiday light displays, and photo op stops – a pile of presents, decorated trees, pretty lights, and more.

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The annual parade of lights kicks off the weekend festivities in Grove City.

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Heart of Grove City Mistletoe Market/Facebook

Next on the agenda, after the parade, is the tree lighting ceremony.

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Grove City Ohio Government/Facebook

Each year a tree is donated for the event by residents in the community.

When you attend Grove City’s Mistletoe Market, you will find just the right gift for everyone on your shopping list.

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Heart of Grove City Mistletoe Market/Facebook

Have your picture taken with Santa at the Mistletoe Market.

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Grove City Ohio Government/Facebook

Head out to enjoy old-fashioned customs, and 1800s decorations, at the Grant-Sawyer House.

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Grove City Parks and Recreation/Facebook

Docents will be dressed in period garb, entertaining you with stories of traditions from the past.

Summon even more seasonal jollity when you participate in the Nutcracker Hunt – there are at least 50 small nutcrackers hidden around town.

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Grove City Ohio Government/Facebook

Pick up an official form to record which nutcrackers you find, and then turn it in for a prize - when you locate at least ten.

Oh, and finally, mail your letter to Santa. You know – in the mailbox labeled as Santa’s mail for the North Pole.

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Grove City Ohio Government/Facebook

Find the mailbox at the Welcome Center.

I like to add to my growing list of cool Christmas activities in the Midwest. Nothing puts a holiday smile on your face quite like a festival. Grove City hosts the old-fashioned Christmas festival in Ohio that will take you on a journey back in time. Visit the Grove City website for early December celebration dates and times.

For extra holiday fun in Ohio, stroll through Gantz Farm (also in Grove City), or visit the Yuletide Village in Waynesville.

Stay in Grove City during the Christmas festival, at this Vrbo house.

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Experiences|Events

Grab a Stein and Your Lederhosen; The Largest Oktoberfest in America Is Right Here in Ohio

Grab a stein and your lederhosen, America's Oktoberfest returns to downtown Cincinnati from September 19-22, 2024.

Updated Sep 19, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Cincinnati has a proud German history that can be felt all throughout the city. From top-notch breweries to stunning Old World architecture, German culture is alive and thriving in Zinzinnati, Ohio. To top it all off, each fall, the sounds of polka music and smells of brats and schnitzel permeate the streets of Downtown Cincinnati, during the largest Oktoberfest in America.

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Cincinnati was founded in 1788 and has deep German roots from the many immigrants who were drawn to the town's bustling commercial and cultural hubs.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This history and heritage is a huge point of pride for the Queen City, and each fall, the streets of Downtown Cincinnati come alive during *the* Oktoberfest event of the year.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

The largest Oktoberfest in both Ohio and the entire country (and the second-largest in the world, in fact!) Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is in a league of its own.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

First held in 1976, more than 700,000 people attend this event each year. Live music and friendly competitions create a fun and lively atmosphere, as do the festival's signature events.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

From the World's Largest Chicken Dance...

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

...to the annual Running of the Wieners, everything about Cincinnati's Oktoberfest is extraordinary.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

Of course, the food is a quintessential part of the experience, and it doesn't disappoint. An estimated 80,500 bratwurst and 56,250 sausages are served each year, topped, of course, with 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut!

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

For those looking for a break from the brats (it happens!), the chicken-on-a-stick and chicken schnitzel sandwiches are delicious, and the perfect way to fuel up for the World's Largest Chicken Dance, of course!

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This annual festival showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food, and beer. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is not merely an event; it's a cultural celebration, an experience that's become part of many Ohioan's most treasured family traditions.

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

We'll raise a glass to that -- Prost!

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Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This is one annual event you won't want to miss, so grab a stein and your lederhosen, and get ready to chicken dance all weekend long! This year's Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is September 19-22, 2024, in Downtown Cincinnati, and you can view a schedule of events on the website.

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Experiences|Events

Get Ready For The Sale Of The Year With The 690-Mile Yard Sale In Ohio

The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio, part of the world's longest yard sale, offers 690 miles of treasures from August 3-6, 2023.

Updated Jul 26, 2024

Written by 

April Dray

Did you know the world's longest yard sale goes right through the state of Ohio? It's a yard sale of epic proportions, featuring treasures upon treasures. The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio. Dates for the 127 Yard Sale are August 1-4, 2024. It is the world's longest yard sale, stretching across the north and south regions of Ohio, and is a 690-mile-long yard sale! This is one yard sale in Ohio you don't want to miss. Mark your calendars!

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Stretching across six states and featuring thousands and thousands of vendors, this massive yard sale is unlike anything you've ever seen!

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

Pictured is Cross's Campground in Camden, Ohio from the 2016 sale. If you love bargain hunting, this is a great place to start!

The sale goes all the way from Addison, MI to Gadsden, AL, and covers a total of 690 miles.

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

It's called the 127 Yard Sale because much of the route follows Highway 127.

As you can likely imagine, you'll find a little bit of everything at this massive sale.

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

From antiques and vintage decor to televisions and children's toys. To view a list of major vendor stops in a separate tab or window, visit the 127 Yard Sale website.

127 Yard Sale 2024 will take place on August 1-4. Mark your calendars and start planning now!

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

Pictured is the MainStrasse Village portion of the sale in Covington, Kentucky, in years past.

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As you hunt for treasures, you'll take in some scenery along the way.

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

It makes for an epic road trip you won't soon forget.

So, are you ready to go treasure hunting? It'll be a blast!

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127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale

Have you ever been to the 127 Yard Sale before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Let us know in the comments.

The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio is a must-see this August. Whether you've participated in this sale for years or are now intrigued to check it out, you will be amazed at all of the treasures there are to buy and cherish!

For more info on vendors, places to stay, and eat, and helpful tips, visit the 127 Yard Sale website. You can also get more information and see more photos on the 127 Yard Sale Facebook page.

Be sure to also watch this video about the World's Longest Yard Sale:

Looking for more great antique shopping in Ohio? We adore the town of Lebanon. This small town is a treasure trove of antique stores and vintage shops, and makes for an amazing day trip or weekend getaway in Ohio! Plan your stay in Lebanon and enjoy some fine antiquing:

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https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/small-town-getaways-lebanon-oh/

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