Get ready to embrace the magic of winter in Ohio with our ultimate guide to winter attractions and activities. Ohio has something for everyone, whether you're a snow lover or you prefer to stay warm and cozy indoors. We've got you covered with a variety of thrilling outdoor adventures and heartwarming holiday events. Let's make this winter season in the Buckeye State one to remember!
Holiday Events In Ohio
Ohio knows how to do holidays right, and we've got the insider's scoop on the top festive events. From the dazzling PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo to the winter wonderland of Downtown Cleveland's WinterLand, the timeless charm of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron, and the mesmerizing Nights of Lights at Coney Island in Cincinnati. And don't forget Easton's Holiday Happenings, featuring even more live music and fun for the family. Join us as we dive into these holiday happenings that make our state shine a little brighter during this magical season. Join us as we dive into these holiday happenings that make Ohio shine a little brighter during this magical season.
1. PNC Festival of Lights
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: No additional charge. This event is included with Zoo Admission. There are many different packages, but General Admission is $11-$26. The Cincinnati Zoo is ready to shine brightly for the annual PNC Festival of Lights, where you can enjoy millions of LED lights and a host of magical experiences. From finding Fiona fairies in Fairyland to blacklight puppet shows, a spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and delicious treats at S’mores-n-More stands - there is something for everyone! Do not miss visiting Santa nightly until December 23 or the North Polar Express Train with its longer light tunnel as well. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo website to purchase your tickets in advance for one of the best winter attractions in Ohio.
2. WinterLand
Location: Cleveland, OH
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Free.
Downtown Cleveland's WinterLand (previously known as Winterfest) is the ideal holiday season kickoff, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It's a dazzling spectacle featuring shimmering lights, holiday trees, hot cocoa, caroling, live music, and a spectacular fireworks show. What's more, WinterLand now extends its festivities throughout the season. This event marks the official start of the holiday season in Cleveland, culminating in the lighting of the city's Christmas tree. The festivities include ice skating, a Christmas village, live music, and food trucks offering Cleveland's finest. Downtown Cleveland Alliance, the event organizer, collaborates with other entities to make it a citywide celebration, so there's much to enjoy to keep the fun going. Head to the WinterLand CLE website for a calendar of events.
3. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Location: Akron, OH
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Monday-Thursday: Members: $16/adults, $7/youth, and Non-Members: $20/adults, $9/youth. Friday-Sunday: Members: $18/adults, $9/youth, and Non-Members: $24/adults, $11/youth. Children two and under are free with an adult on all Deck the Hall dates.
Stan Hywet is the ultimate holiday stop. With 1.2 million holiday lights illuminating the estate and the Manor House beautifully decorated, it's a magical experience with unique attractions and activities. Santa is also available through December 23, and Molly's offers one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. You can also savor hot cocoa, gingerbread cookies, beer, wine, and pretzels at Molly's Courtyard Cafe before or after your tour. Stan Hywet's Deck the Hall promises a perfect evening of holiday delight. Visit the Stan Hywet website to reserve your tickets.
4. Cincinnati's Nights of Lights
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Popularity: Family favorite. You’ll see better wait times on weeknights and most nights from 9–10 p.m.
Cincinnati's Nights of Lights (formerly Coney Island's Nights of Lights) is the city's holiday tradition for many. It's the region's largest drive-thru holiday light show, featuring millions of lights synchronized to festive music. As you drive through Night of Lights, you'll be mesmerized by towering Christmas trees, sparkling snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and magical light tunnels. It's a spectacular event for all ages and abilities, allowing everyone to enjoy this awe-inspiring display from the warmth and comfort of their own vehicle. Don't miss this heartwarming holiday adventure — it's perfect for the whole family and one of the best things to do in winter in Ohio. Visit the Queen City Light Show website for tickets.
5. Easton's Holiday Happenings
Location: Columbus, OH
Popularity: Popular amongst residents in the area.
Price: Free (horse-drawn carriage rides charge a small fee).
Easton Town Center in Columbus takes holiday celebrations to the next level, extending the festive spirit with twinkling lights that grace the center until February. December, however, is when Easton truly shines. A magnificent 50-foot tree adorned with nearly 30,000 LED lights takes center stage. The celebrations include a Menorah lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, and enchanting musical performances. The festivities kick off with live music and family fun, culminating in the breathtaking moment when millions of lights simultaneously illuminate Easton at nightfall. For a calendar of events, head to the Easton Town Center website.
Christmas Towns In Ohio
Ohio is home to several towns that light up with cheer during the holiday season. Whether you’re a local or planning a visit, these towns will leave you feeling merry and bright. From the popular Toledo to the hidden gem of Findlay and the big-city flair of Medina, these towns come alive with lights, Christmas trees, parades, and other festive activities. Let's take a closer look at some of the best Christmas towns in Ohio that are sure to get you in the holiday mood.
6. Findlay
Location: Findlay, OH
Popularity: Hidden gem that is loved by locals.
Price: Free (North Pole Express: $5/adults, $3/children).
In Findlay, Ohio, the holiday season transforms the town into a festive extravaganza. Downtown businesses engage in a spirited window decorating contest, stately homes get decked out with yuletide splendor, and streets come alive with luminaries and festive lights. Jump aboard the North Pole Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation for added holiday magic. It's a winter fantasyland adorned with glittering lights and countless Christmas Trees, all of which make for wonderful photo opportunities. Findlay is where the holiday spirit thrives, and the community comes together for a joyful celebration.
7. Toledo
Location: Toledo, OH
Popularity: Popular amongst the residents in the area.
Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Celebrate the holidays in Toledo with a variety of cheery events. Enjoy luminous holiday light displays, grand Christmas tree lighting, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and beautifully decorated historic homes. Don't miss the Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, offering breathtaking lights and family activities. Hensville Lights welcomes the season with a 45-foot tree-lighting ceremony. For a historic touch, visit the Manor House at Wildwood Metropark during the annual Holidays at the Manor House. Toledo invites you to embrace these joyous holiday traditions and create special memories. Visit the Toledo website for a calendar of events.
8. Medina
Location: Medina, Ohio
Popularity: Hidden gem.
Price: Some independent events/attractions may have a cost.
Discover the holiday magic of Medina County, a delightful blend of small-town charm and big-city flair. Start your holidays at Castle Noel, America's largest year-round Christmas entertainment attraction. It houses the world's most extensive collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props and costumes, offering a unique holiday attraction.
You can also join various candlelight walks and celebrations throughout the county. The annual Medina Candlelight Walk features festive displays, tree lighting, parades, and more. Wadsworth hosts its Candlelight Walk, offering carriage rides, ice sculptures, and a chance to meet Santa. Enjoy A Celtic Christmas at the Medina Performing Arts Center and attend the Christmas in the Valley festival in Valley City. Medina County is your destination for a Christmas to remember.
Outdoor Activities
Embrace the winter in Ohio with a variety of outdoor activities. The Chalet Tobogganing in Strongsville offers thrilling toboggan rides, while Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more. Explore the stunning frozen waterfalls and ice formations at Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. In Dayton, enjoy skating and fun things to do at the MetroParks Ice Rink. Ohio's winter adventures have something for everyone.
9. The Chalet Tobogganing
Location: Strongsville, OH
Popularity: Best kept secret.
Enjoy the winter season with an exciting ride on toboggan chutes! The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation, situated on Valley Parkway between Routes 42 and 82 in Strongsville, offers an opportunity to relish the icy adventure of tobogganing. The two refrigerated ice chutes, each spanning 700 feet in length, are operational with or without snow. These chutes are open to visitors from the day after Thanksgiving through February. It's one of the best things to do in the winter in Ohio, and it's fun for the whole family. Check out the Cleveland Metroparks website for additional information.
10. Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Location: Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio.
Popularity: Popular state park.
Price: Free.
The winter months in Cuyahoga Valley National Park are the best — there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation. There are plenty of options to take part in, from cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and snow tubing to sledding. The park has over 125 miles of snow trails for winter hikes, and it's especially scenic during the winter season. The Ledges Trail is particularly popular among hikers due to the dramatic icicles that form on the rocks. Sledding is available at Kendall Hills, and cross-country skiing is a popular winter activity in the park. Downhill skiing and snow tubing are also available at Brandywine Ski Resort and Boston Mills Ski Resort.
11. Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park
Location: Logan, OH
Popularity: Local favorite.
Price: Free.
Explore Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills State Park, a unique cold-weather destination. The hiking trail features both upper and lower waterfalls, and what makes this hike exceptional is not just the frozen waterfalls but also the remarkable ice structures that form as water droplets from the cliffs freeze. Even if there's no snow on the surface, you'll encounter snow and numerous well-preserved ice formations once inside the cave. This is a relatively long trail with much to explore, so proper preparation is essential.
12. MetroParks Ice Rink
Location: Dayton, OH
Popularity: Popular family-friendly attraction.
Price: Admission Fee: $7, Ice Skate Rental: $3, Season Passes: $32/individual and $96/family. Skaters ages three and younger are admitted free with a paying adult. Experience winter fun at the MetroParks Ice Rink, the region's largest outdoor ice rink. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned skater, there are activities for everyone at this RiverScape MetroPark attraction. The 70x150-foot skating rink, sheltered under a pavilion, offers skating lessons, open skating, broomball, curling, plus hot chocolate and music. Stay warm in the comfort tent, and enjoy the MSD Warming Zone. Try broomball, organized by the Dayton Broomball Association, or join the curling league with Curl Troy. Food and beverages are available on Fridays through Sundays at the concession area. Visit the MetroParks website for additional information.
Winter Getaways
Ohio transforms into a wintery wonderland with cozy cabins and enchanting getaways, making it the perfect destination for a seasonal retreat. Whether you're in search of ultimate luxury and privacy at Whitetail Dream Cabin, an eco-friendly cave dwelling in the heart of nature at The Cave, or the serene seclusion of Hidden Meadows Cabin, Ohio offers a diverse range of winter escapes. These handpicked getaways promise unforgettable moments with cozy amenities and beautiful landscapes, creating the ideal setting for a winter adventure in the Buckeye State.
13. Whitetail Dream Cabins
Location: Logan, OH
Popularity: Hidden gem.
Price: $329/night
Welcome to the Whitetail Dream Cabin, a private Hocking Hills cabin rental on 10 acres of natural beauty. Unlike other rentals, this cabin offers exclusive access to all its amenities, ensuring ultimate luxury and privacy for your stay. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a honeymoon retreat, or a family vacation, the goal is to exceed your expectations at every step of your stay. It's designed for year-round enjoyment, boasting features like a sandy beach, outdoor kitchen, stocked pond, a hot tub under a covered patio, and even an indoor, climate-controlled basketball gym with a home theater. Experience a level of comfort and seclusion that's truly unparalleled in the Hocking Hills region. You can book your stay on the Whitetail Dream Cabins website.
14. The Cave
Location: Rockbridge, OH
Popularity: Very popular.
Price: Starting at $780/night The Dunlap Hollow Cave, located within a natural cave recess on the Dunlap Hollow property in the Hocking Hills area, offers unique and eco-friendly accommodations. This 1500 square foot cave house comfortably sleeps six guests with two king bedrooms and two additional twin beds in one of the bedrooms. The cave house features a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious outdoor patio, a pool table, private hiking trails, a hot tub, and more, providing a distinctive and luxurious retreat. Book your stay on the Dunlap Hollow website.
15. Hidden Meadows Cabin
Location: Rockbridge, OH
Popularity: Hidden gem, great for families.
Explore the Hidden Meadows Cabin with nature trails, a hot tub, and over 20 private acres. Hidden Meadows is a fresh five-bedroom cabin for up to 12 guests. It's set in a serene location with a covered wrap-around deck and a game room on the lower level. Conveniently, it's less than 20 minutes from Old Man's Cave and under 10 minutes from attractions like Rock House, Cantwell Cliffs, and Clear Creek Metro Park. Your perfect getaway awaits at Hidden Meadows. Book your stay on Vrbo.
Are you on the hunt for more Ohio winter activities? How about snowboarding at Alpine Valley? Or maybe you are looking for more family things to do in Ohio in winter, so check out Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. And for you folks in Northeast Ohio, you have to see the Sandusky County Fairgrounds Winter Wonderland.
What are your favorite places to see and do during the winter and holiday season? Where are your favorite places to warm up and get out of the cold? Speaking of cold, make sure you have all the winter gear you need to keep you warm and safe all season long.
And if you want to know what's winter like in Ohio this year, check out the predictions!
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