It's the most wonderful time of the year — and Ohio knows it. All across the state there are light displays, activities, and events you can attend to embrace the holiday season. The most magical places to celebrate are the best Christmas towns in Ohio, which vary in size and offerings. Bundle up and prepare to embrace the season, because these towns are oodles of wintertime fun. Check it out:
1. Columbus
Ohio's capital wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas season. The area's popular outdoor shopping mall, Easton Town Center, is decked out in Christmas lights and decor for the season. The shopping center also features Santa visits, ice skating, and carolers. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is also a popular destination for families during the holiday season. From circa late November through early January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a magical winter wonderland. You'll easily see why locals love visiting Ohio's capital during the coolest season of the year!
2. The Christmas Ranch (Morrow)
This popular family fun attraction features a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, Christmas shops, pictures with Santa, wagon and train rides and hot food and drinks. The Christmas Ranch is a splendid holiday tradition that visitors of all ages are enchanted by. It is open from late November through late December and is located at 3205 S Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152.
3. Castle Noel (Medina)
Medina is home to "America's Largest Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction," which is open year-round and features hour-long tours of all things Christmas. Castle Noel attracts visitors from all around the world when the Christmas season approaches, so it's not a bad idea to check on their Facebook page for updates on offerings. And don't forget to explore Medina Square during your visit... it looks like a real-life Hallmark movie set. Find Castle Noel at 260 S Court St, Medina, OH, 44256.
4. Cleveland
Tour the iconic "A Christmas Story" House or spend the night for a dose of nostalgia. You'll find it at 3159 W 11th St., Cleveland, OH, 44109. For even more family fun, check out the festive blooms and Christmas activities at the Cleveland Botanical Garden during their holiday show Glow. If that's not enough to give you the perfect holiday outing, don't forget to explore the holiday lights placed throughout Downtown Cleveland for Winterfest.
5. Peninsula and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
During the holiday season the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad features the North Pole Adventure. Be on the lookout for reindeer in the scenic valley while you sip hot chocolate and eat Christmas cookies. (Passengers are even encouraged to wear their pajamas.) For information about availability, reservations and rates, call 800-468-4070. While you're in the area, don't forget to explore Peninsula's festive businesses.
6. Cincinnati
The Cincinnati Museum Center features several holiday events and exhibits throughout the month of December, such as the Duke Energy annual Holiday Train Display (pictured.) The Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden runs from late November to early January. Bundle up and embrace the season at 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH, 45220.
7. Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights (Delaware)
This drive-thru holiday light show in Ohio also features pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate and cookies and gift shops. Admission is charged per car rather than per person, so the whole family can have fun for one reasonable price. The Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights is located at 2911 S Old State Rd., Delaware, OH, 43015.
8. Light Up Middletown
Light Up Middletown is typically open through New Year's Eve and features a drive-thru light display. It serves a great mission, as funds raised through this annual event support the local parks. Admission is by donation. It is located at 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, OH, 45042.
9. Dickens Victorian Village (Cambridge)
Take a trip back in time and explore the historic downtown of Cambridge. Until early January, the town is transformed into old world England, featuring more than 80 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing typical scenes from Victorian society and Dickens' novels. This incredible display is an enchanting take on the holiday season, and it will transport you into a holiday worth writing about.
10. Toledo
Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is fun for the whole family. The zoo features more than a million lights, making it a magical winter wonderland until early January. Toledo features a number of holiday events each year, including tree lightings, holiday fundraisers, special exhibits, and more.
11. The North Pole Express (Findlay)
Board a quarter-scale train and ride through holiday lights and decorations at this family fun destination, which also features a railroad gift shop, a decorated museum and pictures with Santa. You can ride the North Pole Express at Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc, located at 12505 County Rd 99, Findlay, OH, 45840.
12. Lebanon
The Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival takes place in downtown Lebanon in early December. Whether or not you're able to catch this event, the city is well worth visiting. Historic architecture, holiday lights, and small town charm will make you feel like you're in your very own Christmas movie.
13. Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit
Featuring 100,000 Christmas lights and more than 500 nativity scenes from around the world, this destination is a unique holiday experience for families. Admission is free and the exhibit is open until early January. Historic Kirtland also has, as you probably guessed, an admirable amount of historic architecture that is absolutely enchanting when surrounded by snowfall.
Where do you go in Ohio to celebrate the Christmas season? Share your photos and experiences of the top Christmas towns in Ohio with us in the comments below!
Can't get enough of the most magical season in Ohio? We don't blame you one bit. Keep the seasonal splendor going by admiring some of the finest decorations in the state... shaped by the hands of Mother Nature herself! Check out Ohio's best frozen waterfalls for more winter fun. Just be sure to bring a warm winter jacket!
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