Welcome to OHIO! The holidays have arrived, and whether you live here year round, you're visiting family and friends, or just passing through; you'll find something for everyone. Winter is the official season of fun and there is no better place to celebrate than right here in OHIO. So come on in, we've been waiting for you.
Historic Holiday Celebrations
Start a new holiday tradition in Ohio this winter with an experience that will get you in the holiday mood and take you back to the simpler times of these exciting celebrations. The historic traditions you learn about can be brought home and made your own.
At Speigel Grove, the estate of U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes in the Sandusky County town of Fremont provides a wonderful holiday experience. Beginning Nov. 27 and running through December 31, visitors can enjoy model trains, indulge in a holiday feast at the president's table while being serenaded by performances of music from the era. At the estate's historic Dillon House, you can see a lavish example of Victorian holiday decorating and you can also hire a horse-drawn sleigh for a magical winter tour of the estate. Get more information.
Christmas at the Castles, which takes place at Piatt Castles in West Liberty, is an elaborate Victorian Christmas celebration like no other. Built in the mid-1800s, these snow-covered castles dominate the landscape. Caroling, Christmas storytelling and Victorian holiday games are offered throughout the holiday season. The celebration lasts from Nov. 25-Jan. 1. Get more information.
Christmas Candle Tours are held Dec. 9 and An Old German Christmas is held Dec. 15 at Loghurst. Built in 1805, Loghurst is the oldest house in northeast Ohio's Western Reserve region. Guests will be treated to an early settler-style holiday celebration, complete with costumed guides, a dulcimer concert and a craft station where children can make Christmas crafts dating from the early 1800s. Get more information.
Famed author and pioneering environmentalist Louis Bromfield's home at Malabar Farm State Park in Lucas, will be the place for celebrating Candlelight Christmas Tours Dec. 13-16. This 1940s era celebration features bubble lights, tin ornaments, caroling, freshly baked cookies, warm apple cider and a 40s-style Santa Claus.
Other great holiday celebrations take place throughout the state in December. Adena Mansion in Chillicothe, the home of one of Ohio's first governors, welcomes holiday guests Dec. 1-2 for holiday treats, songs and period crafts. The McKinnis House, just west of Findlay, celebrates the holidays on Dec. 8 with a demonstration of a rural 1840s Christmas. Visitors can gather near a crackling fire, play parlor games and sample some historic holiday sweets.
There are plenty more historic holiday celebrations taking place around the state. Get more information.