The Division of Travel and Tourism complies news releases on a regular basis, including monthly events releases, releases on a theme and Ohio tourism trends.
December Events Provide Opportunities to Reconnect
11/26/2008
CONTACT:
Marty McDonald at (614) 383-1621
Tamara Brown at (614) 466-8591
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Nov. 26, 2008) - Whether it’s enjoying a candle-lit, horse-drawn carriage parade, honoring an outstanding earthwork of the ancient Adena people during the winter solstice or perusing the artistry of some of the world’s most luxurious designers, Ohio is the perfect place to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. Following is just a sampling of December events available to Ohioans looking for fun and exciting travel ideas close to home. For additional events, please go to
www.DiscoverOhio.com or call 1-800-BUCKEYE.
Family Fun
RezzyFest, Reservoir Park, Massillon, Dec. 5 - 6
Located in Massillon's Reservoir Park, RezzyFest is a fun-packed winter festival with family flair. It features chainsaw woodcarving demonstrations, ice sculptors, music, continuous children's story time inside an igloo, a miniature train ride for children and adults and winter-themed games and crafts. Enjoy food from the Pro Football Hall of Fame Rib Burn-off winners along with free admission.
Historic Lebanon's 20th Annual Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade, Dec. 6, 2008
Come and celebrate the festival of the season and enjoy entertainment from the Lebanon Theatre Company performing "Sounds of the Season," strolling carolers and a bell choir. Other highlights include an exhilarating trip to the North Pole courtesy of the LM&M Railroad, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus and many antique stores open later just for this event!
Walleye Madness at Midnight, Port Clinton, Dec. 31
Visit the "Walleye Capital of the World" this New Year's Eve for a tradition unlike any other. At the stroke of midnight, gather close and celebrate the drop of a 20-foot-long, 600-pound walleye from the sky at this family-fun event. Area restaurants will also gather together to make savory walleye goodies such as walleye chowder, walleye sandwiches, walleye cinnamon chips and walleye popcorn!
Arts and Culture
Rockwell's America: Celebrating the Art of Norman Rockwell, Ohio Historical Center, Columbus, Now through March 1, 2009
Travel back in time and into the artistic creativity from American painter Norman Rockwell. Visitors will enjoy some of Rockwell's most famous art brought to life in 20 theatrical environments. Touch, feel and see how America lived in the early to mid 1900s as you walk through 3-dimensional recreations of his famous Saturday Evening Post magazine covers. These charming recreations feature scenes from America's history, frozen in time where visitors become a part of the past.
Artistic Luxury: Fabergé, Tiffany, Lalique, Cleveland Museum of Art, Now through Jan. 18, 2009
Bask in a world of luxury and experience the spirited rivalry that drove each of these three great designers to attain unsurpassed heights in the creation of jewelry and luxury goods. These great masterworks are reunited for the first time since the legendary 1900 world's fair in Paris.
A Christmas Carol, The Loft Theatre, Dayton, Dec. 4 - 21
Come see this Dickens' classic come to life right before your eyes! This family classic will get you in the holiday spirit as you watch Scrooge, Marley's ghost and Tiny Tim celebrate the Christmas past, present and future, and experience what the season is all about.
Sports and Recreation
Holiday Trail of Lights, Lake Hope State Park, McArthur, Dec. 1 - Dec. 31
Grab your hiking boots and a warm coat and embark on a journey where you'll see more than 100,000 lights on display, including animated scenes, decorated trees and landscape lighting. Stop by on the weekend for some special, extra activities.
Christmas in the Country, Licking Park District, Granville, Dec. 6
Start this holiday season off right with a visit to the annual "Christmas in the Country" in Granville! This event will give your family a chance to enjoy a relaxing evening during this old-fashioned Christmas event that includes horse-drawn wagon rides, a guided night hike, chestnuts roasted over an open fire, local musical groups, a visit from St. Nicholas, children's games and much more.
Christmas in Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Bloomingville, Dec. 13
Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll back to Ash Cave. Once you arrive at the cave, warm with refreshments by an open fire. Listen to or join with our carolers, have the kids visit with an old-fashioned Santa or help decorate a Christmas tree for wildlife.
History and Heritage
Statehouse Holiday Tree Lighting and Festival, Columbus, Dec. 1
The holiday season opens in Ohio with the 93rd Annual Statehouse Tree Lighting. Join Governor Ted Strickland and First Lady Frances Strickland for a brief ceremony and enjoy a festival of holiday activities including carolers, refreshments, model trails and much more. Historical characters and modern dignitaries will be on hand to greet guests, including Santa himself!
Sauder Village's Holiday Lantern Tours, Archbold, Dec. 6
Experience a turn-of-the-century Christmas at Sauder Village! The flicker of a candle-lit lantern will light the way as costumed interpreters, through a personalized, guided lantern tour, take small groups on a journey to meet historical characters in the 1910 Homestead, the District 16 Schoolhouse, Villages' St. Mark's Church and the Train Depot. Registration is required; call (800) 590-9755.
Light Up the Serpent for the Winter Solstice, Serpent Mound, Peebles, Dec. 21
Hundreds of luminaries surround the serpent effigy during a casual stroll and reflection upon the history and importance of this world-renowned earthwork of the Adena culture (800 BC - AD 100).
Looking for additional December events? Visit
www.DiscoverOhio.com. The Ohio Travel Planner and Ohio Calendar of Events are both viewable online at
www.DiscoverOhio.com. To order your free copy of the 2008 Ohio Travel Planner, click on the Free Publications icon or call 1-800-BUCKEYE. For additional information, trained travel counselors are available at 1-800-BUCKEYE to assist callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio's vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in visitor sales in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division's mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio's unique travel opportunities and market the state's outstanding quality of life.
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