Ohio in December: Celebrating the Magic

December in Ohio is a truly enchanting time of year, filled with festive celebrations, twinkling lights, and heartwarming traditions. From the shores of Lake Erie to the rolling hills of Appalachia, the state comes alive with holiday cheer, offering visitors and locals alike a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

Embrace the Spirit of Christmas

No December in Ohio would be complete without immersing yourself in the magic of Christmas. One of the most iconic destinations is the A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland, where you can relive the beloved holiday classic and tour the very home where Ralphie dreamed of his coveted Red Ryder BB gun. Across the street, the museum houses an impressive collection of movie memorabilia, including the legendary leg lamp.

For a truly unique experience, venture to Castle Noel in Medina, America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction. This whimsical wonderland houses the world’s largest private collection of Hollywood Christmas movie props, costumes, and sets, allowing you to step onto the very stages where holiday cinematic magic was made.

Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village is another must-visit attraction, boasting the world’s largest display of life-size nutcrackers. From late November through early January, over 200 intricately designed and hand-painted nutcrackers take up residence in Fort Steuben Park, creating a truly unique and photo-worthy winter wonderland.

Dazzling Light Displays

December in Ohio is also a time when the state’s landscapes are transformed into breathtaking displays of twinkling lights and festive illuminations. The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill in Clifton is a beloved tradition, featuring over 4 million lights, including a stunning 100-foot waterfall of lights cascading alongside the historic mill.

In Cincinnati, the Purple People Bridge comes alive with the Winter Nights & River Lights display, where over 1,000 lights adorn the iconic structure, reflecting off the Ohio River and creating a truly magical sight.

Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus offers a different kind of light experience with Conservatory Aglow, where the botanical gardens are transformed into an immersive, themed light display synchronized to holiday melodies.

Festive Towns and Villages

Many towns and villages across Ohio embrace the holiday spirit by decorating their streets and hosting festive events throughout December. Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge is a literary lover’s dream, with over 90 Victorian-era scenes and costumed volunteers bringing the works of Charles Dickens to life.

In Zanesville, New Concord, Dresden, and Chandlersville, businesses and attractions participate in A Storybook Christmas, decorating their spaces according to their favorite holiday storybooks and creating a whimsical, page-turning experience for visitors.

The village of Bluffton glows with the Blaze of Lights folk art display, where the Ream folk art adorns the Bluffton Presbyterian Church lawn and downtown businesses, welcoming visitors into a warm and inviting holiday scene.

Holiday Train Rides

What better way to celebrate the season than by embarking on a magical train ride through Ohio’s picturesque landscapes? The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure™ takes passengers on a 26-mile journey through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, complete with cheerful elves, hot chocolate, cookies, and carols.

The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express is another beloved tradition, allowing families to ride along with Santa and his elves in train cars adorned with holiday lights and decorations.

For fans of the classic book and movie “The Polar Express,” the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum offers a truly immersive experience, with storytellers reading aloud as you travel to the North Pole in vintage decorated coaches.

Outdoor Winter Wonderlands

While Ohio’s winters can be chilly, the state offers plenty of opportunities to embrace the great outdoors and create lasting memories. Bundle up and embark on a guided snowshoe hike through one of the state’s many picturesque parks and nature preserves, or strap on a pair of cross-country skis and glide along groomed trails.

For a truly unique experience, consider hand-feeding chickadees at Beech Creek Gardens or one of the many parks that offer this delightful activity. The tiny birds will land right in your palms, creating a magical moment you’ll never forget.

Sledding and ice skating are also popular winter pastimes in Ohio, with numerous parks and outdoor rinks offering affordable family fun. Or, for a more adventurous outing, hit the slopes at one of the state’s ski resorts, where you can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.

Cozy Indoor Activities

When the weather outside becomes too chilly, Ohio offers plenty of cozy indoor activities to keep the winter blues at bay. Explore one of the state’s many museums, such as the Cleveland Museum of Natural History or the MAPS Air Museum, where you can learn about everything from dinosaurs to aviation history.

Catch a live performance at one of Ohio’s renowned theaters, or spend an afternoon exploring the interactive exhibits at the Great Lakes Science Center or the Cleveland Museum of Art, which offers free admission and family-friendly programming.

For a truly unique indoor experience, consider taking a factory tour, such as the Harry London’s Chocolate Factory tour in Cleveland, where you can learn about the chocolate-making process and indulge in delicious free samples.

Ringing in the New Year

As December comes to a close, Ohio offers a variety of unique ways to celebrate the arrival of the new year. In Port Clinton, the “Walleye Capital of the World,” a 600-pound, 20-foot fiberglass walleye named Wylie Jr. drops from the sky at midnight, accompanied by live music, contests, and games.

No matter how you choose to spend your December in Ohio, one thing is certain: you’ll be immersed in a world of holiday magic, creating lasting memories and embracing the spirit of the season in truly unforgettable ways.