The holiday season is officially underway! Keep your family in the holiday spirit by visiting the most festive events Ohio has to offer. With plenty of indoor options, even cold weather doesn’t have to slow down your plans to celebrate. We’ve rounded up some of the best activities around the state to get you in the holiday spirit!
Christmas by Candlelight
November 29-December 28 | Marion
Listen to festive Christmas music and see thousands of lights on display without ever leaving your car! Held at the Marion County Fairgrounds, this drive-thru light show tells the story of Christmas with lights and live animals.
Santa Train
November 29–December 21 | Nelsonville
Hop on board the Ohio Christmas Train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway! This beloved family tradition has been bringing joy for over 40 years. Starting Saturday, Nov. 29, and running every weekend through Sunday, Dec. 21, you can join in the fun. Each ride features a special visit from Santa as the train travels through the beautiful Hocking River Valley. Don’t miss out on this festive adventure!
Holiday Film Series
December 5–December 20 | Athens
What better way to spend a cold winter day than watching classic Christmas movies and eating Christmas cookies inside? Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item to the Athena Cinema for the price of admission. Check the schedule for movie titles and times.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
November 21–January 4 | Delaware
Formerly known as Alum Creek’s Festival of Lights, this drive-thru light show boasts three miles of all LED lights. After the lights, make sure to stop at Santa’s House across the street at the Cross Creek Camping Resort.
Central Ohio Symphony Holiday Concert
December 7 and December 14 | Delaware & Marion
Celebrate the sounds of the season with the Central Ohio Symphony. The 65-member symphony will perform holiday favorites at Ohio Wesleyan University and Marion Palace Theatre.
Holiday Fun at Kleerview Farm
November 22–December 21 | Bellville
The animal lover in your family is sure to love Santa’s Barnyard Express at Kleerview Farm! Reindeer, ducks, piglets, rabbits, miniature horses, and donkeys will all be available for your little ones to visit.
Candlelight Holiday Tours
December 5 | Lucas
Holiday decorations, cookies, cider and Santa himself – what’s not to love? Celebrate the holidays at the historic Malabar Farm State Park.
Lucy Depp Park Light Show
November 28–January 4 | Powell
See Lucy Depp Park light up for the holidays! Nine houses and the surrounding areas will be decorated to put on a show.
Castle Noel
Open year-round | Medina
Although Castle Noel is open year-round, there’s no better time to go than in December! The castle is reservations only, and private tours are available. As America’s Largest Indoor Year-Round Christmas Entertainment Attraction, you won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience.
A Christmas Story House
Open year-round | Cleveland
Did you grow up watching “A Christmas Story” every Christmas? Now is your chance to visit the house from the movie! With props they used throughout the house, it’ll feel like you’re in the movie. If you book early enough, you might be able to spend the night at the Parker’s, or their neighbors, the Bumpus’s.
Festival of Ferns
November 1–January 4 | Cincinnati
Nature lovers are sure to enjoy Krohn Conservatory, with its over 3,500 plant species to view. The conservatory will be decorated and illuminated to celebrate the holidays.
