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The Best Christmas Attractions in Ohio {2023}

Create new holiday memories by spending quality time with your family and friends this Christmas! Christmas in Ohio is so special with millions of lights displays and fun attractions throughout the state. Keep reading for our favorite Christmas attractions in Ohio !

Looking for the holidays lights in Ohio? Check out this list of the  Best Christmas Lights Displays in Ohio !

The Best Christmas Attractions In Ohio

Celebrating Christmas in Ohio ? Gather your friends and family to make new holiday memories at these festive Christmas attractions in Ohio!

Looking for the best places to visit for Christmas in Ohio? Read Magical Christmas Towns in Ohio .

Northeast Ohio Christmas Attractions:

Stroll through the historic Cleveland Arcade to view holiday lights and decor

Visit the A Christmas Story House to tour Ralphie’s actual house from the movie

Explore a floral holiday wonderland at the Cleveland Botanical Garden

Stay in the magical Mr. Kringle Suite at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown

Celebrate the holiday season with fun festivities at WinterLand Cleveland

Admire thousands of twinkling lights at Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

Take a horse drawn sleigh ride at Ma & Pa’s

Visit Lorain County Metro Parks for Lights on the Lake and a Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru

Take North Pole Adventure train ride at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

View the holiday lights and Manor House décor at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Admire life-sized hand-crafted nutcrackers at the Steubenville Nutcracker Village

Visit the charming Hallmark-like town of Chagrin Falls

Explore America’s largest indoor year-round Christmas entertainment attraction at Castle Noel

Ice skate under dazzling holiday lights at Lock 3 in Akron

Experience and old-fashioned Christmas at Historic Zoar Village

Take a ride on the Polar Express at the Dennison Depot

Visit one of these holiday light displays in Cleveland , Akron and Northeast Ohio

Northwest Ohio Christmas Attractions:

Admire a dazzling display of holiday lights at Toledo Zoo’s Lights before Christmas

Ride through the grounds of Spiegel Grove like President Hayes once did in a horse-drawn sleigh

Ride the North Pole Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

Drive through Winter Wonderland at the Sandusky County Fairgrounds

Visit the holiday lights display at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum

Admire holiday lights from the comfort of your vehicle at Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights

Southwest Ohio Christmas Attractions:

Visit one of the best holiday lights displays in Ohio at the Historic Clifton Mill

View lights and say hello to Santa at the Christmas Ranch

Renaissance Park transforms into a glowing 16 th century Yuletide Village

Stroll through the winter wonderland of Carillon Historical Park

Drive through Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

Experience Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas Village and a Christmas Drive Thru at Land of Illusion

Explore the colorful floral holiday décor and garden railways at Krohn Conservatory

Visit Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for the PNC Festival of Lights

Have fun ice skating or renting bumper cars at Fountain Square in Cincinnati

Visit one of these holiday light displays near Dayton

Southeast Ohio Christmas Attractions:

Step back in time to an old-world English Christmas at Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge

Watch thousands of lights synchronized to holiday music at the Guernsey County Courthouse

Take a self-guided tour of the Christmas Cave in Minford, Ohio

Celebrate Christmas Wild West style at Dogwood Pass

Ride the Ohio Christmas Train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad

Explore the dazzling light displays throughout Marietta

Central Ohio Christmas Attractions:

Enjoy festive holiday lights for free at the Columbus Commons

Stroll along the Scioto Mile to admire dazzling holiday lights

Visit Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

See festive floral displays and a wonderland of lights at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Visit Easton Town Center to see holiday lights, take photos with Santa and horse drawn carriage rides

Admire all the dazzling lights at one of these Columbus lights displays

See the Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Main Library and check out a few holiday books to participate in the Winter Reading Challenge

Take a drive to explore Union County’s covered bridges, both the Pottersburg and Bigelow bridges are dressed in lights this holiday season

Stroll through Zanesville to experience a Storybook Christmas

Celebrate Christmas the old fashion way at Historic Roscoe Village

Want to view Christmas lights from the comfort of your vehicle? Read  Enchanting Drive Through Christmas Lights In Ohio ! 

Embrace the holiday spirit at one of these fun and festive Christmas attractions in Ohio!

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25 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Ohio

From illuminated evenings to imaginative attractions, our state is full of ways to make the most of the season together.

Nov./Dec. 2023 BY Erin Finan, Lauren Keep, Varad Raigaonkar and Hosna Sadaqat | Yuletide Village Photo by Checkmate Photos

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Northeast Ohio Family Fun

Make Memories, One Cool Family Outing at a Time!

8 Christmas Towns in Ohio for a Magical Christmas Getaway

Last Updated: 10/4/2024

Mr. Kringle ® Suite

Mr. Kringle has taken up residence at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown hotel! He travels the globe and welcomes believers to look after his room while away. This Christmas, you’re invited to cuddle up cozy, and sit amidst the twinkle of Mr. Kringle’s private quarters.

This fully decorated holiday suite, features two sparkling Christmas trees, tabletop adornments, room decorations and holiday-themed furniture complete with seasonal velvet bedding and pillows. Perfect for up to 4 guests!

Overnight Includes: Note from Mr. Kringle, Milk and Cookies, Self-Parking

When: November 8 – January 5, 2025 Where: Hilton Cleveland Downtown, 100 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114 Phone: 216-413-5000

Mrs. Kringle ® Suite

Mrs. Kringle has taken up residence at the Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown! She keeps a busy schedule and welcomes believers to look after her room while away. This Christmas, you’re invited to snuggle up cozy, and sit amidst the sparkle of Mrs. Kringle’s private quarters.

Overnight Includes: Note from Mrs. Kringle, Milk and Cookies, Self-Parking

When: November 15 – January 5, 2025 Where: Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown, 651 Huron Road, Cleveland, OH 44115 Phone: 216-377-9000

Cambridge, Ohio offers you an old-fashioned Dickens Christmas . The historic downtown transforms into old-world England each November and December. You can stroll through 92 scenes of 180 lifelike figures reminiscent of the Victorian Era.

The unique immersive experience only sets the stage for the town’s holiday activities. Each night the courthouse comes to life with a synchronized light show set to holiday music. You can also experience the Christmas magic on one of their classic trolley tours that occur periodically throughout the season. You can even join in the fun, dressing up in time-period clothing and attending one of their Victorian teas.

Other special events such as their Candlelight Walk and Chocolate Walk are additional favorites of the season. You won’t want to miss out on their ice skating rink and extensive holiday shopping. 

A Clifton Mill Christmas is truly a bucket list experience! The award-winning lights display, The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill, dazzles visitors with more than 4 million lights illuminating the “mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.” During your visit to this winter wonderland, you can also experience a synchronized lights show set to music featuring the covered bridge.

There is a Santa Claus Museum, a miniature village, and a toy collection. Although there are no visits with Santa, you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see him preparing for the big night, and then go up the chimney to load his sleigh. Food is also served on-site most nights. The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill can get fairly crowded, so be sure to plan accordingly. 

Cleveland at Christmastime is a magical place! You can enjoy the Cleveland Christmas classics with a walk through the historic Old Arcade. Although it no longer serves as the shopping venue it once was, it is beautifully decorated for the season.

You won’t want to miss out on the lights at Public Square. If you are around the weekend after Thanksgiving you can experience Winterland, which is the official tree-lighting celebration, along with additional food, fun, and festivities. Then the ice skating rink in the square is centered around the amazing lights display in Public Square.

Cleveland is also home to the official A Christmas Story house . You can visit the house from the beloved movie and get an up-close look at the behind-the-scenes of Ralphie’s life. They offer year-round tours, as well as overnight stays.

Kringle’s Inventionasium is a one-of-a-kind experience for inventors of all ages. You’re invited into a Wonka-like world in the shape of Santa’s workshop. Characters lead you through the experience with hands-on projects in imaginative rooms. Then you take your final toy design to Mr. Kringle himself at the end.

Did you know you can stay in Santa’s actual suite? It’s the ultimate Christmas getaway. The Hilton Cleveland Downtown is home to a suite that is labeled Mr. Kringle’s Suite . The private stay is in a suite completely decked out for the holidays. The visit includes a personalized note from Mr. Kringle, milk and cookies (of course), and complimentary valet parking.

Medina is known for its holiday flare, which begins in November during their Medina Candlelight Walk. The town light display, tree lighting, fireworks, and Christmas parade help get everyone in the holiday spirit. You can visit anytime throughout the season to enjoy the beautiful lights, featuring the Christmas tree in the gazebo.

It is actually Christmas all year in Medina, home to Castle Noel . It is known for being an enormous, year-round Christmas attraction for all ages. You’ll get a glimpse at a private collection of Hollywood movie Christmas props. It includes the famous New York City window displays, classic toy favorites, and interactive displays. Experience indoor snow and a giant slide like the one Ralphie rode in A Christmas Story.

Media also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and even places to stay the night if you want to make a weekend getaway out of your visit! Each year the town hosts several holiday-themed events. 

Akron brings the Christmas season to life with the Welcome Santa Holiday Parade. The parade welcomes Santa to town and is followed by Loch 3’s tree lighting and fireworks! The Loch 3 ice rink is open throughout the holiday season. They also have a holiday walk-through, large, interactive snowman display, Polar Putt Putt, and more.

A truly memorable experience with your little ones is the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad North Pole Adventure. Based on the beloved children’s story of The Polar Express, you’ll ride the Christmas-themed train to the North Pole. Along the way, you enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you sing and tell stories with the elves. Once you reach the North Pole your family can wave to the elves and workers surrounded by lights. Then Santa himself makes his way on board to visit with each passenger. Be sure to check into this early in the season as tickets sell out fast.

With more than one million lights across the beautiful grounds, you’ll be delighted by a visit to Stan Hywet Hall & Garden Deck the Halls . You can stroll through the grounds to see the amazing lights, as well as visit the Manor House, which is also decorated for the holiday season. You can also take part in the Santa meet and greet with your children.

Hale Farm and Village offers a charming lantern tour. You stroll through the village of historic homes and view the decorations. The entire display is set up as it would have been in the 19th century. Then you’re invited to enjoy delicious treats after the tour.

If you’re a lover of Christmas music, you won’t want to miss out on this unique experience! The Tuba Christmas at EJ Thomas is a concert of only tubas playing your festive favorites. The event is free, but seats fill up quickly.

The storybook town of Hudson brings the holidays to life each Christmas. The fun begins at their after Thanksgiving tree lighting in the town square, You can enjoy caroling on the green and an official light countdown at the picturesque gazebo. Don’t forget to get photos with the mouse running up the beautifully lit historic clock tower.

For a Christmas meal or holiday-themed cocktail, you won’t want to miss a stop at Blitzen’s (Hudson’s Restaurant’s holiday-themed name) right on Main Street. The restaurant/bar is covered from floor to ceiling in classic Christmas lights and decor. Spot characters from your favorite Christmas movies like The Grinch and Ralphie in his bunny suit. Each year it seems to acquire even more decorations. It even snows inside!

Hudson is also home to a Christkindlmarkt . Enjoy traditional German glühwein, apple cider, draft beers, and other treats as you stroll along the Hudson Green visiting various arts and crafts booths. St. Nicholas and Krampus also make appearances for photos and fun! While you’re on Hudson Green, don’t forget to put your wishlist into the official Santa mailbox with a return of address and stamped envelope. Santa writes each child back!

The First and Main shopping area offers seasonal specials. In December they have the Holiday Walk where you can meet with Santa and take horse-drawn carriage rides around the square. First Congregational Church in Hudson also invites everyone to their live nativity that is held each year, featuring members and friends as the key figures of the nativity. They welcome a small petting zoo and a beloved camel! Events are subject to change each year, so check them out before you go.

Steubenville

Step into the land of nutcrackers in downtown Steubenville at Christmastime. America’s largest collection of life-size nutcrackers to be exact! More than 200 life-size nutcrackers line the streets of the historic village. All the nutcrackers are handcrafted by a local man, Brodie Stutzman, and many of them were painted by a local artist, Therese Fedoryka. Each nutcracker is located near an area business, so you can see them as you shop and dine around town. Parking downtown is free, and you are welcome to bring along your dogs for the scavenger hunt.

Be sure to check out local events. One night the town hosts its annual Lantern Festival, where you follow St. Nicholas with your lantern through the Christmas lights and nutcracker decor. During your visit to town be sure to bring your letter to Santa. If you write to him, you might get a letter back! Other fun events include the Storywalk, Nutcracker Tea Party, and more.

Visit day or night to view the nutcrackers. While you are in town you can shop for nutcrackers and nutcracker town apparel. You can even sponsor a local nutcracker. If you pick up a map at Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe and find all the nutcrackers, you can return to the store to claim a prize!

The Lebanon Holiday Illumination lights up the season with the annual tree lighting. You can also visit Santa at the gazebo and walk along the beautiful lights and Christmas decorations. Then you can join the festive crowd later in the season for the beloved horse-drawn carriage parade.

Another local holiday classic is Lebanon’s North Pole Express . All aboard for Christmas treats, songs, and spirit. During the 1 hour and 15-minute ride, you will even get a visit from Santa and his elves! Tickets sell quickly, so check ahead of booking season for details.

Don’t miss out on a unique Christmas experience at The Christmas Ranch . The visit includes seven Christmas shops, Santa’s Bakery and Cafe, pictures with Santa, and train and wagon rides. Buy some treats and hot chocolate in the bakery and then enjoy the lights, Christmas displays, and more as you walk through at your own pace.

Want more holiday fun?  Check out our  Christmas Events Guide  filled with many fun things to do this holiday season.

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