There’s nothing more magical than a small town Ohio Christmas.
If you’re looking for a cozy weekend getaway this season, Ohio’s small towns are the perfect escape. With twinkling lights everywhere, Christmas cheer in the air and other special holiday attractions, a cozy Christmas retreat is likely just an hour or two away from where you are. The following are the 8 coziest towns in Ohio to snuggle up in this season.
- Cambridge
Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge/Facebook Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge is a must-see. Take a trip back in time and explore the historic downtown of Cambridge. Until early January, the town is transformed into old world England, featuring more than 80 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing typical scenes from Victorian society and Dickens’ novels
- Kirtland
Friends of the Kirtland Ohio Stake/Facebook Featuring 150,000 Christmas lights and more than 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world, this historic village features a unique holiday experience for families. The Historic Kirkland Nativity Exhibit opens for the season on November 27 and continues until December 31.
- Zoar
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook The historic village of Zoar is one of Ohio’s most enchanting towns year-round, but it truly comes alive during the Christmas season. The historic Zoar Garden lights up the night, carolers stroll the town and the annual two-day Christmas in Zoar event features a truly unique tour of the town.
- Chagrin Falls
Kevin Stolecki/Flickr Chagrin Falls has a Main Street full of Christmas cheer every December. Take a stroll through park and check out the local shops while you’re here. Even the observation deck and stairway to the town’s waterfall is decked out for the holidays. Be sure to stop by for a photo or two.
- Steubenville
Steubenville Nutcracker Village/Facebook The Steubenville Nutcracker Village features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S., Christmas lights, vendors, caroling and more at the Fort Steuben Park. More than 150 nutcrackers will be on display from November 24 - January 7.
- Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids Ohio/Facebook This town goes all out for the holiday season with a Christmas Open House, which features horse drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, twinkle lights and more. Throughout the holiday season, the whole town is festively decorated.
- Gallipolis
Gallipolis In Lights/Facebook Where the sidewalks are line with Christmas trees and the bandstands are decked out for the holidays, the city park in Gallipolis lights up the night. Gallipolis in Lights in Gallipolis, Ohio is a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. It kicks off the day before Thanksgiving and continues until the new year arrives. There is no admission fee and you can stroll this lovely park anytime after dark throughout the holiday season.
- Middletown
Light Up Middletown/Facebook Every holiday season, the town of Middletown celebrates by lighting up its city park. Smith Park sits in the heart of downtown and features 100 acres of dazzling lights. Light Up Middletown is a spectacular drive-thru light display that’s open the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve. It’s open every night from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., rain or shine.
Have you ever visited these towns during the holiday season? What others would you add to this list? Let us know!
Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge/Facebook
Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge is a must-see. Take a trip back in time and explore the historic downtown of Cambridge. Until early January, the town is transformed into old world England, featuring more than 80 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing typical scenes from Victorian society and Dickens’ novels
Friends of the Kirtland Ohio Stake/Facebook
Featuring 150,000 Christmas lights and more than 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world, this historic village features a unique holiday experience for families. The Historic Kirkland Nativity Exhibit opens for the season on November 27 and continues until December 31.
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook
The historic village of Zoar is one of Ohio’s most enchanting towns year-round, but it truly comes alive during the Christmas season. The historic Zoar Garden lights up the night, carolers stroll the town and the annual two-day Christmas in Zoar event features a truly unique tour of the town.
Kevin Stolecki/Flickr
Chagrin Falls has a Main Street full of Christmas cheer every December. Take a stroll through park and check out the local shops while you’re here. Even the observation deck and stairway to the town’s waterfall is decked out for the holidays. Be sure to stop by for a photo or two.
Steubenville Nutcracker Village/Facebook
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S., Christmas lights, vendors, caroling and more at the Fort Steuben Park. More than 150 nutcrackers will be on display from November 24 - January 7.
Downtown Grand Rapids Ohio/Facebook
This town goes all out for the holiday season with a Christmas Open House, which features horse drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, twinkle lights and more. Throughout the holiday season, the whole town is festively decorated.
Gallipolis In Lights/Facebook
Where the sidewalks are line with Christmas trees and the bandstands are decked out for the holidays, the city park in Gallipolis lights up the night. Gallipolis in Lights in Gallipolis, Ohio is a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. It kicks off the day before Thanksgiving and continues until the new year arrives. There is no admission fee and you can stroll this lovely park anytime after dark throughout the holiday season.
Light Up Middletown/Facebook
Every holiday season, the town of Middletown celebrates by lighting up its city park. Smith Park sits in the heart of downtown and features 100 acres of dazzling lights. Light Up Middletown is a spectacular drive-thru light display that’s open the day after Thanksgiving until New Year’s Eve. It’s open every night from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., rain or shine.
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