COLUMBUS, Ohio – Across Ohio, communities are stringing lights, tuning choirs, baking cookies, warming the cocoa and preparing for one of the most cherished seasons of the year. To prepare for Christmas, TourismOhio has released the 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide, a collection of 440 holiday happenings – five in every county – that highlight the small traditions, big celebrations and hometown magic that make the season meaningful.
It is available HERE and can be viewed digitally or downloaded for free.
“The guide is really about connection,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio’s tourism director. “The holidays are when people come home, see old friends and reconnect. These events are opportunities to make memories together, support local businesses and feel that sense of belonging that Ohio does so well.”
TourismOhio research shows that 1 in 4 people visiting friends or relatives in Ohio never leave the house to do an activity – meaning families miss opportunities to make memories, and local businesses miss the boost that comes from holiday traffic. At the same time, 60 percent of Ohio trips are planned within just four weeks, which means most holiday outings are spur-of-the-moment decisions.
The Holiday Events Guide is designed exactly for that. It makes it easy to turn “What should we do tonight?” into “Let’s go.”
“During the holidays we welcome friends, family and loved ones into our homes, hoping to make their stay as effortlessly magical as the season feels, said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This guide gives people a simple starting point to turn those visits into experiences – and experiences into memories. And when visitors get out into our towns and neighborhoods, the whole community feels the benefit.”
The events include:
- Festive light shows.
- Historic village celebrations.
- Parades and tree lightings.
- Snowy hikes and winter markets.
- Home tours, choirs, craft fairs and community theater.
Here is a closer look at seasonal attractions at a few places that are a short drive away from Youngstown.
Coshocton
Experience the holiday season in a fresh yet timeless way by visiting Historic Roscoe Village in Coshocton.
Guests can explore what the holidays looked like in the 1800s, take part in the annual candlelighting ceremony and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in the shops.
Historic Roscoe Village offers a picture-perfect holiday atmosphere that resembles something out of a Hallmark movie.
At the annual Christmas Candlelighting Days on Dec. 6 and 13, visitors can stroll along the brick sidewalks of this Ohio and Erie Canal town, decorated for the holidays with live trees, luminaries and twinkling lights.
The children can meet Santa and make a craft at the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum, try roasted chestnuts on the Huck’s Tavern patio and take the self-guided Christmas in Roscoe holiday tour while exploring the shops and restaurants.
The Candelighting takes place in the center of the village at 6 p.m. This half-century-old tradition includes the telling of stories, carols and the lighting of the village tree, along with the passing of the candle light through the audience. Hot mulled cider and fresh gingerbread cookies will also be served. The ceremony is a tradition that marks the beginning of the holiday season.
Historic Roscoe Village features many locally owned shops and restaurants housed in beautifully preserved buildings. They offer locally made goods such as handcrafted leather items, artwork, jewelry, home décor pieces, artisan soaps, candles and gourmet treats for pets, along with old-fashioned candies, apparel, fine jewelry and Ohio-made wines. The village includes four restaurants and a coffee shop.
Coshocton is located off I-77 and state Route 36.
Hocking Hills
When the last autumn leaves settle across the sandstone cliffs and hemlock forests of southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills slips quietly into one of its most magical seasons.
The crowds thin, the waterfalls freeze into crystal cathedrals and a hush falls over the landscape that feels a little like stepping into a snow globe. For Midwesterners seeking a nearby winter escape that feels worlds away, there’s no better place to embrace the holidays than the Hocking Hills.
Winter transforms the Hocking Hills region into a serene masterpiece of ice and light. Trails that bustle with hikers in summer – like those leading to Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls – become peaceful corridors framed by frozen waterfalls and glittering icicles. The crunch of snow underfoot is often the only sound as you wander beneath towering cliffs draped in frost.
Old Man’s Cave is particularly enchanting this time of year. The cascade at the lower falls slows to a sculptural trickle, and the gorge takes on an ethereal glow as sunlight filters through icicles the size of stovepipes. Nearby, the wide amphitheater at Ash Cave, Ohio’s largest recessed cave, is a breathtaking sight when rimmed with ice curtains. Bundle up, pack your camera and don’t rush – the winter quiet invites you to linger.
Hocking Hills has long been known for its distinctive lodging, and in winter, those cozy cabins truly shine. Many feature fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs and sweeping views of snow-covered woods.
Plan a romantic getaway in an elegantly appointed cottage and relax with an in-cabin couple’s massage. Enjoy all the conveniences of a resort at the Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center with indoor pool, onsite restaurant and spectacular views from private balconies.
Holiday cheer is never far away. The nearby towns of Logan and Nelsonville sparkle with lights and small-town charm through December. Logan’s annual Christmas Parade takes viewers back in time as parade floats, bands and performance groups move through town. The celebration continues with holiday-themed shopping and dining in the historic downtown.
Nelsonville’s historic Public Square glows with Christmas decorations, and you can step back in time with a ride on the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway’s Santa Train.
If you crave a little adrenaline with your holiday cheer, winter in Hocking Hills won’t disappoint. Frozen trails invite adventure – just bring traction cleats and layers. Ice formations turn familiar waterfalls into natural sculptures worth every slippery step. For something different, try winter ziplining, offered by several year-round outfitters. Gliding through frosty treetops is an unforgettable way to experience the winter landscape from above.
Plan your Hocking Hills escape at ExploreHockingHills.com or call 740 385 9706.
Medina
If you’re traveling to see friends and family or planning a getaway, Medina County will be waiting to host you.
Enjoy fine dining in communities decked completely out in Hallmark Christmas fashion in both Wadsworth and Medina. Thyme2 in Medina offers both upscale and pub-style dining. Their extensive wine list and cocktail menu pair perfectly with a crafted dinner menu or your favorite brick oven, fire-roasted pizza. The Vue in Wadsworth offers a large bar for gathering and meals set by an award-winning chef.
If you have a person who seems impossible to shop for, perhaps a gift of an experience would be just right. Schedule an evening at Escape Wadsworth and dive into a world of mystery and puzzles, where every clue brings you closer to saving the “family fortune.”
If you’d still like a present to wrap, you’re invited to find the ultimate unique gift at Sweets & Geeks in Medina. Their store offers nostalgic drinks, candy from around the world and Funko Pops for collectors. If you’re shopping for a book lover, Black Cat Books in Medina will be a must-stop. Another great place to find a unique gift is The Common Ground in Medina. There are several holiday pop-up markets in this refurbished pickle factory, along with shops selling candles, pottery, clothing and vintage items.
Is it any wonder why people travel from all over the country to visit Castle Noel? As America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas attraction, it’s sure to set your holiday mood or encourage your inner child. With displays from New York City storefronts, costumes from beloved Christmas classics and set pieces from holiday stop-motion movies, you will experience excitement and nostalgia on the guided tour. Purchase tickets at CastleNoel.com.
No holiday would be complete without time together. In Brunswick, you can spend an entire weekend sharing pizza, playing arcade games, racing go-karts or practicing your cannonballs, just like Kevin in “Home Alone.” Brunswick Comfort Suites is right off Interstate 71 and offers award-winning lodging surrounded by dining, Scene 75 and walkable to Brunswick Lake Park. Visitors can explore the wooded area on a 1-half-mile trail that winds through the forest, passing near wetlands.
New Philadelphia
Step into a storybook season filled with wonder and warmth in New Philadelphia.
Climb aboard Ohio’s only Polar Express train ride, glide across a sparkling ice rink and stroll through a beautifully adorned Victorian home.
Wander through charming boutiques to find one-of-a-kind treasures; then cozy up with the rich flavors of local cafes, restaurants, wineries and breweries. When the day is done, drift off into sugar plum dreams in one of the welcoming hotels, cabins or cozy B&Bs.
There is nothing more magical than experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a child. Plan to share the Polar Express train ride with them Dec. 4-7 and 11-14 at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. Learn more and purchase your tickets at DennisonDepot.org.
To learn more about Tuscarawas County, go to TravelTusc.com.
Steubenville
From late November through early January, downtown Steubenville transforms into a winter wonderland filled with color, creativity and community spirit.
The celebration begins Nov. 28, with Steubenville Lights Up the Night – an evening that features the lighting of the 30-foot Christmas tree, a blessing ceremony and a spectacular fireworks display over Fort Steuben Park. This opening night also marks the start of Christmas at the Fort, a beloved event that continues every weekend through Dec. 28.
Set amid Fort Steuben Park, Christmas at the Fort and its Holiday Market feature more than 20 artisan booths encircling the massive Christmas tree, complete with two model trains running around its branches. Families can enjoy trolley rides, puppet shows, movies and visits with St. Nicholas while strolling through the market under a canopy of lights and festive music. Inside the Fort Steuben Visitor Center, guests will find Letters to Santa, a model train village and a Christmas Shoppe with locally crafted gifts. The reconstructed 18th-century Fort Steuben is also open for tours with a small donation.
Just steps away, the Jefferson County Courthouse on Market Street glows with a dazzling Sound & Light Show, presented by the county commissioners. The show opens during Steubenville Lights Up the Night and continues each weekend through Christmas, adding even more sparkle to the city’s downtown celebration.
Of course, no holiday season in Steubenville would be complete without the world-famous Steubenville Nutcracker Village, now celebrating its 11th year. Running from Nov. 25 through Jan. 9, this free event features more than 200 larger-than-life Nutcrackers, each handcrafted and locally produced. Depicting figures from literature, history, film and popular culture, the Nutcrackers create dozens of photo opportunities and have become a signature attraction for the Ohio Valley region.
The Steubenville Cultural Trust, which created the Nutcracker Village, continues to expand the experience with festive activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the Advent Market, enjoy hayrides, visit the Children’s Corner, sip warm drinks in the Glühwein Garden and more. New this year, the Trust is partnering with the Canton Ballet to present two performances of The Nutcracker Ballet on Nov. 29, in celebration of the ballet company’s 60th anniversary. Tickets are available at SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com. Visitors can also stop by Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe for holiday gifts and to pick up an event schedule.
The excitement continues Dec. 6 with the annual Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade, which fills 4th Street with colorful floats, dance troupes and marching bands at noon. That same day, the historic Grand Theater, currently under restoration, will open its doors for tours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., while Historic Beatty Park hosts Christmas in the Park with a live nativity, choirs, hayrides, children’s crafts and a visit from Santa Claus.
For a complete schedule of events and more information, go to VisitSteubenville.com or SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com.
Seaman
If there’s one holiday treat that sparks both curiosity and nostalgia, it’s the classic fruitcake – and at Yoder’s Bakery and Furniture in Seaman, fruitcake is serious business.
For decades, folks across the country have placed their holiday orders for Yoder’s famous loaves, once known as Keim’s Fruitcakes.
The recipe dates back to the 1970s, when Roy Keim sold his wife’s homemade pies and fruitcakes from a horse-drawn buggy parked along a rural roadside. Word of mouth – and perhaps a few cross-country truckers – carried the legend of that moist, flavorful loaf far beyond Ohio. Now, each year, people from coast to coast call 937 386 9995 to have one shipped to their doorstep.
Step inside Yoder’s Bakery and Furniture and you’ll quickly discover it’s far more than a place to pick up a loaf of bread or a pie. It’s an authentic Amish variety store where fresh-baked aromas drift through the air.
Every morning, Amish bakers prepare fruit pies, cookies, cinnamon rolls and seasonal favorites right in view of customers.
Midday visitors can grab a bite at the full-service deli, where meats and cheeses are sliced fresh to order.
Beyond the bakery, Yoder’s feels like a treasure hunt for the senses. The store overflows with handcrafted gifts – wooden toys, quilts, candles, wicker baskets and wall art by P. Graham Dunn.
The back section showcases beautiful, Amish-made furniture, including dining sets, hutches, gliders and bedroom pieces, each built with care and attention to quality. Outside, you’ll even find additional buildings stocked with seasonal bargains, including patio furniture and storage barns.
Tucked along the Appalachian Highway (state Route 32) in southern Ohio, Yoder’s Bakery and Furniture is a pilgrimage. Visitors come to enjoy an unhurried shopping experience wrapped in warmth, craftsmanship and old-fashioned hospitality.
Yoder’s Bakery and Furniture is located at 2621 Burnt Cabin Road. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. Call the store at 937 386 9995 or go to YodersBakeryAndFurniture.com.
Cambridge
Step into a winter wonderland this holiday season in historic downtown Cambridge.
Located just off Interstates 70 and 77, Dickens Victorian Village is celebrating its 20th anniversary. From Nov. 1 through Jan. 1, the streets come alive with the magic of Victorian England, transporting visitors to the world of Charles Dickens and the festive charm of a bygone era. This beloved Ohio tradition draws visitors from near and far, all eager to experience the joy, nostalgia and holiday cheer that fills every corner of this enchanting town.
As you stroll or drive along Wheeling Avenue, nearly 100 intricately crafted Victorian scenes greet you, each telling its own story. Some are tucked into shop windows, while others line the streets, creating a living storybook experience.
From street vendors and bustling holiday markets to scenes of carolers, chimney sweeps and joyful townsfolk, every display captures the whimsy and warmth of Dickensian England. Families, friends and visitors of all ages will find themselves immersed in the festive spirit, camera in hand to capture these enchanting moments.
Throughout the season, Dickens Victorian Village offers a wide variety of events and activities to keep the festive spirit alive. History enthusiasts and thrill-seekers can enjoy Cemetery Tours to explore local legends and Victorian-era stories, or hop aboard a Trolley Ride for a narrated tour of the decorated streets. Those looking for a more leisurely experience can indulge in a Victorian Tea, complete with elegant treats, or take a romantic spin through the village on Carriage Rides every Friday and Saturday evening, soaking in the magic of the lights and festive scenes.
Start your visit at the Dickens Welcome Center, the perfect hub to plan your day. Here, you can learn about the village’s history, which began two decades ago with a vision to bring the spirit of Charles Dickens’ England to Cambridge.
As evening falls, make your way to the Guernsey County Courthouse for the Holiday Light Show, a dazzling display of 85,000 synchronized lights set to festive music.
For information and special offers, go to DickensVictorianVillage.com.
Portsmouth
When the holiday season sweeps through southern Ohio, few places shine quite like downtown Portsmouth. Each year, beginning at Thanksgiving and carrying on through New Year’s – and sometimes even longer – the city transforms into a true winter wonderland with Winterfest. It’s no surprise that Winterfest played a key role in Portsmouth being named a Hallmark Hometown Christmas Town.
Walking into Portsmouth during Winterfest feels like stepping into a storybook. Twinkling lights frame historic streets; storefronts are decorated with holiday cheer; and the air buzzes with anticipation.
One of the most spectacular sights is Boneyfiddle in Lights, a tradition introduced just last year and already a fast favorite. This dazzling display transforms the historic Boneyfiddle District into a glowing wonderland, with new light features added each season.
The event’s centerpiece is the ice-skating rink, where skaters of all ages lace up and glide under the open sky. The rink has become a beloved tradition, drawing both locals and visitors who want to relive childhood memories or create new ones.
Local craft vendors line the streets, offering everything from handmade ornaments and cozy scarves to artisanal candles and unique jewelry.
For those craving a bit of old-fashioned charm, horse-drawn carriage rides provide a magical way to experience downtown Portsmouth.
And, of course, no holiday celebration would be complete without a visit from Santa Claus himself – but at Winterfest, meeting him is now more magical than ever. The newly added attraction, Santa’s Magical Elevator, takes place inside the Winterfest gift shop. Families step into an elevator that whisks them away on a whimsical ride to the North Pole, where they’ll be greeted by the jolliest fellow of them all.
Pictured at top: Children enjoy Nutcracker Village in Steubenville.