YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Looking for a winter road trip that’s overflowing with Christmas spirit and cozy vibes?

Out-of-the-way towns that brim with holiday warmth can be found throughout the tri-state area.

Each can be reached within a few hours of drive time and are well worth an overnight stay. All offer unique attractions that suit the season and small-town charm that shines brighter when it’s cold.

Here are some quick getaway ideas that are less than a tank away:

Steubenville

Like Youngstown, Steubenville was once dependent on steel but is transforming itself into a city of history, art, music and festivals. Each year culminates in a six-week celebration (Nov. 26-Jan. 10) that draws visitors from near and far.

The biggest attraction is the collection of over 200 unique, large-as-life nutcrackers depicting characters from literature, movies, the professions and entertainment that are arrayed throughout the downtown. The nutcrackers were created and crafted in Steubenville and painted by local artists. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Steubenville Nutcracker Village.

Visitors can explore the Nutcracker StoryWalk, view the Sacred Art Gallery: Nativity Scenes and admire a display of international nativity sets. On weekends there will be craft and food vendors, Polar Express hayrides and a Children’s Corner. For a complete schedule of events, go to SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com.

Just down the street, Historic Fort Steuben adds to the celebration with Christmas at the Fort – four weeks of family-friendly activities in Fort Steuben Park. Colorful lights, singing Christmas trees, projection mapping and a variety of photo opportunities fill the park daily. On weekends, St. Nicholas strolls through the Holiday Market; music fills the air while local bands and choirs perform in the Berkman Amphitheater. Children love the Kids Zone, Story Hours and special entertainment in the Christmas Pavilion.

Additional attractions at the Fort Steuben Visitor Center include a model railroad village, Sebastian the Singing Nutcracker, letters to Santa, an Art Exhibit and sale by the Steubenville Art Association, the Fort Christmas Shoppe and evening candlelit tours of Fort Steuben. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the Holly Trolley offers free tours of the downtown and some of the famous murals. Christmas at the Fort schedules can be found at OldFortSteuben.com.

A memorable lodging option downtown is the Bayberry House Bed and Breakfast, with two beautifully restored Victorian homes offering short- and long-term stays in the historic downtown. Just five minutes away is Franciscan Square, with the Best Western Inn & Suites, which features 113 rooms, an indoor pool, a fitness center and several nearby restaurants. From November to February, “The Rink,” for outdoor ice skating, is open to the public.

A stay at Steubenville puts you close to other holiday venues, such as the famous Festival of Lights at Oglebay (Oglebay.com) in Wheeling, W.Va., and the Polar Express train in Dennison (DennisonDepot.org).

Marietta

There’s something magical about Christmas in Marietta, Ohio. Established in 1788 as the first permanent settlement in the Northwest Territory, Marietta is the oldest city in Ohio, and its history, festive traditions and vibrant downtown attract thousands of visitors each year. Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Marietta transforms into a holiday wonderland this time of year, which can make visitors feel as if they’ve stepped onto the set of a Hallmark movie.

The downtown is filled with a blend of long-standing shops and new businesses, all decorated for the holidays.

As visitors stroll through the charming streets, they’ll discover boutiques and small, locally owned businesses that take pride in their artisanal craftsmanship. Products include everything from hand-stitched quilts, jewelry, home decor items and more.

For a nostalgic holiday experience, free horse-drawn carriage rides will be available Dec. 7, 14 and 21.

The town’s Merry-Etta Christmas celebration includes the Holiday Tree Walk, where beautifully decorated trees are displayed throughout downtown. Visitors can also experience Marietta’s historic charm through loft tours, where downtown buildings open their doors to showcase stunning holiday decorations.

For those interested in history, Marietta’s holiday tours of historic homes and museums offer a festive look at the town’s past. The Castle, one of Marietta’s most well-known historic homes, is decorated for the season, offering tours that highlight its history and architecture. The Henry Fearing House and Henderson Hall also welcome visitors to experience their holiday splendor.

In addition to its historic homes, Marietta is home to the Campus Martius Museum, dedicated to the pioneers of the Northwest Territory. The museum offers special programming during the holiday season, making it a great place to learn more about the area’s history. Visitors can also take a scenic winter ride on the Valley Gem Sternwheeler or catch a holiday performance at either the Peoples Bank Theatre, the Tower Event Center or the Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater.

The holiday season in Marietta extends beyond Christmas with the annual Marietta Ice Festival, held in January. Downtown Marietta comes to life with intricate ice sculptures crafted by local artist Tyson Whistler of Whistler Ice Works. Visitors can watch live ice-carving demonstrations on the Armory lawn, where Tyson transforms blocks of ice into dazzling masterpieces. This chilly winter festival invites families to bundle up with a cup of hot cocoa as they explore downtown shops and marvel at the creativity of the sculptures.

For information about tourism and accommodations, go to MariettaOhio.org.

Cambridge

Only a Scrooge would miss Cambridge, Ohio’s Dickens Victorian Village, which runs daily through Jan. 1 throughout the city’s downtown.

Now in its 19th year, this immersive event has been called “The Most Unique Holiday Experience in the Midwest.”

Guests walk amid nearly 100 lifelike scenes, frozen in classic moments from life in the Victorian era. The characters, clad in vintage clothing, can be seen in first- and second-floor windows of businesses built in the 1800s, leaning on lampposts and sitting on benches. Each one has been meticulously sculpted and painted by local artisans. 

Stop by the Welcome Center in the heart of downtown Cambridge to visit with costumed volunteers, purchase gifts and souvenirs and gain a sneak peek into the event’s history.

Additional ticketed events like downtown trolley tours, cemetery tours and Victorian Teas (including one with Her Majesty Queen Victoria herself) keep the festive atmosphere going all season long.   

Other attractions include the 1881 Guernsey County Courthouse, where a holiday lights display dances to holiday music.

Learn more at DickensVictorianVillage.com. The latest Dickens Victorian Village video can be viewed HERE.

For more information on area attractions, events and overnight packages, go to VisitGuernseyCounty.com. 

Coshocton

Experience the holidays in a new yet classic way in Coshocton and Historic Roscoe Village.

Leave behind the hustle and bustle and discover the charm of small-town holidays. Find out what Christmas was like in the 1800s, experience an old-fashioned candlelighting ceremony, rejoice in a choir concert featuring more than 100 musicians and source unique gifts in the charming shops of Historic Roscoe Village. 

The annual Historic Roscoe Village Christmas Candlelighting Days takes place Dec. 7 and 14. Guests can walk the brick-lined sidewalks with a cup of cider or cocoa and see the village decked with greenery, twinkling lights and live trees. At the evening candlelighting ceremony at 6 p.m., guests gather in the center of the village, pass a flame between candles and watch as the 30-foot Christmas tree is lit. It’s a beautiful demonstration of peace and community between friends old and new.

To learn more about getaway packages, go to VisitCoshocton.com.

Historic Roscoe Village’s shops are housed in historic buildings filled with locally made items, including handcrafted leather, art, jewelry, home decor, artisan soaps, candles and gourmet pet treats. Others include old-fashioned candy, clothing, fine jewelry and Ohio wines. The village also has four restaurants and a coffee shop. Visit RoscoeVillageShops.com for information.

Orbisonia, Pa.

Maybe the most authentic Santa train ride in the country, and what Smithsonian calls a “national treasure,” is the East Broad Top Railroad in central Pennsylvania.

Rural farms and ancient mountains are the backdrop for this 150-year-old railroad and its 108-year-old steam engine, which pulls a train along narrow-gauge rails. Throughout  December, the East Broad Top Railroad runs a special holiday train driven by nostalgia, festive lights, cookies and hot chocolate. Families can also write their letters to Santa inside the railroad’s historic 1906 train station. 

Officially called Christmas in Coal Country, the holiday train ride is one hour long. Featuring “retro” heated passenger cars, trains depart Orbisonia Station and travel north, where guests encounter Santa along with a gift for every child.

For information, go to EastBroadTop.com.

Hocking Hills

Nestled in the heart of southeastern Ohio, Hocking Hills is a winter wonderland perfect for family holiday getaways. It is home to dramatic cliffs, dense forests and serene waterfalls, making it a natural playground.

During winter, a hike to Old Man’s Cave or Cedar Falls can be enchanting. The waterfalls freeze in cascades, and the trails glisten with frost, offering a magical winter landscape. Many trails are suitable for families, with clear markers and options for various experience levels.

For a “spirited” adventure, visit the area’s many wineries, distilleries and breweries. Many have live entertainment on weekends year-round. Test your puzzle-solving skills at High Rock Escapes or Hocking Hills Escape Room. Watch live demonstrations as glass masters create amazing glass art at Jack Pine Studios.

One of the biggest draws of Hocking Hills during the holidays is the charming variety of accommodations that cater to families. Staying in a cabin provides comfort and a sense of seclusion, perfect for quality family time. Cabins have cozy fireplaces, spacious living areas and kitchens to prepare family meals or even a holiday feast. Many properties offer hot tubs overlooking the snowy scenery and gourmet kitchens.

The Hocking Hills Tourism Association provides free Bakecation kits with everything you need for a holiday baking party, from a stand mixer to cookie cutters. You can reserve a Bakecation kit by calling 740 385 9706.

One seasonal highlight is the Hocking Hills Holiday Treasure Hunt. Families receive a treasure map that leads them through the region’s shops and galleries. It’s a great way to explore local crafts and holiday markets while entering to win great prizes. One winner will receive a Hocking Hills getaway for four.

To learn more, go to ExploreHockingHills.com.

Sandusky

Two Cedar Point resorts are ready to welcome friends and family to Ohio’s North Coast for a holiday celebration.

Kids and younger families can escape to Castaway Bay for Castaway Christmas, while the cozy woodland setting of Sawmill Creek Resort lights up for its Season of Joy. Both events run through Dec. 31.

A little bit of the North Pole comes to Cedar Point’s Castaway Bay year-round indoor waterpark hotel during Castaway Christmas.

The event features daily meet and greets with Santa, Merry Merry-oke sing-alongs, Reindeer Games competitions, holiday arts and crafts, live performances by a steel drum band and a special ship lighting ceremony in the main lobby. Castaway Bay’s resident characters such as Gordy the sea turtle and Flo the flamingo will meet guests throughout their stay.

The resort will also host a Noon-Year’s Eve celebration Dec. 31, giving kids the chance to create party hats, echo the halls with noisemakers and ring in 2025.

Learn more at CastawayBay.com.

Sawmill Creek shines bright with thousands of lights inside and out for its annual Season of Joy event.

The sounds of the holidays will echo throughout the resort with The Mistletones, a trio of merry songbirds performing in perfect harmony, and the Sawmill Carolers, with their a cappella four-part melodies. The merriment makers of the “Holiday Helper Hotline” show will bring festive music, heartwarming moments and questionable holiday advice to the audience. Hideout Holiday Trivia rounds out the entertainment lineup on Saturday nights.

Guests can escape to the Holiday Hideout, a pop-up bar serving seasonal cocktails and wine.

For a nominal fee, guests can enjoy the S’mores & More bar for customized sweet treats or take part in A Taste of the Season, where they’ll learn how to create holiday-themed libations.  

Learn more at SawmillCreekResort.com.

Pictured at top: The tree lighting ceremony in Marietta.