Now that the leaves have fallen and winter temperatures have taken over north central Ohio, it is time to watch Ashland, Knox and Richland Counties transform into winter wonderlands.
Whether you’re a “Christmas cheer starts Nov. 1” loyalist or a “Holiday cheer doesn’t start until after thanksgiving” traditionalist, this guide is for you.
This guide is organized by county and dates of events.
Ashland County
Ashland
Ashland University Madrigal Feaste — Nov. 20-23, 6:30 p.m.
The 49th annual event, presented by the AU Department of Music, will feature four performances from Thursday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 23, at Redwood Hall. The dinner theater starts a 6:30 p.m. and includes performances by the AU Chamber Singers, a select vocal ensemble on campus. More information and ticket purchases here.
Downtown Ashland Window Decorating Contest — Nov. 21- Dec. 6
Vote on your favorite window decorations while walking around downtown Ashland by scanning the QR code displayed on the window. More information here.
Holiday Shop Hop in Downtown Ashland — Nov. 21-22, Nov. 28-29
An annual shopping event where shoppers who receive five punches on their shop-hop card from purchasing something at each participating stop receive a goodie bag. Each bag has a bingo card, participants who get bingo will be entered into a special drawing. More information here.
Ashland Kroc Center Holiday Craft Show — Nov. 29, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Kroc Center holiday arts and crafts show will feature two full rooms of local vendors offering unique, handmade and specialty items. Some of the featured goods include crocheted items, alpaca products, wood crafts, handbags, baked goods and more. The event is open to all at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, located at 527 E. Liberty St. More information here.
Candy Cane Trail — Nov. 29- Jan. 4, dusk to 9:30 p.m.
The annual Christmas lights trail walk-through at Freer Field, located at 1301 Park Street, opens on Nov. 29 with the inaugural lighting and hot chocolate provided by Downtown Perk inside Freer Barn. the 0.75-mile loop features holiday light displays and festive music.
On Dec. 16, 17 and 18 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. the Ashland County Parks District will provide golf cart rides for guests with limited mobility to experience Candy Cane Trail. Rides start at the Freer Field Visitor Center. More info here.
Lights and Delights drive-through — Thursdays through Sundays, 6–9 p.m., all December long (closed Christmas Day).
For the first time ever, the Ashland County Fairgrounds will be transformed into a drive-through Christmas light display starting Dec. 4. The prices are $10 per car, $10 for an eight-person horse-drawn-carriage ride, $20 per small bus or transport van and $50 per large/charter bus. More information here.
Christmas parade, tree lighting and fireworks — Dec. 6, 6 p.m.
The annual Christmas parade will go through Ashland Main Street starting at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the downtown Christmas tree lighting and a fireworks show. More information here.
A Freer Home Christmas — Dec. 12-14 and 19-21 from 6-10 p.m.
Freer Home museum will have festive exhibits, hot chocolate, a dozen, decorated Christmas Trees and more. Admission is free. More information here.
Breakfast with Santa — Dec. 13, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Meet Santa Clause at Uniontown Brewing Company. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time for the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. seating, which include crafts, a coloring contest, breakfast, letters to Santa and meeting and photo opportunities with Santa. More information here.
An evening with Santa — Dec. 13, 5-8 p.m.
Meet Santa Clause for free at Freer Field Visitor Center, located at 1301 Park St., and enjoy popcorn and hot chocolate provided by Downtown Perk. More information here.
Drop-In Nature Craft: Make an Ornament — Dec. 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Create your own unique ornament using “tree cookies,” slices of real wood, at the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center, located at 748 County Road 1754. More information here.
Loudonville
A Christmas Carol: An Arts Alive Musical — Nov. 20-22, 7 p.m., Nov. 23, 2 p.m.
A Christmas Carol: An Arts Alive Musical is a new interpretation of Charles Dickens’ holiday story, on stage at The Ohio Theatre in November. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for seniors, $11 for students aged 15-18 and free for kids under age 4. More information here.
Christmas at the Castle — Nov. 28 to Dec. 27, 3:30-9:30 p.m. Closed Dec. 24-25
Stroll through the Landoll’s Mohican Castle grounds, which will be adorned with over 150,000 lights, outdoor Christmas trees, and festive tunes. Santa Clause will be at the pavilion every Friday and Saturday from 5-8 p.m. starting Nov. 28 until Dec. 20. Parking is $10 per car at the gate on Friday and Saturday, and free on all other evenings. More information here.
Mohican Christkindlmarkt — Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 5-9 p.m.
Stroll through festive stalls offering handmade gifts, seasonal décor, and delicious foods, all while enjoying music and old-world charm in downtown Loudonville on South Water Street. More information here.
Light up Loudonville residential light display — Dec. 5
The Loudonville Mohican Chamber of Commerce will host the first residential holiday light display contest. To enter your house, email chamber@loudonvillechamber.com or call 419-994-4798 and provide your name, address and phone number. The chamber will judge the homes on the evening of Dec. 5 and announce the top three winners on Dec. 6.
Mistletoe on Main — Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The all-day event is in conjunction with the shop hop and Christkindlmarkt.
- 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Holiday scavenger hunt at the Loudonville Public Library, located at 122 East Main St.
- 1-3 p.m.: Surprise holiday film at the Ohio Theatre, located at 156 North Water St.
- 6 p.m.: Lighting of the Christmas tree in the park, with Christmas caroling by the Loudonville-Perrysville choir.
Loudonville Christmas Parade & Shop Hop — Dec. 6, 1-3 p.m.
The annual parade starts at 2 p.m. on Main Street, featuring an appearance from Santa Clause. The downtown shops will have holiday sales and refreshments. More information here.
Loudonville Lions Club Christmas Carnival — Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m.
The Loudonville Lions Club invites families to the Christmas Carnival, located at 643 Wooster Road, where there will be games, prizes, refreshments and Santa. Tickets to play games cost 25 cents, but if children bring non-perishable items to support Helping Hands, they can receive up to five free tickets. More info here.
Richland County
Mansfield
Christmas at Kingwood Garden — Nov. 29- Dec. 30, 3-9 p.m.
This annual holiday event features Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and organizations displayed in Roost Hall and the Carriage House, holiday decor in Kingwood Hall Mansion and the Display Greenhouse and holiday shopping in the visitor center. The event is closed Dec. 1, 5, 8, 15, 24 and 25. Other notable dates with special events include:
- Dec. 6-7: Photos with Santa, 4-8 p.m.
- Dec. 11-14: Ashland Model Railroaders and Railfans Train Display, all day
- Dec. 18-19: Reindeer visit Kingwood, all day
- Dec. 19: St. Peter’s Handbell Choir, 4-6 p.m.
More information and ticket purchasing here.
Christmas at Oak Hill Cottage — Sundays, Nov. 23- Dec. 28, 2-5 p.m.
Christmas at Oak Hill Cottage offers a tour of the historic Oak Hill Cottage, decorated for the Holidays, for $5 for adults. There will also be a “Ghosts of Christmas Past” tour on Dec. 6 from 6-8 p.m. where re-enactors in period costume will share stories. Purchase tickets here.
Tiny Tim Shoppe — Nov. 22- Dec. 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
At the Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe, with the assistance of a volunteer, children will pick out gifts, then wrap and tag them. The shop has gifts that are suitable for friends and family of all ages for children to pick from. Gifts are $25 or less. One reservation must be made per each child shopping, and there are four time slots available per each 30 minutes. Reserve your slot and find more information here.
Mansfield Art Center Winter Market — Nov. 22- Dec. 31, times vary
The 56th annual winter market transforms the galleries into a marketplace filled with art, handmade crafts and more. The market showcases the work of local artists and sourced gift items from small businesses around the globe. Mansfield Art Center is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information here.
Christmas Time in the City — Dec. 5, 5-9 p.m.
This annual event includes the downtown tree lighting at Richland Carousel Park, located at 75 North Main St., at 6 p.m. The event also includes live reindeer, carriage rides, photos with Santa Clause, an ice sculpting demo and Christmas caroling. For more information and carriage ride ticket purchasing, click here.
Blood Prison Christmas Incarceration — Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 7-11 p.m.
Christmas Incarceration transforms the festive season into a Christmas horror experience at the Ohio State Reformatory. Guests will wander through the haunted house where horrifying Christmas characters lurk at every corner. More information and ticketing here.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Mansfield Playhouse — Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m.
A couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant is faced with casting the rowdy Herdman kids. The Christmas comedy is accepting advance ticket purchases here.
Meet the Grinch at Richland Carousel Park — Dec. 6, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Enjoy meeting and getting pictures with the Grinch at Richland Carousel Park, located at 75 North Main St., with every donation in the toy drive. The first 30 people will get free carousel rides. All donations will do directly to a local shelter. More information here.
Richland Academy of the Arts: The Nutcracker Ballet — Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m.
Richland Academy of the Arts’ annual production of The Nutcracker showcases the talent and passion of local dancers, bringing the holiday classic to the Renaissance Theatre stage. Ticket pricing depends on seating. Purchase tickets and find out more here.
Herlihy Christmas Open House — Dec. 11, 12, 13, 14 from 6-9 p.m.
The Herlihy Christmas House is a private family home that welcomes the public to enjoy over 35 decorated Christmas trees, trains and holiday collections. This home, located at 170 West Second St., is open for private tours of 20 or more, requiring a $2 cash donation per person. Visitors can park at the Herlihy Funeral Home next door. Contact Terri Herlihy at 419-544-9863 or email terri52270@gmail.com to schedule a tour. More information here.
One Night, One Man Christmas Carol Featuring Michael Thomas — Dec. 12, 7:30-10 p.m.
Renaissance Artistic Director Michael Thomas portrays over 250 characters in this solo retelling, complete with wigs, props, puppets and audience participation. Expect sing-alongs, games, and prizes at the one-night-only event. Tickets are $50 for general admission seating in the Ghostlight Lounge, located in the Renaissance Theatre at 138 Park Avenue West. Sales fundraise support for the Renaissance Performing Arts Association. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
A Who-Ville Holiday Event — Dec. 13, 2-5 p.m.
The 10th annual Who-Ville Holiday event returns to the Malabar Intermediate School Gymnasium, located at 205 West Cook Road. At the event, each kid is promised to receive a new toy, new pair of gloves and a new hat. There will also be a hot chocolate station, cupcake decorating, visits with Santa, face painting, nail painting and more. More information here.
We Wish You A Jazzy Christmas Featuring the Artistic Jazz Orchestra — Dec. 13, 7:30-10 p.m.
The Artistic Jazz Orchestra, led by Paul Martin, will perform festive jazz renditions of timeless Christmas tunes, accompanied by vocals from Kelly Knowlton, a vocal ensemble and dancers from Richland Academy of the Arts. Ticket pricing depends on seating at the Renaissance Theatre, located at 138 Park Avenue West. Purchase tickets and find more information here.
Youth Orchestra: Holiday Prelude — Dec. 14, 3:30 p.m.
The Holiday Prelude is a festive concert featuring the Mansfield Symphony Youth Orchestra, composed of student musicians from a 12-county region. The performance includes new arrangements of holiday favorites and orchestral classics at the Renaissance Theatre, located at 138 Park Avenue West. Purchase tickets and find more information here.
Mansfield Symphony: Holiday Pops – Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.
The Mansfield Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Pops concert features a mix of classic holiday carols, contemporary holiday tunes and new favorites performed by over 55 talented musicians. Ticket pricing depends on seating at the Renaissance Theatre, located at 138 Park Avenue West. Purchase tickets and find more information here.
Christmas Eve Outdoor Community Church — Dec. 24, 7-8 p.m.
Open to all, a Christmas eve outdoor community church service will be hosted at the Central Park Gazebo in downtown Mansfield, located at 29 Park Ave. East. More information here.
Ontario
Christmas at Alpaca Meadows — Nov. 5 – Dec. 31, Wednesday-Saturday, 12-4 p.m.
Stroll the Alpaca Meadows farm and meet alpacas and Angora goats. The farm store will also be filled with holiday gifts made from Alpaca wool and goat milk. The event does not run on Thanksgiving or Christmas. More information here.
Christmas tree lighting at Marshall Park — Dec. 4 5:45-7 p.m.
The Christmas tree lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Marshall Park, located at 3375 Milligan Road. Prior to the lighting, there will be a candlelight vigil at 5:45 p.m., hot chocolate at 6 p.m., live music until the tree lighting and more. More information here.
Christmas for the birds at Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Dec. 13, 2-5 p.m.
Stop by the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, located at 3774 Orweiler Road, to meet Santa, make Christmas crafts, decorate cookies and more. The cost is $25 per vehicle and visitors must preregister for the event online here.
Shelby
Shelby Christmas in the City and parade — Nov. 30, 2-7 p.m.
The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Shelby’s Main Street and is followed by the tree lighting and a fireworks show. Downtown businesses will offer various treats and activities leading up to the parade, including face painting at Lottie and Lemon Boutique, a gingerbread house display at Black Fork Brewing, and Santa and Mrs. Claus will hand out candy canes from 2-5 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building. More information here.
Breakfast with the Grinch — Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to noon
Enjoy pancakes and sausage with the Grinch at Shelby Dream Center, located at 109 Auburn Ave. Plates cost $10 for adults, $2 for children and toddlers aged 2 and under eat for free. Reserve your spot by calling 419-610-9764. More information here.
Christmas Bazaar — Dec. 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Parish is hosting its annual Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s School, located at 26 West St. The free event includes vendors, raffle tickets, baked goods, a candy shop, cookie walk, kids activities and more. More information here.
Lexington
Light up Lexington — Dec. 1, 6:45 p.m.
At this annual event, visitors can meet Santa’s reindeer, enjoy hot chocolate, treats, food truck vendors and more at Lexington Plaza, located at 35 West Main St. The Lexington High School Una Voce and Symphonic Band will perform Christmas tunes. And there will be a surprise visitor arriving on a fire truck.
Bellville
Christmas at Kleer View Farms — Nov. 22- Dec. 21, times vary
The Kleer View Christmas Tree farm offers live Christmas tree shopping, Reindeer petting, Christmas house tours and wagon rides. Christmas house tours will be available on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Santa’s Barnyard Express, which includes petting Reindeer and other farm animals, is open during normal hours Monday through Friday from 2-5 p.m. and weekends 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information here.
Yule Log and tree lighting — Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Bellville’s annual tree lighting celebration will take place at the Bellville Bandstand, located at 111 Main St. Before and after the tree lighting, visitors can enjoy music, hot chocolate, wassail, cookies, live reindeer and a visit with Santa Claus. More information here.
Christmas Parade — Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
Tina’s annual Christmas Parade will kick off at 11 a.m. in downtown Bellville, with parade line-up beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Bell Street and Ogle Street. The parade encourages floats as well as walking or riding groups. Register to be in the parade by emailing tinaschristmasparade@gmail.com.
After the parade, stop by the old fire department/township building, located at 115 Main St., for free hot chocolate, cookies, hot dogs, crafts for kids, horse-drawn carriage rides and a visit with Santa Claus. More information here.
Experience Bethlehem — Dec. 12, 13 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 from 2-4 p.m.
Visitors can become a part of the live Christmas story as they travel through scenes of the birth of Jesus at Clear Fork Alliance Church, located at 1008 State Route 97. The free, indoor experience includes food tasting, historical reenactments and various shops all while guest follow the star to the manger where Jesus was born. More information here.
Plymouth
Christmas in the village — Dec. 5, 3-10 p.m. and Dec. 6, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
The 11th Christmas in the Village event returns to downtown Plymouth. This year, all attractions and entertainment are free. Each day will include all-day ice skating, a model train display, carousel and slide rides, small business shopping, food truck and spirit vendors, live entertainment and more. More information about the event here.
Friday’s event and activity lineup includes:
- A live nativity from 5-8 p.m.
- Wagon rides
- The Parade of Lights at 6:30 p.m.
- Visits with Santa at the old fire station, located at 20 Portner St., from 7:15-8:45 p.m.
- Christmas fireworks display at 9 p.m.
Saturday’s event lineup includes:
- Breakfast with Santa at the American Legion, located at 112 Trux St., from 8-10 a.m.
- Elf Village kids shopping experience at the museum, located at 7 East Main St., from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Santa’s reindeer exhibit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Visits with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3-5 p.m.
- Giant inflatable snow globe photo opportunity from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Train rides from 12-4 p.m
Lucas
Candlelight Holiday Tours at Malabar Farm State Park — Various dates and times
Enjoy self-guided tours of Louis Bromfield’s Big House decorated for the holidays. Tours are open Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 from 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 7 and 14 from 1-4 p.m. Volunteers will welcome guest and give short historical backgrounds of the rooms. There will be cookies and drinks at the end of the tour. Purchase tickets at the visitor center. More information here.
Knox County
57th annual performance of G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” — Nov. 23, 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University will present the 57th annual performance of G. F. Handel’s “Messiah” in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. Tickets are $10 per person; children through high school age are free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance here. This year’s presentation will be performed by the MVNU Choral Union, faculty and guest soloists and a chamber orchestra. More information here.
Shop Small Saturday — Nov. 29, all day
Discover unique treasures and enjoy special deals from local businesses while walking through decorated downtown Mount Vernon streets. More information here.
Winter in Downtown Mount Vernon— Nov. 30, 1:30-7 p.m.
Winter in Downtown includes the annual parade, lighting the public square, pictures with Santa and a photo booth. More information about the events here.
- Holiday Memories Photo Booth: Stop by the Grand Hotel, located at 12 Public Square, from 1:30-6:30 p.m. to take a picture in the Holiday Photo Booth.
- Annual Holiday Parade: The parade will begin at 4 p.m. and travel through downtown Mount Vernon. This year’s parade theme is “Once Upon a Holiday.” Participants are invited to bring their favorite winter, holiday or Christmas storybook to life in their floats.
- Lighting of Public Square: Gather in Public Square at 5 p.m. to watch the Christmas lights transform downtown into a winter wonderland.
- Pictures with Santa: Stop by the lower level of the Grand Hotel from 5:30-7 p.m. to meet Santa and take a picture with him.
Centerburg Heart of Ohio Holiday Shop Hop — Dec. 5, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 6 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Grab a punch card at any participating shop hop location and visit all to earn a chance for some prize drawings. More information here.
Central Ohio Youth Ballet Nutcracker — Dec. 6-7, times vary
The Central Ohio Youth Ballet will perform three shows of the Nutcracker at The Woodward Opera House on Thanksgiving weekend. Purchase tickets for the Dec. 6 shows, performed at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the Dec. 7 show at 2 p.m. online.
Fredericktown 25th annual Christmas Walk – Dec. 6, 4-7 p.m.
The free Christmas Walk will take place at Fredericktown Square and Main Street and includes visits with Santa, a gingerbread house contest, holiday craft-making and shopping. Contact hoamer@columbus.rr.com for more information.
Fire and Ice at Honey Run Waterfall — Dec. 6 — 5:30-9 p.m.
Nearly 800 luminary bags will be distributed throughout Honey Run Waterfall Park and guests may wander over the trails and around the falls to enjoy the holiday ambience. The Knox County Parks District asks attendees to bring shelf-stable food items and/or a monetary donation for Food for the Hungry of Knox County. Attendees can park their vehicles at the Millwood Church of Christ, located at 10900 Millersburg Road, and catch a free shuttle to the park. The last shuttle leaves at 8:45 p.m.
Gambier Village Lights Event — Dec. 7, 3-6 p.m.
Enjoy live music, artisan booths and Christmas lights on the Gaskin Street, which will be closed to traffic from Wiggin Street to Brooklyn Street. There will be free hot chocolate and ornament making at the Village of Gambier Tent. Several stores will offer holiday treats and deals for the event too.
Centerburg Cookie Walk — Dec. 7, 3:30-5 p.m.
The downtown Centerburg businesses welcome visitors to the annual cookie walk, where participating businesses will fill visitors’ bags with cookies. Visitors must purchase a cookie bag at the gazebo, located at 23 U.S. Route 36, for $20. The purchase comes with an ornament.
Danville Christmas Walk – Dec. 7, 5:30 p.m.
The annual Christmas Walk is led by Mary and Joseph, starting at the public square, the intersection of Market Street and Main Street, to Memorial Park. There will be caroling, hot chocolate and the live nativity after the walk. More information here.
Pictures with Santa — Dec. 10, 5:30-7 p.m.
Santa returns to the lower level of the Grand Hotel on Dec. 10 for another meet-and-greet and photo opportunity.
Festival of Lights — Dec. 12-14, all day
The sixth annual Festival of Lights Holiday Lighting Competition invites Mount Vernon city business and residents to showcase their best holiday light displays. The best-decorated homes or establishments will win one of four categories. For more information about guidelines and categories, visit Experience Mount Vernon’s website.
Breakfast with Santa — Dec. 13, 9-11 a.m.
Stop by Knox Memorial, located at 112 East High St., to enjoy pancakes, a Christmas movie, holiday craft-making and an opportunity to meet Santa. Tickets are $10 for kids 2 years of age or older, and free for kids younger than 2, and must be purchased by Dec. 11. More information here.
Bladensburg Christmas Parade — Dec. 14, 2 p.m.
The annual Bladensburg Christmas Parade is themed “Peanuts Gang Christmas.” Line up begins at 1 p.m. in the Bladensburg Community Center parking lot, located at 25821 New Guilford Road. The parade begins at 2 p.m. and Santa Claus will be in town to visit with kids behind Skeeterz Restaurant.
A Muppet Christmas Carol — Dec. 21, 3-5 p.m.
Knox Memorial Theater will screen a free showing of A Muppet Christmas Carol. Prior to the show, there will be a hot chocolate bar until supplies run out. More information here.
Where to find other nearby events
- TourismOhio published a 2025 holiday events guide and a list of holiday lights trails, both broken down by region. The website also lists unique holiday experiences, holiday towns and holiday getaways in Ohio.
- If you want to travel to Columbus for larger holiday events, visit Experience Columbus’ website for information about events, such as light show at the Columbus Zoo, Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a holiday drone show and more.
- For a list of family events, unique shopping experiences, outdoor activities and other holiday happenings in Cleveland, visit This is Cleveland’s website.