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If you’re dreaming of a cozy holiday escape filled with dazzling lights, charming streets, and heartwarming festivities, Ohio’s Christmas towns are sure to enchant you. From historic villages aglow with twinkling lights to quaint towns brimming with seasonal cheer, these destinations are perfect for making magical holiday memories.
Whether you’re seeking a Hallmark-style setting with festive parades and holiday markets or a place steeped in tradition and nostalgia, Ohio offers some of the best Christmas towns for a memorable season. Let’s explore these top spots that bring the holiday spirit to life!
Where is the Best Place to Go for Christmas in Ohio?
For a classic Christmas experience, head to Medina. This picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. From its historic town square adorned with sparkling lights to the annual Candlelight Walk, Medina embodies the warmth and charm of a traditional Christmas celebration. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, festive markets, and unique shops perfect for holiday gifts.
What Ohio Town Feels Like a Hallmark Movie?
Cambridge, with its charming Dickens Victorian Village, feels like stepping onto the set of a Hallmark Christmas movie. During the holidays, the town’s streets come alive with over 90 life-size Victorian mannequins, festive lights, and themed events. Visitors can enjoy the Courthouse Holiday Light Show, a dazzling synchronized display of lights and music, and immerse themselves in the magic of the season.
The 6 Most Christmassy Christmas Towns in Ohio
1. Christmas in Medina, Ohio
Medina is one of the best Christmas towns in Ohio, offering a charming holiday experience. The annual Candlelight Walk lights up the historic square with thousands of luminarias, live music, carolers, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Don’t miss Castle Noel, America’s largest indoor Christmas attraction. This 40,000-square-foot wonderland features vintage NYC Christmas window displays, holiday movie props, and the Blizzard Vortex. Open year-round, it’s the perfect place to capture the spirit of Christmas in Ohio!
2. Christmas in Cambridge, Ohio
Cambridge is one of the most enchanting Christmas towns in Ohio, offering unique holiday traditions and stunning light displays. The Dickens Victorian Village brings history to life with 96 Victorian-era scenes featuring 168 handcrafted figures dressed in authentic vintage clothing. Stroll the streets and experience "The Most Unique Holiday Experience in the Midwest."
The Guernsey County Courthouse Light Show is another must-see attraction, featuring over 85,000 lights, a 20-foot Christmas tree, and 60 animated displays synchronized to festive music. Running nightly from November to early January, it’s a highlight of the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. From cozy cafés to charming shops, Cambridge is a magical destination to celebrate Christmas in Ohio!
3. Christmas in Cleveland, Ohio
Nothing says Christmas like a tour of “A Christmas Story” House. That’s right, you can actually visit and go inside at the house used to film the 1980s Christmas movie classic, “A Christmas Story”.
A Christmas Story House is open to the public year round. You can take a tour, visit the museum (which contains original props, costumes, and other memorabilia from the film), and shop at the gift shop. Who doesn’t need a leg lamp after all?!
Not only can you take a tour of the house, you can actually stay overnight! Put on your best bunny jammies and stay in the “A Christmas Story” House or enjoy your night at the neighboring Bumpus House.
4. Christmas in Zoar, Ohio
Zoar is one of the best Christmas towns in Ohio, offering an enchanting glimpse into old-fashioned holiday traditions. During the Christmas in Zoar Village Festival, the village comes alive with sparkling lights, live music, and artisan vendors selling handmade gifts. Stroll through beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, and warm up with mulled cider or hot chocolate.
Explore the village’s historic sites, including the blacksmith and tinsmith shops, and learn about early American and German holiday traditions, including visits from Belsnickel and Kristkind. Shop for unique holiday gifts at the Zoar Store, Bakery, and artisan craft booths, while enjoying festive choirs and carolers throughout the village.
Zoar’s blend of history, charm, and holiday cheer makes it a must-visit destination among the best Christmas towns in Ohio!
5. Christmas in Cincinannti, Ohio
Chagrin Falls is a storybook winter wonderland and one of the best Christmas towns in Ohio. Its iconic waterfall glows with festive lights, and the Holiday Stroll features Santa, carolers, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. Local shops and bakeries offer unique gifts and holiday treats.
Nearby, enjoy seasonal favorites like the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, Winterfest at Kings Island, and outdoor skating at the UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square. Chagrin Falls is the perfect spot for holiday cheer and festive fun!
6. Christmas in Granville, Ohio
Granville is a cozy holiday escape and one of the best Christmas towns in Ohio. Known for its annual Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour, the town transforms into a glowing wonderland with candlelit streets, sparkling trees, and luminaries. Visitors can enjoy live performances, holiday markets, and horse-drawn carriage rides.
With historic inns, beautifully decorated storefronts, and a warm small-town charm, Granville offers a magical holiday experience perfect for celebrating the season!
Experience Christmas in Ohio with Flightgift
Ready to start your holiday adventure? Ohio’s Christmas towns are filled with opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether you’re enjoying a light show in Cambridge, sipping cocoa in Medina, or strolling through the candlelit streets of Granville, there’s something for everyone to love.
Make your holiday season even brighter with a thoughtful gift of experience. An airline or hotel gift card from Experiencegift is the perfect way to share the magic of travel and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Because the best gifts aren’t things—they’re the experiences you share together.
