Ohio
Experiences|Events

11 Reasons Christmas In Ohio Is The Absolute Best

Published Dec 12, 2015

Written by 

April Dray

Christmas time in Ohio is special. Whether you're here every year for the season, or you simply find yourself back in town for the Christmas holiday to visit family, you know nothing beats a Christmas surrounded by the people you love in the state you (knowingly or unknowingly) love. Here are 11 simple reasons why Christmas time in Ohio is the absolute best:

1. There’s always a slight sliver of hope that it could snow on Christmas...

alt
Thomas Lillis IV/Flickr

...but, let's be real. That’s definitely not happening THIS year.

advertisement

2. Our zoos look like this:

alt
Sam Howzit/Flickr

(Pictured: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights, which is a magical winter wonderland from Nov. 30 - Jan. 2.)

3. Our shopping centers look like this:

alt
Ryan/Flickr

(Pictured: Easton Town Center, which is decked out in Christmas decor for the season, and features Santa visits, ice skating and carolers.)

advertisement

4. People everywhere start making these precious morsels of chocolate and peanut butter goodness...

alt
Steven Depolo/Flickr

...and no one makes them better than the Buckeye State.

5. Drive-through light displays pop up ALL over the state.

alt
Light Up Middletown/Facebook

(And they never get old.)

6. Also, light displays where you can get out and walk around are EVEN BETTER.

alt
Zagrev/Flickr

(Especially with our current 68 degree weather.)

advertisement

7. WE HAVE THE “A CHRISTMAS STORY” HOUSE.

alt
Tim Evanson/Flickr

Tour the iconic "A Christmas Story" House museum for $10 at 3159 W 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109.

8. We even have our own version of the Polar Express.

alt
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Flickr

During the holiday season, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad features the Santa Claus Express and the Polar Express.

9. Our towns REALLY get into the holiday spirit.

alt
Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge/Facebook

(Pictured: 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.)

10. It’s the perfect time to visit Castle Noel.

alt
Michelle/Flickr

Medina is home to "America's Largest Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction," which is open year-round and features hour-long tours of all things Christmas. Admission is $16 per person.

11. Our family time

alt
Brandon King/Flickr

(With no Michigan fans allowed, of course.)

What else makes Christmas in Ohio the absolute best?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

Grab a Stein and Your Lederhosen; The Largest Oktoberfest in America Is Right Here in Ohio

Grab a stein and your lederhosen, America's Oktoberfest returns to downtown Cincinnati from September 19-22, 2024.

Updated Sep 19, 2024

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Cincinnati has a proud German history that can be felt all throughout the city. From top-notch breweries to stunning Old World architecture, German culture is alive and thriving in Zinzinnati, Ohio. To top it all off, each fall, the sounds of polka music and smells of brats and schnitzel permeate the streets of Downtown Cincinnati, during the largest Oktoberfest in America.

advertisement

Cincinnati was founded in 1788 and has deep German roots from the many immigrants who were drawn to the town's bustling commercial and cultural hubs.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This history and heritage is a huge point of pride for the Queen City, and each fall, the streets of Downtown Cincinnati come alive during *the* Oktoberfest event of the year.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

The largest Oktoberfest in both Ohio and the entire country (and the second-largest in the world, in fact!) Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is in a league of its own.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

First held in 1976, more than 700,000 people attend this event each year. Live music and friendly competitions create a fun and lively atmosphere, as do the festival's signature events.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

From the World's Largest Chicken Dance...

advertisement
alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

...to the annual Running of the Wieners, everything about Cincinnati's Oktoberfest is extraordinary.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

Of course, the food is a quintessential part of the experience, and it doesn't disappoint. An estimated 80,500 bratwurst and 56,250 sausages are served each year, topped, of course, with 3,600 pounds of sauerkraut!

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

For those looking for a break from the brats (it happens!), the chicken-on-a-stick and chicken schnitzel sandwiches are delicious, and the perfect way to fuel up for the World's Largest Chicken Dance, of course!

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This annual festival showcases the rich German heritage of Southwest Ohio, as well as tasty samples of German-style music, food, and beer. Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is not merely an event; it's a cultural celebration, an experience that's become part of many Ohioan's most treasured family traditions.

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

We'll raise a glass to that -- Prost!

alt
Oktoberfest Zinzinnati/Facebook

This is one annual event you won't want to miss, so grab a stein and your lederhosen, and get ready to chicken dance all weekend long! This year's Oktoberfest Zinzinnati is September 19-22, 2024, in Downtown Cincinnati, and you can view a schedule of events on the website.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Events

Get Ready For The Sale Of The Year With The 690-Mile Yard Sale In Ohio

The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio, part of the world's longest yard sale, offers 690 miles of treasures from August 3-6, 2023.

Updated Jul 26, 2024

Written by 

April Dray

Did you know the world's longest yard sale goes right through the state of Ohio? It's a yard sale of epic proportions, featuring treasures upon treasures. The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio. Dates for the 127 Yard Sale are August 1-4, 2024. It is the world's longest yard sale, stretching across the north and south regions of Ohio, and is a 690-mile-long yard sale! This is one yard sale in Ohio you don't want to miss. Mark your calendars!

advertisement

Stretching across six states and featuring thousands and thousands of vendors, this massive yard sale is unlike anything you've ever seen!

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

Pictured is Cross's Campground in Camden, Ohio from the 2016 sale. If you love bargain hunting, this is a great place to start!

The sale goes all the way from Addison, MI to Gadsden, AL, and covers a total of 690 miles.

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

It's called the 127 Yard Sale because much of the route follows Highway 127.

As you can likely imagine, you'll find a little bit of everything at this massive sale.

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

From antiques and vintage decor to televisions and children's toys. To view a list of major vendor stops in a separate tab or window, visit the 127 Yard Sale website.

advertisement

127 Yard Sale 2024 will take place on August 1-4. Mark your calendars and start planning now!

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

Pictured is the MainStrasse Village portion of the sale in Covington, Kentucky, in years past.

As you hunt for treasures, you'll take in some scenery along the way.

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale/Facebook

It makes for an epic road trip you won't soon forget.

So, are you ready to go treasure hunting? It'll be a blast!

alt
127 Yard Sale - The World's Longest Yard Sale

Have you ever been to the 127 Yard Sale before? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Let us know in the comments.

advertisement

The 127 Yard Sale in Ohio is a must-see this August. Whether you've participated in this sale for years or are now intrigued to check it out, you will be amazed at all of the treasures there are to buy and cherish!

For more info on vendors, places to stay, and eat, and helpful tips, visit the 127 Yard Sale website. You can also get more information and see more photos on the 127 Yard Sale Facebook page.

Be sure to also watch this video about the World's Longest Yard Sale:

Looking for more great antique shopping in Ohio? We adore the town of Lebanon. This small town is a treasure trove of antique stores and vintage shops, and makes for an amazing day trip or weekend getaway in Ohio! Plan your stay in Lebanon and enjoy some fine antiquing:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/ohio/small-town-getaways-lebanon-oh/

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Hotels & Resorts

The Historic Guild House in Philadelphia is One of the Best Places I’ve Ever Stayed

by Sarah McCosham
on Oct 4
alt
State Pride
History

The Most Iconic View in Louisiana Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

Hike Picacho Peak State Park’s Sunset Vista Trail in Arizona for an Unforgettable Adventure

by Katie Lawrence
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Most Iconic View in Utah Is Also a Stunning Slice of History

by Jackie Sutherlin
on Oct 4
alt
Nature
Hiking

The 3.5-Mile Hiking Trail in Idaho That is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

by Courtnie Erickson
on Oct 4
alt