It's Not Christmas In Ohio Until You Do These 12 Enchanting Things
By April Dray|Published November 21, 2016
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
In spite of some lingering warm temperatures, the holiday season is offically on its way. Ohio is full of indoor and outdoor Christmas attractions that are sure to put you in the spirit—and you likely have your own holiday traditions as well that make it feel “a lot like Christmas.” The following are 12 Ohio attractions and traditions that we believe you simply have to do each holiday season. (Consider this your own Christmas bucket list of sorts for 2016.)
1. Pile into the car with family to ride around and look at Christmas lights.
(Pictured is the Collison’s Festival of Lights, which runs from Thanksgiving night to January 1 and is located at 5601 Westfall Rd. SW, Lancaster, OH 43130.)
Each year the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad features holiday themed train rides, and they’re downright magical. This year, The Polar Express runs on November 12-22, November 25-30 and December 1-20.
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4. Pay a visit to The Christmas Ranch.
April Dray/Only In Your State
This popular family fun attraction features a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, Christmas shops, pictures with Santa, wagon and train rides and hot food and drinks. The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152.
5. Attend your local Christmas parade and/or festival.
Each year this beloved estate goes all out for the holidays. This year, Deck The Hall takes place on November 25-27 and December 1-4, 8-23 and 26-30. Stand Hywet Hall and Gardens is located at 714 North Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303.
Most of Ohio's zoos and botanical gardens feature spectacular light shows each holiday season. (Pictured is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium WIldlights, which lasts from November 18th to January 3rd this year.)
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. It is located at 260 S. Court St.,
Medina, OH 44256.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are featured nightly from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (weather permitting) starting the day after Thanksgiving until December 31. Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316.
11. Experience an old world Christmas at Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge.
Take a trip back in time and explore 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.
12. Take a stroll through your town (or city's) public square.
