Posted in Ohio Small Towns, Winter October 20, 2022 by

Christmas In These 10 Ohio Towns Looks Like Something From A Hallmark Movie

There’s no better place to be than small-town Ohio during the holidays. We’re quite fortunate to have so many Ohio Christmas towns. Our parks light up with Christmas cheer, carolers fill the shopping centers and our Main Streets are lined with Christmas trees. The following are 10 towns in Ohio you need to visit this season. Each one offers plenty of Christmas cheer and something unique to locals and visitors alike. It’s like something straight out of a Hallmark movie—and for a moment you’ll feel like you’re in one.

1. Gallipolis
Gallipolis In Lights/Facebook
Where the sidewalks are lined with Christmas trees and the bandstands are decked out for the holidays, the city park in Gallipolis lights up the night. Gallipolis in Lights in Gallipolis, Ohio is a true winter wonderland during the holiday season. It kicks off the day before Thanksgiving and continues until the new year arrives. There is no admission fee and you can stroll this lovely park anytime after dark throughout the holiday season.
Gallipolis, OH 45631, USA
2. Zoar
Historic Zoar Village/Facebook
The historic village of Zoar is one of Ohio’s most enchanting towns year-round, but it truly comes alive during the Christmas season. The historic Zoar Garden lights up the night, carolers stroll the town and the annual two-day Christmas in Zoar event features a truly unique tour of the town. This little Christmas town in OH is more than just a holiday town; it's a delight year-round!
Zoar, OH, USA
3. Chagrin Falls
Kevin Stolecki/Flickr
Chagrin Falls has a Main Street full of Christmas cheer every December. Take a stroll through the park and check out the local shops while you're here. Even the observation deck and stairway to the town's waterfall are decked out for the holidays. Be sure to stop by for a photo or two. When it comes to Hallmark Christmas towns in Ohio, this is one of the best.
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
4. Steubenville
Steubenville Nutcracker Village/Facebook
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Advent Market feature the largest display of life-size nutcrackers in the U.S., Christmas lights, vendors, caroling, and more at Fort Steuben Park. More than 150 nutcrackers will be on display from the end of November to the beginning of January. The Advent Market will take place every Friday - Sunday until December ends. It features Swiss-style chalets showcasing goods from local artisans and craft vendors.
Steubenville, OH, USA
5. Crocker Park
Crocker Park/Facebook
It's almost impossible to not be in the Christmas spirit while you get your holiday shopping done here. During the month of December, this popular shopping center goes all out for the holidays with a tree lighting ceremony, Christmas train rides, and visits with Santa.
Crocker Park Boulevard, Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145, USA
6. Grand Rapids
Downtown Grand Rapids Ohio/Facebook
This Christmas village in OH goes all out for the holiday season with a Christmas Open House, which features horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, twinkle lights, and more. Throughout the holiday season, the whole town is festively decorated.
Grand Rapids, OH 43522, USA
7. Middletown
Light Up Middletown/Facebook
Every holiday season, the town of Middletown celebrates by lighting up its city park. Smith Park sits in the heart of downtown and features 100 acres of dazzling lights. Light Up Middletown is a spectacular drive-thru light display that's open the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's Eve. It's open every night, rain, snow, or shine. This beautiful little Hallmark town in Ohio is truly a delight.
Middletown, OH, USA
8. Cambridge
Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge/Facebook
Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge is a must-see. 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.
Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
9. Kirtland
Friends of the Kirtland Ohio Stake/Facebook
Featuring 150,000 Christmas lights and more than 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world, this historic village features a unique holiday experience for families. The Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit opens for the season at the end of November and goes through the end of December.
Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
10. Easton Town Center
Ryan/Flickr
Every year, this popular central Ohio outdoor shopping mall is decked out in Christmas lights and decor for the season. The shopping center also features Santa visits, ice skating, and carolers. Come see why Christmas in Ohio is simply the best!
Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA

Have you been to any of these Ohio Christmas towns during the holiday season? What other towns in Ohio look straight out of a Hallmark movie during the holidays? Share your thoughts and experiences with us!

For more seasonal magic in Ohio, you will love this dreamy ride through the longest drive-thru light show in Ohio.

Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Gallipolis, OH 45631, USA
Address: Middletown, OH, USA
Address: Zoar, OH, USA
Address: Steubenville, OH, USA
Address: Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
Address: Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
Address: Crocker Park Boulevard, Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145, USA
Address: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: Grand Rapids, OH 43522, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Ohio Christmas Towns

December 13, 2019
April Dray

Where is the best Christmas town in Ohio?

It’s difficult to determine the best Christmas town in Ohio. Christmas in Ohio is magical in nearly every small town and big city. The Hallmark Channel named Portsmouth, Ohio its Hometown Christmas Town for 2019. It features a month-long Winterfest, complete with ice skating, Christmas lights, snow tubing, and local vendors. Other towns that go all out for the season that aren’t listed above include Medina, Delaware, Lebanon, and many more. 

Where should I go to celebrate Christmas in Ohio?

Aside from indulging in small-town Christmas charm in Ohio and visiting Ohio Christmas villages, there are also several holiday-themed train rides you can take in the Buckeye State. The Santa Claus Express and the Polar Express at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad are especially popular. You can even board The North Pole Express in Findlay, which is a quarter-scale train that takes you through a Christmas lights display. The Santa Train at the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway is another popular option. 

Where are the best Christmas lights displays in Ohio?

There are several Ohio Christmas lights displays that are worth a road trip. Some of the most popular drive-thru displays include Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware and Light Up Middletown in Middletown. The are also several displays you can walk through, including Christmas at Kingwood in Mansfield and the Akron Zoo Wild Lights. Ohio’s major cities feature zoo lights as well. Be sure to check out the Wild Lights at the Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo zoos. 

Address: Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Address: Gallipolis, OH 45631, USA
Address: Middletown, OH, USA
Address: Zoar, OH, USA
Address: Steubenville, OH, USA
Address: Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
Address: Kirtland, OH 44094, USA
Address: Crocker Park Boulevard, Crocker Park Blvd, Westlake, OH 44145, USA
Address: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Address: Grand Rapids, OH 43522, USA

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.