Carolers, twinkle lights, children eagerly lining up to see Santa; this is the magic of Christmas, and it’s alive and well in the Buckeye State. Ohio certainly makes the most of this magical season, stretching the festivities from November well into the New Year. Across the state, you’ll find Christmas towns that you thought only existed in your imagination — or, at the very least, a Hallmark movie. And if you’re looking for the most classic Christmas town in Ohio that’s straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, you’ll find it when you visit charming Gallipolis.

Gallipolis is a cozy little river town nestled in the southeast corner of Ohio. It's located right on the Ohio/West Virginia border and although just over 3,300 people call Gallipolis home, this town is teeming with pride and personality...
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
...especially at Christmas. If you're looking for a quintessential "classical" Christmas town in Ohio, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place more postcard-perfect than Gallipolis.
Charles Tkach/Google Local
Each year, this tiny-but-mighty town decks its halls and adorns its adorable streets with twinkle lights and tinsel galore.
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
The main attraction is Gallipolis in Lights, where thousands of lights fill the eponymous Gallipolis City Park from dusk 'til dawn through New Year's.
Frank Deeter/Google Local

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This Christmas extravaganza kicks off at the end of November with entertainment, live reindeer, and tasty seasonal treats like hot chocolate and cookies.
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Those looking to immerse themselves in the spirit of Christmases past can do so during the Heritage Lights Tour, wherein several Gallipolis museums come together to create exclusive Christmas events. Past years have featured the John Gee Black Historical Center's holiday display of antique children's toys and the Our House Museum, which brings an authentic 1800s Christmas to life!
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
Santa has also been known to fly in from the North Pole to visit this Christmas town and its residents, spreading lots of good tidings and cheer to the people of Gallipolis, Ohio.
Gallia County Convention and Visitors Bureau/Facebook
It's no wonder this town has caught Santa's eye -- in 2022, Gallipolis was was hailed as the Today Show's "Merriest Main Street!" What an honor.
Uddin Nipu/Google Local

Have you visited Gallipolis during the holiday season? If you’re looking for a charming Christmas town in Ohio that’s wholesome and classic, you’ll find it in gorgeous Gallipolis.

Can’t bring yourself to leave? Book a night or two in one of the many charming rentals in town, including this cozy cottage in Gallipolis.

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Gallipolis, OH 45631, USA