As things start to get chilly in Northeast Ohio, the last thing we locals want to do is stay cooped up indoors. After all, everyone knows that too much time at home leads to cabin fever! Fortunately, the Medina Candlelight Walk just south of Cleveland offers outdoor fun and beauty that's totally in the holiday spirit. Bundle up this season and pay a visit to this real-life model train town in neighboring Medina County.
Welcome to Medina, Ohio!
Medina was founded in 1818 and, though it has grown to over 26,000 residents, it has managed to maintain an incredible small-town milieu full of friendly people.
While its shops and restaurants are all beautiful, the outdoor atmosphere of Medina Square itself is irresistible.
No matter the season or time of day, you'll find people strolling through the lovely Medina Square. It is highly walkable, and at the center of the Square is Uptown Park, a pretty patch of greenery complete with a picturesque gazebo.
Each year at the end of November, Medina becomes more charming than ever during the Candlelight Walk.
This outdoor event takes place toward the end of November on a weekend, providing the ideal time to attend the annual Candlelight Walk. On this weekend, holiday window displays are unveiled, the man in red swings by to chat with little ones and ask what they want for Christmas, and all sorts of additional events are offered to make this season special.
During the candlelight walk (hosted by Main Street Medina), the historic streets are lined with -you guessed it - candles. It gives the streets a marvelous glow!
Be aware before you plan your visit that two of the four streets in Medina Square are one way roads. This community is super old-fashioned, so you'll want to pay close attention to those one way streets and the 25 MPH speed limit in and around Medina Square. Plan your parking spot in advance to make your planning easier.
And, of course, you'll get to see the most memorable tree lighting of the season.
What's an old fashioned holiday celebration without a tree lighting? Watch the Medina Square Gazebo light up brilliantly on the Friday date of the Candlelight Walk.
The decorations vary slightly each year, but the city is always brilliantly and tastefully decorated.
Medina truly feels like a town in a Victorian Christmas story. Its historic buildings, holiday cheer, and location just barely outside of the Snowbelt endow it with all of the necessary ingredients for a memorable holiday.
Plus, since it is outside, you'll be able to really enjoy the fresh air one last time before things get bitterly cold.
This event has had snow on certain years, while other years are snow-free. Either way, this charming town offers an incredible way to enjoy the outdoors before the bitterness of winter truly sets in.
Plan to swing by Medina, Ohio this November.
Each year, the Medina Candlelight Walk just south of Cleveland grows lovelier and lovelier. It's like this cozy little town is aging like a fine wine, just getting better every year. What are your thoughts? Have you ever attended this fun event? Leave us a comment!
While you're in Medina County, you might consider paying a visit to Downtown Wadsworth. This petite and charming community is oh so cozy in the wintertime!
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