8 Places In Ohio That Will Make You Feel As Though You’ve Entered A Winter Wonderland
Winter can be a magical time in the Buckeye State.
In addition to snow days and family gatherings, there’s so much to see and do once December rolls around. Towns go all out for the holiday season, shopping centers are transformed and other attractions light up the night, making you feel as if you’re truly walking in a winter wonderland. Here are 8 places in Ohio that will make you feel just like that:
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village features the largest display of life size nutcrackers in the U.S., Christmas lights, vendors, caroling and more at the at the Fort Steuben Park. The nutcrackers will be on display from November 21st until January 7th.
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.
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.
Although ski resorts and chair lifts are probably some of the last things that come to mind when you think of Ohio, you should know that Ohio is home to a pretty epic winter resort. Mad River Mountain in Zanesfield, Ohio features all the wintertime fun you could possibly want—and then some. It’s the largest ski and tubing resort in Ohio, featuring 144 acres. You'll find it at 1000 Snow Valley Rd., Zanesfield, OH 43360.
Featuring 150,000 Christmas lights and more than 1,000 nativity scenes from around the world, this historic village is a unique holiday experience for families. The exhibit opens for the season on November 26 at 7 p.m. with free hot chocolate and caroling at the Historic Kirtland Visitors' Center.
6. The Christmas Ranch
April Dray/Only In Your State
Here at The Christmas Ranch, you can observe more than 1 million LED lights, eat at Santa's Bakery and Cafe, take a train ride, check out the Christmas shops, meet Santa himself and so much more. The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio 45152.
Deck The Hall at Stan Hywet Hall is a holiday bucket list item you don't want to pass up. This year, the mansion will be decked out in the theme of "Postcards from the Past." Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is located at 714 North Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are simply magical. More than 4 million lights glitter as you observe toys from Christmases pasts, train displays and so much more. (You may even spot Santa himself.) Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316.
Have you been to any of these places during the winter season? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Share your thoughts, photos and recommendations with us!
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.
