13 Unforgettable Places In Ohio That Everyone Must Visit This Winter
By April Dray|Updated on November 26, 2022(Originally published November 21, 2022)
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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.
The winter season in Ohio brings its own set of unique activities, festivals, and events. Even though a few of these activities and destinations require snow, which is always an exciting part of the cold months here, these places offer fun-filled times that only happen in the winter season. If you are looking for fantastic places to visit in Ohio in winter, we have some excellent suggestions for you. Here are 13 unforgettable spots that you need to check out this season. Whether you are planning on some family fun or looking to go out with a group of friends, you are sure to find something fabulous to do this year.
1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights - Columbus
Every year during the holidays, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium becomes a magical winter wonderland. This fun and festive holiday celebration is a fantastic place to take the kids for a fun day of getting excited about the season. There's a reason this is number one on our list of places to visit in Ohio in December.
2. The Brite Winter Festival - Ohio City
West Bank of the Flats, 1153 Main Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, USA
In February, Ohio City always hosts The Brite Winter Festival, an outdoor and indoor music festival that features top-notch local and regional acts, hot drinks and treats, and fireside conversations. This event has the added bonus of being after the holidays, giving you and your friends something to look forward to even after the celebrations are over in early January.
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3. Dickens Victorian Village of Cambridge - Cambridge
Dickens Victorian Village, 708 Wheeling Ave, Cambridge, OH 43725, USA
Take a trip back in time and explore the Dickens Victorian Village 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.
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4. Woodland Lights - Dayton
895 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township, OH 45459, USA
This half-mile wonderland of lights, displays, and festival activities in Countryside Park is a popular holiday family fun attraction. Once you've been to Woodland Lights in Dayton, you won't want to miss it ever again! There are three locations you can attend. One is in Centerville and two are in Washington Township.
Featuring 100,000 Christmas lights and more than 500 nativity scenes from around the world, Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit is a unique holiday experience for families. Admission is free and the exhibit is always a lovely place to go.
Although there must be four inches of snow for the center to open, the Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake is the perfect family destination for some winter fun at Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The center offers snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Cuyahoga Valley, as well as a cozy setting to warm up with a hot drink after a day of outdoor fun.
Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is fun for the whole family. The zoo features more than a million lights, making it a magical winter wonderland throughout the season. This fun zoo event is one of the most fun places to go in the winter with your family.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are featured nightly (weather permitting) during the holiday season. You and your little ones will love the amazing and enchanting lights.
Learn to ski, snowboard, or snow-tube at this winter fun ski resort in Mansfield. The family-favorite destination of the Snow Trails Winter Resort features the Timberline Trail, which is the longest in Ohio, the longest tubing lanes in Ohio, a 9,000 sq.ft. Rental Center, a Children's Learning Center, and more. It's easily one of the best things to do in Mansfield, Ohio!
The popular family fun attraction of The Christmas Ranch features a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, Christmas shops, pictures with Santa, wagon and train rides, and hot food and drinks. It is open from late November through the end of December and is bound to become one of your new favorite places to celebrate the season.
The Mohican Winter Fest features two general hikes, a 5K and a 10K hike. Trails run from moderate to difficult and the hikes are led by volunteers from the Mohican Trails Club. Enjoy a warm fire, hot soup, cookies, and drinks that are provided after the hike. There are also art installations on Main Street. This event is the perfect choice for people who love the outdoors and is one of the best winter activities in Ohio.
13. Pyramid Hill Journey Borealis - Hamilton
Pyramid Hill Boulevard, Pyramid Hill Blvd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA
For the holiday season, the outdoor sculpture park and museum of Pyramid Hill is transformed into a winter wonderland. Journey Borealis is a gorgeous display and runs until early January. It is usually available every day, including holidays.
Have you been to any of these places to visit in Ohio in winter? What other special places are there in Ohio that you would recommend visiting in the winter? Share your experiences and any photos you may have with us in the comments below!
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The best snow tubing in Ohio is found at Snow Trails in Mansfield. It has one of the longest snow tubing lanes in the entire state. It's an impressive 1,100 feet long!
