The Small Town in Ohio That Comes Alive During the Winter Season

There are many delightful small-town getaways in Ohio, each one deserving of the spotlight. Today, we're giving the small town of Zoar, Ohio, its 15 minutes of fame. Zoar is a historic German village that's criminally underrated and underrepresented, and it's such a delight to discover! Beautifully preserved and full of fun places to explore, Zoar is brimming with Old World charm, and even after its month-long Christmas festivities, this small town remains warm and inviting all winter long.

The town of Zoar, Ohio, was founded in 1817 by a group of German Separatists seeking refuge from religious persecution. They settled in Ohio as the Society of Separatists of Zoar. Over 200 years later, the village of Zoar is home to more than 50 of the original historic structures and buildings, making it a treasure trove for history lovers. This town is tiny, with just 165 residents living in its homes, built from 1817 to the present. Pictured here is the Bimeler Cabin, one of the oldest buildings in Zoar and also the town's first meeting house.

This Old World town is perhaps best known for the eponymous Zoar Store. Built in 1833, the Zoar Store served as the business headquarters for the Society, post office, and general store. The Zoar Store was restored by the Ohio History Connection; today, it serves as an information center and gift shop.

The tiny town is also celebrated for its big Christmas festivities, which happen all through the holiday season and provide lots of opportunities to shop local. Christmas in Zoar is one of those holiday festivals in Ohio that everyone ought to experience. During this annual event, there's musical entertainment, a juried craft show, historical demonstrations, a Saturday church service and tree-lighting ceremony, and much more! In addition, Christmas in Zohr has opportunities to visit Santa, the Belsnickel, and Kristkind -- and even take a wagon ride through town! Once the holidays are over, the festive fun continues in Zoar, with winter being a wonderful time to visit this small Ohio town.

The Cobbler Shop Bed & Breakfast and Cobbler Shop Antiques is a beautifully restored 19th-century home decorated with antiques dating back to 1828. It's a cozy place to peruse for an afternoon, or spend a few nights during a winter weekend getaway!

Zoar Hotel is rumored to be haunted, while you can't stay here you can take a tour. In addition to wandering downtown in its winter glory, nature lovers will love exploring Zoar Gardens and the nearby Canal Lands Park, which are postcard-perfect covered in snow!

From start to finish, you'll enjoy a delightful getaway when you visit Zoar, Ohio, during the winter season. So bundle up and plan a trip! Have you visited Zoar, Ohio, before? What a delightful small town to discover this winter in Ohio! If you're looking for a place to stay while you're exploring the area, check out these unique vacation rentals near Zoar, OH.