Holiday Events, Excursions and Fun in and near northwest Ohio

It’s the holiday season and there are so many fun events and excursions throughout Ohio and southeast Michigan. Here are a list of a few you should consider adding to your list this season:

Open All Season Long

Lights Before Christmas – Visit the Toledo Zoo between November 18-January 31 for the annual Lights Before Christmas. Admission cost for non-members is $26 for Adults and $23 or kids (2-11) and seniors (60+).

Campus Martius Park Ice Skating – Visit downtown Detroit, Michigan for a holiday spectacular from local shopping and a pop-up Christmas bar Blitzen’s on Bagley to holiday lights and ice skating. Ice skating hours vary and is available between November 18-March 5.

Tour the Christmas Story House – Located in Cleveland Ohio is the home used in the holiday classic A Christmas Story. Hours vary between November 1 – December 31. General admission is $15.

Day Trip to Frankenmuth, MI – Frankenmuth is an adorable Bavarian town that is both walkable and full of holiday cheer. Grab drinks at Prost, go shopping in the Bavarian Inn Castel Shops and get a personalized ornament at Bronners Christmas Wonderland. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of my day excursion.

 Seasons of Joy – From November 18-December 31 Sawmill Creek Resort transforms into a holiday haven during Season of Joy. From performances and crafting to mixology classes and holiday light paths, there are many activities to get you in the holiday spirit.

*** Be sure to follow me on Instagram to see my experience at the resort.

December 2-4

Kris Kringle Market – Tiffin, Ohio is hosting a Kris Kringle Market on December 2 (5p-10p) and December 3 (10a-3p). Event is free to attend.

Christmas Tree Ship – Visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes on December 3 from 1p-4p to see Santa deliver Christmas trees. Plus, you can make a donation to families in need and get free admission to the museum. To make a donation and learn more visit the National Museum of the Great Lakes website.  

Community Christmas – December 3 the community of Port Clinton, Ohio is celebrating the season during Community Christmas. Visit Santa, view a parade and participate in activities hosted by local businesses.

Holiday Circlefest – From 12p-7p check out University Circle in Cleveland, Ohio for Ice Skating, a holiday market and food trucks during the Holiday Circlefest. For more fun in Cleveland check out my day trip here.

December 9-11

Holiday Night Market – On the evening of December 10 (4p-10p) and December 11 (2p-8p) visit One Seagate, Toledo OH for the Holiday Night Market. Admission is $5. There will be a visit from Santa and a hot cocoa bar.

Christkindlmarkt – Hudson, Ohio is hosting a Christkindlmarkt December 9-11 with a variety of vendors, food trucks and holiday cheer.

Carousel Christmas Ride-a-Thon – On December 10 the Merry-Go-Round Museum in Sandusky, Ohio will be hosting a Ride-a-thon from 10a-4p. For more holiday fun in Sandusky check out my girl's getaway here.  

December 16-18

Holiday Tree Climb – December 16 and 17 mark the final Holiday Tree Climbs. Reservations are $35. Additional tree climbs are on December 3, 9-10.

Holiday Mixer with Mr. & Mrs. Claus – The Gristmill Bar in Port Clinton, Ohio will be hosting the Clauses during the holiday mixer on December 17 beginning at 2p. Learn about the owner here.

Festival of Trees – Gaze upon beautifully decorated trees in the lobbies of the Allen Theatre in Cleveland during the Festival of Trees. Admission is free and visitors can view the trees from December 3-December 22.

Christmas in the Village – Historic Lyme Village in Bellevue Ohio is hosting Christmas in the Village on December 17 (4p-8:30p) and December 18 (1p-5p). Admission is $8.

New Years’ Eve

Walleye Drop – Downtown Port Clinton will drop the famous Wylie Jr when the clock strikes twelve during the annual Walleye drop.

Noon Year’s Eve – The Toledo Zoo offers a New Years’ celebration that doesn’t require a late night. From 11a-1p on December 31 gather in the main plaza for crafts, ice carving demos and an apple juice toast at noon during Noon Year’s Eve.

New Years' Celebration for a Cause – Celebrate for a cause at the Chandelier Community Event Center in Tiffin. Tickets are $55 and proceeds go toward Seneca Mentoring Youth Links which is a mentoring program in Seneca county. Learn about my experience as a mentor here.

Donut Drop – Visit Lakeside Chautauqua for a Donut Drop at 11a. There will also be a DJ. Learn about other experiences in the neighborhood here.

This holiday season make time for fun, laughter and of coursed loved ones. I hope these events and excursions bring you memories that last a lifetime.