Nov./Dec. 2024

November December 2024 Ohio Magazine newsstand cover (photo by Aerial Agents)

Travel

12 Hikes to Work Off Thanksgiving Dinner

You’ve indulged, now you need to move. These guided hikes scheduled for the long Thanksgiving weekend are a perfect way to help offset your Turkey Day gluttony.

22 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Columbus

Head to our state capital this season for twinkling lights, local shopping and great events that promise to warm the rest of your year. 

4 Quirky New Year’s Eve Countdowns in Ohio

Times Square isn't the only place to celebrate the start of the new year. These four towns in Ohio add their own spin to a timeless tradition. 

5 Must-Visit Classic Holiday Attractions in Ohio

From Ralphie to Scrooge, these inspired and beloved destinations bring magic to the season.

5 Ways to Kick Off the Holidays in Ohio

Your holiday plans start here. Check out these festive gatherings and events during the last week of November.

5 Zoo Light Displays to See This Season in Ohio

These destinations stretching from Cincinnati to Cleveland go wild when it comes to lighting up the night for the holidays. 

53 Must-See Roadside Attractions in Ohio

The Buckeye State is home to many interesting and unusual finds that may be closer than you think. Here is your ultimate guide to seeing them all.

Akron’s Lock 3 Reopens in Time for the Holidays

Celebrate the return of Akron’s Lock 3 on Nov. 29 with a festive evening featuring a parade, drone show, ice skating and more.

Ashland’s Holiday Attraction Earns a Guinness World Record

The Candy Cane Trail featuring hundreds of illuminated metal sculptures kicked off its second season in a huge way. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Bryan

An effort to fill vacant buildings revived this city’s downtown, illustrating the sense of pride and spirit of collaboration in this community about 64 miles west of Toledo. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Hilliard

This Columbus suburb offers a rich history and a small-town atmosphere, while its location along Interstate 270 has made it a destination for development.  

Best Hometowns 2024: McConnelsville

This historic river town offers a picturesque setting, a charming downtown and deep ties to the coal-mining heritage that shaped this part of Ohio. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Millersburg

This historic village in Holmes County offers a destination of its own as a well as a taste of the slower way of life practiced in the surrounding Amish and Mennonite communities. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Urbana

Downtown redevelopment has made this Champaign County community a regional destination for those seeking fresh flavors and interesting finds.

Best Hometowns 2024-25

This year, we honor Bryan, Hilliard, McConnelsville, Millersburg and Urbana. These five communities embody the characteristics that make us proud to call Ohio home.

Boston Mills, Alpine Valley and Mad River Mountain Announce 2024 Opening Day

You can hit the slopes at these Ohio ski resorts starting Dec. 13 and special events will mark the occasion at each location. 

Boston Mills-Brandywine Ski Resort Fires Up Its Snow Machines

This northeast Ohio hotspot for skiing and tubing has kicked off its snowmaking operations for the season with an opening date soon to follow. 

Celebrate the Holidays at This Charming Ohio Castle

This stunning hotel in Loudonville hosts Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights every evening between now and Dec. 28. 

Enjoy an Illuminated Evening of Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in Kirtland

Cruise through the snow-covered winter woods this season at Lake Metropark’s Chapin Forest Reservation.

Experience 40+ Ohio Holiday Classics

From enchanting historic estates to elaborate light displays, these cherished traditions are perfect for embracing the spirit of the season and making new memories. 

Mark Veterans Day at One of These 4 Ohio Events

Remember the sacrifices of America’s brave men and women in uniform at these happenings across the state.

Pyramid Hill Lights Celebrates 25 Years

A family tradition in Hamilton for decades, this beloved light show at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is back with festive displays and plenty of holiday cheer. 

Roadside Ohio: Bizarre Homes

Explore some of our state’s most unique abodes, from a 1924 ore freighter turned ship house on South Bass Island to a whimsical mushroom-shaped home in Cincinnati.

Roadside Ohio: Food Finds

From an Ohio State Buckeye-themed, train-car diner to an iconic cheese barn along the interstate, explore these spots that promise a memorable visit.

Roadside Ohio: Gravesites, Memorials and Monuments

From Cincinnati’s Passenger Pigeon Memorial to Alan Freed’s grave, visit these spots that honor legendary figures, community spirit and pivotal moments in Ohio history.

Roadside Ohio: Larger Than Life

From oversized ears of corn to a giant Campbell’s Soup can, discover larger-than-life landmarks that offer a whimsical take on our state’s history, culture and creativity.

Roadside Ohio: Man-Made Marvels

Explore these testaments to creativity and ingenuity that can be found across Ohio, from a re-created Wild West town to the nation’s oldest mini-golf course.

Roadside Ohio: Unusual Museums and Objects

From neon signs and vintage televisions to troll dolls and cardboard boats, explore these truly one-of-a-kind exhibits. 

Roadside Ohio: Wildlife & Natural Wonders

Immerse yourself in Ohio’s natural beauty, from wildlife encounters with rescued birds at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary or marveling at the stunning rock formations of the Ohio Caverns.

Save The Date: 24 Ohio Holiday Events

Downtown light displays, classic holiday performances, pop-up markets and glowing gardens are all part of the fun this season. 

See Holiday Displays at These 5 Ohio Gardens

As the days grow shorter, these conservatories and gardens are in full bloom with the lights and sights of the season. 

Shop Small at the WestSide Holiday Market in Cincinnati

Billed as the Queen City’s largest Small Business Saturday event, get started on your holiday list by shopping local this weekend. 

Step Into Holidays Past at These 5 Historic Ohio Homes

Celebrate holidays the old fashioned way by touring these five historic homes with Christmas displays across our state. 

The Great Art Escape Returns to the Toledo Museum of Art

This holiday season, enjoy festivities and fun for all ages during this annual event in Ohio's Glass City. 

The Hayes Train Special Returns to This Presidential Home in Fremont

For nearly 30 years, this display has been a holiday season tradition in northwest Ohio. Here’s how you can see it this season.

Visit ‘Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio!’ in Kirtland

This larger-than-life rendition of the beloved board game comes to life in Lake County for the holiday season.

Visit This Gothic-Style Temple in Lake County

The northeast Ohio community of Kirtland played a pivotal role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Why You’ll Love the Reimagined Cleveland Museum of Natural History

A massive overhaul of the University Circle institution transforms the visitor experience, telling the story of Earth in a building that reflects the natural history of northeast Ohio.

Food + Drink

8 Cocktail Recipes for Your Holiday Bar

Looking for new ideas to round out your cocktail menu? These spirited creations are a good place to start. 

Enjoy Books and Brews at these 3 Ohio Shops

Visit these three Ohio bookstores that go beyond the printed page to offer coffee, beer, wine and more. 

Explore Ohio and Cocktails During These Unique Experiences

Have you ever wanted to delve into a museum adventure or take part in 21-and-older fun at your favorite spot? Check out these destinations and events across the state. 

Follow the Ohio Distillery Trail

No matter where you look, there’s always a place to find a good spirit in Ohio. Thanks to the Ohio Distillers Guild, you can experiment while winning prizes along the way.

Give the Gift of Aloha Spirit

Not everyone can afford a Hawaiian vacation. Kō Hana Distillers brings the taste of the islands to your home — perfect for the rum lover on your list. 

How Three Bites Bakery Became a Columbus Pastry Destination

Owner Isabella Bonello draws on her family’s heritage to create beautiful and inventive pastries at her downtown shop. 

Kast Iron Soda Works Offers a Universe of Pop Possibilities

Wanting to create a family-friendly community gathering spot, Lesley Kline opened a Columbiana County soda bar that offers a deep lineup of fun and funky varieties. 

Making Cocktails a Work of Art

Sometimes the beauty of a cocktail isn’t found in a glass but on a canvas.

Plum Perfect: How to Make Two Great Cocktails

The flavor of plum goes great with the holiday season, and these spirited creations should be part of your menu. 

That’s The Spirit: Cynar

Sorry, but the artichokes used in Cynar don’t count as one of your daily vegetables. Sip up anyway!

Try the Swensons Burger That Puts Thanksgiving on a Bun

This Akron-based, fast-food chain is a favorite for burgers and shakes year-round, but the holidays bring a handful of special menu items. 

Where To Fire Up Toast-Worthy Glassware

With expert guidance from glassblowing studios across the state, you can learn all the necessary skills to make glasses and other items for holiday gifts. 

Arts

6 Art Exhibitions to See in Ohio This Winter

From nature-inspired ceramic works on display in Cincinnati to a collection of animation in Dayton, these museums offer much to explore. 

A First Look at the Ohio-Made Movie ‘Lost & Found in Cleveland’

In this film by Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman, an antiques-appraisal television show’s visit brings together a diverse cast of characters.

Apollo’s Fire Presents ‘Wassail! An Irish-Appalachian Christmas’

This northeast Ohio-based baroque orchestra is bringing holiday cheer to the stage this season. 

Explore the Toledo Museum of Art’s 2024 Acquisitions

This northwest Ohio art hub added more than 250 pieces to its collection this year. Here are a few that caught our attention. 

Ohio Star Theater in Sugarcreek Announces its 2025 Schedule

The original musical “The Road to Damascus: A Musical Journey Through Acts,” pianist Jim Brickman and ”American Idol’ alum Taylor Hicks are all set to take the stage at this venue in Ohio’s Amish Country. 

See ‘Picasso and Paper’ in Cleveland

Running Dec. 8 through March 23, this exhibition offers insight into the famous painter‘s fascination with paper as an artistic medium. 

See ‘Posing Beauty in African American Culture’ in Cincinnati

This exhibit comes to the Taft Museum of Art with decades of photos and a goal to reimagine the standards of beauty. 

See the Holidays on Stage at These 9 Ohio Events

From vocal performances and musical overtures to chats with Christmas movie legends, the holidays come alive on stage this season. 

Home + Garden

Explore Clutch Collective in Marietta

Sarah Arnold’s independent shop in Marietta, Clutch Collective, offers a delightful selection of curated items that celebrate the creativity of artists across the region.

Ohio Life

How Josh Dickerson Became Owner of the House From A Christmas Story

The managing partner shares his perspective on the Cleveland home’s evolution from upstart tourist attraction to beloved holiday landmark. 

Ohio Finds: Dog Figurine Made by The Logan Pottery

Decor depicting dogs was a popular ornamentation for hearths and mantelpieces during the early 20th century. 

The Year Ohio Supplied the White House Christmas Tree

In 1967, the White House Christmas tree for the family of President Lyndon B. Johnson came from Portage County.

Who Was Johnny Appleseed?

Two hundred and fifty years after his birth, John Chapman still holds a place in our history that often contains as much lore as it does fact. Here is how he shaped Ohio through his work.