Nov./Dec. 2025

Travel

Whether you want to see lights, shop or explore with the family, unwrap a bundle of holiday fun in our capital city.

Honor the brave men and women of our military at these events that mark Veterans Day.

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

From millions of lights found in our zoos, to parks and gardens shining with a warm glow, check out these holiday light displays this season. 

From timeless ballets and classic comedies to a cappella concerts, stages across Ohio are lighting up with festive performances that bring music and magic to the season.

Once the last plates are cleared, make your way to these fun-filled events that are sure to entertain out-of-town family and friends during the long weekend following Turkey Day.

Beginning Nov. 25, embrace history and the holidays at this Dayton celebration featuring baked treats, visits from Santa Claus and the Carillon Tree of Light. 

This college town in Ashland County offers an inviting downtown, events that build a sense of community and deep ties between campus and city.

This Belmont County village’s historic architecture and annual pumpkin festival showcase the rich traditions the community is building on for a new generation.

This community along Interstate 77 in Summit County has only been a city since 1992, but the area has a long history that’s reflected in its public amenities and businesses.

This Knox County city works to create a vibrant community that stands at the crossroads of history, education and the arts.

This village in Greene County has long promoted creativity and inclusivity, resulting in a place where the arts and acceptance are part of the fabric of the community.

You can hit the slopes at this Ohio ski resort starting Dec. 19, and special events are planning throughout the season. 

This living-history destination in Tuscarawas county brings 19th-century German holiday traditions to life on select Saturdays this season, complete with Belsnickel, music and family-friendly festivities.

Celebrate traditions of the past with with a visit to these historic properties across Ohio that are decked out for Christmas.

This year, we honor Ashland, Barnesville, Green, Mount Vernon and Yellow Springs. These five communities embody the characteristics that make us proud to call Ohio home.

Take part in these outings that mix gentle exercise, outdoor exploration and wildlife discovery across our state’s parks and natural areas.

The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio hosts an artifact-focused exhibition that tells the story of our state through a collection of family keepsakes and iconic inventions. 

Support local this season at these limited-run markets across Ohio that are packed with unique handcrafted goods. 

This historic monument on Public Square commemorates the sacrifice and service displayed by Cuyahoga County residents during the Civil War.

A life-size version of the classic board game transforms the Lake Metroparks property in Kirtland into a colorful winter adventure.

Horse-drawn sleigh and trolley rides return to the wooded estate of President Rutherford B. Hayes the week after Christmas.

Food + Drink

These Ohio bars and restaurants are open year-round, but when the holidays hit, they begin whipping themed cocktails and stocking seasonal beer that is best shared with friends or visiting family.

Chris and Zach Tracy’s combination brewery and coffee shop creates a welcoming environment for community connection.

Chef Yash Kishinchand’s newest restaurant merges handmade pastas with inventive ingredients and international flair.

Embrace the gift of togetherness at these seven spots across the state that offer trivia, classes and and more in addition to great drinks. 

The 155-year-old Cincinnati-based company reveals its new-look packaging and limited-edition seasonal flavors. 

This historic restaurant in southwest Ohio has been serving Thanksgiving Day meals for generations. Reservations for 2026 start in July. 

Celebrate the spirit of giving when you purchase from distilleries that believe in giving back to others as well as making wonderful spirits to enjoy. 

Ben Bruening and Gabrielle Payne from Hudson share heirloom recipes, festive treats and the chaos of filming, all while welcoming their first child.

Huli Huli Tiki Lounge in Powell embraces the spirit of the legendary spot and even has one of its Moai out front. 

Arts

The movie, which was filmed in Cleveland and other northeast Ohio locations, stars Martin Sheen, Dennis Haysbert, June Squibb and many others. 

The colorful, iconic sculpture is undergoing restoration ahead of a 2026 public rededication.

Family and fashion merge at the Cleveland Museum of Art in an exhibition that shares how iconic Italian design houses have transcended centuries.

This exhibit at the Cincinnati Art Museum pays homage to the revered publication that helped shape American satire.

Home + Garden

Want to find interesting items while supporting local artisans and makers? Our Made in Ohio Gift Guide will provide you with dozens of ideas. 

From Jupmode’s Midwest-themed caps to Southeast Ohio Fiberworks’ hand-dyed wool, these fresh finds will make everyone look great.

From adorable and cuddly handcrafted stuffed animals to crocheted dog and cat cozies, check out inventive creations that’ll bring a smile to your face.

From The Oak Barrel Co.’s repurposed bourbon and wine barrel pieces to Wood Grain + Metal’s slab tables, these items will warm up your living space. 

Whether you’re looking for quirky conversation pieces or charcuterie boards made by hand, you’ll find it being created by these talented Ohio artisans.

From Rock Salt Vintage’s durable, nature-inspired rings to Petal and Kiln’s delicate necklaces, there’s a lot to love about our state’s jewelry-makers. 

If you’re looking for an expertly crafted leather bag, Ohio artisans such as Fount and Baqette offer a range of options and styles.

Whether you’re looking for vegan soaps or products to tame a serious beard, you’ll find them made by these Ohio makers.

Accent your life with colorful handprinted posters by Just A Jar Design Press, fun journals by And Here We Are and irreverent holiday cards from Questionable Press.

Find beautiful wares by Buckeye State artists, including napkin holders from Kennedy Vince Ceramics and rustic mugs from Crow House Pottery.

This whimsical spot in the city’s Walnut Hills neighborhood channels owner Megan Strasser’s lifelong affinity for entertaining into a vibrant celebration of food and friends.

Ohio Life

Established by the Ohio Arts Council, this program catalogs and shares the stories behind more than 150 large-scale public artworks that reflect Ohio’s history, heritage and community pride.

This statewide series features more than 280 screenings and pays homage to the generations of Ohioans who helped shape American cinema.

Produced in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, this film showcases some of our state’s most striking natural features.

From Cincinnati’s grand Music Hall to the Springfield house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, these buildings and homes trace the history of our state.

Visit the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum on April 25 and 26 for a two-day event showcasing how Ohio shaped rail, air and automotive transportation.

On Nov. 11, 1918, Ohio’s capital city joined communities across the United States in spontaneous celebration marking the end of World War I.

America 250-Ohio invites communities across the state to plan July 2026 gatherings in honor of our nation’s semiquincentennial.

From famous paintings by legendary artists to iconic rock music anthems, embrace art in all forms along this route. 

Learn about the Ohioans who played pivotal roles in mankind’s quest to break the bounds of gravity and, ultimately, reach outer space. 

Discover how rivers, canals and Lake Erie shaped our state at more than 150 locations across Ohio. 

Hawthorn Hill, the Oakwood home where aviation pioneer Orville Wright lived with his sister and father, now bears a new marker celebrating its place in American history.

Check out these events and experiences throughout 2026 that celebrate how our state has shaped the history of our nation.

The arrival of 2026 brings many opportunities to celebrate United States’ semiquincentennial and to explore the many ways Ohio helped shape our nation.

The destination’s vice president of museum operations Alex Heckman and curator Steve Lucht wrote the 222-page, hardbound coffee-table book.

Celebrate our nation’s 250 anniversary with live music, history talks and fireworks over Lake Erie at Marblehead Lighthouse state Park.

This 20.5-inch carving dates to the 1970s or ’80s.

This federal highway runs from Sandusky to the Belmont County village of Bridgeport — a route that connects notable locations tied to our nation’s story. 

This holiday-themed reality show searches for the next Hallmark star, and Ohio natives Marcus Brodie and Logan Shepard are among the contestants this season. 

Gene Kinn talks about meeting nine U.S. presidents over the course of his more than three-decade career in journalism.