Inaugural Christmas Cookie Festival Set For Dec. 6

Christmas cookies and other sweet baked goods have their own holiday market this season. Columbus-based event planner Michelle Kirby is bringing more than 100 Ohio bakers together for The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival at The Ohioan Hotel & Event Center in Lewis Center on Dec. 6. 

Try The Buckeye Lady’s sugar-cookie buckeyes, go for the rich espresso brownies from Ohio Girl Bakes or buy creations from the dozens of other bakers exhibiting. Kirby says the inspiration for The Great Ohio Christmas Cookie Festival ties back to her childhood growing up in Ravenna, where she baked homemade sugar cookies with buttercream frosting with her mom and aunt each holiday season.

“I just kept thinking, we need to do something where we’re really highlighting baked goods, cookies and the things people love,” Kirby says of the festival’s genesis. “Christmas is the best time for that.” 

The festival has four entrance times. A VIP experience runs from 10 a.m. to noon, providing early access, complimentary coffee and hot cocoa, an exclusive tote, live demonstrations and samples from vendors. Early general admission runs from noon to 1 p.m., while general admission runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and free admission runs from 3 to 5 p.m. 

Tickets are available at eventbrite.com.

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