Nov./Dec. 2025

Ohio Magazine November December 2025 newsstand cover (photo by Gabe Wasylko)

Travel

12 Festive Things to Do in Columbus This Holiday Season

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

4 Veterans Day Events in Ohio

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

A Carillon Christmas Set to Kick Off Another Year

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. 

Best Hometowns 2025: Ashland

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

Best Hometowns 2025: Barnesville

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

Best Hometowns 2025: Green

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.

Best Hometowns 2025: Mount Vernon

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

Best Hometowns 2025: Yellow Springs

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.

Holiday Tours at 5 Historic Homes

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

Ohio Magazine’s Best Hometowns 2025-26

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.

Start Your Holiday Shopping With 8 Pop-Up Markets

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

Step Inside Cleveland’s Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

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

Stroll Through Candy Land at Penitentiary Glen Reservation

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

Food + Drink

Beer, Coffee and Comfort Food Bring People Together at Juniper Brewing Co. in Bowling Green

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

Columbus’ Flour Modern Pasta Bar Puts a Global Twist on Italian Cuisine

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

Go Beyond Spirits at These Ohio Distilleries

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

Graeter's Unveils a Fresh Look and New Holiday Flavors

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

Have Thanksgiving Dinner at The Golden Lamb in Lebanon

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

How Two Distilleries Give Back to Charity

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. 

Tiki Bar Keeps Legacy of Columbus’ Kahiki Burning

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

Arts

‘Lost & Found in Cleveland’ Hits Theaters Nov. 7

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

Restoration Begins on George Sugarman’s ‘Cincinnati Story’ at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park

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

See ‘Renaissance to Runway: The Enduring Italian Houses’ in Cleveland

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

See ‘What, Me Worry? The Art and Humor of Mad Magazine’ in Cincinnati

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

Home + Garden

100 Made in Ohio Gifts

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

Made in Ohio Gifts: Apparel and Fibers

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

Made in Ohio Gifts: Fun Finds

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.

Made in Ohio Gifts: Furniture

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. 

Made in Ohio Gifts: Home Decor and Kitchenware

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.

Made in Ohio Gifts: Jewelry

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. 

Made in Ohio Gifts: Leather Goods

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

Made in Ohio Gifts: Lotions and Soaps

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

Made in Ohio Gifts: Paper Creations

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.

Made in Ohio Gifts: Pottery

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

Plan the Perfect Gathering With Hoste Shop in Cincinnati

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

‘Murals Across Ohio’ Highlights Our State’s Public Art

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.

‘Ohio Goes to the Movies’ Shares Our State’s Cinematic Legacy

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

10 Architectural Landmarks That Share Ohio’s History

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.

250 Buckeye Train Celebrates Ohio’s Role in Transportation Innovation

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.

Columbus Celebrates Armistice Day

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

Communities Statewide Set to Celebrate Ohio’s Homecoming & Picnic

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

Embrace Art on America 250-Ohio’s Creativity Trail

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

Explore Flight on America 250-Ohio’s Air & Space Trail

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

Follow America 250-Ohio’s Lake Erie to Ohio River Trail

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

Historic Marker Installed at Home of Orville Wright

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.

How Ohio Is Celebrating the United States’ 250th Anniversary

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

Nation’s 250th Anniversary to Be Celebrated in Ohio All Year

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

Ohio Department of Natural Resources to Host Lakeside July 4 Festival

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

Ohio Finds: ‘Popeye’ Reed Sandstone Figure

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

Take a History Road Trip Along U.S. Route 250

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. 

Veteran Reporter Gene Kinn Reflects on a Career of Covering Presidents

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