5 Ways to Kick Off the Holidays in Ohio

Thanksgiving is so close we can almost smell the turkey cooking, and giant Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons loom large in our mind’s eye. If you're anything like us, you're always excited to pile your plate high with mashed potatoes and pie, but there is also that itch to welcome December and all the Christmas cheer that comes with it. The holiday season officially begins with the arrival of Turkey Day, so once you’re fully loaded up on carbs, put one of these Thanksgiving Day weekend events on your calendar. 

A Carillon Christmas | Begins Nov. 26 
Carillon Historical Park kicks off the Christmas season by transforming its 65-acre campus into a history-themed holiday wonderland. On Nov. 26, A Carillon Christmas kicks off with the Deeds Carillon being illuminated as the Carillon Tree of Light. Visitors can explore The Carillon Park Railroad, the Carillon Christmas Cafe, Morris and Hetzel Bakery and many other favorite holiday activities.

Steubenville Nutcracker Village | Begins Nov. 26 
As the holidays near, historic downtown Steubenville becomes home to the world’s largest collection of life-size nutcrackers created by talented local artists. Since 2015, Steubenville has transformed its downtown with this unique tradition that is free to view, inviting travelers to explore this whimsical display where photo opportunities abound.

Dayton Holiday Festival Kickoff | Nov. 29 
Start your holiday celebration in downtown Dayton with a full lineup of holiday cheer. Beginning at 3 p.m. on Nov. 29, enjoy live music, a street fair with free rides, horse-drawn wagon rides and visits with live reindeer. Once evening arrives check out The Grande Illumination Tree Lighting on Dayton’s Courthouse Square and take in The Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights, a dazzling nighttime parade featuring seasonal floats, horses and marching bands.

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill | Begins Nov. 29
This beloved holiday display features 4 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees and bridges of Clifton Mill. The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill also features a miniature village, Santa Claus museum, toy collection and a synchronized light and music show on the property’s covered bridge.

WinterLand Tree Lighting | Nov. 30
Spend the first Saturday of the holiday season in Cleveland as glowing lights transform downtown’s Public Square. The annual holiday display includes a full slate of family activities such as ice skating, art demonstrations and live music prior to the tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to stay for the fireworks display that concludes the night.

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