Explore 19th-Century Holiday Traditions During Historic Zoar Village Christmas Tours

Modern Christmas traditions like Elf on the Shelf have proven to be great fun in the 21st century, but this November and December, Historic Zoar Village is offering the chance for visitors to experience long-celebrated holiday traditions. The Tuscarawas County village is hosting Christmas Tours this season, showing off the preserved pocket of 19th-century German communal life in holiday grandeur on Nov. 29, Dec. 6 and Dec. 13.

For three Saturdays, guests can wander into festively decorated homes and buildings that lean into the village’s German heritage. Each stop shares the origins of familiar holiday customs that feel genuinely old-fashioned because, in Zoar, they are. Tours run every 30 minutes and require reservations, so it’s best to book in advance to secure your spot.

Tour-goers will find plenty German heritage along the way, as well as old-fashioned holiday characters such as Father Christmas, Krampus, the German legend of Belsnickel and, of course, Santa Claus.

The biggest celebration comes Dec. 6, when the village Christmas tree is lit for the first time, following a church service at the Zoar United Church of Christ. Throughout the season, other festivities include a 5K race, an annual hunt for the Christmas pickle, live music and more.

Local choirs and music groups will fill the village with performances at the Zoar Meeting House as well, with local groups and school choirs set to take the stage. Shopping here is a must, too, with the Zoar Store and Zoar Bakery stocked with seasonal gifts and treats.

For more information, visit historiczoarvillage.com.

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