Step Into Holidays Past at These 5 Historic Ohio Homes

Each year around this time, the flood of holiday magic and memories begins anew as we prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We get the decorations out of the attic and begin looking forward to the annual traditions that mark this time of year as a favorite for many. Our traditions frequently date back generations, and classic holiday celebrations at historic homes across Ohio offer a look into the past. Step back in time this holiday season at these five destinations. 

Belmont County Victorian Mansion Museum | Through Dec. 22
This Romanesque Revival mansion was built between 1888 and 1893 by John and Sarah Bradfield. Their daughter, Pearl, owned the home before the Belmont County Historical Society bought it in the 1960s. This holiday season, the home’s 26 rooms will be decorated for The Magic of Christmas Mansion Tours. The mansion is home to several features, including 11 unique fireplaces and a grand ballroom on the third floor.

Hower House Museum | Through Dec. 29 
This Second Empire Italianate mansion built in 1871 was home to Akron industrialist John Henry Hower. Now, it is part of the University of Akron campus and this time of year, the house is decorated in the theme “A Magnificent Menagerie: Creatures Great and Small.” On Thursday through Sunday, visitors are invited to embark on self-guided tours to explore the structure that was once home to the a man known as the “Father of Akron Industry.”

Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum | Nov. 13- Dec. 30
Industrialist Jeremiah Reeves bought this Queen Anne style home in 1898, and it stayed in his family for years before it was passed to the Dover Historical Society in the 1970s. Today, the house is still furnished with 90% of the family’s original belongings, and guests can take a guided tour of the 17-room home on Wednesday through Sunday, where they will see it decked out for the holidays. 


Arms Family Museum | Nov. 16-Dec. 31 
Olive and Wilford P. Arms were ahead of their time when they built this Arts and Crafts-style mansion in 1905, equipping the home with running water, electricity and gas. Since 2007, Memories of Christmas Past has offered self-guided, holiday-season tours of the mansion that features a different theme in each room. Families return each year to take in the hand-hammered iron work and original stained glass windows, while a decorative sleigh provides a great holiday family photo opportunity.

Victorian House Museum |Nov. 16-Dec. 31 
Get in the holiday spirit by taking in the Elegance of Christmas Past at the Victorian House Museum in Millersburg. This home is transformed for the holidays, and visitors can tour at their own leisure, after picking up information at the front desk about the home’s history and notable features. The museum, which was featured on the HGTV show “Victorian America” is open for tours seven days a week during the holiday display. 

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