Is it just me, or does it feel like once Thanksgiving is over, the Christmas season is a whirlwind? If I’m not very intentional and actually plan the things I want to do, the season is over and I realize I just kind of let it happen to me. If I’m not careful, I don’t do the things that are the most meaningful to my family and me. I’ve put together a list of local Christmas events/activities that just might become a family tradition! I’ve included events in Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, organized by location, to assist you in your planning. Have a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Events in Dayton and surrounding areas

1. The North Pole Express (Lebanon)

A must-do event for children and the young at heart! From the beautifully decorated train station to the lights and cheer inside the train car, this is an experience sure to boost your Christmas spirit! On your one hour journey, Santa and his elves will visit each family and gift each passenger with a souvenir bell and prepackaged cookie. Cost ranges from $22-$39 each.

2. The Gift of Lights at the Christmas Ranch (Morrow)

The Christmas Ranch has an amazing display with 1 million lights synchronized with holiday music for a festive drive-thru experience. Also on the property: six Christmas shops, Santa’s Bakery & Cafe, pictures with Santa, and train and wagon rides. Reservations are required for admission, and cost ranges from $20-$30 per vehicle. 

3. The Christmas Glow (Middletown)

Come celebrate the season at The Christmas Glow, over 3.8 million lights at the 2-mile long Christmas Around the World drive-thru experience, visit Santa at the Christmas Village Santa Workshop, shop for your loved ones at the shops, enjoy the petting zoo, or just take in the majestic lights of the 45-foot Christmas Tree as you and yours warm by the gas fire pits. Cost is $7 per person.

Christmas Events in Cincinnati and surrounding areas

1. Downtown Dazzle at Fountain Square (Cincinnati)

This event is held on Saturdays between November 27- December 18. Music and festivities start at 6:30 pm, and then the Downtown Dazzle show begins at 7:00 pm. Join in on one of the biggest highlights of the Christmas season, where you can enjoy seeing Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise, fabulous fireworks, nearby ice skating, and great food and drink everywhere you turn! (cost depends on your activities.)

2. Christmas in Loveland!

Be swept back in time while visiting Old Historic Loveland on this special day. You can enjoy Jolly Ole’ St. Nick and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, a live Nativity scene, a Winter Wonderland, and great food and drinks from the many top-notch businesses in historic Loveland. (cost depends on your activities.)

3. Trains & Traditions, A Cincinnati Holiday at Krohn Conservatory

Enjoy a tapestry of colorful poinsettias, charming garden railways and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks created out of “Botanical Architecture” by local artisans all while staying toasty warm in the tropical climate of the conservatory! Cost is $10 per adult, $7 per child.

Christmas Events in Columbus and surrounding areas

1. Home For The Holidays with CJO

The Columbus Jazz Orchestra’s annual Home for the Holidays concerts are always festive, heart-warming, and totally swingin’. A holiday musical treat featuring Nashville-based singer-songwriter Vanessa Campagna. Cost ranges between  $10-$68

2. Fly-A-Way Farm (Delaware, OH)

Make some great memories together as you enjoy a hay ride out to the tree field, pick out the perfect Christmas tree and cut it down yourself (precut available as well), then warm up with free hot chocolate and homemade sugar cookies around a wood fire. Well-behaved pets are welcome. Photo sessions can be scheduled for a fee year-round except select dates. 

3. Easton Holiday Lighting Grand Illumination

Want that perfect Hallmark-esque Christmas event? Here you have it! The Grand Illumination checks all the boxes: millions of twinkling lights, shopping, a 50 foot tree with a 5 foot star, a North Pole-bound train and much more. The fun begins at 6PM, with the holiday lights turning on everywhere around Easton at 7PM.

And an extra special experience…

Reindeer Ridge (Guilford, IN)

Road trip! Reindeer Ridge is an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. While visiting Reindeer Ridge you will meet and learn all about reindeer, have photo opportunities in a real sleigh and in front of the Christmas tree, shop for festive treasures in our Holiday Barn, visit with Santa, and more!

Do you plan to visit any of these places? Share some of your favorite Christmas events and traditions with us below and have a Merry Christmas!

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