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DECEMBER 
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Admission:
$7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Group discounts are available.
The price of admission includes a guided tour of the house and yard and
admittance into the museum.
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When: Open Thursday –
Saturday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. year-round (and
Wednesdays November 1 through January 15). Tours of A Christmas Story
House are conducted every half hour beginning at 10:30 AM. The last tour of
the day begins at 4:30 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Eve, New
Years Day and Easter.
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Where: 3159
W. 11th Street,
Cleveland,
OH 44109.
Admission tickets to A Christmas Story House can be purchased at the museum (1103
Rowley Ave.) located directly across the street
from the house. All tours start at the museum.
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Phone:
216-298-4919
The house used
in the popular holiday classic “A Christmas Story” has been restored to its
original 1983 movie appearance. Purchased and renovated by Brian Jones, a true
fan of the movie who sells leg lamps for a living, the house takes visitors on a
nostalgic journey to the sights and scenes where Ralphie Parker dreams of
nothing but receiving a genuine Red Ryder 200-shot Carbine Action Air Rifle for
Christmas. In addition to A Christmas Story House, visitors can explore the
museum where items from the movie are on display, more than 100
behind-the-scenes photos are featured and movie-related memorabilia can be
purchased. A Christmas Story House is located just five minutes from downtown
Cleveland at
3159 W. 11th Street in the
Tremont neighborhood. For more information or for directions, visit
www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com.
Printout:
A Christmas Story House
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BLOSSOM HOLIDAY LIGHTING
FESTIVAL
(Admission: $15.00 per car load)
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When: Mid November through early January (7 days/week from 7-9pm)
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Location: Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
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Web: blossomholidaylighting.com
This exhibit features more than 300 displays sprawled across two
miles of a driving tour on the grounds of Blossom Music Center.
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(Admission
is Free)
Feel that holiday spirit in
the warm heart of Ohio as the State Capitol building is set ablaze with lights,
music and entertainment. This holiday light show comes with the lighting of the
statehouse holiday tree and the Brightster. The Brightster is a seven-foot
candle and mascot of the show. And don’t miss the high tech lighting affects,
indoor family activities and nightly outdoor stage shows.
Printout:
Capitol Holiday Lights
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 CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHTING
At Historic Roscoe Village
(Admission is Free)
Roscoe Village cheers on the holiday season with its Christmas Candlelighting
Ceremony. Share in the tradition of lighting the Christmas tree and participate
in lighting your own candle as "Silent Night" is heard throughout the crowd.
Throughout the day, guests can enjoy art with Santa, strolling carolers,
candlelight tours, complimentary hot-mulled cider and cookies and many other
holiday festivities.
Printout:
Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village
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(Admission
is Free)
This seasonal event is
billed as a traditional Dickens holiday complete with Victorian street
strollers, horse drawn carriages, carolers and live nativity scenes. Don’t miss
the evening luminary display as 1,300 luminaries light up Main Street. The
festivities also include Dickens characters, community Christmas tree and Tuba
Christmas.
Printout:
Christmas in the Village
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CHRISTMAS OF YESTERYEAR AND CHRISTMAS
LANTERN TOUR AT HISTORIC LYME VILLAGE
(Admission $8 for adults $4 for 12 and under)
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When: December
12, 13 & 27 from 1-5pm.
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Location: Bellevue, Ohio (Enter on State Route 4 between
U.S. 20 and State
Route 113).
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Phone: 419-483-4949
Come and tour a 19th century village decorated for
Christmas. It features three log houses, a log church, one room school, 1836
Seymour House, and the 1882 Victorian Wright Mansion. Gift shop open in the
Visitor's Center. Don't miss special date offering Christmas Lantern Tour. Christmas Eve service is free and begins at 11 pm at the Detterman Log Church.
Printout:
Lyme
Village Christmas of Yesteryear and Christmas Lantern Tour
CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN
(Admission is Free)
Christmas on the Green is a
family holiday entertainment extravaganza! Christmas treats and other holiday
cheer are
celebrated by the entire community. There are food booths, shopping
opportunities, a strolling Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, bonfires and many
other forms of entertainment, including live music.
Printout:
Christmas on the Green
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THE CHRISTMAS RANCH
Admission: $12 per vehicle, Buses – $1 per person ($12 minimum) cash and
credit cards accepted. Special admission discount:
$2
off for visitors who donate a bag of “gently used items” which will be
donated to Goodwill of Cincinnati. $2 off general admission for visitors
who donate a new toy to Toys for Tots. Half off admission is available for
members of the armed forces on Tuesdays.
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Open Friday, Nov. 28 through Jan. 1, 2009. Operating Hours: Sunday
through Thursday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays, and Holidays, 6 p.m.
to 10:30 p.m.
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Location: 3205 South Waynesville Road, Morrow, Ohio 45152
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Phone: 513-697-2640
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Web Site:
www.thechristmasranch.com
With over 350,000 lights, synchronized to music using state-of-the-art
technology, The Christmas Ranch “The Gift of Lights” display is a
spectacular experience. The Christmas Ranch sprawls over five acres and
includes a scenic drive-thru route which leads you to a magical Christmas
Village. Meander through the twinkling town and stop in the barn for some hot
chocolate before heading out to watch the Jingle Bell Show. Take a stroll
through a forest of giant animated Christmas trees that twirl with 15,000
synchronized lights, or dance along with dozens of Santa’s and Snowmen that bop
and spin to the sounds of Bing Crosby, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and traditional
Holiday tunes. A portion of the entrance fee to “The Gift of Lights”
will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati.
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DICKENS
VICTORIAN
VILLAGE
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When:
Early November through early
January
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Location: Historic downtown
Cambridge,
Ohio
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Phone: 800-933-5480
(Cambridge/Guernsey
County
Visitors & Convention
Bureau)
 Take
a trip back in time and experience old-world
England as historic downtown
Cambridge,
Ohio, is charmingly transformed
into a
Dickens
Victorian
Village. Visitors are
invited to stroll amidst 40 vignettes of 105 lifelike figures representing
classic scenes from Victorian society. This innovative public art exhibition can
be enjoyed by families, couples, and groups alike -- an experience that will
engage the senses as you explore the charming streetscape, striking historic
architecture, and eclectic shops and eateries of
Cambridge.
The Dickens scenes are stationed
along
Wheeling Avenue at each
antique lamppost and bench between 6th and 11th Streets. Wheeling Avenue is also
the historic National Road/Route 40 and features an outstanding streetscape of
original buildings from the 1800s.
The
Dickens
Victorian
Village vignettes are
comprised of life-sized and hand-made mannequins wearing real vintage clothing.
The faces for each character are individually sculpted and painted by local
artists. The displays include engaging depictions of classic Dickens-era scenes
and figures such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim, the town crier, groups of
carolers (that actually “sing” classic carols!), a bucket brigade, lamplighters,
school children, street peddlers, and Father Christmas, all posed in active
scenes that appear frozen in time.
Printout:
Dickens Victorian Village
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FANTASY OF LIGHTS
(admission fee varies $10 - 15/car)
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When: December Mondays through Thursdays 5:30 pm –
9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
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Where: (confirm location for 2008 by calling the following phone number) Alum Creek State Park in Central Ohio
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Phone: 740-369-2900
Wow! This is better than the night sky on the 4th of July. See more than 100
light displays with a total light count of more than one million. After gazing
at the lights, come in and warm up with hot cocoa and cookies and spend some
time with Santa.
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HOLIDAYS ON THE HARBOR
(Admission: $5.00 and up, based on activities chosen)
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When: After Thanksgiving through
December
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Where: Great Lakes Science
Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114
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Phone: 216-694-2000
Downtown Cleveland comes alive
with wintertime fun this year with Holidays on the Harbor, a celebration of
special events and family activities that is sure to become a beloved annual
tradition in northeast
Ohio. From skating on an outdoor rink to
holiday movies on the giant OMNIMAX screen to an exciting Breakfast with Santa!
– Holidays on the Harbor has something for everyone.
Skate admission is $5, or $3 with GLSC or OMNIMAX admission. Skate rental will
also be available for $2. Hours are daily from
12:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. Tickets for The Polar Express are $8.95 for adults, $6.95 for youth, $7.95
for senior. Don't miss Breakfast with Santa December on special dates. Admission
is $20 for adult tickets and $15 for youth tickets.
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MA & PA's HORSE-DRAWN SLEIGH
RIDES
(Adults
$20.00, Seniors $18.00, Children ages 11-16 $10, ages 5-10 $5, age 4 and younger
are free)
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When:
Sleigh rides are available evening and weekends through February
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Where:
Main Market Road, (State Route 422), Troy Township, Ohio
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Phone:
440-548-5521
How does
"Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh" sound? The excursion
begins at Ma and Pa's 1820's log cabin where you will find various rustic items
such as chainsaw carved bears, log furniture, hunting, fishing, and everything
for the rustic home. Then out into the woods one of their draft horses will pull
one of two old fashioned sleighs, wandering out into an open field where, during
the evening rides, the horses often stop so that guests can gaze up into the
star filled sky. When the trip has ended, visitors are welcomed back to the
cabin for hot chocolate or maple coffee and cookies baked by Ma herself!
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WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTMAS AT JEFFERSON DEPOT VILLAGE
(Admission is Free)
- When: Always the
2nd Sunday in December
- Location: 147 East Jefferson Street in
Jefferson, Ohio
- Phone: 440-576-0496
or email duttonjd@hotmail.com
"An
Old-fashioned Williamsburg Christmas" Celebration. Amidst Williamsburg finery,
fragrant wreaths, welcome candles, celebrate the season in the 1800's style at
the historic Jefferson Depot Village. Festivities include sleigh-rides, caroling 'round the old
piano and pot-belly stoves, ice sculpture, breaking a piñata, making a Victorian
ornament, listening to a Christmas Musical. Talk to jolly ole St. Nick, followed by
a candlelight Christmas Buffet served from the Depot Baggage Cart. Please bring
your own table service and something to share. Children must be accompanied by
an adult. Festivities start at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Free admittance and
free parking sponsored by Jefferson Depot, Inc., a non-profit, charitable
restoration group. There are also
monthly diversified free programs at 8:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each month
from May thru December.
Printout:
Jefferson Depot Village
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When: December
5, 2009 (Christmas Festival
Time: 10am - 9pm and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parades: 1pm and 7pm candlelit
parade)
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Location: Downtown Lebanon Ohio
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Phone: 513-932-1100
The Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for the
Annual Historic Lebanon Christmas Festival and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade. The
festival is always held on the first Saturday in December. There will be two
horse-drawn carriage parades: a daylight parade at 1 pm and the traditional
candlelight parade at 7 pm. Festivities continue to grow, and are sure to
include: gift and food vendors stationed along E. Mulberry Street, Christmas
carolers, traveling bell choir, storytelling, Paso Fino Horse Demonstrations,
musical entertainment, free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, street characters,
and extended business hours for our 80-plus antique and specialty stores.
Avoid the Traffic! Use the shuttle from 406 Justice Drive
(Warren Co Administration building) to the parade. Parking is Free in downtown
Lebanon. Shuttle Parking Available $5 donation and $20 for RV's and Busses.
Handicap parking available. This is a free family event.
Printout:
Lebanon Christmas Festival
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LEGENDARY LIGHTS AT THE CLIFTON
MILL
(Admission: $7 and kids
under 6 free)
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When: Day after Thanksgiving through January 1st
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Location: Clifton, Ohio on State Route 72 in
Greene County
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Phone: 937-767-5501
A winter
wonderland with more than 3.6 million lights! The tranquil setting along the
Little Miami River is, with the flip of a switch, transformed into a brilliant,
dazzling display of lights, sights and sounds from every direction to create the
Annual Clifton Mill Outdoor Lighting Display. The extraordinary extravaganza
runs nightly from 6 to 9:30 p.m. until January 1. The mill is the largest
remaining water-powered gristmill in the United States and stands five-stories
tall. Step into the Millrace Restaurant to rest a bit, have a steaming cup of
delicious hot chocolate and snack.
Printout:
Lights
at Clifton Mill
LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN AND BALLOON GLOW
(Admission: Free for Balloon Glow and cash donation for Light Up Middletown
drive-through light display)
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When: Light Up Middletown usually begins the day after
Thanksgiving and runs through December. The Balloon Glow is usually the first
Tuesday in December from 6-8pm.
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Location:
Smith
Park,
500 Tytus Avenue – Art Central
District in downtown
Middletown,
OH
45042
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Phone:
513-422-3030
About a dozen hot air balloons will illuminate the winter
night sky at the same time Light Up Middletown kicks off for the holiday season.
Light Up Middletown is a
drive-through fantasy light display. Enter via Christmas Tree Lane, through a 40
foot tunnel of lights, around the reflecting pool with floating swans, under the
leaping deer and visit the penguin village and butterfly forest. Special events
throughout the season include the Hot Air Balloon Glow on December 5 and weekend
visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus in the historic Lock Tender’s House Museum
inside the park. The display expands each year to include new and unusual
animated groups. Proceeds from the donations go to improve Middletown Parks.
Printout:
Light Up Middletown
NEW YEAR'S EVE TRAIN
(Fares are posted below)
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When: train departs at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, December
31, 2009 only
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Location: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway in Nelsonville,
Ohio 45764
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Phone: 800-967-7834
Celebrate the New Year with a train ride, a big bang,
fireworks and lots of fun. Choose to ride in a wine and cheese train car and
enjoy a selection of wine and cheeses OR you may sit in a Pepsi and pizza train
car and feast on Pepsi and pizza. Fares are WINE AND CHEESE: Adults: $35,
Seniors (60+) $30 or PEPSI AND PIZZA: Adults: $25, Seniors (60+) $20, Children
(3-12) $15 (Under 3 yrs. old ride free but must sit on guardian's lap.) Seating
is on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to arrive early. Reservations
are required.
NIEDERMAN CHRISTMAS FARM
(Admission is Free)
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When: Day after Thanksgiving through December from
5:30pm - 10pm daily
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Location: 4972 LeSourdsville-WestChester Drive in
Liberty Township, Ohio 45011
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Phone: 513-887-0725
Niederman
Christmas Farm is a free walk-though Christmas Display. Visitors can enjoy
tens of thousands of lights that illuminate the path. Fifty speakers set the
mood with Christmas music as you view life-size nativity and several Biblical
scenes telling the real story of Christmas. In addition there are hundreds of decorated trees and live animals. The walking
path is wheel chair and stroller accessible. Free hot chocolate and cookies for everyone.
Printout:
Niederman Christmas Farm
PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
(Call for admission information)
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When: Mid December - January 1 (closed Christmas eve and day)
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Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
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Phone: 513-475-6124 or 1-800-94-HIPPO
Established over 20 years ago, Festival of Lights has become the region’s
largest and most anticipated holiday event. Kicking off prior to Thanksgiving,
the 2.5 million lights sparkle well past Christmas. The special holiday
entertainment, carolers, children’s activities, reindeer, train rides and
seasonal fare have made this event one of the tri-state’s most cherished family
traditions. This event is FREE with Zoo admission. For more details, please call
513-475-6124.
Printout:
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
SANTA TRAINS
/ POLAR EXPRESS / TRAINS TO THE NORTH POLE
The Dennison Railroad Museum's Polar
Express in Dennison, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call
1-877-278-8020.
This newly
restored railroad station encourages parents to take your family on a journey
of a lifetime. Just like The Polar Express book and movie, passengers are
seen riding the rails in their pajamas sipping hot chocolate and snacking on
cookies. As the storyline unfolds, so do the events aboard this train. Once at
the North Pole, Santa hops aboard to meet the children and hand out
presents.
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway's
daytime Santa Trains and evening
North Pole Express in Nelsonville, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call 1-800-967-7834 or visit
www.hockingvalleytrain.com. Youngsters don't
need to go to the North Pole to see Santa. Instead, Santa visits with each and
every child on the Santa Train and passes out candy to all. Passengers are also
treated to holiday music and Christmas poems. The trip takes two hours. Ride the
North Pole Express in your pajamas while you listen to music from The Polar
Express movie and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. After returning to the depot
each child receives a gift and can follow the conductor to North Pole
Nelsonville to see Santa. Reservations are strongly recommended. Tickets may be
purchased online.
Cincinnati Railway's Santa's North Pole
Express in Lebanon, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call
513-933-8022.
Santa and
Mrs. Claus are aboard this train too. And passengers are taken to the "North
Pole" where they can listen to carols, drink hot coco and take in the lovely
scenery. In addition to the Lebanon station, there's another in downtown
Cincinnati. Passengers don't leave this train until the ride is over. Fares, dates and times differ
slightly. Call the same phone number above for details.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad's
Santa Claus Express and Polar Express in Penninsula, Ohio
For availability, reservations and rates, call
800-468-4070.
The trip is
full of fun as kids try to spot reindeer in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley while
they wait for Santa to stop by and visit. Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers
the Polar Express as well. However, getting tickets for this wonderful trip is
very difficult even when planning months in advance. It is done through a
mail-in lottery. Tickets are sometimes found through area newspapers as well.
Passengers are encouraged to wear pajamas. Cookies and hot-coco are served.
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(Admission is Free)