DECEMBER 

A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE
 

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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)

• When: November 15, 2007 - January 6, 2008

• Location: Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

• Web: blossomholidaylighting.com

This new exhibit featuring more than 300 displays is sprawled across two miles of a driving tour on the grounds of Blossom Music Center.

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CAPITOL HOLIDAY LIGHTS

(Admission is Free)

• When: December weekends

• Location: Ohio Statehouse in downtown Columbus

• Phone: 800-345-4386

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 IN THE VILLAGE

(Admission is Free)

• When: First weekend in December (Nov 30 - Dec 2, 2007)

• Location: Waynesville, OH

• Phone: 513-897-8855

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 ON THE GREEN 
(Admission is Free)

• When: Friday, December 7, 2007 from 6-9pm

• Location: Downtown Piqua, Ohio

• Phone: 937-773-9355

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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CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHTING
At Historic Roscoe Village

• When: (The first three Saturdays in December) December 6, 13, 20 in 2008

• Location: 381 Hill Street, Coshocton, Ohio 43812

• Phone: 800-877-1830

• Web site: www.roscoevillage.com

The first three Saturdays in December, Roscoe Village cheers on the holiday season with its Christmas Candlelighting Ceremonies. At 6 p.m. each Saturday, a performing guest choir calls attention to the outdoor stage and the gigantic Village Christmas tree providing a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony. The reading of an inspirational Christmas story then compliments the dramatic lighting of the 35-foot tree. The lighting of the candles begins when the Honorary Candlelighter, usually a figure of public interest, lights the first candle from the main candle on stage and proceeds to pass the flame to the singing of “Silent Night.” As each person receives the flame from his neighbor, he begins singing until every candle glows and the crowd is a chorus of voices. On the days of candlelightings, guests may take horse-drawn surrey rides, listen to live dulcimer music, hear strolling carolers, visit with Santa and his elves, see live reindeer (first Saturday only), and browse through the Shops of Roscoe Village among the old-fashioned holiday decorations and luminaries lining the streets. Learn about Christmas during the 1800s as you tour the Village by candlelight in the special “A Roscoe Christmas” tours commencing after the Candlelightings. For more information, please contact Historic Roscoe Village at 800- 877-1830 or visit www.roscoevillage.com.

Printout: Christmas Candlelighting at Roscoe Village

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CHRISTMAS OF YESTERYEAR AND CHRISTMAS LANTERN TOUR AT HISTORIC LYME VILLAGE
(admission $5 for adults $3 for 12 and under) 

• When: See below for specifics

• Location: Bellevue, Ohio (Enter on State Route 4 between U.S. 20 and State
  Route 113). 

• 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. Christmas of Yesteryear is December 16 & 29, 2007 from 1-5pm. Christmas Lantern Tour is December 15 from 5 - 9pm. 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

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DICKENS VICTORIAN VILLAGE

• When: November 5, 2007 - January 21, 2008

• Location: Historic downtown Cambridge, Ohio

• 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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Elvis Presley the "Original" American Idol and the Fabulous Fifties and Sixties exhibits (Admission is $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children 6 and up)

• When: Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 PM,  November, December,  March and April and by appointment only in January and February

• Location: Heritage Hall Museum, 169 East Church Street, Marion Ohio 43302

• Phone: 740-387-4255

• Web address: www.marionhistory.com  

Visit the Marion County Historical Society museum Heritage Hall and tour the  “Elvis – the Original American Idol” and “The Fabulous 50’s & 60’s” exhibits.  Featured is a large collection of Elvis memorabilia on loan to the Historical Society from the collection of Jon Daly a local collector and president of the Elvis Memories Loop Fan Club as well as a nostalgic trip down memory lane into the  world of soda pop, early TV, record albums, Howdy Doody and aluminum tumblers!    Tours of the Wyandot Popcorn Museum and the Marion County Historical Society's Warren G. Harding collection are also included with admission to Heritage Hall. 

Join Elvis Fans at Heritage Hall on January 12, 2008 from 1-5 PM for a special birthday tribute to Elvis Aaron Presley. Guests may come in their favorite Elvis era clothing and rock 'n' roll the afternoon away celebrating with Elvis karaoke, ice cream and cake.  Please call 740-387-4255 to pre register for this event. Regular museum admission will be collected.

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FANTASY OF LIGHTS
(admission fee may apply)

• When: December 2007 from Sunday through Thursday 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
• Where: (confirm location for 2007 by calling the following phone number) Alum Creek State Park in Central Ohio
• 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) 

• When: November 24 through December

• Where: Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114

• 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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JEFFERSON DEPOT VILLAGE
An Old-fashioned Williamsburg Christmas
(Admission is Free)  

• When: Sunday, December 9, 2007 starting at 3:00 p.m. (2nd Sunday in December every year)
• 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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ANNUAL HISTORIC LEBANON'S CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AND HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE PARADE
(Admission is Free)  

• When: Saturday, December 1, 2007 (Christmas Festival Time:  10am-9pm and Horse-Drawn Carriage Parades:  1pm and 7pm candlelit parade)

• Location:  Downtown Lebanon Ohio

• 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)

• When: December 2007 (from the day after Thanksgiving through January 1st)

• Location: Clifton, Ohio on State Route 72 in Greene County

• 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)

• 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.

• Location: Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue – Art Central District in downtown Middletown, OH 45042

• 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

NIEDERMAN CHRISTMAS FARM
(Admission is Free)

• When: Day after Thanksgiving through December 30, 2007 from 5:30pm - 10pm daily

• Location: 4972 LeSourdsville-WestChester Drive in Liberty Township, Ohio 45011

• 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)

• When: December 14, 2007 - January 1 (closed Christmas eve and day)

• Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 

• 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

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD STATION AT THE KELTON HOUSE MUSEUM:  TRAILS OF HOPE SERIES 

• When: Sunday, December 9, 2007 (2:00 p.m.)

• Location:  Kelton House Museum at 586 E. Town Street in Columbus, OH  43235

• Phone:  614-464-2022

Learn of the Kelton family’s involvement with the Underground Railroad.  See a re-enactor perform as Wealthy Brown, the daughter-in-law of John Brown.  Hear the story of her life before and after John Brown’s famous raid.

WINTERSHOW: GINGERBREAD DREAMS
(Admission: $7.50 and $3 for children 3-12)

• When: November 23 - December 31, 2007 Tuesday – Saturday from 10am – 5 pm, Sunday from Noon – 5pm and closed Monday
• Location: Cleveland Botanical Garden
• Phone: 216-721-1600

Nothing screams the holidays like gingerbread men, gingerbread houses, gingerbread anything. Ever since the Nineteenth century, gingerbread treats have filled generations’ minds and tummies alike. Now, they are the centerpiece of the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s WinterShow.  
 

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 Santa Trains in Nelsonville, Ohio 
For availability, reservations and rates, call 1-800-967-7834 or visit www.hockingvalleytrain.com.
On this trip through the scenic Hocking Valley, youngsters don't need to go to the North Pole to see Santa. Instead, Santa visits with each and every child on the train and passes out candy to all. Passengers are also treated to lovely music and Christmas poems. The trip takes two hours. 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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