The official kick-off to the holidays is something to look forward to every year in Northeast Ohio. There are still plenty of outdoor activities that let you enjoy parks, downtowns, and communities, all in anticipation of the holidays ahead. If you’re traveling to see friends and family or planning a getaway, Medina County will be waiting to host you.
Medina’s Candlelight Walk is an event you don’t want to miss when getting ready for the holidays. This treasured event is in its 41st year and offers the Uptown Park gazebo tree lighting with carols, Parade of lights, carriage rides, downtown shopping and Fireworks! Root Candles and Main Street Medina go all out for this event, from Friday, November 21, to Sunday, November 23, 2025.
While you are in Medina County, you can enjoy fine dining in communities decked completely out in Hallmark Christmas fashion in both Wadsworth and Medina. Thyme2 in Medina offers both upscale and pub-style dining to suit whatever mood you’re seeking. Their extensive wine list and cocktail menu pair perfectly with a crafted dinner menu or your favorite brick oven, fire-roasted pizza. The Vue in Wadsworth offers a large bar for gathering and perfectly procured meals set by an award-winning chef. Holiday lights set the perfect stage for family dinners or date nights and give you the energy you might need for holiday gift shopping.
If you have a person who seems impossible to shop for, perhaps a gift of an experience would be just right. Schedule an evening at Escape Wadsworth and dive into a world of mystery and puzzles, where every clue brings you closer to saving the “family fortune.” This escape room offers a unique way to work together and is perfect for friends and families. If you’d still like a present to wrap, you’re invited to find the ultimate unique gift at Sweets & Geeks in Medina. Their store offers nostalgic drinks, candy from around the world, and Funko Pops for collectors. If you’re shopping for a book lover, Black Cat Books in Medina will be a must-stop. Another great place to find a unique gift is The Common Ground in Medina. There are several holiday pop-up markets in this refurbished pickle factory, along with shops selling candles, pottery, clothing, and vintage items.
Is it any wonder why people travel from all over the country to visit Castle Noel? As America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas attractions, it’s sure to set your holiday mood or encourage your inner child. With displays from New York City storefronts, Costumes from beloved Christmas classics, and set pieces from holiday stop-motion movies, you will experience excitement and nostalgia on the 2-hour guided tour. Purchase tickets at CastleNoel.com.
No holiday would be complete without time together. In Brunswick, you can spend an entire weekend sharing pizza, playing arcade games, racing go-karts, or practicing your cannonballs, just like Kevin in Home Alone!! Brunswick Comfort Suites is right off Interstate 71, and offers award-winning lodging surrounded by dining, Scene 75, and walkable to Brunswick Lake Park. Brunswick Lake Park totals over 79 acres, including the 13.2-acre lake and the Susan B. Hambley Nature Center, open on weekends. Visitors can explore the wooded area on a one-half-mile trail that winds through the forest, passing near wetlands. When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop into Ohio Pie for an “original Ohio-style Pizza”. You could also visit Market 42, a new local market destination for dining, shopping and entertainment. McGuinty’s bar and 25+ food vendors will let everyone get just what they’re hungry for.
Picture Yourself Catching the Holiday Spirit in Medina County!
