OHIO EVENTS
Events are listed by date. If you would like to submit an event CLICK HERE for details.
Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of event dates and listings, however, we still advise that you check the venues website or call ahead before traveling.
DECEMBER 2024
FEATURED EVENT
GARDEN OF LIGHTS OHIO
Dates: Now through March 2, 2025
Location: 5563 Raiders Road, Frazeysburg, Ohio 43822
On the former Longaberger Homestead property
Experience the enchantment of Alice in Wonderland! Grab a ticket to this dazzling light display and you could win holiday lighting for the exterior of your home with S4 Lights plus installation by Nelson’s Seasonal Décor, a prize valued at $15,000! Visit their website for hours, details on the contest, and to get your tickets today!
Demons, Ghosts, and Goblins in Chinese Art
Cleveland Museum of Art
Exhibit runs through Jan 19, 2025 (select days)
Location: 010 Focus Gallery
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
FREE admission
clevelandart.org
This exhibition presents 20 paintings and sculptures of secular and religious subject matter from a private collection and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The show explores the stories in which they appear and the supernatural power that they exert.
FEATURED EVENT
A MAGNIFICENT MENAGERIE: Creatures Great and Small
Summit County NE OH
Dates: November 7-December 29, 2024 (select dates)
Time: 1PM-4PM
(Last tour 1 hours before closing)
Location: Hower House Museum
60 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44304
330.972.6909 | website
CLICK HERE to read about our recent visit to the museum.
NORTH POLE ADVENTURE™
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Summit County NE OH
Dates: November 8 – December 21, 2024
Departing Station: Rockside Station
Times: 5:00 pm & 7:55 pm
cvsr.org
MIDDLETOWN HOLIDAY WHOPLA
Dates: November 15-January 19, 2025
Central Ave & South Broad Street, Middletown
holidaywhopla.org/
Delight in the holiday season in Middletown! Enjoy ice skating right in the heart of downtown Middletown, plus more holiday fun including rentable igloos to keep warm, horse drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and other favorite holiday characters, and much more!
MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS PAST
Mahoning County NE OH
Dates: November 16 – December 31, 2024
Tour Times: This year’s exhibit will take place November 16 – December 31, 2024. Museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:00pm. The Museum is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Location: Arms Family Museum 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown..
Phone: 330-743-2589 | website
NORTH POLE EXPRESS
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
Date: Nov 22-Dec 29, 2024 (Fridays & Saturdays)
Time: FRI-SAT 5:30pm-9pm | SUN 5:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 County Road 99, Findlay, Ohio 45840
nworrp.org
.
JOY OF CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW
Columbiana County – NE OH
Friday – Sunday | Nov. 22, 23, 24
Thursday, Nov. 28 – Monday, Dec. 23
Tuesday, Dec. 24 – Sunday, Dec. 28 LIGHTS ONLY (Santa’s Ice Castle & Gingerbread House are CLOSED)
CLOSED – Christmas Day, December 25th
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Location: Columbiana Firestone Park, 298 E. Park Ave, Columbiana
Cost is $20 per vehicle; $40 for seasonal pass (unless otherwise noted).
tourcolumbianaohio.org
Gingerbread House:
Story-time with Mrs. Claus on Thursdays, Sundays and special nights only
Gingerbread house display crafted by students from area schools and local professionals
Children’s activities/crafts
*Mrs. Claus’ last night is December 23; Gingerbread House CLOSED December 24-28, 2024
Santa’s Ice Castle:
$1 concessions benefiting local nonprofit and civic organizations
Photos with Santa: additional Fee
Wish Tree, indoor train display, children’s activities/crafts
*Santa’s last night is Monday, December 23; Ice Castle CLOSED December 24-28, 2024
LIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS
TOLEDO ZOO & AQUARIUM
Dates: November 22-December 31, 2024
Times: visit website
Location: 2 Hippo Way, Toledo
toledozoo.org
During Lights, zoo opens daily at 3 p.m. The Zoo is not open during the daytime and is only open for Lights.
With over one million twinkling lights, the award-winning Big Tree and 200+ illuminated animal images, the 2024 edition of the electrical spectacle is sure to be both merry and bright!
WILDLIGHTS
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dates: November 22-January 5, 2025
SUNDAY – THURSDAY: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | FRIDAY – SATURDAY: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH
columbuszoo.org
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Central Ohio with millions of dazzling LED zoo lights, animated musical light shows, and festive activities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium!
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): November 23-December 22, 2024
Location: Playhouse Square | Mimi Ohio Theatre
Great Lakes Theater
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
FEATURED EVENT
CANDY LAND IT’S WILD IN OHIO
Lake Metroparks
Dates: November 23, 2024 – January 1, 2025
Closed Thanksgiving & Christmas
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Penitentiary Glen Reservation
8668 Kirtland-Chardon Rd., Kirtland OH
lakemetroparks.com
“Fun for the whole family, the indoor holiday tradition continues as the Candy Land game comes to life, but with a natural twist, taking you on a colorful adventure as you discover what’s wild in Ohio. In addition, enjoy a themed craft, scavenger hunts, hands-on exhibits and much more!”
FROST: An Ice-Capped Garden Experience
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: November 23 -January 5, 2025
Tuesday, Wednesday: 10am-6pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday: noon-6pm
Monday: Closed*
Location: Cleveland Botanical Gardens
Advance ticket purchase required
holdenfg.org
“Our indoor and outdoor gardens transform with dazzling light installations, a tunnel of flowers, larger-than-life animals, seasonal soundscapes and much more to create a completely immersive world for the holiday season. Tickets around the holiday will go quickly, make sure to reserve yours today!”
Join the Live Nativity Parade in Downtown Berlin, Ohio and witness the true spirit of Christmas! Starting at dusk, the parade features live animals, actors in biblical costumes, and carolers, all reenacting the Nativity story.
Deck the Hall “Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens”
Hours: Nov 29, 30. Dec. 1, 5-23, 26-30
3-8pm. Last entry/admission at 8pm; grounds stay open until 9pm
Location: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio
330-836-5533 | stanhywet.org
2024 Tickets:
– Mon. – Thurs.: $20 adults 18+; $9 youth (3-17); children 2 & under, free
– Fri. – Sun.: $24 adults 18+; $11 youth (3-17); children 2 & under, free
Tour Times: 3-8pm. Last entry/admission at 8pm; grounds stay open until 9pm.
Admissions closes at 8pm. Estate is open until 9pm.
To learn about our recent visit CLICK HERE.
CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
County: Lorain County NE OH
Dates: November 29 – Jan 4
Time: Times Vary based on day – see link here: christmasatw.com/pages/tickets
Location: Lake Erie Crushers Stadium in Avon, Ohio (2009 Baseball Field Blvd.)
Admission: christmasatw.com
Description:
WHERE HOLIDAY MEETS HERITAGE
A journey to discover the spirit of the holidays around the globe. As you’re transported to each country, you’ll experience its holiday traditions with all five senses. Christmas Around the World will debut at Crushers Stadium in Avon, offering guests a never-before-seen immersive experience filled with cultural wonder, festive joy and holiday magic from across the globe. Expecting more than 100,000 attendees, the event will transport guests to the heart of festive celebrations, reminiscent of world-renowned international theme park experiences. Christmas Around the World will take place November 29, 2024, through January 4, 2025, at Crushers Stadium (2009 Baseball Blvd., Avon, OH 44011).
Contact info and/or website: christmasatw.com/
FEATURED EVENT
COUNTRY LIGHTS DRIVE-THRU
Lake County NE OH
Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Dates: Nov. 30-Dec 1, Dec 6-8, Dec 13-15, Dec 20-22, Dec 27-29, 2024
Time: 6pm-8pm
Location: 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd. (Rt. 6), Kirtland, OH 44094
Tickets
Sale dates (online only):
Lake County residents & Farmpark members*: Monday, October 28 at 8 am
Open sales: Tuesday, October 29 at 8 am
*Farmpark membership must be current as of noon on Monday, October 21 and remain current on date of purchase.
Ticket sales online only. Advance purchase of tickets is required.
KINGWOOD CENTER GARDENS
Richland County NE OH
Dates: Nov 30, Dec 1, 4, 5, 7-8, 11-15, 17-23, 26-30, 2024
Times: 3pm-9pm
Location: 50. N Trimble Road, Mansfield, 44906
kingwoodcenter.org
Advanced tickets required.
Take a festive stroll through the enchanting Community Tree Walk, marvel at the breathtaking holiday décor inside Kingwood Hall, and explore the glowing outdoor trail of lights. Elevate your Christmas visit with charming shopping, delightful dining, and a variety of special events to make the season even more magical!
CLICK HERE to learn more about this year’s Kingwood Center Gardens holiday celebration.
A CHRISTMAS STORY
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): November 30-December 22, 2024
Location: Playhouse Square | Allen Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
CLEVELAND ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERTS
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: December 11-22, 2024
Location: Mandel Concert Hall
Cleveland, OH
clevelandorchestra.com
THE NUTCRACKER
Cuyahoga County NE OH
presented by The Cleveland Ballet
Date(s): December 13-22, 2024
Times: See website
Location: Playhouse Square | Connor Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
(photo credit: The Cleveland Ballet)
THE NUTCRACKER
performed by the Dayton Ballet
Dates: December 13-22, 2024
Times: See website
Location: Schuster Performing Arts Center – Wintergarden
One West Second Street, Dayton, Ohio 45402
888.228.3630 | daytonperformingarts.org
A CELTIC CHRISTMAS
Dates: December 18, 2024
Time: 7:15pm
Location: Playhouse Square, Cleveland
playhousesquare.org
Now in its 29th season of touring nationally, Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas recreates the joy and innocence of a night before Christmas in a remote farmhouse in his native parish of Teampall an Ghleanntáin in the west of Ireland – in the 1950s
CLEVELAND KEYS DEULING PIANOS
Date: December 19, 2024
Time: 1pm-3pm
Location: Hartville Kitchen
1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, OH 44632
hartvillekitchen.com
CHRISTMAS WITH C.S. LEWIS
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): December 19-20, 2024
Location: Playhouse Square | Hanna Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
BALLET THEATRE ASHTABULA presents The Nutcracker
Ashtabula County – NE OH
Dates: December 19-22, 2024
Times: visit website
Location: 2928 W. 13th Street, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
440.964.3396 | website
Enchanting audiences for more than a century, The Nutcracker is a holiday treat for the entire family. Tchaikovsky’s classic, celebrated score will fill the theater as Ballet Theatre Ashtabula’s dancers tell the story of heroine Clara and her adventure into a magical world with her gallant Nutcracker prince.
THE NUTCRACKER
performed by the Cincinnati Ballet
Dates: December 19-29, 2024
Times: see website
Location: Cincinnati Music Hall’s Springer Auditorium
1241 Elm St., Cincinnati, Ohio 44202
website
Ballet Legato presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”
Date: December 21, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Hoke Theatre The Stocker Arts Center
1005 North Abbe Rd., Elyria, Ohio 44035
website
A VERY JAZZY CHRISTMAS
Lucas County NW OH
Dates: December 21, 2024
Times: 8pm
Location: Stranahan Theater
4645 Heatherdowns Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43614
419-246-8000 | toledosymphony.com
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
Mahoning County NE OH
Dates: December 21,2024
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Edward W. Powers Auditorium, Youngstown
deyorpac.org
WINTER BLITZ BRUNCH WITH SANTA
County: Stark County
Dates: Saturday, December 21st
Time: Two seatings: 11 am-12:30 pm and 1 pm-2:30 pm
Location: Gridiron Gastropub at The Hall of Fame Village (2101 Hall of Fame Way NW, Suite 1, Canton, OH 44708)
Admission: $25 adults / $12 kids (12 & under)
Description: Join us for a festive Character Brunch at Gridiron Gastropub, where holiday cheer meets delicious food! Enjoy a delightful meal filled with scrumptious food, playful interactions, and photo opportunities with Santa! Call to reserve your seats!
Contact info and/or website: gridirongastropub.com
JIM BRICKMAN’S “COMFORT & JOY”
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): December 21-22, 2024
Location: Playhouse Square | Hanna Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
GREAT ART ESCAPE
Lucas County NW Ohio
Friday-Sunday, Dec. 27-29, 2024
Location: 2445 Monroe St., Toledo, OH
toledomuseum.org/
The Toledo Museum of Art (TMA) invites all to celebrate the winter holidays during its annual Great Art Escape Dec. 27 – 30. Event programs are free and do not require registration – unless otherwise noted in the schedule. The event features fun for all ages including art activities, such as Ask Me Docents and Drawing in the Galleries; live performances, including Mike Williams On Sax and The Greater Toledo International Youth Orchestra; and flashlight tours.
In addition, visitors can view the museum’s current free exhibitions, including Strategic Interplay: African Art and Imagery in Black and White, Opulent Echoes: Artistic Journeys in the 16th and 17th Centuries, From Asia to the World: Ancient to Contemporary Art and In a New Light: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.
BREW AT THE AKRON ZOO
Summit County NE OH
Date: December 28, 2024
Time: 6-9pm
Location: Akron Zoo, Akron OH
The Akron Zoo will be bringing two of its popular events, Brew at the Zoo and Wild Lights, together for Brew at the Zoo: Holiday Special on Saturday, Dec. 28 from 6 – 9 p.m.
While sampling beer and wine from local breweries and wineries, guests can experience Wild Lights. The zoo will be decked out in more than one million holiday lights and many of the animals will be in their habitats.
Vendors include Lock 15, Broadview Brewing Company, Schnitz Ale, White Timbers Winery, Lincoln Way, The Long Drink, Maize Valley, Collision Bend Brewing Company, Thirsty Dog and Paradigm Shift. Food trucks, Royal Docks and Eddie’s Famous Cheesesteaks, will be on-site for purchase. Tickets include eight tastings and are now available at akronzoo.org/brew-at-the-zoo. Early bird prices are $43 for Akron Zoo members and $48 for non-members. Designated driver tickets are available for $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Ticket prices increase on Dec. 22 and prices are $48 for Akron Zoo members and $53 for non-members. Designated driver tickets are $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
Brew at the Zoo is a 21 and older only event, including designated drivers. Infants and children will not be admitted.
The Akron Zoo is open 361 days a year. Off-season hours are 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission rates are $9 – $19. Children under two are free and parking is free. For more information visit www.akronzoo.org or call (330) 375-2550.
JANUARY 2025
FLANAGAN’S WAKE
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): January 3-April 26, 2025
Location: Playhouse Square |Kennedy’s Cabaret
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
LIFE OF PI
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): January 7-26, 2025
Location: Playhouse Square | Connor Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
OHIO RV SUPERSHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: January 8-12, 2024
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
CLEVELAND BOAT SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: January 16-19, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com/events/
TOLEDO ZOO WINE TASTINGS 2025
Dates: Jan. 24 – Aquarium
Feb. 14 Wine & Dine Valentine’s Dinner – Malawi Event Center
March 14 – ProMedica Museum of Natural History Great Hall
April 11 – Malawi Event Center
June 6 – Africa! Overlook
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
toledozoo.org/events/wine
TODAY’S BRIDE WEDDING SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: January 25-26, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
GREAT BIG HOME & GARDEN SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: January 31 – February 9, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
FEBRUARY 2025
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): February 7-March 2, 2025
Location: Playhouse Square | Hanna Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
PAW PATROL LIVE! A Mighty Adventure
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date(s): February 8-9, 2025
Location: Playhouse Square | Key Bank State Theatre
1501 Euclid Ave. Cleveland, Ohio
Ticket sales: 216.241.6000 | playhousesquare.org
TOLEDO ZOO WINE TASTINGS 2025
Dates:
Feb. 14 Wine & Dine Valentine’s Dinner – Malawi Event Center
March 14 – ProMedica Museum of Natural History Great Hall
April 11 – Malawi Event Center
June 6 – Africa! Overlook
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
toledozoo.org/events/wine
CLEVELAND GOLF & TRAVEL SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: February 14-16, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
GREAT TRAIN SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: February 15-16, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
CLEVELAND AUTO SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: February 21-March 2, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
Villain Arts’ 10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival
County: Cuyahoga County
Dates: Feb. 28th-March 2nd
Times: Friday Feb 28th 2pm-11pm
Saturday March 1st 11am-11pm | Sunday March 2nd 11am-8pm
Location: Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, 300 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
Admission: $25 for a 1-Day Pass; $50 for a 3-Day Pass. Free admission for children under age 12.
Description:
Villain Arts presents the 10th Annual Cleveland Tattoo Arts Festival! This weekend, the convention center will be buzzing with tattoo machines and artistic energy. Whether you’re adding another piece to your collection or getting your very first tattoo, this event promises something for everyone!
Take in the entertainment: sideshow, human suspension, even burlesque. Explore vendors selling unique clothing, jewelry, and oddities. Choose from a talented lineup of tattoo artists, each specializing in different styles—from traditional, to ‘micro’ tattoos, blackwork, watercolor, even coverups. Plus, you can enter tattoo contests and compete for a trophy! So don’t delay! Get your tickets today!
Contact: [email protected]
Website: villainarts.com
Cleveland event website
MARCH 2025
TOLEDO ZOO WINE TASTINGS 2025
Dates:
March 14 – ProMedica Museum of Natural History Great Hall
April 11 – Malawi Event Center
June 6 – Africa! Overlook
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
toledozoo.org/events/wine
CLEVELAND HOME & REMODELING EXPO
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: March 21-23, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
CAR PARTS WAREHOUSE I-X PISTON POWERED AUTO-RAMA
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: March 28-30, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
APRIL 2025
ORIGINAL SEWING & QUILTING EXPO
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: April 3-5, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
ALL AMERICAN PET EXPO
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Dates: April 4-6, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
TOLEDO ZOO WINE TASTINGS 2025
Dates:
April 11 – Malawi Event Center
June 6 – Africa! Overlook
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
toledozoo.org/events/wine
MAY 2025
THE BIGGEST WEEK IN AMERICAN BIRDING
Dates: May 9-18, 2025
Location: Oak Harbor, OH
biggestweekinamericanbirding.com
STOMP
Mahoning County NE OH
Dates: May 14, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Edward W. Powers Auditorium, Youngstown
deyorpac.org
SANTA DAY at Castle Noel
Date: May 17, 2024
Location: 260 S. Court St., Medina, OH 44256
castlenoel.com
JUNE 2025
TOLEDO ZOO WINE TASTINGS 2025
Date: June 6 – Africa! Overlook
2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43609
toledozoo.org/events/wine
TODAY’S BRIDE WEDDING SHOW
Cuyahoga County NE OH
Date: June 8, 2025
Location: I-X Center, Cleveland
ixcenter.com
JULY 2025
THE NORTHEAST OHIO QUILT SHOW
Dates: July 17-19, 2025
Times: THU 9am-4pm | FRI 9am-4pm | SAT 9am-4pm
Free admission. Free parking.
theneohioquiltshow.com
AUGUST 2025
SEPTEMBER 2025
MOHICAN BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
Dates: September 11-13, 2025
Location: Mohican Wilderness
22462 Wally Road, Glenmont, OH 44628
mohicanwilderness.com
A favorite annual attraction in the Mohican Area! This is a family festival, now in its 32nd year. Bring your lawn chairs and a few good friends to enjoy the most scenic venue around. Picnic tables and benches are available on a first come first serve basis. Kids are free and parking is free for the day. Food and craft vendors available.
OCTOBER 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
SHERLOCK HOLMES MURDER MYSTERY WEEKEND
Guernsey County
Dates: November 7-8, 2025
Location: Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center 7033 Glenn Hwy, Cambridge Ohio
visitguernseycounty.com
DECEMBER 2025
45th Annual E.J. Thomas Christmas Arts & Crafts Show
Dates: December 5-7, 2025
Friday Noon-7, Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 10-4
Held always the first weekend in December at
E.J. Thomas Hall, Akron, Ohio (University of Akron Campus)
Featuring 106 artists and craftspeople…many of them local favorites
General admission $5.00, $4.50 seniors (62+), Children 12 & under free
Free Campus Parking
E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, OH 44325
