Ohio’s Historical Homes You Should Visit This Holiday Season
Getting ready to decorate your home for the holidays? Need a few inspirational ideas Why not take what I like to call “The Ultimate Holiday Home Tour.” Below I have listed seven historic homes that are well worth a visit this holiday season. Staff, as well as many volunteers work countless hours decorating these beautiful historic homes for the holidays.
The Arms Family Museum in Youngstown is decorated in the theme of Memories of Christmas Past. “Creatures Great and Small” can be found at The Hower House Museum in Akron. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, also in Akron is “Decking the Halls” this holiday season. Step back in time at the Reeves Victorian Home in Dover. Enjoy a Victorian Christmas Tour at The Castle in Marietta, and a Candlelight Holiday Tour at Louis Bromfield’s Big House at Malabar Farms. This years theme at the Victorian House Museum in Millersburg is “A Child’s Storybook Christmas”.
These homes are beautiful all year, but during the holiday season they shine even brighter.
Arms Family Museum – Memories of Christmas Past
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. On Twilight Thursdays, the exhibit is open until 7:00pm. The Museum is closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Location: 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown..
Phone: 330-743-2589 | website
For local visitor bureau information visit
Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hower House Museum – “A Magnificent Menagerie: Creatures Great and Small”
Dates: Holiday Hours 2024
November 7-December 29, 2024 (select dates)
Time: 1PM-4PM
Friday & Saturdays 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm | Sunday 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Tours start on the hour. Last tour starts one hour before closing.| Group tours by appointment.
Location: The University of Akron
60 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44325
330.972.6909 | website
This 28-room Victorian Mansion located on the grounds of the University of Akron, is one of the city’s often overlooked treasures. The home was completed in 1871, by John Henry Hower, a leading Akron industrialist who was active in the milling, reaping, and cereal industries. Well-known Akron architect Jacob Snyder designed the house in the Second Empire Italianate style.
Allow time to visit the Cellar Door Boutique. Tea items, holiday ornaments and unique gifts can be found among the shelves. There is even a cross stitch pattern of the home for sale.
CLICK HERE to read more about our visit.
photo credit: My Ohio Fun
Deck the Hall
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Select dates: 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 | website
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.
MUST DO: Don’t let the holidays slip by without planning a tour of this former home of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. Stan Hywet is the largest historic home in Ohio and sixth largest in the U.S.
There are 20 rooms decorated in beautiful holiday “Deck the Hall” fashion throughout the Manor House. Plus, over 1.4 million lights illuminating the pathways and gardens. You will also find photo op stations throughout the estate.
ALLOW TIME to visit the Corbin Conservatory, where you will find more holiday displays and the giant poinsettia tree. Bring cash. You are going to want to purchase one of their many-colored poinsettias for sale.
DON’T FORGET to make a stop after your tour at Molly’s Courtyard Café’ where you can purchase one of those famous warm gingerbread cookies and a cup of hot chocolate. Beer, wine & giant pretzels are also available.
SHOP & SUPPORT: Find unique gifts, holiday décor’, Stan Hywet ornaments and more in Molly’s Shop. A gift membership (starting at $55) to Stan Hywet may be the perfect gift for someone on your list.
VISIT THE MAN IN THE RED SUIT: Just outside Molly’s Shop is where you will find Santa himself and two animated shop windows, including my favorite “The Gingerbread Bakeshop”.
CLICK HERE to read more.
Featured article image: Dining Room| Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Photo courtesy of My Ohio Fun.)
Christmas at the Reeves Home
Date: November 13-December 22 and December 27-30, 2024*
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Time: Wednesdays – Sundays, 1-7 pm
*The museum will close at 5:00pm on the following dates to accommodate our presentation of “A Christmas Carol”: Nov 24, Dec 1, 6, 7,13,14, 20, 21, 2024
Location: J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum
325 East Iron Avenue, Dover, OH
Phone: 330.343.7040 | 800.815.2794
website
(Photo courtesy of J.E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum.)
Candlelight Holiday Tour – Malabar Farms
Candlelight Tours at Malabar Farms
Dates/times: December 6-7, 13-14: 5-8pm | December 8 & 15, 2024 : 1pm-4pm
Location: Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843
419.892.2784 | website
Admission: $6.00 for adults (ages 18+) | $4.00 for youth
Tour Louis Bromfield’s Big House all decked out for the holiday! Enjoy freshly baked cookies, hot cider; and special entertainment. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center gift shop before walking to the Big House
(photo credit: Malabar Farm State Park)
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS TOURS
General Admission Days
Dates/times: Thursdays, Dec. 5 and 12, 2024 – 7 to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 – 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: The Castle
418 4th St., Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: 740.373.4180 | mariettacastle.org
Bring the family to enjoy the Christmas decorations of a Victorian home while learning the history and legends tied to many of our modern holiday traditions and decorations during this special evening tour. We’ll take a look at how the Davis family celebrated Christmas in 1888, brought to life through the stories of knowledgeable tour guides, displays, and an art installation, all based on historical research. The Castle will also have a whimsical winter feel made possible by artistic snowflakes provided by local schools and community groups on display throughout the tour. Get your tickets today!
$15 Adults; $12 Kids (age 13 and under); Ages 5 and under free
Castle Members: $13 Adults; $10 Kids (age 13 and under); Ages 5 and under free
Elegance of Christmas Past
Victorian House Museum
Self-guided tours: Nov. 16 -Dec. 16, 2024
Sunday -Thurs. 1:00-4:00pm and Friday and Saturday 1:00-8:00pm
Location: 484 Wooster Rd. Millersburg, OH 44654
330.674.0022 | holmeshistory.com
Press release: The Victorian House Museum is delighted to announce it’s theme “Elegance of Christmas Past” mansion tours, running from November 16 through December 31, 2024. This enchanting event invites visitors to step back in time and experience the splendor of a Victorian Christmas. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the warmth and beauty of Christmas as it was celebrated in days gone by. Also mark your calendars for November 16 from 4:00-8:00pm, and join us for an evening filled with nostalgia, elegance, and festive cheer at the Elegance of Christmas Past open house. It promises to be a night to remember, where history and holiday magic come together in perfect harmony. Santa will drop by during our open house so bring the family. ½ price admission for open house hours.
Nestled in the heart of Millersburg, the Victorian House Museum will be adorned with exquisite holiday decorations, capturing the essence of 19th-century Christmas traditions. Each room of the mansion will be meticulously decorated, showcasing the elegance and charm of the Victorian era.
Event Highlights:
Festive Décor: Marvel at the intricate decorations, including, vintage clothing, garlands, and twinkling lights that bring the mansion to life. Special Exhibits: Elegance of Christmas Past vintage clothing collection on display throughout the mansion.
A Victorian Christmas Tea Party – December 7, 2024 | 1-3 pm
(photo courtesy of the Victorian House Museum)
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
Diane is the owner and editor of MyOhioFun.com. She is an avid baker, gardener, Little Free Library owner, who loves to read and travel. She spends most of her days sharing her love of things to do in Ohio, as well as creating destinations and itineraries for group tours and individual travelers.
Editor’s note: This list started in 2020 and is continually updated for the current year. The dates and additional events have been updated for the 2024 season. Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
***Disclosure: My Ohio Fun receives compensation from advertising banners. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.***
