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. “Tell Me a Story” 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 ““Brightman Family Christmas / Holidays at the Mansion.”
These homes are beautiful all year, but during the holiday season they shine even brighter.
Arms Family Museum – Memories of Christmas Past
Dates: November 15 – December 31, 2025
Tour Times: Museum hours are Tuesday-Sunday, noon-4:00pm. 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
Explore Mahoning
Hower House Museum – Tell Me a Story
Dates: Holiday Hours 2025
November 6-December 28, 2025 (select dates)
Time: TH, FRI, SAT: Noon-4PM | SUN 1PM – 4PM
Tours start on the hour. Last tour 3PM.| Group tours by appointment.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas
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.
photo credit: My Ohio Fun (2024)
Deck the Hall
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Select dates: Nov 28-30. Dec. 4-23, 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
Deck the Hall begins at 3pm and last admission is at 8pm (however, once here, you can remain on the grounds 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 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”.
Christmas at the Reeves Home
Date: November 12-December 21 and December 27-30, 2025*
Closed Thanksgiving Day
Time: Wednesdays – Sundays, 1-7 pm
Location: J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum
325 East Iron Avenue, Dover, OH
Phone: 330.343.7040
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 5-7, 12-14, 2025
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: December 11, 18, 20, 2025
TH: 7 to 8:00 p.m. | SAT: 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; $14.50 Kids (age 8+ and under): Ages 7 and under free
“Brightman Family Christmas / Holidays at the Mansion.” |Victorian House Museum
Self-guided tours: Nov. 15 -Dec. 31, 2025
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
You’re Invited! Brightman Family Christmas at the Victorian House Museum
Step back in time and celebrate the holidays in Victorian splendor! The Victorian House Museum is glowing with festive decorations for this year’s theme: “Brightman Family Christmas / Holidays at the Mansion.”
Tour the 28-room mansion filled with twinkling lights, lavish garlands, and timeless holiday traditions. Each room tells a story, bringing the warmth and wonder of Christmas past to life.
🎄 Holiday Tours run Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 Hours Sunday – Thursday 1:00-4:00, Fri &Sat 1-8:00pm
🎶 Special evening hours & festive community events
📍 Victorian House Museum, 484 Wooster Rd. Millersburg, OH 44654
Bring your family, your friends, and your holiday spirit — and make the Victorian House Museum part of your Christmas tradition! Purchase advanced tickets at the following link. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/holiday-admission
(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 2025 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.***
