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. “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Glow” 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 “Our Town 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
featuring WHITE CHRISTMAS: The Exhibition
Dates: November 14 – December 31, 2026
Tour Times: Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 PM. Saturdays in December, noon to 7 PM.
Please see the website for holiday closures.
Location: Arms Family Museum, 648 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502
mahoninghistory.org/mcp
Step into a Hollywood Christmas at the historic Arms Family Museum! This year’s Memories of Christmas Past features rare original costumes and memorabilia from White Christmas and Holiday Inn, alongside seven beautifully decorated holiday experiences celebrating history, nostalgia, and Christmas traditions.
Admission: Adults $10, seniors and college students $9, children ages 3 to 18 $8. Children under 3 and MVHS members are free. Other discounts and free admission categories are available.
Hower House Museum – LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT GLOW
Dates: Holiday Hours 2026
November 5-December 27, 2026 (select dates)
Thursdays from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
Fridays from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
Saturdays from 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. (last entry at 2 p.m.)
Sundays from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. (last entry at 3 p.m.)
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.
Deck the Hall
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Select dates: Nov 27 – December 30, 2026 (Select dates)
Time: 3-9pm. Last entry/admission at 8pm; grounds stay open until 9pm
Location: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio
330-836-5533 | website
“This year, Deck the Hall: Holidays Through the Decades theme takes you on a nostalgic journey through generations of holiday traditions. Step inside the Manor House and travel from the 2020s back to the Victorian era, discovering the toys, decorations, colors, traditions and memories that defined each decade.”
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: Christmas Season, 2026
Nov 11 – Dec 20 Wednesdays – Sundays, Dec 27-30
Time: 1:00-7:00pm
***To accommodate our presentation of A Christmas Carol,
the museum will close at 5:00 on the following dates:
Nov 15, 22, 29, Dec 4, 5, 11, 12.
The museum will be closed Sunday, Dec 6 for the matinee performance.
Christmas Open House – December 13th, 1pm-5pm.
Closed Thanksgiving Day
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 4, 5, 6, 11, 12,13, 2026
Times: Friday & Saturday 5pm-8pm | Sun 1-4pm
Location: Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843
419.892.2784 | website
Admission: $6 Adult, $4 children
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)
Christmas Through the Eras Tour
General Admission Days
Dates/times: Visit website for special tour times.
Location: The Castle
418 4th St., Marietta, OH 45750
Phone: 740.373.4180 | mariettacastle.org
“Our Town Holidays at the Mansion” | Victorian House Museum
Self-guided tours: Nov. 21 -Dec. 31, 2026
Location: 484 Wooster Rd. Millersburg, OH 44654
330.674.0022 | holmeshistory.com
(photo courtesy of the Victorian House Museum)
Article and photos, unless noted by: MyOhioFun.com
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 2026 season. Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.
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