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 six 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. “Holiday in Bloom” 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 18 – December 31, 2023
Tour Times: This year’s exhibit will take place November 18 – December 31, 2023. 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 Da
Location: 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown..
Phone: 330-743-2589 | website
To learn even more about the 2023 holiday exhibit- CLICK HERE.
For local visitor bureau information visit
Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hower House Museum – “Holiday in Bloom”
Dates: Holiday Hours 2023
November 10th – December 30th
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.
Deck the Hall
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
Dates: November 24-26, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-3, 7-23, 26-30, 2023
Tour Times: 3-8pm. Last entry/admission at 8pm; grounds stay open until 9pm.
Admissions closes at 8pm. Estate is open until 9pm.
Location: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio
330-836-5533 | website
2023 Tickets: Monday-Thursday: $20 adults (18+); $9 youth (3-17)
Friday-Sunday: $24 adults (18+); $11 youth (3-17)
Children 2 & under are free all days. College students with valid ID get a youth price.
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 and 26 Christmas trees decorated in beautiful holiday “Deck the Hall” fashion throughout the Manor House. Highlights include the “Reindeer Flight Academy”. Santa and Mrs. Claus on a date night sleigh ride, a Santa made of LEGO® bricks, “The Year without Santa Claus” and more. And if that was not enough the estate and Great Garden is illuminated with 1.2 million holiday lights. The Dazzle light show features lights choreographed to favorite holiday songs of the season.
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 himslef and two animated shop windows, including my favorite “The Gingerbread Bakeshop”.
Featured article image: Master Bedroom | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.
Christmas at the Reeves Home
Date: November 12 – December 22 & December 27-30, 2023
Closed Thanksgiving Day | December 10, 2023 (Open House)
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 | 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 1, 2, 8-9: 5-8pm | December 3 & 10, 2023 : 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: December 7, 14 & 16, 2023
Times: December 7 & 14 – 7pm – 8pm | December 16 – 7pm to 8:30pm
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!
$12 Adults; $9 Kids (age 13 and under); Ages 5 and under free
Castle Members: $10 Adults; $7 Kids (age 13 and under); Ages 5 and under free
A Child’s Storybook Christmas
Victorian House Museum
Dates: Nov. 18 -Dec. 31, 2023
OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY NOV. 18 4:00-8:00 pm
Regular Holiday Tours – Nov. 18 – Dec. 31 Sun. – Thurs. 1:00-4:00 pm and Fri.-Sat. 1:00-8:00 pm
Location: 484 Wooster Rd. Millersburg, OH 44654
330.674.0022 | holmeshistory.com
NARRATIVE: OPEN HOUSE – Once again the Victorian House Museum in Millersburg will be transformed into a holiday treat with this year’s theme “A Child’s Storybook Christmas” Each room will be themed to a children’s holiday book with elements from the book used in the decorations. Each set of designers will add their creative abilities to each room. Our volunteer staff, with some external help, spend hours coming up with a theme. We will kick off the season with a FREE open house from 4:00-8:00 pm on Sat. Nov. 18. To make the books come alive we also will be having a visit from Santa plus our third-floor ballroom will take on elements of “The Nutcracker”. Holmes Center for the Arts will be providing various dancers during the evening performing some of the classic songs from the book. After touring the house you can relax in our Castle Club for cookies and beverages. This is a great way to kick off your family holiday traditions. Come and get in the spirit, see the books come alive, visit with Santa, and catch a glimpse of the performers in the ballroom. One other request since the open house is free we would like to ask instead of a paid admission you bring a children’s book or two, new or slightly used for us to donate to Share A Christmas. We would like to get as many books as we can to place in the family baskets this year. Join us and Happy Holidays!
NARRATIVE: SEASONAL TOURS – The Victorian House will be open daily the following hours for general holiday tours. Sun. – Thur. 1:00-4:00 pm and Fri.- Sat. 1:00-8:00 pm. There are 28 rooms and 4 floors decorated from top to bottom, inside and out. Each room has designated volunteers that each year work tirelessly to transform the house into a holiday spectacular. General admission is $10.00 for adults $9.00 for seniors 60+ and children under 12 free.
This years theme is “A Child’s Storybook Christmas” Each room will take on a theme of a holiday book with decorating elements taken from the book. The mansion is 28 rooms and four floors . It is listed on the National Historic Registry.
(photo courtesy of the Victorian House Museum)
LAKE COUNTY HISTORY CENTER – Deck the Halls
Dates: Dec. 1 & 2, with special Group Days on Nov. 30th, Dec. 7 & 14.
There will be chances to have Breakfast or Lunch with Santa (Dec. 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17).
Location: 415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH
440.639.2945 | TICKETS
*Enjoy a tour of our Christmas decorations
*Hear the holiday music of the Magical Musical Machines from our unique music box display.
*Take home delicious baked goods and candy from our Peppermint Lane Sweet Shop.
*Choose a special item from the North Pole Novelties gently used gifts.
Tickets: Members – $8; Non-Members – $10; Ages 3-12 – $5; Children under 3 are free.
Call 440-639-2945 for more information or ticket assistance. There are no refunds but a credit to a future event will be offered.
Article and photos, unless noted by: D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
Diane Rock 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 2023 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.***
