Six Ohio Historic 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 five 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. Victorian Elegance can be found at The Hower House Victorian Mansion in Akron. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, also in Akron is “Decking the Halls.” Step back in time at the J.E. Reeves Home in Dover. And finally enjoy a Candlelight Holiday Tour at Louis Bromfield’s Big House at Malabar Farms.
Arms Family Museum – Memories of Christmas Past
Dates: November 17, 2018 – January 6, 2019
Tour Times: Tuesday through Sunday, 12:00-4:00pm, Thursdays until : noon-7:00pm
(closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day)
Location: 648 Wick Ave, Youngstown
Phone: 330-743-2589 | website
Admission Admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children (3-17)
“The Arms Family Museum is sparkling for the holiday season! Memories of Christmas Past, the annual holiday spectacular, is in its 11th year in the 1905 Arts & Crafts mansion of Olive and Wilford Arms. The seven period rooms of the Arms Family home are filled to the brim with rare, one-of-a-kind, vintage decorations that include ornaments, lighting, trees, and toys. This display features many pieces from the Mahoning Valley Historical Society’s collection as well as items on loan from private collectors.”
For local visitor bureau information visit
Mahoning County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hower House Victorian Mansion presents “Through the Eyes of a Child”
Dates: November 7 – December 29, 2018
Holiday season scheduled closings: 11/22 (Thanksgiving); 12/23-26,30-31
Tour Times: Self-guided
Wednesday – Saturday, noon – 3:00 pm; Holiday Sundays, 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Group tours by appointment.
Santa will be making a special appearance on December 1, 2018 from Noon – 3pm, following the Santa breakfast.
Location: The University of Akron
60 Fir Hill, Akron, OH 44325
330.972.6909 | website
Admission: $10 adults, $8 seniors, $2 students. Children 12 and under free with paid adult admission; children must be accompanied by adult.
Live musical entertainment on selected days.
The Hower House Victorian Mansion will be hosting O’Christmas Tea: a holiday breakfast tea December 9, 2018. Celebrate the season in high style with your friends and loved ones. An elegant breakfast tea and delectable menu in the fully decorated Hower House Museum.
Cost: $34 for adults; $23 for children ages 8 – 12. Deadline for prepaid reservations is Dec. 3. Contact the Hower House to make reservations.
Every December for one day only, a very special event happens at the mansion. A very limited amount of reservations are accepted to enjoy a very special breakfast with Santa. After breakfast, Santa tells a holiday story to the entire group before sitting down in the parlor to listen to each child’s wishes. What makes this event so special is that every child has time with Santa and every family has time to take photos. Staff is on hand to assist with photos. The Santa Breakfast sells out fast every year, so make your reservations early by contacting the Hower House Victorian Mansion.
Date: December 1, 2018, Time: 10AM-11:45 AM. Prepaid reservations due by November 26, 2018.
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens – Deck the Hall
Dates: Nov. 23-25, 29-30and Dec. 1-2, 6-9, 13-23, 26-30, 2018
Tour Times: 5-8pm, select evenings through December 30, 2017.
Admissions closes at 8pm. Estate is open until 9pm.
Location: 714 North Portage Path, Akron, Ohio
330-836-5533 | website
Admission:
Value Night Tickets, Sun.-Thurs.: Non-members: $18 adults (18+) , $7 youth (6-17). Stan Hywet Members: $14 adults, $6.00 youth
Tickets, Fri. & Sat.: $22 adults (18+), $9 youth. Stan Hywet members: $16 adults, $7 youth
Children 5 & under are free. College students with a valid student ID qualify for the youth rate
Please note: tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Parking: Free on-site parking is available in our main lot. Once the lot is at capacity, guests will be directed to auxiliary parking lots and we’ll shuttle you back to Stan Hywet.
This is a walking experience with various weather conditions and elevations: dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for a 60-minute outdoor experience. The first floor of the Manor House is handicapped accessible.
Christmas at the Reeves Home
Dates: November 11 – December 22, 2018
and December 27-30, 2018
(Closed Thanksgiving)
A special Nutcracker Candlelight Tour is scheduled for December 2, 2018 from 5pm-7pm.
Times: Daily 1pm to 7pm
Location: J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum
325 East Iron Avenue, Dover, OH
Phone: 330.343.7040 | 800.815.2794
website
Admission: Regular guided tours are $10. Children ages 6-18 are $5.
“Christmas is a special time at the J. E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum. During the holidays all seventeen rooms of the home are decorated for the Holiday season. Tours for the Christmas season begin November 11. Guided tours are led by one of our knowledgeable tour guide staff and will include an introduction to the home, history of the home, and information and anecdotes about the Reeves family.”
(Photo courtesy of J.E. Reeves Victorian Home and Carriage House Museum.)
Candlelight Holiday Tours at Malabar Farm
Dates: November 30, December 1-2, 7-9, 2018
Times: November 30th, Dec. 1st, 7th & 8th | 5pm-9pm
December 2nd & 9th | 12pm-5pm
Location: Malabar Farm State Park, 4050 Bromfield Rd, Lucas, OH 44843
419.892.2784 | website
Admission: $5.00 for adults (ages 18+) | $3.00 for children (ages 6-17) | Ages 5 and under FREE
No Pre-Registration Required
Tour Louis Bromfield’s Big House all decked out for the Holidays!
Enjoy freshly baked cookies and hot cider; you may even see Santa Claus himself.
The Lake County Historical Society will be hosting
“Home For The Holidays”
General Admission Days
MONDAY, DEC. 3, 2018 — FRIDAY, JAN. 4, 2019 (Closed Dec. 24, 25, & 31, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019) 10 AM — 3 PM
Location: Lake County History Center
415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44077
Admission: Reserve your ticket now for $10 (must purchase by Nov 21) by mail or by phone.
Price at the door is $12. To get more information, call: 440-639-2945.
Phone: 440.639.2945 | website
Join in on the cheer at the most spectacular display of festive feeling in Lake County. Treat your senses to over 45 beautifully bedazzling trees. Find one-of-a kind gifts & stocking stuffers from both local Ohio crafters, as well as in our Mistletoe Marketplace. Join a tour of our current exhibits and hear the pleasing Magical Musical Machines from our unique music box display. Get a belly to rival Santa’s as you gorge on the tasty food in the fabulous Food Emporium. But don’t forget to leave room for dessert & sate your sweet-tooth by browsing the tasty. Handicapped accessible. Parking is free.
Home for the Holidays General Admission Days
Dates: December 3, 2018 – January 4, 2019
(Closed Dec. 24, 25, & 31, 2018 and Jan. 1, 2019)
Times: 10am-3pm
Location: Lake County History Center
415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44077
Admission: $7. To get more information, call: 440-639-2945
Adore our gorgeous decorating? The trees and Mistletoe Marketplace will be up all month and then some, closing on January 4, 2019. Enjoy our exciting exhibits in a relaxing atmosphere and sneak in some last minute shopping. Christmas is just one day a year but the cheer can last as long as you want. Ho-ho-hope to see you with us!
Christmas Tea 2018
Dates: December 8, 2018
Times: Noon
Location: Lake County History Center
415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, OH 44077
Admission: $12.50 for 4—11 yrs; $18 for LCHS Members; $20 for non-members; Free for 3 yrs and under.
Holidays bring the opportunity to gather family together and enjoy long-held traditions. Bring your family to Lake County History Center and relax while sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches, fruit, & dessert. Learn about the varied Christmas traditions celebrated by Lake County’s many ethinicities who have moved and settled throughout the county.
While you are here, take a tour of over 45 beautifully and uniquely decorated trees and marvel at the thousands of ornaments. Mistletoe Market offers unusual items of great quality and design that are a delight to receive.
(Photo courtesy of Lake County Historical Society)
For local visitor bureau information visit
Remarkable Lake County.
Article by:
D. Rock, MyOhioFun.com
