Experience the thrill of the festive season in Lancaster! Our guide has all the exciting holiday events. For those born and raised in Lancaster and those just arrived, our guide is your holiday handbook.
This season, immerse yourself in the dazzling displays of the Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show, where thousands of lights dance to festive music. Additionally, you can enjoy the nostalgic charm of A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park, showcasing beautiful holiday traditions amid a historic setting. And the festive atmosphere of Destination Downtown Lancaster is something you definitely don't want to miss, with its lively holiday market and delightful local offerings. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Lancaster
- A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park (Dayton)
- Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show (Fremont)
- EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction (West Chester)
- Destination Downtown Lancaster
- Tannenbaum Trail (Various)
- Christmas at the Courthouse (Ironton)
- Advent Window Walk
- Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library (Columbus)
- Christmas at the Fort at Historic Fort Steuben (Steubenville)
- Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit (Youngstown)
See these and even more events listed below!
Lancaster Holiday Light Displays
Advent Window Walk
What to Expect:
Historic homes showcase nightly window designs.
Description:
In historic downtown Lancaster, Ohio, the Advent Window Walk transforms residential windows into a living advent calendar. Each night from December 1 to January 2, a new window design is illuminated, creating a festive and colorful display.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Advent Window Walk
Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with over 25,000 lights.
Description:
The Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show at the Sandusky County Courthouse features over 25,000 synchronized lights and special effects, creating a vibrant display of holiday cheer.
Where: Fremont | More Info: Rock & Awe Holiday Light Show
A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities amidst historic exhibits.
Description:
Carillon Historical Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with thousands of lights, live music, and festive activities. Features include the Carillon Tree of Light, Santa Claus, the Carillon Park Railroad, Gem City Letterpress, and more.
Where: Dayton | More Info: A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park
Lancaster Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at Ohio University Lancaster
What to Expect:
A ghostly retelling of Charles Dickens's classic with fantastical elements.
Description:
Ohio University Lancaster Theatre presents a spirited retelling of Charles Dickens's classic, "A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas." This holiday collaboration between The Lancaster Playhouse, Ohio University Lancaster Theatre, and Garret Players features a chorus of ghosts dancing and caroling their way through the timeless tale of redemption, magic, and hope as Ebenezer Scrooge learns to embrace true holiday spirit.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story of Christmas at Ohio University Lancaster
Sauder Village's Merry & Bright Holiday Nights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historic building lights and live music.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Sauder Village with bright lights on Main Street, candlelit cabins, and live music. Stroll through historic buildings, take a trolley train ride, and make holiday crafts. Indulge in old-fashioned treats at the Soda Fountain.
Where: Archbold | More Info: Sauder Village's Merry & Bright Holiday Nights
Lancaster Other Holiday Activities
Destination Downtown Lancaster
What to Expect:
Historic district with unique shops and cultural experiences.
Description:
Destination Downtown Lancaster is a vibrant historic district offering eclectic shops, diverse dining options, cultural experiences, and rejuvenating spa services. The area is rich in community events and activities that cater to various interests.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Destination Downtown Lancaster
Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Unique glass candle holder collection from Ohio Valley glass houses.
Description:
The Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio features a stunning collection of over 583 glass candle holders, donated by collectors Al Schon and Roger Bridgewater. The exhibit, titled DAZZLING!, showcases the artistic talent and craftsmanship of American glass manufacturers from the Ohio Valley region. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4 pm, and offers daily glassblowing demonstrations.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Ohio Glass Museum and Glass Blowing Studio Holiday Events
Outerbelt Brewing Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Unique blend of beer, food, and holiday entertainment.
Description:
Outerbelt Brewing offers a variety of holiday events, including Halloween-themed activities, standup comedy shows, and seasonal sipping and shopping events. Enjoy a range of festive activities and entertainment in a welcoming atmosphere.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Outerbelt Brewing Holiday Events
Fairfield County Fairgrounds Holiday Events
What to Expect:
Family-oriented event with diverse activities.
Description:
The Fairfield County Fairgrounds offers a variety of events throughout the year, including a seven-day fair in October featuring livestock shows, antique shows, business meetings, family gatherings, auctions, and more. The grounds are open from dawn to dusk and provide winter storage for items like campers, boats, and concession trailers.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Fairfield County Fairgrounds Holiday Events
Christmas at the Courthouse
What to Expect:
Historic courthouse decorated with festive lights and decorations.
Description:
Christmas at the Courthouse is a special event where the historic courthouse is beautifully decorated with festive lights and decorations, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for the holiday season.
Where: Ironton | More Info: Christmas at the Courthouse
Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit
What to Expect:
Historic holiday decorations in period rooms.
Description:
The Mahoning Valley Historical Society presents the 16th Memories of Christmas Past exhibit at Arms Family Museum, featuring seven period rooms decorated with vintage Christmas artifacts, showcasing various ways Christmas is celebrated from European to Mid-Century Modern influences.
Where: Youngstown | More Info: Memories of Christmas Past Exhibit
Historic Roscoe Village's Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony & A Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour
What to Expect:
Historic holiday celebration with living history exhibits and ethnic traditions.
Description:
Historic Roscoe Village's Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony & A Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour features holiday shopping, strolling carolers, complimentary hot-mulled cider and cookies, and a festive tree lighting ceremony. The event includes a special story and performances by local choirs, making it a heartwarming holiday tradition.
Where: Coshocton | More Info: Historic Roscoe Village's Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony & A Roscoe Christmas Lantern Tour
Christmas at the Fort at Historic Fort Steuben
What to Expect:
Historic holiday celebration with traditional crafts and reenactments.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Historic Fort Steuben with traditional crafts, historic reenactments, and festive activities.
Where: Steubenville | More Info: Christmas at the Fort at Historic Fort Steuben
Tannenbaum Trail
What to Expect:
Self-driving tour with complimentary wine tastings and ornaments.
Description:
Explore Northeast Ohio's wineries on the Vines & Wines Trail, sampling wines and enjoying appetizers while collecting ornaments for an 18-inch Christmas tree.
Where: Various | More Info: Tannenbaum Trail
Fort Meigs Holiday Open House
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday crafts and historic games.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Fort Meigs with festive activities like bonfires, storytellers, and hands-on crafts. Enjoy holiday music and refreshments while exploring the decorated fort and museum store.
Where: Perrysburg | More Info: Fort Meigs Holiday Open House
EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with a 1950s-themed Christmas walk-through and interactive train displays.
Description:
EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction features a 1950s street scene with nostalgic department store display windows, a Reindeer and Elf Workshop, and visits to Mrs. Claus' kitchen and Santa's study. The event includes the world's largest indoor train display and interactive attractions like the A-Maze-N FunHouse.
Where: West Chester | More Info: EnterTRAINment Junction's Christmas at the Junction
Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
What to Expect:
Miniature buildings made from natural elements.
Description:
The Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library features over 280 feet of track with multiple trains, artificial snow, and miniature buildings crafted from natural elements like leaves, bark, and pinecones. This display is nestled in the Main Library's Grand Atrium and includes a 6-foot-tall cathedral, an 8-foot-tall castle, and a waterfall that pumps 600 gallons of water per hour.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Hayes Train Special model train display
What to Expect:
Interactive model train display with Victorian holiday scene.
Description:
The Hayes Train Special model train display features intricate Victorian holiday scenes with interactive buttons controlling train movements through a multi-tiered layout.
Where: Fremont | More Info: Hayes Train Special model train display
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Reynoldsburg (20 miles)
- Gahanna (26 miles)
- Newark (26 miles)
- Columbus (27 miles)
- Grove City (29 miles)
- Upper Arlington (31 miles)
- Chillicothe (33 miles)
- Westerville (33 miles)
- Zanesville (35 miles)
- Hilliard (37 miles)
- Athens (38 miles)
- Dublin (38 miles)