The holidays in Ohio bring with them many fun and festive activities. Santa sightings abound in both traditional and nontraditional venues. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy these activities, and the celebrations are varied enough to please everyone in the family.
Clifton Mill
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio, have been featured in Ohio Magazine and Midwest Living. This light display illuminates the mill, bridges, trees and riverbanks with more than 3.5 million lights. Visitors can also explore a miniature village and Santa Claus Museum. At Santa's workshop, the live Santa can be observed as he prepares for the holidays ahead. The light display opens every year on the day after Thanksgiving and is open nightly through Jan. 1. The gates are open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and the lights are on from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. with the exception of Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year's Eve, when the display closes at 8 p.m. As of 2009, tickets are $8 per person from Sunday through Thursday and $10 on Friday and Saturday.
Clifton Mill
75 Water St.
Clifton, Ohio 45316
(937) 767-5501
http://cliftonmill.com
Downtown Dazzle
In Cincinnati, Ohio, visitors can watch Santa rappel from the side of a towering building. Santa lands on the rooftop of the Macy's Building on Fountain Square. The celebration is accompanied by fireworks, entertainers and music. This annual event takes place on Saturdays in December at 6:30 p.m. Musical performances begin at 6 p.m. and the festivities last until nearly 7 p.m. The event is free to attend.
Downtown Dazzle
525 Vine Building
Cincinnatti, Ohio 45202
(513) 421-4440
'A Christmas Story' House
The house originally used in the classic holiday movie "A Christmas Story" is in Cleveland, Ohio. The house has been carefully restored to its 1983 condition. Visitors can take tours of the home and explore a museum featuring items from the movie and behind-the-scenes photos. The house is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. year-round. From Nov. 1 through Jan. 15, the house is also open on Wednesdays. Tours start at the museum every half-hour. As of 2009, admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.50 for children and $6.50 for seniors.
"A Christmas Story" House
3159 W. 11th St.
Cleveland, Ohio 44109
(216) 298-4919
http://achristmasstoryhouse.com
About The Author
Mandi Rogier is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about a wide range of topics. As a previous employee of Walt Disney World, she enjoys writing travel articles that make use of her extensive knowledge of Orlando theme parks.
