COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—TourismOhio is kicking off the holiday season with the debut of its new Ohio Holiday Events Guide, featuring 440 festive events across the state, including Candlelight Christmas in Downtown Bucyrus.
Now available online at Ohio.org, the Ohio Holiday Events Guide spotlights five standout events from each of Ohio’s 88 counties, organized by month and region. TourismOhio consulted with county convention and visitors bureaus to curate the events taking place from November through New Year’s Day.
“The holidays are all about creating magical memories with the people you love—and there’s no better place to do that than at one of Ohio’s incredible holiday events,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which oversees the TourismOhio office. “Whether you’re continuing a tradition or trying something new, Ohio’s holiday spirit is truly something special—and we look forward to sharing it with everyone!”
The guide features events sure to put even the staunchest grinch in the holiday spirit – from tree lightings and parades to meetings with Santa and holiday markets to find the perfect present.
Highlighted events include traditions like the 86th Annual Portsmouth Area Christmas Parade, twists on old classics like the Santa Fly-In in Batavia, modern classics like the Short North Holiday Hop in Columbus, and new traditions like Port Clinton’s New Year’s Eve Walleye Drop.
“Whether you’re in the mood for a sparkling parade or a cozy holiday market, our guide has events that will make your heart grow three sizes,” said state tourism Director Sarah Wickham. “The holidays are full of tradition, excitement, and fun, and we’re so excited to help Ohioans and visitors make lasting memories this season!”
Bucyrus’ Candlelight Christmas boasts an array of activities on December 5th, including horse-drawn carriage rides, an ice-skating rink sponsored by FC Bank, and the Santa Parade sponsored by Bucyrus Kiwanis starting at 6:00 p.m. The event will also feature the first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a Christmas story read by Mrs. Claus at Schines Art Park at 7:00 p.m. Numerous outside vendors will be present in the heart of downtown, and The Pelican Coffee House and Amish Vault will showcase their specialty drinks and holiday decor. The Bucyrus Public Library will also be open from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for their Candlelight Grinchmas, where visitors can meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.
Other events in Bucyrus this December include an Old-Fashioned Christmas at the Harvey One-Room School on December 1st, a Christmas Open House at the Bucyrus Historical Society on December 1st, Christmas at Pickwick on December 7th, and Kids Christmas with Santa at Scapes by Sarah on December 7th. “Don’t forget to get your tickets to Bucyrus Little Theatre as they present A Charlie Brown Christmas & The Twelve Daze of Christmas,” said Casie Grau, Executive Director with the Chamber of Commerce.
The Ohio Holiday Events guide is just the start of TourismOhio’s holiday-focused content for the season, including the annual Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. Those looking for family get-together or winter break excursion inspiration can check out the Holidays in Ohio landing page at Ohio.org.
Discover the authentic heart of Bucyrus, where rich culture and warm hospitality create memorable experiences that will connect you to the true spirit of the area this holiday season.
Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you. The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.