How to Experience a Best Hometown Holiday in Central Ohio

How to Experience a Best Hometown Holiday in Central Ohio

This year, Lancaster, Ohio was recognized as one of the state’s Best Hometowns for 2023-2024; although the city is energetic throughout the summer with live music, festivals, and more, there are still fun activities and events to discover during the winter months!  If you’re in search of new and unique holiday traditions, we’ve gathered the best ways you, your friends, and your family can experience a Best Hometown holiday in central Ohio. 

Tinsel & Traditions Trail

The holidays are all about time spent with family and friends, creating memories to last a lifetime. Whether it’s picking out the perfect tree, attending fun holiday events, shopping locally for just the right gift, or enjoying festive decorations, the Visit Fairfield County Tinsel & Traditions Trail has all you need to make this holiday one to remember! Find local holiday events and activities happening in Lancaster and across the county. 

Lancaster Holiday Spirit Trail

Every December, see how residents and businesses are showing off their holiday spirit around Lancaster!  Explore the city as various homes, shops, and restaurants light up the holiday season with festive window displays. Plus, for those participating in  Downtown Destination Lancaster’s Holiday Window Display Contest, you can vote for your favorite display!  The winner will then be announced at WinterFest, where you can also enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, a scavenger hunt, holiday music, and more!

Fontanini Nativity Display

Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the first Christmas at this walk-through nativity display!  Open every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy this free indoor event during the holiday season featuring Fontanini figures.

Advent Window Walk

An advent calendar comes to life in the windows of historic homes in downtown Lancaster! Each night of December leading up to Christmas, a new window design will be revealed – one window per night. By Christmas night, 25 unique designs will be illuminated for locals and visitors to enjoy. Take a nighttime stroll through the downtown neighborhood to check out Lancaster’s newest and unique Christmas tradition, the Advent Window Walk!

Glass Town Countdown

To honor Lancaster’s glass town history, the community comes together to celebrate a beautiful globe that is covered with more than 500 ornaments!  This amazing piece of artwork is then revealed during the countdown on New Year’s Eve. Enjoy the free, family-friendly street party at Zanes Square in the heart of downtown where you can explore local shops and restaurants.  Drink hot cocoa or carry your favorite adult beverage within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), and enjoy the beautiful fireworks show afterward!  Ready to start the Glass Town Countdown experience?  Make sure to bundle up, book a class, or buy an ornament for the globe at the Ohio Glass Museum, and let us know you’re coming!

Whether you’re looking for fun activities this winter, a new family tradition for the season, or to shop local for loved ones, experience a Best Hometown holiday like no other in Lancaster, Ohio!

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