Downtown Lancaster

How are you connected to Anchor Hocking? Many grew up with Anchor Hocking glassware in their kitchens and on their tables - some of it made by their own family members! Coming September 14, 2023, go back in time at Ohio Glass Museum to see the pieces that graced our homes and built our town. Anchored in Glass will delight you!

Exploring the eclectic backgrounds and relationships between artists and the natural world, It’s an Honor to Be Here inspires curiosity and respect for the natural diversity found throughout Ohio and the talented artists that dedicate their craft to interpreting it. Ohio-based artists from all corners of the state will share their interpretations of the breadth of nature that surrounds us all and share stories that will inspire a new generation of creators and environmental stewards. Using a variety of mediums, from traditional painting to taxidermy, paper sculpture, video and fiber arts, this exhibition will engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds and highlight the incredible work that Ohio artists offer.

At the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, explore the rich history of decoy art in the state of Ohio, its influence on wildlife conservation, and the artists through history who have brought the art form to life. Curated by Maria Burke, Duck Decoys of Ohio runs concurrently with It's an Honor to Be Here: Ohio Nature Artists in Their Natural State in the lower gallery of the museum.

Visit Downtown Lancaster during the 2023 Holiday Window Display Contest, when businesses around downtown will be lit up and decorated for the holiday season. The contest begins on November 18, during the Lancaster Holiday Parade and lasts through Christmas. Winners of the contest will be announced during WinterFest.

Step into a holiday wonderland at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, where you will celebrate a Christmas of craftsmanship and creativity spanning the past 600 years, from the 15th to 21st centuries. Explore a treasure trove of rare finds, cherished childhood memories and enchanting decorations created by families and gifted artists. Don’t miss this year’s unforgettable display by curators George and Jeanne Johnson.

Advent Window Walk is a living advent calendar in residential downtown Lancaster. For each night of December, a historic home will reveal a festive design in a newly decorated window. By Christmas Eve, the advent windows of 24 homes will be illuminated for nighttime viewing. The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio will reveal a final design on Christmas night. The participating homes are located on Wheeling and King Streets (between High and Broad Streets) and High Street (between King and Main Streets).

Join Fairfield County Heritage Association for their annual candlelight tour that will take you through six historic churches in downtown Lancaster. Each church will have a musical performance for you to enjoy.

O'Huids Gaelic Pub will be hosting The Mclans every second Saturday of the month from 8 - 11 p.m. The McIans is a band based in Columbus, Ohio that plays modern and traditional Celtic music in the vein of Flogging Molly, the Pogues, Dropkick Murphy’s, and other Celtic punk and rock favorites. Don't miss their high-spirit performances every second Saturday in downtown Lancaster!

Join Curator Dr. George Johnson for an informal lecture on Homemade, Handmade & Artist-Made Christmas on Sunday, December 10th at 1 and 3pm. George will walk visitors through the exhibition and share insights on this unique Christmas collection. Reservations strongly encouraged for Curator's Talks. Register online at DecArtsOhio.org. Cost is $10, or $15 at the door.

Join Curator Dr. George Johnson for an informal lecture on Homemade, Handmade & Artist-Made Christmas on Sunday, December 10th at 1 and 3pm. George will walk visitors through the exhibition and share insights on this unique Christmas collection. Reservations strongly encouraged for Curator's Talks. Register online at DecArtsOhio.org. Cost is $10, or $15 at the door.

Join Rise Realty Co. and Destination Downtown Lancaster in saving Christmas! It has been brought to their attention that the Grinch has been lurking about downtown Lancaster with a plan to steal Santa's Letters! They received a tip that he is planning his big heist Sunday, December 10 at 1 p.m. at Santa's mailbox near the gazebo. The Whos from Who-ville will be hiding and waiting to catch the Grinch in the act along with the Lancaster Police Department. They will surround the Grinch in song, so his heart grows to three times its size! Make sure to visit downtown Lancaster near the gazebo to help the Whos and Lancaster Police catch the Grinch.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 10th and come celebrate with Mud Gallery for its first anniversary! Mud Gallery is celebrating with door prizes every hour. The grand prize is a pottery playshop for four which can be used for any scheduled event, or a private party-- a $240 value! Come say hello and have a chance to win a prize. Winners will be chosen at 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m.

Join Provisions Bakery & Deli for a happy hour holiday tasting on December 12 from 5 - 7 p.m. Come taste for the best kind of Christmas and holiday gifts with the help of some wine gurus, Christina Morris and Scott Washburn. 

The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio and the Fairfield County Heritage Association invite you to join us for an evening of holiday cheer and traditions. The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio, the Sherman House, and the Georgian Museum will all be decorated for the holidays. The Georgian will feature Christmas music, the Sherman House will capture a Civil War Christmas through a reading of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women Christmas story, and the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio will offer a holiday craft. Come celebrate the holidays in historic downtown Lancaster!

Come help the Queens round out 2023 with a round of 2000s music bingo! Double Edge Brewing Co. is going with all your favorite hits from one of your fave decades! Grab your JT jean jacket inspired outfits, Avril's neck ties, Destiny's matching camo, and join the brewery for a night of fun, singing, and the occasional bad dance move! Bingo starts at 7 p.m. Cost to play is $1 per card & with up to 3 cards per person! Winner of the blackout gets the pot! Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances to win a round on the Queens tab!

The countdown to 2024 is on! Join The Mill Event Center on Sunday, December 31st for NYE Kickoff featuring Bad Influence! Doors open at 7 p.m. and Bad Influence will play from 8 to 12:30 a.m. There will be a pizza buffet from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and a cash and card bar. This is a 21+ event and ID must be in hand for entry. The party will end at 12:30 a.m., or to head to Zane Square before midnight for the Glass Town Countdown!

Join your friends, family, and neighbors for an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration! Visit historic downtown Lancaster for a family-friendly street party where you will taste fantastic food and spirits at local restaurants and pubs, watch the ascent of the giant glass globe, and light up the sky with a spectacular fireworks show!

By way of stunning photographs and stories, meet a group of Central Ohio residents who were once forced to flee their homes and become among the millions of refugees who have found hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Through the lens of award-winning photographer Tariq Tarey, discover how these individuals endured their arduous journeys to find a place to rebuild their lives. They aren’t just numbers. They are people with stories to share. Come and be inspired by their resilience, from Struggle to Strength.

Join The Mill Event Center for WinterGrass on Saturday, February 24th! This year's music includes Kaufman Road, String Therapy, along with David Mayfield Parade. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the show begins at 5 p.m. The Mill offers a full bar with local craft beers on tap. Food will be available for purchase by Barrel & Boar BBQ Factory.

On Sunday, April 21 at 4pm, visit The Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption to enjoy a live performance by LancasterChorale. Love Songs for Spring: Featuring Johannes Brahms’ beloved Liebeslieder Waltzes. Tickets can be ordered at 740-687-5855. For questions, please call 740-415-0178.