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!

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.

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.

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.

Ready to shimmy, sing, and score some cold hard cash!? Music Bingo at Double Edge Brewing Co.  is all about turning your guilty pleasures into jackpot treasures! It only takes $1 per card for a chance to win money, merch, and beer! 

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).

Fathom Arts Consortium is hosting another fantastic First Friday! Join the group for a fun evening filled with art, food, good times, and drinks. On the first Friday of every month, visit O'Huids Gaelic Pub to check out the month's featured artist.

Celebrate the holiday season in downtown Lancaster! Join Destination Downtown Lancaster and the community for this year’s WinterFest and tree lighting on Saturday, December 2. Make memories and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, a scavenger hunt, holiday music, and much more! Be sure to stay downtown for the tree lighting that starts around 4:45pm at the bandstand in Zane Square.

What's the best way to prepare for downtown WinterFest? With a delicious brunch at Double Edge Brewing Co., of course! There will be something for everyone: fresh beer, festive cocktails, and fun crafts for the kiddos! Kulture Kitchen will be there from 11-2pm serving mouthwatering brunch dishes! Come join Double Edge and warm up for WinterFest with a day of festivities, fresh beer, and finger-licking food!

The Mill Event Center in downtown Lancaster is  excited to share that Santa will be returning to once again, for not one, but two days of Christmas fun! Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details!

Join Fairfield County Heritage Association at the Georgian Museum for its annual Christmas Tea! See the museum decorated for the holiday season as you enjoy tea and treats. This is sure to sell out, so don't wait to buy tickets! Tickets can be purchased online. 

On Friday, December 8, enjoy a trolley ride for an hour-long holiday light tour featuring carols, trivia, holiday goodies, a hot chocolate bar, and more! This event is for adults only-- participants may grab a drink from one of the downtown Lancaster DORA-participating establishments and hop on the trolley for the Tipsy Tinsel Trolley!

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.

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!

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.