Family Fun

    Holiday Window Display Contest in Downtown Lancaster

    November 20, 2021 - December 25, 2021
    Visit Downtown Lancaster during the 2021 Window Decorating Contest, when businesses around downtown will be lit up and decorated for the holiday season. The contest begins on November 20, during the Lancaster Holiday Parade and lasts through Christmas. Voting will take place till December 3, and winners of the contest will be announced during WinterFest.

    2021 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Display

    November 25, 2021 - December 31, 2021
    Gather your family or some friends to enjoy a drive-thru Christmas lights display. This festive event is open 7 days a week and lasts till the new year. Celebrate the season with this local light extravaganza as you drive and listen to Christmas tunes on the radio. This event is completely free; donations are accepted and benefit local charity organizations. To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Wendel's Rocks Around the Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt

    November 27, 2021 - December 24, 2021
    Wendel's Jewelers is back to spread some holiday cheer in Lancaster with their Wendel's Rocks Around the Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt! The treasure hunt will have 50 free gifts and starts on Saturday, November 27 at 10 a.m. ​Gifts will be hidden in Downtown Lancaster from Memorial Drive to High Street and Chestnut Street to Mulberry Street. Some will be in plain sight and others will be hidden a little harder. Search for small silver packages with gold bows that say "Finders Keepers Compliments of Wendel's Diamond Jewelers." Those who are lucky enough to find one of the 50 hidden gifts will be treated to a free gift from Wendel's! Gifts range from pearl bracelets, Wendel's gift cards, earrings and much more! ​The treasure hunt ends when all 50 are found or on Christmas Eve at noon.

    Lancaster Holiday Spirit Trail

    November 27, 2021 - December 31, 2021
    Take a drive or stroll in and around Lancaster, Ohio to see how residents and businesses are showing off their holiday spirit. Follow the Lancaster Holiday Spirit Trail Facebook page for more information or visit the Tinsel and Traditions webpage. To register your own holiday display to be featured on the trail, click here and fill out the form. 

    Nativity Festival

    November 28, 2021
    Nativities are a special, personal interpretation of faith and they speak to us of the country where they were made and the hands that made them. Nativities often are cherished heirlooms and remind us of our early understanding of the Holy Family. This annual tradition features nativities on display from the congregation at First United Methodist Church.

    Rushville Community Tree Lighting

    December 1, 2021
    You are invited to the Fifth Annual Rushville Community Tree Lighting! Gather around at the corner of Main and Market Street and help ring in the season. The Fairfield Union Assembly Singers will be live in concert. There will be cookies, cocoa, and a visit from Santa as well. Mark your calendar and join us for a fun, old-fashioned Village Tree Lighting! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Pickerington Holiday Gathering

    December 3, 2021
    Family friendly event with activities all around the Pickerington Village. Many participating businesses provide a place to warm up and offer free activities and treats. Enjoy a lighted holiday stroll featuring more than a block of lighted holiday inflatables, horse-drawn wagon rides, a trolley, ice carving demonstrations, children’s crafts and holiday stories, cookie decorating for kids, live reindeer, visits with Santa and more!

    Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose

    December 3, 2021
    “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose” follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the mysterious theft and even more mysterious discovery of the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle. With a dash of Christmas intrigue and a heap of good will, this holiday offering is fun for the whole family! Learn more about this event happening at the Knights of Columbus on Facebook.

    Ribbon Cutting and Open House at the Beavers Dam

    December 3, 2021
    Join Beavers Field for the opening of the Beavers Dam on Friday, December 3. Enjoy a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebrate the new sports facility. The official ribbon cutting will occur at 4:00 p.m. followed by an open house celebration until 9:00 p.m. Food and drinks will be provided for guests, with the option to purchase select alcoholic beverages. In addition, there will be activities for all ages throughout the facility, including corn hole, a bounce house, raffles, and more.

    Christmas Walk at the Lancaster Camp Ground

    December 3, 2021
    Visit the Lancaster Camp Ground during the first weekend of December for the 2021 Christmas Walk. This event will take place on December 3-5 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Don't miss this wonderful celebration of Christmas with beautiful luminaries throughout the historic grounds. Enjoy the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season. 

    Make Your Own Putz Houses at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

    December 4, 2021
    Visit the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio on Saturday, December 4 to create a village of holiday houses with snow-covered rooftops. Using patterns, participants will cut houses from card stock and learn how to add personal touches such as shutters and gingerbread trim. These little gems sit on top of a battery-operated tea light.

    Holiday Market in Baltimore

    December 4, 2021
    Come join the Baltimore Famers Market for at its annual holiday market event! This year, the Baltimore Farmers Market is thrilled to welcome the community to the beautiful Smeck Park to shop vendors from the area; a children's craft and hot chocolate will be provided by the Fairfield County Park District! When you get chilled, stop by the bonfire to warm up while carolers and musicians help to set the mood for festive shopping! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    WinterFest and Tree Lighting in Downtown Lancaster

    December 4, 2021
    Come celebrate the holiday season in the heart of Downtown Lancaster. Enjoy this year’s WinterFest and Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 4. 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 at 4:45 p.m. at the bandstand. You won’t want to miss this community tradition! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose

    December 4, 2021
    “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose” follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the mysterious theft and even more mysterious discovery of the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle. With a dash of Christmas intrigue and a heap of good will, this holiday offering is fun for the whole family! Learn more about this event happening at the Knights of Columbus on Facebook.

    Holiday Ornament Decorating at L-City Coffee +

    December 4, 2021
    Start the holiday season off at L-City! The folks at L-City Coffee + will be decorating ornaments to hang on the tree-- join them and take an ornament home to be part of your tree or add it to theirs. There will be Christmas music, films, decorations, and more! Paint, twine, ribbon, fake snow, glitter, and so much more will be provided to help you make the perfect ornament. Your ticket, which can be purchased here, will give you 20% off all menu items up to an hour before and during the event. There are a limited number of tickets, so snag one before they are gone! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose

    December 4, 2021
    “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose” follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the mysterious theft and even more mysterious discovery of the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle. With a dash of Christmas intrigue and a heap of good will, this holiday offering is fun for the whole family! Learn more about this event happening at the Knights of Columbus on Facebook.

    Christmas Walk at the Lancaster Camp Ground

    December 4, 2021
    Visit the Lancaster Camp Ground during the first weekend of December for the 2021 Christmas Walk. This event will take place on December 3-5 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Don't miss this wonderful celebration of Christmas with beautiful luminaries throughout the historic grounds. Enjoy the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season. 

    A Christmas Carroll

    December 4, 2021
    On Saturday, December 4, starting at 5:30 p.m., visit Carroll for fun, family-friendly holiday festivities. There will be a tree lighting at 6 p.m., by someone whose name will be drawn, in addition to the Annual Lighting Contest. There will also be goodie bags with treats for kids. Don't miss your chance to celebrate the season in Carroll this winter! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook. 

    Make Fabric Holiday Ornaments at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

    December 5, 2021
    Visit the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio on Sunday, December 5 to create your own fabric holiday ornament. If you love the idea of working with fabric but can't sew a stitch, this class is for you. Participants will create a quilted ornament with fabric, pins, glue, and styrofoam ball, with the addition of ribbon to jazz it up. Participants will be using a hot iron. If using a hot iron is a concern, bring a partner to handle the ironing. 

    A Rock Mill Holiday

    December 5, 2021
    Visit Rock Mill on Sunday, December 5 from 1 to 4 p.m. to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and enjoy a trip to this historical site. Cookies, hot chocolate, hot and cold cider, coffee, and peppermint treats will be served to visitors. Kids of all ages can make a craft and get a fun coloring page.

    Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose

    December 5, 2021
    “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose” follows Holmes and Watson as they investigate the mysterious theft and even more mysterious discovery of the Countess of Morcar’s blue carbuncle. With a dash of Christmas intrigue and a heap of good will, this holiday offering is fun for the whole family! Learn more about this event happening at the Knights of Columbus on Facebook.

    Baltimore's Fifth Annual Lighted Holiday Parade

    December 5, 2021
    The Baltimore Festival Committee would like to invite you to the Fifth Annual Lighted Holiday Parade on December 5, 2021! The parade will kick off on Summer's Choice Drive, proceed north on Park Drive, turn left on 256 (East Market Street) and continue west down 256 through town, ending just past Trinity Church. The lineup will begin at 5:00 p.m. at 220 Summers Choice Drive. The parade will kick off promptly at 6:00 p.m.

    Christmas Walk at the Lancaster Camp Ground

    December 5, 2021
    Visit the Lancaster Camp Ground during the first weekend of December for the 2021 Christmas Walk. This event will take place on December 3-5 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Don't miss this wonderful celebration of Christmas with beautiful luminaries throughout the historic grounds. Enjoy the many sights, sounds, and tastes of the holiday season. 

    Santa in the Park

    December 9, 2021
    Visit Alley Park on December 9, 10, or 11 to visit Santa and his friends for a spectacular evening. Bundle up for the brisk walk through the lights heading to the Nature Center where you will meet Santa and his helpers! This is a free event sure to provide fun for all ages. For more information about special park events, visit the Lancaster Parks and Recreation website.

    Millersport Community Theatre's First Annual Christmas Classic

    December 10, 2021
    Join Millersport Community Theatre on Friday, December 10 for the first annual Christmas Classic! This event is a one-night only cabaret at the Millersport United Methodist Church. The tickets are by donation, general admission and will be announced in the next week. Enjoy a night full of Christmas songs to ring in the holiday season and be a part of a very special announcement! Follow Millersport Community Theatre on Facebook for more information or visit the website. 

    Santa in the Park

    December 10, 2021
    Visit Alley Park on December 9, 10, or 11 to visit Santa and his friends for a spectacular evening. Bundle up for the brisk walk through the lights heading to the Nature Center where you will meet Santa and his helpers! This is a free event sure to provide fun for all ages. For more information about special park events, visit the Lancaster Parks and Recreation website.

    Make Handmade Holiday Ornaments at the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio

    December 11, 2021
    Visit the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio on Saturday, December 11 to learn how to craft a Polish star to decorate with or give as a gift. Using beautiful printed papers, participants will create these star-like ornaments that will be treasured for years to come.

    Christmas Open House at The Wagnalls Memorial Library

    December 11, 2021
    Visit The Wagnalls Memorial Library on Saturday, December 11 for a Christmas open house featuring the Norman Rockwell "Home for the Holidays" art exhibit, a live production of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," children's crafts, and more! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Visit With Santa at Oakland Grocery & Hardware

    December 11, 2021
    Santa is back at Oakland Grocery Store & Hardware on Saturday, December 11! Kids will receive a special gift from Santa and have the opportunity to make a craft as well. While you're there, remember to pick up some Christmas candy and eggnog for the season. Oakland Grocery looks forward to seeing you share your Christmas wishes with Santa! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Christmas Party at True North Coffee and Cafe

    December 11, 2021
    Visit True North Coffee and Cafe on Saturday, December 11 from 12 - 5 p.m. for a Christmas party! Enjoy sugar cookie decorating, Christmas music, photos with Santa, and more festive things! To learn more or to follow the event, visit Facebook. 

    Candlight Christmas Tour by the Fairfield County Heritage Association

    December 11, 2021
    Join the Fairfield County Heritage Association to "Hear the Joyful Refrains" of Christmas music performed in six historic churches, with guides leading you along candlelit streets in Downtown Lancaster. The evening begins at 6 p.m. at First United Methodist Church and ends at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church. In between are programs at First Presbyterian, St. Peter's Lutheran, First English Lutheran and Emanuel Lutheran.

    Christmas Tree Lighting in Miller Park

    December 11, 2021
    Join the Millersport community on Saturday, December 11 in celebrating the season with a tree lighting in Miller Park. Santa will arrive at 5:50 p.m. in a firetruck before the village lights the tree at 6 p.m. Join the village in caroling, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday joy! Don't miss all the fun festivities as Millersport gears up for the holidays! To learn more or to follow this event, visit Facebook.

    Santa in the Park

    December 11, 2021
    Visit Alley Park on December 9, 10, or 11 to visit Santa and his friends for a spectacular evening. Bundle up for the brisk walk through the lights heading to the Nature Center where you will meet Santa and his helpers! This is a free event sure to provide fun for all ages. For more information about special park events, visit the Lancaster Parks and Recreation website.

    Christmas Crafts for Kids at Young at Art

    December 12, 2021
    Visit Young at Art on Sunday, December 12 to enjoy Christmas crafts for kids, ages 7-11. There are three crafts to make, including a painted pot, a painted ornament, and a Santa-inspired brush. The event costs $20 per person and a donation of winter gloves or hat. The payment must be paid in advance; call 740-215-3198 for more information. If you need to cancel your reservation, a 48-hour notice is required for a refund. Follow Young at Art on Facebook to learn more.

    Christmas Crafts for Kids at Young at Art

    December 12, 2021
    Visit Young at Art on Sunday, December 12 to enjoy Christmas crafts for kids, ages 7-11. There are three crafts to make, including a painted pot, a painted ornament, and a Santa-inspired brush. The event costs $20 per person and a donation of winter gloves or hat. The payment must be paid in advance; call 740-215-3198 for more information. If you need to cancel your reservation, a 48-hour notice is required for a refund. Follow Young at Art on Facebook to learn more.

    Catch the Grinch in the Act and Save Christmas in Downtown Lancaster

    December 12, 2021
    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 12 at 2 p.m. at Santa's mailbox near the gazebo. The Who's 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 Who's and Lancaster Police catch the Grinch.
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    Your safety and wellbeing remains our top priority. As some hotels, restaurants and attractions continue to operate with adjusted schedules, please call ahead to confirm business hours and event details. If you are vaccinated, masks are optional.