Site logo

    Tinsel & Traditions Trail Events

    Winter brings so many terrific things to do in Fairfield County!  Hit all our large – and small – towns to join in their holiday celebrations and tree lightings. Take part in special winter shopping events, sales, and shop hops. Join in a fun art workshop or class to create the perfect gift or keepsake. Visit the Holiday Spirit Trail to see how our creative residents and businesses decorate for the season. Top it all off by ringing in the new year with the Glass Town Countdown. Find out more below!

    Holiday Window Display Contest in Downtown Lancaster

    November 18, 2023
    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.

    Homemade, Handmade & Artist-Made Christmas

    November 24, 2023
    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.

    Festival of Lights

    November 29, 2023
    The moment you've been waiting for is back for 2023! The Fairfield County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is reopening its gates and they couldn't be more excited to welcome you back. The Festival of Lights is open Thanksgiving through Christmas (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6-10pm). Throughout the season, expect visits with Santa, kettle corn, desserts, and a concession stand. 

    Festival of Lights

    November 30, 2023
    The moment you've been waiting for is back for 2023! The Fairfield County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is reopening its gates and they couldn't be more excited to welcome you back. The Festival of Lights is open Thanksgiving through Christmas (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6-10pm). Throughout the season, expect visits with Santa, kettle corn, desserts, and a concession stand.

    Pickerington Holiday Gathering

    December 1, 2023
    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!

    Pickerington Holiday Gift Market

    December 1, 2023
    Join the Olde Pickerington Farmers Market for the 2023 Holiday Gift Market. Shop with local vendors during the Pickerington Village Holiday Gathering and City Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Indoor vendors will be set up on the second floor of Combustion Brewery & Taproom. Then, step outside and explore even more vendors on Church Street in Olde Pickerington Village. This is one market you do not want to miss! 

    Pickerington Holiday Gathering and City Christmas Tree Lighting

    December 1, 2023
    Join Pickerington Village for its annual family-friendly event with activities all around from 5-8pm. Many participating businesses provide a place to warm up and offer free activities and treats. Live music will be in the gazebo with the tree lighting at 5:30pm. Then, enjoy a lighted holiday stroll featuring more than a block of lighted holiday inflatables.

    22nd Annual Christmas Walk at Lancaster Camp Ground

    December 1, 2023
    Come join Lancaster Camp Ground for its 22nd Annual Christmas Walk! Mark your calendars for December 1st from 4-8pm and December 2nd from 12-8pm so you don’t miss out on the fun! The Davis Auditorium will be filled with live music starting with the Nostalgics Jazz Band at 7pm on Friday and the Lancaster High School Choir at 7pm on Saturday. The Creighton Corner will turn into Santa's Workshop and will house crafts and activities for the kids! (And we're pretty sure Santa will make an appearance!) There will be vendors set up in the Activity Center for all your last-minute shopping needs! 

    Festival of Lights

    December 1, 2023
    The moment you've been waiting for is back for 2023! The Fairfield County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is reopening its gates and they couldn't be more excited to welcome you back. The Festival of Lights is open Thanksgiving through Christmas (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6-10pm). Throughout the season, expect visits with Santa, kettle corn, desserts, and a concession stand.

    Advent Window Walk

    December 1, 2023
    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).

    Pickerington Community Theatre Presents: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

    December 1, 2023
    Join the Pickerington Community Theatre on December 1 through December 10 for a performance of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some). Part vaudeville and part Complete Works of William Shakespeare…Abridged, Every Christmas Story Ever Told… is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday classics and traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this racy comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!

    Fontanini Nativity Display

    December 1, 2023
    Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the first Christmas as you journey down the streets of Bethlehem, through the shepherd's field and to the temple ruins where you will find the Christ child. Visit the almost life-size nativity display and experience Christmas in a unique way at this indoor nativity featuring Fontanini figures only at Crossroads every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday in December. The event is free admission and is open from 6 to 9pm.

    A Merry American Christmas

    December 1, 2023
    Visit the Wagner Theatre at Ohio University Lancaster on December 1st and 2nd for a performance of A Merry American Christmas written and directed by Marilyn Steiner. Open seating starts a half hour before each performance. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person (cash only); donations will be split equally between Garret Players/Friends, OUL Theatre and The Lancaster Playhouse.

    WinterFest and Tree Lighting in Downtown Lancaster

    December 2, 2023
    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.

    Miller House Antiques - Annual Christmas Open House

    December 2, 2023
    An old-fashioned Christmas celebration with music and food. 17th and 19th-century antiques, furniture, smalls, textiles, reproduction lighting, American and English original surfaces.

    Santa at The Mill (Free 2-Day Event)

    December 2, 2023
    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!

    Christmas at the Winery

    December 2, 2023
    Visit Buckeye Lake Winery on Saturday, December 2 from 12 to 6pm to shop numerous artisan vendors and bring the kiddos to meet Santa! There will be holiday food and drink specials all day!

    A Christmas Carroll

    December 2, 2023
    Officially begin the holiday season with this small-town event, featuring a craft show, Fun Mile (costumes and ugly sweaters encouraged), free cookies, hot chocolate, and funnel cakes. There will also be carolers, a food and toy drive, free crafts for kids, free holiday hayrides, and the annual lighting contest. Santa will arrive in town by fire truck and greet people in Bessie Benson Park, then help a child selected at random from those in attendance light the tree! Santa will be at the Civic Center following the tree lighting for more visits and a goody bag for each child, while supplies last. A Christmas Carroll is a relaxed, family-friendly event for all ages. 

    Holiday Open House at Slate Run Vineyard

    December 2, 2023
    The Nutcrackers (and staff) invite you to the annual Slate Run Vineyard Holiday Open House on Saturday December 2, From 1 to 5pm. There will be wine tasting and sales as well as various holiday gift items. 

    Holiday Open House at Slate Run Vineyard

    December 2, 2023
    Visit Slate Run Vineyard for its annual holiday open house with food, wine tasting, wine, and Christmas gift items.

    WinterFest Brunch

    December 2, 2023
    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!

    Festival of Lights

    December 2, 2023
    The moment you've been waiting for is back for 2023! The Fairfield County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is reopening its gates and they couldn't be more excited to welcome you back. The Festival of Lights is open Thanksgiving through Christmas (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6-10pm). Throughout the season, expect visits with Santa, kettle corn, desserts, and a concession stand.

    Jingle All the Way Wine Tour

    December 2, 2023
    Join Cork & Tap Excursions on Saturday, December 2 for its Jingle All the Way Wine Tour! Meet up in Lancaster and make your way up to Canal Winchester and visit Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard and then make your way back to Lancaster to visit Rockside Winery and Vineyard and then will wrap up with a visit to the newest winery in the area Valley View Hills Winery where you can enjoy their beautiful tasting room and grab a bite to eat by their fireplace!

    2023 Baltimore Holiday Market

    December 2, 2023
    Come join the Baltimore Farmers Market at its annual Holiday Market for festive shopping! Visit Johnson Park in the middle of Baltimore to shop from local vendors, including several farmers market vendors. This event is inspired by outdoor European holiday markets.

    Pickerington Community Theatre Presents: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

    December 2, 2023
    Join the Pickerington Community Theatre on December 1 through December 10 for a performance of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some). Part vaudeville and part Complete Works of William Shakespeare…Abridged, Every Christmas Story Ever Told… is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday classics and traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this racy comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!

    A Merry American Christmas

    December 2, 2023
    Visit the Wagner Theatre at Ohio University Lancaster on December 1st and 2nd for a performance of A Merry American Christmas written and directed by Marilyn Steiner. Open seating starts a half hour before each performance. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person (cash only); donations will be split equally between Garret Players/Friends, OUL Theatre and The Lancaster Playhouse.

    A Merry American Christmas

    December 2, 2023
    Visit the Wagner Theatre at Ohio University Lancaster on December 1st and 2nd for a performance of A Merry American Christmas written and directed by Marilyn Steiner. Open seating starts a half hour before each performance. There is a suggested donation of $10 per person (cash only); donations will be split equally between Garret Players/Friends, OUL Theatre and The Lancaster Playhouse.

    Grinchmas at LakeBound Boardwalk

    December 3, 2023
    Join the businesses of the LakeBound Boardwalk on December 3 for their open house! The businesses include LakeBound Pizza, LakeBound Outfitters, Dockside Donuts, Picadilly Vintage, Jackie’s Creations, Red Handed Designs, Canine Crunchies, Chelle’s Custom Creations, with more to come! They will be offering food, drinks, sweets, activities for kids, gifts, and a large raffle opportunity benefiting Millersport children for Christmas.

    Nativity Festival

    December 3, 2023
    Visit Crossroads Event Center on Sunday, December 3rd from 6 to 8:30 p.m. for a Nativity Festival. 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.

    Painting at Buckeye Lake Winery

    December 3, 2023
    Paint a beautiful winter wonderland of trees with instructor Allison Weeks. Cost to participate is $35, which includes all material, and a glass of wine! Go to BuckeyeLakeWinery.com to register.

    Baltimore's Annual Lighted Holiday Parade

    December 3, 2023
    The Baltimore Festival Committee would like to invite you to its Annual Lighted Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 3, 2023! 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 Tea Party

    December 3, 2023
    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. 

    Village of Millersport Christmas Festivities

    December 3, 2023
    Join the Village of Millersport for their Christmas celebration on December 3rd! Starting at 6pm, enjoy the Christmas parade, tree lighting, a visit with Santa, and carol singing! Christmas refreshments will be served.

    Festival of Lights

    December 3, 2023
    The moment you've been waiting for is back for 2023! The Fairfield County Fairgrounds Festival of Lights is reopening its gates and they couldn't be more excited to welcome you back. The Festival of Lights is open Thanksgiving through Christmas (Sunday-Wednesday, 6-9pm; Thursday-Saturday, 6-10pm). Throughout the season, expect visits with Santa, kettle corn, desserts, and a concession stand. 

    Fontanini Nativity Display

    December 3, 2023
    Explore the sights, sounds, and smells of the first Christmas as you journey down the streets of Bethlehem, through the shepherd's field and to the temple ruins where you will find the Christ child. Visit the almost life-size nativity display and experience Christmas in a unique way at this indoor nativity featuring Fontanini figures only at Crossroads every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday in December. The event is free admission and is open from 6 to 9pm.

    Pickerington Community Theatre Presents: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

    December 3, 2023
    Join the Pickerington Community Theatre on December 1 through December 10 for a performance of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some). Part vaudeville and part Complete Works of William Shakespeare…Abridged, Every Christmas Story Ever Told… is a fast, furious, and slightly irreverent look at holiday classics and traditions. Santa Claus, Rudolph, the Grinch, and just about every other seasonal character, make an appearance in this racy comedy that will have you laughing all the way to the New Year!
    Load More