Advent Window Walk

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24 homeowners in Lancaster, Ohio are creating the United States’ only residential, life-size advent calendar. The Advent Window Walk is returning for its third year, once again bringing together a neighborhood of historic homes in this grassroots holiday event.

For each night in December, a different resident of the historic downtown district will reveal unique, illuminated window artwork. By Christmas, 24 homes will be lighting up the neighborhood with their festive displays. Additionally, three local nonprofit organizations will create window artwork celebrating Christmas Day, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

Inspired by a popular tradition in Europe, the Advent Window Walk is the only residential advent window display in the United States. It was created and organized by residents of downtown Lancaster. Like in many other communities, several homes in the historic neighborhood have changed hands in recent years. This holiday project has helped new and old residents of Downtown Lancaster become acquainted, grow closer and develop a stronger sense of community. Neighbors attend one another’s nightly window reveals to show support, and some participants even host a celebratory open house on their special night. The project has been a great opportunity for families and individuals to venture out and spend time together during one of the darker months of the year, when people are generally inclined to cozy up and isolate indoors.

All 27 window displays are in the Historic District of Downtown Lancaster and can be viewed on foot in under 30 minutes. While the Advent Window Walk is best experienced as a pedestrian, windows can be viewed by car as well. View an event map, follow the countdown to Christmas, and explore windows from previous years on Instagram and Facebook @AdventWindowWalk. The Advent Window Walk will run nightly from December 1st through January 1st, 6-10 p.m.

Many of the homes included in Lancaster’s newest Christmas tradition are located within the Square 13 Historic District.