Revel in Ohio’s Holiday Celebrations this December

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Nov. 15, 2007) – Celebrate the holidays in Ohio with festivities that will get visitors in the spirit of the season. Holiday light displays, musical events and festivities will warm the heart of any holiday traveler. Following is a sample of the events and exhibits visitors can enjoy in Ohio this December.

Family Fun
Holiday Jubilee, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Dec. 1-15 (Sat.-Sun.) Forty-three groups perform holiday music in the Grand Hall over five weekend days. Enjoy performances every thirty minutes from school choirs, church choirs, orchestras, jazz bands, dance troupes and ensembles from the Greater Cincinnati area.

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights, Clifton, Nov. 23-Jan. 1
As the sky begins to darken at night, a switch flips and 3.5 million lights, cascading down a waterfall, embracing cliff walls and swaddling a covered bridge, light up the sky. Clifton Mill is the nation’s oldest operating grist mill, and during the holiday season, it’s a mecca for light gazers. An outdoor miniature train, a menagerie of more than 3,000 Santa figures and a tall stack of fresh buckwheat pancakes, cooked right at the mill, make this a perfect family destination.

North Pole Express, Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc., Findlay, Nov. 23-Dec. 30 (Fri.–Sun.)
Come out and enjoy good cheer as a quarter-scale open-sided steam train ride takes you through a festive wonderland of unique holiday decorations and beautiful lights. 

Arts and Culture
Kuumba Cultural Arts Festival, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Cleveland, Dec. 8 
Celebrate Kuumba or "creativity," the sixth of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, with a theatre performance. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is pleased to present,Kwanzaa, a play by the African American Drama Company of San Francisco. Under the artistic direction of Phillip E. Walker, this children’s theatre group spreads the message of unity and celebrates the spirit of Kwanzaa.

Musical Rainbow Series-Music of Chanukah, Reinberger Chamber Hall, Cleveland, Dec. 1 and 4
The Cleveland Orchestra’s thirty-minute Musical Rainbow concerts are an interactive way for young children to learn about the instruments of the orchestra through musical demonstrations. Audiences are encouraged to sing, clap, and move to the music while enjoying Chanukah favorites, old and new, from Carolyn Warner and Stephen Warner, Cantor Kathryn Wolfe Sebo and host Maryann Nagel. 

The Nutcracker, Ohio Theatre, Columbus, Dec. 8-23

Ballet Met’s performance of this holiday classic gets added sophistication as Sir Roger Moore, distinguished actor and philanthropist, narrates the spectacular production. Watch as the magic of the holiday season comes to life in this timeless ballet of Clara and her nutcracker doll. With live music from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, it's a family tradition not to be missed!

Sports and Recreation
Holiday Trail of Lights at Lake Hope State Park, McArthur, Dec. 1-31
Come to the Lake Hope Nature Center and hike forest trails aglow with twinkling light displays, decorated trees & landscape lighting. Enjoy extra activities on weekends!  For more information, please call (740) 596-3030.

Christmas in Ash Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, Logan, Dec. 8
Step away from the hectic holiday season and come bundled for the weather while enjoying a lighted stroll to Ash Cave, one of Ohio’s most striking natural wonders. Frozen waterfalls, snow blanketed forests and massive sandstone formations line the path to Ash Cave. Upon arrival at the cave, hikers will be welcomed with warm refreshments, caroling and a crackling bonfire. Kids can help decorate a tree with treats for wildlife and visit with an old fashioned Santa in this magical natural setting.

History and Heritage
Candlelight Tour at Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village, Waynesville, Dec. 1
Christmas in the 18th century was quite different from today's celebration. Tour the Village by candlelight to gain a deeper understanding of the history of the Southwestern Ohio Frontier during its settlement from 1793-1812. Enjoy the hearth, heated cider and hot chocolate.

A Dickens of a Christmas, Ohio Village, Ohio Historical Society, Columbus, Dec. 7-15 (Sat. –Sun.)
Visitors can step into the world of Charles Dickens as Ohio Village revisits the Victorian Christmas made famous in his stories. From plum pudding and humbug pie to that pretty German tradition, the Christmas tree, Dickens created a festive and enduring vision of Christmas. The spirit of Dickens comes to life through interactions with characters from his writings, cooking demonstrations, hands-on crafts, decorations, caroling, readings by candlelight, street vendors, and many more Victorian holiday traditions.

Holiday Lantern Tours at Hale Farm & Village, Bath, Dec. 7-22 (Fri.-Sat.)
Hale Farm & Village’s favorite holiday event returns with a leisurely guided tour around the Village of Wheatfield back in time to the year 1862. Visitors can enter the "homes" around the village green and gain insight into holiday celebrations during the Civil War era from a wide variety of village residents. Reservations required.

Looking for additional opportunities to enjoy December in Ohio? Visit www.DiscoverOhio.com. Free Discover Ohio Travel Planners are viewable online and Discover Ohio event calendars can be ordered anytime night or day. Travel counselors are available at 1-800-BUCKEYE to assist callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism
The Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy.
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