Special to 1812Blockhouse
While a number of holiday activities have already taken place in north central Ohio, the remainder of December has plenty of opportunities to soak in the holiday spirit.
Our twinkling cities and villages come together to celebrate the season and nostalgia of Christmas with the region’s newest attractions and events. Step into the traditions of holidays past to make your memories of today shine brighter. Make Mansfield part of your story this season!
While a number of holiday activities have already taken place in north central Ohio, the remainder of December has plenty of opportunities to soak in the holiday spirit.
Check out our Tinsel Towns listings and full calendar of events for the best holiday events in one place.
December is kicking off with the opening of the beloved Tiny Tim Shoppe for the youngest shoppers in the community. Also in downtown Mansfield, the Frank P. Lahm Aviation Museum recently opened and offers an opportunity to learn about the Brigadier General and local history. The collection features artifacts ranging from film to uniforms dating from 1852 through today.
Celebrate the True Meaning of Christmas
BibleWalk, Ohio’s only wax museum, is offering free admission to The Life of Christ Tour beginning December 19th to December 31st. While visiting, you may want to check out the Museum of Woodcarving. The impressive work of faith is the largest collection of wood carvings by one man.
The Clear Fork Alliance Church will be hosting Experience Bethlehem; this free event walks you through Bethlehem at the time of Jesus’ birth. This event takes place December 9 and 10 from 6:30-8 and December 11 from 2 to 4.
Craft Shows, Holiday Fairs & Open Houses
The Tiny Tim Shoppe allows children to shop and wrap Christmas gifts for friends and family with help from a volunteer. Open on select Saturdays (December 10 or 17 and Friday night during Christmas in the City). Advance sign-up is required.
Browse the 53rd Annual Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center for unique gifts. You can also give the gift of an experience by purchasing a gift card for future classes offered at the MAC. The Holiday Fair continues through December 24.
Christmas Lights, Tours & Santa!
Oak Hill Cottage Christmas Tours are offered on Sundays (December 11, 18). Tour this Gothic Revival Landmark decked out in Victorian fashion for the holidays.
Christmas at Kingwood runs nightly from 4 to 9 PM through December 30. Reservations are required. Bundle up, buy a cup of hot chocolate in the cafe, and wind your way through the magical light displays on the estate grounds. Once in Kingwood Hall, peek into the stunningly decorated rooms while you’re serenaded with live music by local performers.
If you’d rather skip the lights and simply tour the mansion decked out for the holidays, special Kingwood Hall Christmas Tours are offered Tuesday, December 6 and 20, from 11 AM to noon.
Check out our list of Holiday Attractions for more places to celebrate the holiday season.
‘Tis the Season to Learn Something New
Ballroom Dancing is an excellent way to while away time during the winter months, and you may make a few new friends too! Winter is a great time to learn something new and make a few new friends. Lessons are offered every Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.
The Phoenix offers Taproom Trivia (Dec. 20) and a Game Night (Dec. 6) for those looking to exercise their brains.
Visit our Events page and on our Make It! page that highlights fun holiday themed activities and hands-on workshops
Theater & Live Music
If you’ve ever wondered how Santa Claus originated, you’ll want to watch this performance based on the fantastical story by L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus at the Mansfield Playhouse is not to be missed (December 9, 10, 16, 17 and 18).
The Youth Orchestra: Holiday Prelude (December 11) brings together the finest student musicians from North Central Ohio.
Holiday Pops- Mansfield Symphony Orchestra & Chorus (December 17) present traditional holiday classics with new favorites.
The Muppet Christmas Carol Film will be shown at the Renaissance Theater on December 18. The classic Christmas tale told through our favorite Muppets characters.
The Phoenix Brewing Company invites various musicians to entertain with live music every Friday and Saturday (except Christmas Eve).
Check out our Performing Arts page for more holiday performances.
Christmas Fun for the Family
You’ll have two opportunities to experience Christmas at the Cabin (December 9). Join the MRCPL at the historic Pugh Cabin at Malabar Farm for stories, songs and crafts as you welcome the Christmas season. A special guest will make an appearance.
Make your way to any branch of the MRCPL to participate in the “Disguise a Gingerbread Friend Contest.” The contest runs to December 17 and is open to Pre-K to 5th grade. }
The Richland Carrousel presents Bedtime Stories with Santa on December 7. You’ll get free photos with Santa, free rides, free cookies and of course, bedtime stories. Advance registration is required. At the Ohio Bird Sanctuary, Keeper Talks continue on Sunday December 11 and 18 from 3-3:15 PM. Meet the bird handlers and resident birds and learn interesting avian facts to amaze and amuse your family and friends. Meet Mr. & Mrs. Claus and their Reindeer at Christmas is for the Birds at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary on December 10 from 1 to 3 PM.
New Year’s Eve
We’ll wrap up the year with a New Year’s Eve Celebration at Central Park in downtown Mansfield!
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com
Source, Photo: Destination Mansfield-Richland County
