Special to 1812Blockhouse
The festive energy of Christmas is in the air! In Mansfield and the surrounding communities, we’re gearing up for vibrant craft fairs, pop-up shops, and yes- even the enchanting presence of reindeer! We’ve highlighted some of the events and happenings this month but make sure to take a peek at the events calendar for a full list of exciting things to come.
Don’t miss the opening of the much anticipated opening of the Tiny Tim Shoppe and the Christmas Open House at the Richland Carrousel Park (Nov. 18). Photo opportunities with Santa are available to purchase and there are free carousel rides with Santa. Free coffee, sales in the gift shop, and an open cafe serving cookies, hot dogs, brats, chips and are available! Santa will make additional appearances for photos on November 19, 25, 26 and select dates in December.
Get ready for ski season and save money at the annual Snow Trails Ski Patrol Swap Weekend. Buy and sell gently used equipment and apparel or buy a raffle ticket to benefit Snow Trails Ski Patrol.
Shop Til You Drop- Craft Shows, Holiday Fairs & Open Houses
Christmas is the time of giving, and if you’re looking for that special gift, you may find it at one of the specialty shops or craft shows listed below.
Join Rustik Market for the annual Christmas Open House (Nov. 3). Enjoy Christmas music, cookies, giveaways, and coffee from Raising Roots Coffee Co. while viewing their 2023 Christmas collection.
Sip a pint and support local artisans and craftsmen in the beer garden and brewery when you shop for friends and family during the Holiday Hops and Shops Pop-Up Market at The Phoenix (Nov. 4).
Christmas in the Valley Handmade Craft Show (Nov. 11) celebrates their 30th anniversary with 60+ ALL handmade crafters, giveaways and surprises. The $1 admission fee benefits the Clear Fork Music Department while proceeds from the cafeteria goes to the CFHS Band Department for uniforms and to help fund the marching band.
The 54th Annual Holiday Art Fair at the Mansfield Art Center starts November 17th and runs into December, showcasing the work of local artists & makers, as well as a wonderful variety of sourced gift items from small businesses around the globe.
The 4th Annual Holiday Sip & Shop at The Richland County Fairgrounds (Nov. 24, 25) will entice shoppers with over 100 vendors, reindeer, carriage rides, Santa, The Grinch, food trucks and more. Start your Christmas shopping early and support local makers and artists.
Take advantage of the Daytime Shop & Dine at Kingwood Center Gardens. Stop in for lunch at the Gateway Café and shop for plants, gifts, décor and more in the Garden & Gift Shop. Head out into the gardens for a brisk stroll and enjoy the beauty of winter! Garden admission is not required for Shop & Dine only.
Christmas Lights, Tours & Reindeer
Oak Hill Cottage Christmas Tours will be offered on Sundays, starting November 19th. Tour this Gothic Revival Landmark decked out in Victorian fashion for the holidays as traditions of Christmas past are brought to life.
Christmas at Kingwood begins November 26th. The community’s largest and most visited holiday venue has become a tradition for many local families. 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.
Head over to Shelby and start a new family tradition at the Shelby Parade of Lights (Nov. 26). Take pictures and eat breakfast with Santa, visit with reindeer, and enjoy the parade.
Make memories and start or continue a family tradition when you visit Kleerview Farm (Nov. 20) during the Christmas season. Take a wagon ride to the Christmas House, see Santa and his Animals (weather permitting), shop in the gift shop and warm up with Hot Chocolate.
Get Crafty!
Winter is a great time to learn something new, make a few new friends and make something for everyone on your Christmas list.
Kingwood Center offers the following classes:
Make-Your-Own Holiday Centerpiece (for Kids) (Nov.11)
A sampling of the classes offered at Mansfield Art Center include:
Mini Me Metalsmithing at Mansfield Art Center (Nov. 1,8, 29)
Stained Glass 3-D Gingerbread House (starting Nov.4)
Macrame a Fall Leaf (Nov. 11)
Stained Glass Candy Cane (Nov. 16)
Glass Beer Mug (Nov.18)
Make your own Chunky Blanket (Nov. 4) SS Second Chances Art & Craft Studio.
AR Workshop will host a workshop to make Holiday Light Up Framed Signs (Nov. 18)
Make all Your Wreaths Come True (Nov. 28) when you decorate your own freshly made wreath at Wade Christmas Tree Farm.
Family Fun Continues
November is full of family fun but keep reading for a few more ideas.
Visit First Fridays at the Buckeye Imagination Museum for extended hours, special crafts and more. Remember, the 2nd floor is now open offering additional activities and fun for older kids and adults too.
Kingwood Center offers the Final Free First Monday (Nov.6) of the year in November. Don’t miss your opportunity to traverse the grounds, feed the ducks and marvel at the greenhouse at no cost one last time in 2023.
Theater & Live Music
The Happy Grape Bar & Bistro, The Phoenix, Hudson & Essex and Deja Food all offer live music this month. View the Live Entertainment page for a complete listing.
The Mid-Ohio Conference Center hosts Dancing in the Dark 2023 (Nov. 4) with the Piano Maniacs for an evening of fun for the 21+ crowd as some songs may be R-rated. In addition to live music and dancing, there will be dinner and dessert buffet, selfie station, raffles, and a cash bar. The evening full of sing-alongs, live music, and dancing benefits children who are losing their sight to make a visual bucket list wish a reality!
Airport Encounters at Mansfield Playhouse (Nov. 10, 11, 17,18) brings to life 12 scenes and characters you may encounter at an airport. From a long lost crush to an angry mother-in-law to the mystery man who has been living there for months.
Hello, Dolly! at the Renaissance Theatre (Nov. 11, 12, 18,19) is the musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play The Matchmaker. The play has premiered on Broadway, won multiple awards, and has entertained audiences around the world as it explores the romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker and “woman who arranges things.”
Whether you’re on the hunt for unique holiday gifts, passionate about crafting and learning new skills, a theater lover or seeking other festive delights, we’ve got you covered. Let’s make November a month to remember.
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events Don’t forget to tag Destination Mansfield on social media so we can see what fun you find this holiday season.
Source: Destination Mansfield – Richland County; Image by Bruno from Pixabay
