By 1812Blockhouse
This year, we’re adding a handful of Fall Road Trip ideas to our usual staple of Summer Road Trips. Each provides Richland Countians with an easy day trip idea that features something unique and different.
As always, we remind our readers that Richland County itself if full of interesting things to see and do. Find out more on the Destination Mansfield website.
OK, 1812Blockhouse readers. The time has come to mention the holiday that begins with the letter “C.”
Today’s Fall Road Trip idea marks the beginning of what is sure to be a number of holiday-related posts as north central Ohio celebrates the season. It is taking place at the I-X Center in suburban Cleveland, which is on the southwest side of town and an easy day trip from Mansfield and Richland County.
The Christmas Connection is a festive marketplace where you can shop for holiday gifts, see works from local artisans, experience holiday displays that will inspire your own decorations, and much more. It takes place from November 18-20 and features more than 450 vendors this year.
In fact, that makes it the largest Christmas Connection in its 36 year history and double the size of last year’s show.
For 36 years, Christmas Connection has been a place to find that Shoppers can browse everything from crafts, specialty foods, and soaps to ornaments, wood creations, jewelry, and more. In addition to shopping, holiday music performances will take place on stage and children have the chance to meet Santa, Mrs. Calus, and the Elves.
As noted by organizers, here are some of the highlights:
- The tallest Santa in Cleveland – 30 foot – waiting to greet shoppers.
- Live entertainment on the stage where guests can relax and kick up their feet and sing along to festive entertainment.
- Visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the Elves in SantaLand. Kids can also bring their letters to Santa to mail in the Santa Mailbox. (Don’t forget to bring your camera!)
- Take a break from shopping to rest your feet and catch up on a classic Christmas movie in the Movie Area.
- Take a string art class hosted by Strung by Shawna in the Craft Area located in the NE South Hall. (Small fee applies)
- Kids can shop in the Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring over 3,000 pre-wrapped gifts (under $8.00 each), perfect for pint-sized wallets.
- Stop by the Halle Bros Co. booth to meet Santa’s Keeper-of-the-Keys, Mr. Jingeling.
- Convenient ‘Shop & Drop‘ lets guests leave their purchases and pick them up when they are ready to leave. And when you pick up your purchases, make life easier and take advantage of free gift wrapping. Donations to GiGi’s Playhouse are appreciated.
- Visit the Ohio Lottery booth for fun games and prizes as well as Holiday Lottery scratch-offs for purchase. There will be three second-chance drawings each day where each winner will receive $100 in Ohio Lottery Christmas cash!New exclusive VIP shopping experience lets participants avoid the crowds and enjoy the show first on Friday morning. Plus, receive vendor deals, an exclusive shopping tote and the chance to finish up your holiday shopping before the general public even walks in the door! Limited tickets are available.
Tickets are for Adults are $12 at the door and $11 online (available here); Children Ages 12 & Under: Free
