Posts with tag 'Holidays'

Santa Claus is coming to town! Visiting Father Christmas is one of our favorite holiday traditions and, luckily, he can be found all over the Columbus area this season. With his reindeer in tow, he will be hosting photo shoots, tree lightings, storytime sessions and so much more! We've rounded up the best places to see Santa this year, from the Columbus Zoo to a historical village, you'll be able to make family memories you won't soon forget!

 

It's Santa Photo Time

Where: The Mall at Tuttle Crossing When: November 9-December 24, Times Vary Santa will have his workshop set up at Tuttle Crossing Mall until Christmas Eve! As he prepares for his trip around the world, his hours might be more limited, so be sure to check his schedule before your planned visit. Caring Santa will also be paying a visit on December 2 for children that may have sensory, physical or other developmental needs. Reserve your appointment here!

Cabela's Wonderland

Where: Columbus Cabela's When: November 11-December 24, Times Vary The annual Santa's Wonderland at the Columbus Cabela's is a not-to-be-missed holiday event. Not only will you get a free photo with Santa, but you can take home a free craft, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate and participate in fun family-friendly games and activities! See all the available activities here.

Santa at the Easton Town Center

Where: Easton Town Center When: November 16-December 24, Times Vary Come one come all to visit Santa at the Easton Town Center this holiday season! The first 5x7 photo is only$5 and candid photos with your phone are encouraged and free! This year you don't even have to wait in line — you can reserve your spot online!

Wild Lights

Where: The Columbus Zoo When: November 16-January 6, Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Photo courtesy of The Columbus Zoo

Wild Lights at the Columbus Zoo continues for its 30th year! Find Santa settled in his Holiday Home located in North America at the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost. He can't wait to meet the children and hear what is on their holiday wish list! There will be professional photos available for an additional fee. Afterward, check out one of the other incredible features going on at Wild Lights including the 1914 Mangels/Illions Carousel, camel rides and so much more!

Visit with Santa at Worthington Place

Where: The Shops at Worthington Place When: November 23-December 24, Times Vary Until Christmas Eve you can also visit with Santa at Worthington Place! Santa's schedule varies, so make sure to check out his schedule before you go. If you can't wait until after Thanksgiving to celebrate Christmas, The Shops at Worthington Place will also be hosting a Sparkle Night where you can watch the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. and afterward visit with Santa, get your face painted and listen to live music!

Experience the Season

Where: All Oakland Nurseries Locations When: November 24-December 16, Saturdays and Sundays 12-3:30 p.m. Come out and experience the season at Oakland Nurseries. At the Columbus and Delaware locations, after visiting with the jolly man himself, check out the unique Santa Wonderland and experience lights, music and plush characters!

Swim with Santa

Where: Westerville Community Center When: November 25, 6-7:15 p.m. Get your photo with Santa as he swims in the pool with the lifeguard elves! This unique holiday experience will provide you with a fun and unusual holiday photo to display throughout the years! Registration is required.

Santa's Village at Partners Park

Where: Partner's Park When: November 26-December 20, Excluding December 1 and 8, Thursdays 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Experience a hometown holiday for the whole family! Santa's Village is set amidst festive lights and decorations with merry music filling the air. Children can visit with Santa for free before participating in other activities! They can also leave their letters to Santa in a special mailbox. There are a ton of other Santa-related events going on at Partners Park this year, including free ice-skating December 15 through January 1, 2019! Check out this schedule for more information.

Christmas in Downtown Delaware

Where: The Strand When: November 30-December 21, Times Vary Bring the family together to experience Christmas in Downtown Delaware! The festivities start off with the Home for the Holidays Weekend. On Friday, watch the tree lighting before visiting with Santa and some of his reindeer. On Saturday there will be a Dash for Dasher Scavenger Hunt, where you and your family can scour downtown and follow Santa's clues to find Dasher. Then, finally, on Sunday come out and watch the Holiday Parade! Santa will also be available at The Strand from December 1-21 on Fridays and Saturdays to visit and take photos. There will also be free gifts for each child while supplies last!

Santa Visit at the Grandview Heights Library

Where: Grandview Heights Library When: December 8, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. For a more relaxed holiday celebration — visit Santa at the Grandview Heights Library! Take a photo with Santa and participate in fun holiday activities. Then, children will be able to make a craft and visit with Rosie the Comfort Dog from Atonement Lutheran Church. Tickets can be picked up from the Youth Services Desk.

Santa in the Caboose

Where: Hillard Historical Village When: December 9, 3-6 p.m.

Photo courtesy of Hillard Historical Village

Get your photo taken with Santa from the 1800's! This kid-friendly holiday event features a horse-drawn carriage ride, live music, refreshments, and beautiful lights. This historical take on Christmas will provide your family with endless fun and memories.  

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

If you are interested in other festive events going on in the area this season — check out our list of 21 Essential Columbus Holiday Events You Should Mark on Your Calendar.  

Can anything beat the smell of a freshly cut Christmas tree during the holidays? Sure, it would be easier to pick one up at the grocery store or even buy a fake tree to reuse again and again — but nothing gets your family in the holiday spirit like visiting a local tree farm to get the real deal!   Christmas tree farmers have years of experience and their staff can help you pick out the perfect tree. We've rounded up the 12 best Christmas tree farms near Akron and Canton to help you plan your holiday outing and make this Christmas one you won't forget.      

Flower Tree Farm

1236 Hudson Road, Kent

Photo courtesy of Flower Tree Farm

Since 1980, a visit to the Flower Tree Farm in Kent has been a Christmas tradition for many families. They offer both pre-cut trees and cut-your-own sales so you can decide how you want to pick out your holiday centerpiece! They start selling trees the day after Thanksgiving through December 23.  

Rauh Christmas Tree Farm

3001 North River Road, Stow Rauh Christmas Tree Farm offers several different types of trees — everything from spruce to pine — so you can find your perfect tree. They have a huge variety to choose from and charge the same price regardless of size!  

Shawnee Trail Tree Farm

896 Terex Road, Hudson If you're looking for a tree over 25 feet tall — Shawnee Trail has you covered! They offer trees of all different sizes and in over seven different varieties. They also provide refreshments while you shop and observe their many farm animals, such as cows, chickens, sheep and an adorable donkey named Twix!  

Medina Christmas Tree Farm

3301 Hamilton Road, Medina

Photo courtesy of Medina Christmas Tree Farm

This adorable farm is completely family (and dog) friendly! Enjoy some hot chocolate by the fire, grab lunch at their refreshment stand, visit their friendly farm animals, and pick out one of their handmade wreaths to take home! They've just opened a new lot of trees down the road so there are plenty of trees to choose from!  

Hinton Primitives & Christmas Tree Farm

982 Stump Road, Minerva Rustic decor lovers will adore this eclectic shop and tree farm combination. Kaye and Bill Hinton purchased a family member's farm 16 years ago and the rest is history! Kaye loves to craft and sells her creative works in the shop, such as primitive dolls, furniture and more, while Bill sells crops from the farm year round — including during the holidays! They have a huge selection of trees to choose from. While you're there don't forget to check in with farm cats named Louis and Mr. Hope!  

Doc Miller's Christmas Trees

12666 German Church Street, Alliance Doc Miller's prides themselves on being as eco-friendly as possible! They don't use pesticides, fungicides or colorants, and guarantee that your tree will never be sprayed with any kind of chemicals. Choose a fantastic tree and feel good about it this holiday season!  

Heritage Farms

6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula

Photo courtesy of Heritage Farms

Open for 170 years now — Heritage Farms has plenty of experience in providing family-farm fun in Peninsula, Ohio! Visit them this holiday season to pick out your tree, and then make sure to stop by Michelle's Greenery Shop for roping, wreaths and swags! Warm up by the sandstone fireplace with some hot chocolate and cookies from their Coffee Corner.  

Ricciardi's Tree Farm

2136 Greenwich Road, Wadsworth Ricciardi's Tree Farm is not only a great place to get your Christmas tree this year — it's also a beautiful event venue for weddings, holiday parties and even family photos! Make sure to check out this picturesque location this season!  

Timber Valley Christmas Tree Farm

4250 Bagdad Road, Medina This family-owned and -operated Christmas tree farm offers cut-your-own trees of all shapes and sizes at reasonable prices! They promise to make it a memorable holiday experience for you and your family, and you'll want to come back again year after year.  

Skylar Brook Farm

12853 Bair Road, Orrville For a unique Christmas experience this year, visit Skylar Brook Farms. This farm offers an original combination of Christmas trees and alpacas! When you visit, make sure to check out their alpaca store where they sell luxury products such as gloves and hats made from alpaca fleece — perfect as stocking stuffers!  

Galehouse Tree Farm

11762 Coal Bank Road, Doylestown Pick up your Christmas tree AND the ornaments at Galehouse Tree Farm! Not only do they offer several different types of trees, but they also have a barn full of Christmas decor! The Tree House opens in April every year for those who just can't wait for Christmas and offer crafting classes all year round. They also share Christmas decor ideas on their website!  

Moore's Christmas Tree Farm

6767 Edison Street, Hartville Moore's Tree Farm is a family-owned, 100-acre farm that specializes in growing Christmas trees, daylilies and hostas. The farm has been passed on through the generations since 1945. They offer gorgeous trees and fun for the whole family. Plus, there's free hot chocolate!  

Have a tree-mendous holiday!

For more holiday cheer, check out our complete guide to 28 holiday events in the Akron and Canton area!    

It's nearly here! The holiday season has snuck up on us once again and pretty soon strings of lights will be adorning the fronts of houses and your mailbox will be bulging with Christmas cards. This time of year, our calendars fill with family get-togethers, ugly Christmas sweater parties and white elephant gift exchanges. Take a breather from the craziness of the holidays and visit one of the many events happening this season in Akron and Canton! From watching the Nutcracker to swimming with Santa, there's something for everyone this time of year. We tracked down some of the most exciting events going on this season, so mark your calendars and make the holiday one to remember!

The 6th Annual Marketplace Holiday Gala

When: November 8-10, 11 a.m-9 p.m Where: The Marketplace at Gervasi Vineyard, Canton

Photo courtesy of Gervasi Vineyard

For the wine lover in your family, visit this year's Market Place Gala at Gervasi Vineyard! Enjoy tiny treats while you shop their new holiday lines, dine in the Crush House for a special holiday lunch, and get an expanded tour of the winery. They promise a memorable experience that appeals to all the senses!

37th Annual Holiday Tree Festival

When: November 17-25, Times Vary Where: The John S. Knight Center, Akron Make sure to mark your calendars for the 37th Annual Holiday Tree Festival in Akron, where you can see more than 200 trees, 85,000 strings of lights and other holiday creations! It's a truly beautiful sight and all proceeds benefit the Akron Children's Hospital.

Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo

When: Saturday and Sundays Starting November 23, 5-9 p.m. Where: The Akron Zoo

Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo

The Akron Zoo will most definitely have the wildest light display this holiday season. Almost the entire zoo will be decorated and many animals will be on exhibit. While you're there, stop by Santa Land and tell Santa your holiday wishes, visit Holly Jolly Hillside which will feature lighted North American animals and trees synchronized to music, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train ride, and stop by Mrs. C's Sweets for a s'more!

15th Annual Tree Lighting and the Welcome Santa Parade

When: November 23 at 7 p.m. and November 24 at 11 a.m. Where: Lock 3, Akron The night after Thanksgiving, be sure to head over to Lock 3 to watch the streets of downtown Akron light up with thousands of holiday lights and fireworks! There will also be live performances, ice skating and holiday treats.

Main Street Holiday Window Displays

When: November 23-January 1 Where: Main Street, Akron Take a stroll down Main Street between Bowery and State this holiday season and enjoy the largest seasonal vintage collection in Ohio. Department store's will showcase animated displays from the 1960's-80's in the windows of the O'neil's, Polsky and Landmark buildings.

Christmas at Beech Creek Gardens

When: November 24-December 23, Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays 12-5 p.m. Where: Beech Creek Gardens, Alliance There's so much to see at this weekend holiday event! Have fun and learn something new at the Beech Creek Gardens. Enjoy Candyland and the Christmas Express, explore the Festival of Trees, visit with the Grinch, learn about animals in winter, complete workshops for adults and children, sip hot cocoa, and more!

The Nutcracker Presented by the Ballet Theatre of Ohio

When: November 24-December 2, Saturdays at 2 and 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre This wonderful holiday tradition lives on in Akron and is a "must-do" for you and your family. Roger Durbin of the West Side Leader wrote,"... the production levels in Artistic Director Christine Meneer's version — as well as her engaging choreography — capture the audience and transport it for a couple of hours into a magical, wonderful, escapist wonderland." Get your tickets here.

Christmas Candlelight Tea

When: November 30, 4:30 and 7 p.m. Where: Dragonfly Tea Room, Canal Fulton Make sure to start off the holiday season right. Sip an invigorating cup of tea in the Dragonfly Tea Room while snacking on holiday treats and listening to live music. Call ahead to make a reservation!

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum's Annual Holiday Party

When: November 30, 6-8 p.m. Where: McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton This annual party will definitely be a fun time for the entire family. There will be musical entertainment, crafts for kids, open-hearth cooking demonstrations, special planetarium and science shows and, of course, a visit from Santa! The museum will be beautifully decorated with over 30 trees and holiday scenes. Reservations are appreciated.

Christmas on the Canal

When December 1, 3-7 p.m. Where: Downtown Canal Fulton

Photo courtesy of Cliff Franks Photography

Historic Canal Fulton invites you to stroll the streets of the downtown area and celebrate this holiday season. The blocked off streets will allow space for wood and ice carvers, carolers, and wagon rides. Stop by and visit Santa and meet Mrs. Oberlin for tours of the Oberlin House and Olde Canal Days Museum. Shops will be open late to offer special discounts, refreshments and entertainment. When the sun goes down, the electric lights parade and tree lighting ceremony will commence!

Hands-On Holidays

When: December 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Akron's Children Museum For an event the whole family will enjoy, Hands-On Holidays at the Akron's Children's Museum is perfect! Meet fun holiday characters as you explore interactive exhibits with special make-and-take crafts. Paint your own snowman, design your own cookie, enjoy a live DJ and more — plus, adults AND kids can enter to win fun prizes. They will also be hosting a Winter Warmth Drive at the event and collecting gloves, hats, socks and scarves for kids and adults for Family Promise of Summit County.

Holiday Celebration at the Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center

When: December 2, 3-6 p.m. Where: Huston-Brumbaugh Nature Center, University of Mount Union, Alliance Celebrate the holiday season in nature. The Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center's annual holiday celebration features crafting, s'mores and hot chocolate by the fire, live acoustic music, and a visit with Santa Claus in a 1800's-era cabin. This event is truly simple holiday fun for the whole family!

2018 Light Up Downtown

When: December 6, 6-8:30 p.m. Where: Central Plaza + Downtown Canton

Photo courtesy of the Canton Chamber of Commerce

This spirited festival will feature 14 city blocks of attractions, ice skating, entertainment, refreshments, sleigh rides, singers and dancers, a visit from Santa, and incredible fireworks! The best part is, this event is free and fun for all ages.

Holiday Open House

When: December 7, 5-8 p.m. Where: Canton Women's Club, Canton Put a little history in your holiday festivities by visiting Canton Woman's Club on December 7 to see their 150-year-old Victorian home decorated for the holidays! Admission to the house is free and dinner will be available at an additional cost.

Carol of the King: Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular

When: December 7, 7:30 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre Looking for a unique holiday experience this season? Make sure to check out this event featuring 20 of the world's most skilled Irish dancers and musicians. Carol of the Kings brings an exciting story of love that will transport the audience to a new time and place.

Home for the Holidays

When: December 7, 7:30 p.m. Where: Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The University of Akron Join the Akron Symphony Orchestra as they ring in the holidays with an evening of traditional carols, inspiring songs and holiday cheer. There's also a rumor that a certain special visitor from the North Pole will be making an appearance so make sure to reserve your seat soon!

A Christmas Carol

When: December 7-23, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Where: The Players Guild Theatre, Canton

Photo courtesy of The Players Guild Theatre

See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life! This classic Christmas story will surely get you into the holiday spirit.

Home Sweet Home : A Gingerbread Tradition

When: December 8, 1-5 p.m. Where: Fieldcrest Estate, Canton Don't buy the prepackaged gingerbread houses this year, go visit Fieldcrest Estate and build one there! This event is perfect for families, friends, couples or crafty singles. Visitors get to choose their floor plans to build and decorate, so you can create an original masterpiece. Reservations are required.

Santa Fly-In 2018

When: December 9, 1 p.m. Where: Akron Canton Airport

Photo courtesy of Maps Air Museum

Santa left the reindeer behind this year and is arriving in Akron and Canton a little differently — by plane! Go watch him touch down and get a photo of your loved ones with Santa. In return, you are asked to bring a food donation for the Reserves/National Guard Family Services Food Pantry that services troops stationed at the Akron Canton Airport.

Holiday Pops 2018

When: December 9, 3 p.m. Where: Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, Canton Join the Canton Symphony Orchestra for their celebration of the holiday season! Sing along to some of your favorite carols and listen to beautiful renditions of holiday songs. Individual tickets are on sale now.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage

When: December 14, 7:30 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre Don't miss out on this opportunity to see a Christmas classic live on stage. This is a fresh take on A Charlie Brown Christmas so you'll be experiencing the storyline in a completely new way. This Peanuts experience also includes an intermission — and after the show, audience members are invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing Christmas favorites!

It's a Wonderful Life

When: December 14, 8 p.m. Where: Avenue Arts Marketplace + Theatre, Canton The story of It's a Wonderful Life is a natural for a stage adaptation. Come watch the saga of George Bailey as he discovers how amazing his life really is, live on stage. Support your local theater and experience the true meaning of Christmas!

Christmas Music Celebration by Majestic Voice

When: December 15, 7:00 p.m. Where: Canton Palace Theatre Celebrating 10 years of making Christmas memories, bring the whole family to enjoy holiday carols, heartwarming new melodies, a rockin' band segment, and a singalong! Majestic Voice Chorus will be joined by dancers from "A Time to Dance" in North Canton, featuring ballet, a chorus line and Irish Step Dancing.

Lightwire Theater presents A Very Electric Christmas

When: December 15, 7:30 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre After gaining recognition on America's Got Talent and TRU TV's Fake Off, Lightwire Theater has gone on to perform all over the world. By using a combination of puppetry, theater and dance with the music of holiday classics, Lightwire Theater promises an exhilarating holiday experience for the whole family.

Swim with Santa

When: December 16, 1-4 p.m. Where: Massillon Recreation Center Santa Claus is coming to town, but he needs a break. To relax, he decided to pay a visit to the Massillon Rec Center for a swim and some cookies. Bring your kids to join him! They'll be able to hang out with Santa while listening to some Christmas music and taking a dip themselves. You must have proper swim attire to participate in the event.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

When: December 18, 7:30 p.m. Where: E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, The University of Akron Over 300 incredible costumes, 20 world-class acts, amazing singers, and original music, as well as seasonal favorites come together in a two-hour breathtaking event. Boston Globe calls it "Entrancing… Las Vegas meets family entertainment". You don't want to miss this high-flying spectacle this season!

Wizards of Winter

When: December 22, 7 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre This is a holiday rock event for the whole family, featuring former members of classic rock giants — Rainbow, Alice Cooper, Ted Nugent Band and others — along with Broadway and Theater veterans. This diverse group will perform a holiday rock opera titled "Tales Beneath a Northern Star". Join them on their journey inside a snow globe in search of the true meaning of Christmas.

The Polar Express – The Movie

When: December 23, 2:30 p.m. Where: Akron Civic Theatre Experience this holiday classic on the big screen! Akron Civic Theatre will be playing The Polar Express in their gorgeous theater for free — all you need is a ticket which you can get from the Akron Civic Box Office. These tickets are almost gone, so get yours soon!

Have a Happy Holiday!

However you and your family decide to celebrate the holidays this year, remember to stay safe and have fun. From all of us at Cutler Real Estate, have a happy holiday season!

Whether it's a holiday party, a birthday shindig, an office celebration or a family reunion, you need a place that is going to set your party apart from the rest (and keep you from doing the dishes). So, if you want to leave the decorating, cooking and cleaning to someone else this year, we suggest booking a space at one of Columbus' best restaurants or banquet halls. We rounded up a handful of our favorites to make the choice even easier. The venues are listed in order by max capacity, but keep in mind that many of the venues—even the largest—offer special rooms and areas with capacities suited for small gatherings.  

The Worthington Inn

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Fall is well underway throughout Ohio — as the temperature has dropped, the leaves are changing, and pumpkins are dotting both porches and patches throughout the state. But pumpkins don't just make good backdrops for Instagram or canvases for spooky carved designs; they are an excellent ingredient for cooking! These delicious pumpkin-themed recipes from Ohio food bloggers are proof that everyone's favorite fall vegetable is not reserved for your Starbucks order alone. From sweet desserts to savory soups and other unexpected recipes (like pumpkin hummus!), these pumpkin-themed recipes are sure to please this fall.  

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Bowl | Hummusapien

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