Ohio is the 34th biggest state, the seventh most populous state and the birthplace of seven U.S. presidents, according to enchanted learning.com. The name, Ohio, stems from the Iroquois Indian word for good or large river, which makes sense since the state has seven major rivers and two lakes, according to the website. Visitors have plenty of attractions for any time of year including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Christmastime offers a variety of attractions for Ohioans and visitors.
Christmas Train Rides
Train rides and the holidays go together like Christmas cookies and milk. Four railways offer holiday-themed excursions including the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Ashtabula Carson & Jefferson Railroad, according to Train Traveling.com. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has a train ride centered around Mr. Jingeling, who is a holiday figure unique to Clevland. Children of all ages know Mr. Jingeling as one of Santa's favorite elves and the keeper of the keys, according to mr. jingeling.com
A Christmas Story House
"You'll shoot your eye out," is just as much a part of Christmas as jingle bells for fans of the 1983 holiday movie, "A Christmas Story." Ralphie's house, located in Cleveland, Ohio, has been restored to its 1983 movie appearance and is open to visitors, according to Ohio Traveler.com. There is a gift shop that sells many of the popular items from the movie including the famous and desperately wanted Red Ryder BB Gun and the disappointing gift of bunny suits.
Niederman's Christmas Farm
More than 10,000 lights and music from 50 speakers greet guests to Neiderman's Christmas Farm, an annual evening event in Liberty Township, Ohio, according to Ohio Traveler.com. Visitors can see a life size nativity scene, animals and decorated Christmas trees, according to the website. There is no admission charge, and everyone receives free hot chocolate and cookies. Neiderman's Farm is wheel-chair accessible. The Christmas Farm opens the day after Thanksgiving and is open from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Light Up Middletown and Balloon Glow
For some, the arrival of Santa in department stores heralds the arrival of Christmas. For citizens of Middletown, Ohio, the holiday season kicks-off with the launch of a dozen hot air balloons as part of the Light Up Middletown and Balloon Glow, which is typically the first Tuesday in December, according to Ohio Traveler.com. Light Up Middletown is a drive-through light display that runs from the day after Thanksgiving through December and features visits from Mr. and Mrs. Claus and other special events, according to the website.
Dickens Victorian Village
Holiday traditions from Victorian England come to life in Cambridge, Ohio, as part of the city's Dickens Victorian Village. The exhibit starts Nov. 1 and runs through Jan. 1. Visitors can walk around 105 life-like figurines, which are "frozen" in time engaged in scenes from 19th century life, according to Ohio Traveler.com. Visitors will find "regulars" such as Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim but will also see a town crier, groups of carolers, school children, street peddlers and Father Christmas, according to the website.
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