Festive Holiday Destinations in Indiana and Ohio

Indiana and Ohio are two northeast states famed for their big cities, scenic nature, and unique cultures. Both are popular tourist destinations throughout the year, but heading to these states in the winter for holiday excitement could be the most fun. Let’s look at some of the towns and cities in Indiana and Ohio that make for festive holiday getaways.

Findlay is an appealing city in northwestern Ohio, home to around 40,000 residents. Winter brings heavy snowfalls, making it a scenic place to enjoy the holiday season. Downtown Findlay is decorated to perfection throughout the holidays with shops adorning their windows with festive decor. The Children’s Museum of Findlay has fun seasonal events, and families will love the North Pole Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation. 

Fort Wayne is a large urban city that comes alive during the holidays. Numerous seasonal events make it a perfect holiday getaway. Downtown’s Night of Lights is an exciting event with fireworks, Christmas snacks, an abundance of lights, and appearances from legendary Christmas characters. The Fantasy of Lights, a massive light display stretching two miles, makes for a spectacular show.

Cincinnati is another major Ohio city, a historic community located on the Ohio River. Visiting Cincinnati over the holidays makes for an exciting trip. The Yuletide Market at the Yuletide Village Season of Lights is ideal for holiday shopping. Fountain Square Ice Rink is a winter holiday tradition that is a blast for the whole family. And there are several light shows, like the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Marysville is a pleasant city famed for its maple tree-lined streets. Some of its many seasonal festivities include the Santa Claus Parade, where festive costumes and a lively atmosphere make for a great show, and the Uptown Christmas Tree Lighting, a family-friendly tradition. And everyone can enjoy iceless ice-skating at Partners Park on its simulated rink.

Columbus, Ohio’s biggest city, pulls out all the stops for holiday celebrations. The Columbus Zoo illuminates its already beautiful property with millions of LED holiday lights. At the Ohio Village, you can enjoy a live re-creation of a Victorian Christmas inspired by Charles Dickens. There are also spectacular Christmas shows, like The Nutcracker, performed throughout the city.

Cleveland is one of the biggest cities in Ohio and is situated on the shores of Lake Erie. It receives a significant amount of snow that combines with the waterfront to give it a classic seasonal appeal. There is much to enjoy in Cleveland over the holidays, including WinterLand, an ongoing holiday festival with snacks, ice skating, fire pits, and a Christmas tree lighting. And the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms with a dazzling Christmas lights display. 

Carmel is a scenic suburb of Indianapolis known for its charm, which is only magnified by the holiday season. Carmel’s most famous holiday tradition is the Christkindlmarkt, which brings the traditional European Christmas market spirit to Indiana. There are food and gift shops, an ice-skating rink, entertainment, and events in the market throughout the season. Carmel is beautifully adorned with lights and holiday decor to create a festive atmosphere.

Toledo is a busy city in Ohio situated on the shores of Lake Erie. It is a major metropolis with much to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The annual Lights Before Christmas event at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium is one of the biggest and best light shows in the U.S. and includes an ice slide, carousel, and more. At the iconic Manor House, families can enjoy another festive seasonal event, as this colonial home is decorated top-to-bottom in Christmas decor and includes tons of fun seasonal activities.