November and December Holiday Event Highlights
Spread the holiday joy far and wide! Make merry with magical beverages at a pop-up holiday bar, get unique gifts and décor at a craft show or Christmas market, view thousands of twinkling and sparkling lights, revel in the sounds of seasonal music, or visit a quaint coastal town for your perfect “holiday movie” moment. As we wrap up another amazing year of fun events in Shores & Islands Ohio, here are 30 ways to celebrate the holidays!
Christmas Coop Grand Opening
Friday, Nov 8, 2024 - Jan 5, 2025
4 pm
Ørchard Farm Stand, Catawba
The Christmas Coop is opening at the Ørchard Farm Stand on November 8th! Get ready to step into a winter wonderland filled with festive holiday décor, seasonal drinks, and endless cheer. Mark your calendars and join for a magical kickoff to the holiday season!
Christmas Expo
Saturday-Sunday, Nov 9-10, 2024
10 am-4 pm
$2 admission
Cedar Point Sports Center, Sandusky
Come out and celebrate the holiday season at Cedar Point Sports Center's Christmas Expo! Lake Erie’s "BEST" Craft & Vendor Show with 150+ vendors. Admission charge benefits The Center Sandusky – children’s after-school and summer programing.
Grand Opening of Sandusky's FIRST EVER Pop-Up Christmas Bar
Thursday, Nov 14, 2024
6 pm
Danny Boy’s Italian Restaurant, Sandusky
Join in on the fun for the grand opening of Sandusky's first ever Pop-Up Christmas Bar! Located at Danny Boys and runs all through January... everyone is invited!
Lights on the NorthCoast
Daily beginning Friday, Nov 15-Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024
Sun-Thurs 5:30-9 pm, Fri-Sat 5:30-10 pm
Drive-thru: Mon-Thurs $10.00, Fri-Sun $20.00; Walk-thru: Free
Erie County Fairgrounds, Sandusky
Jingle Bell Rock towards Lights on the NorthCoast's Christmas Drive-thru light display and Interactive Walk-thru light display. There will be an epic amount of over 1 million lights. Also, join in on the holiday fun with indoor Christmas-themed putt-putt, Christmas Village, food trucks, and much more!
Jingle Brews Xmas Pop-up Bar Opening
Friday, Nov 22, 2024
Fri 4-10 pm, Sat 12-10 pm, Sun 12-9 pm
Saucy Brew Works, Sandusky
'Tis the season for ho, ho, holiday spirit, merry cocktails, and festive décor. Saucy Brew Works' Pop-up Bar - Jingle Brews - is coming!
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class
Friday, Nov 22, 2024
5-7 pm
$40/person
Shores & Islands Ohio Welcome Center, Sandusky
Let's get thankful and join Shores & Islands Ohio and D"Elish"ous Desserts for a Gobble Gobble Sugar Cookie Decorating Class! Includes 1/2 dozen cookies, 4 colors of icing, all supplies needed, and step-by-step instructions. Tickets are pre-sale only. Light refreshments will be served.
Christmas Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov 23, 2024
6 pm
Downtown Port Clinton
The City of Port Clinton invites everyone and their families to come and celebrate the start of the holiday season as they flip the switch for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting! The festivities are on November and sure to have a good time for all!
Catawba Island Holiday Market
Friday-Sunday, Nov 29-Dec 22, 2024
Friday-Saturday, 12-7 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm
Gideon Owen Wine Company, Catawba
This season, treat your whole family to old-world enchantment & modern-day fun! Join for a delightful shopping experience and find unique gifts for your loved ones. Whether you're on the hunt for handcrafted goods or festive treats, Gideon Owen's market is the perfect place to kickstart your holiday season and take part in Christmas events.
Sandusky Christmas Market 2024
Friday-Sunday, Nov 29-Dec 14, 2024
Fri 5-9 pm, Sat 11 am-9 pm, Sun 11 am-6 pm
Schade-Mylander Plaza, Sandusky
City of Sandusky is thrilled to announce the First Annual Sandusky Christmas Market, coming to Mylander Plaza this holiday season! This festive event is set to bring together this extended community to celebrate the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! This Christmas Market is set to transform downtown Sandusky into a magical winter wonderland this holiday season. This enchanting holiday event will feature an array of local artisans, festive food vendors, live entertainment, and fun for the entire family! Additionally, be sure not to miss the Washington Park Holiday Tree Lighting Event on Nov 29, taking place just before the market, only a couple blocks away. The three weekend long Market event will go through Sat, Dec 14th leading into Sandusky's 4th annual Winter Wonderland event, and will conclude that evening with a fantastic fireworks display!
Season of Joy
Various days, Nov 29-Dec 1, 2024, Dec 6-8, 2024, Dec 13-24, 2024, Dec 26-31, 2024
Sawmill Creek Resort, Huron
Escape the hustle and bustle and embrace the festive spirit during The Season of Joy. This 200-acre woodland resort offers a unique holiday experience, blending natural wonders with extraordinary festivities. Unwind with a naughty or nice cocktail, revel in live music, and share comedic camaraderie. Dive into the art of holiday decorating as the resort transforms into a winter wonderland. Sawmill Creek captures the essence of the North Coast with enchanting sights, festive sounds, delightful scents, and delectable tastes, creating an immersive holiday celebration.
Jessie Schenk Memorial Turkey Chase
Friday, Nov 29, 2024
10 am
Pre-registered adult $30; pre-registered child 6-12 yrs $10; Virtual race $20; Tot trot for kids 5 yrs & under free
Catawba Island Club, Catawba
The Jessie Schenk Memorial Turkey Chase Finale will be held Nov 29, 2024. All funds raised from registration fees benefit the Jessica Schenk Scholar/Athlete Memorial Scholarship fund which helps Port Clinton High School seniors pay for their post-secondary education.
Small Shop Saturday
Saturday, Nov 30, 2024
10 am-4 pm
Main Street Vermilion, Vermilion
This is a wonderful opportunity to get a jump start on Christmas shopping, meeting local business owners, and investing your dollars into the community. Main Street Vermilion is the Welcome Center for Shop Small Saturday. Stop and pick up your free, collector canvas tote, while they last, one bag per shopper, please. Local merchants also have Shop Small Saturday specials, sales and discounts for you, and Main Street also has information about shopping in Vermilion. Shop in the Vermilion Arts Guild Gallery first. You’ll find original artwork, prints, photography, pottery, fabric art, jewelry, cards and more. Shop small. Shop local. Shop Vermilion.
Lakeside Christmas
Friday-Saturday, Dec 6-7, 2024
Various event times
Lakeside Chautauqua, Marblehead
To kick off the holiday season, you’re invited to celebrate a “Lakeside Christmas” Dec 6-7. Festivities include holiday fun for the whole family, featuring a tree lighting ceremony, train rides, movies, a visit from Santa Claus, Community Christmas Dinner, themed art classes, shopping and much more! Please note that some activities require advanced registration.
Oak Harbor Chamber Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration
Friday, Dec 6, 2024
6-8 pm
Adolphus Kraemer Park, Oak Harbor
Oak Harbor will welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus to town with a firetruck parade, followed by the official tree lighting at the log cabin at 6 pm. Families can visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at the Log Cabin and visit downtown businesses for free cocoa, cookies and crafts!
Light Up Vermilion
Friday, Dec 6, 2024
5-9 pm
Exchange Park, Vermilion
Come on out and feel like you have stepped back in time to enjoy the holidays the old-fashioned way, with family, neighbors, and friends in historic downtown Vermilion. Main Street Vermilion presents Light Up Vermilion for its ninth season with family-friendly events and special new traditions. The evening begins in Exchange Park when Santa arrives in style to help Mayor Jim Forthofer count down to the Community Tree Lighting. After the tree lighting, stroll through town enjoying caroling, roasting chestnuts, hot chocolate, photo opps, and more. Kids don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa. A special North Pole mailbox is located at 685 Main St. It is the perfect time to start your holiday shopping and grab a bite to eat, as many stores and restaurants will add extra hours this night.
Community Christmas
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
Downtown Port Clinton
Families can visit over 20 businesses that host activities like face painting, ornament making, cookie decorating, and games. While the kids are busy having fun, the adults can sample delicious chili at several different businesses during the Annual Chili Tasting Competition. Families are also able to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Ala Carte After Hours. Then, head to 2nd St. and watch the Annual Lighted Christmas parade which ends at Adams Street Park for the City’s Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm's Christkindlmarkt
Saturday-Sunday, Dec 7-8, 2024
Sat 10 am - 5 pm, Sun 12-4 pm
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm, Huron
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm's annual Christkindlmarkt takes place in their warm greenhouses! Featuring local artisans, German food, a local choir, colorful houseplants, the "12 days of Christmas" raffle and glühwein (AKA mulled, or spiced wine) in addition to Mulberry Creek Wines.
Holiday Afternoon Tea
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
11 am & 2 pm
$72/per person
Culinary Vegetable Institute, Milan
Join us December 7th in the time-honored tradition of afternoon tea. At the Culinary Vegetable Institute, we've been making and serving teas for years. Naturally, tea is a wonderful place for the aromatic herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables we grow on the farm. This holiday afternoon tea will feature assorted savory tea sandwiches, baskets brimming with sweet and savory baked goods, and sweet hors d'oeuvres. Sip on curated selections of six teas, each expertly crafted in-house to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and aroma. Additional pours of Champagne and/or Chilled Sparkling Tea will be available upon request. Don't miss out—reserve your spot today!
Magical Christmas Fundraiser Event
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
12-1 pm
$15/person
Castalia Farms, Castalia
Come join for a festive event at Castalia Farms for their Magical Christmas Fundraiser on behalf of Downs On The Farm nonprofit organization. Get into the holiday spirit with twinkling lights, hot cocoa, photo opportunities, kids craft, visits from special guests, train rides (weather permitting), and plenty of Christmas cheer. All proceeds from this event will go towards a great cause, so you can feel good about having a jolly good time. Don't miss out on this opportunity to spread joy and make a difference this holiday season.
Huron Winter Fest
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
1-6:30 pm
Huron Boat Basin & Amphitheatre, Huron
Huron Parks & Recreation and the Greater Sandusky Partnership invite YOU to join us for a magical day of holiday cheer at the Huron Winterfest! There’s FREE fun for all ages with a festive lineup of activities, a grand parade, market, and a spectacular fireworks show to cap off the night! Watch the streets come alive with dazzling floats, performers, and holiday spirit in the parade! From photo opportunities to holiday crafts, games, and more, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day! Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting us to spread Christmas cheer and take photos with the kids. Don’t forget your wish lists! End the night with a breathtaking fireworks display starting at 6:30 pm!
Perkins Township WinterFest 2024
Saturday, Dec 7, 2024
3-9 pm
Strickfaden Park, Sandusky
Join everyone at Strickfaden Park for Perkins Township Winterfest 2024, presented by Rock & Roll Express. Enjoy food trucks, craft vendors, a petting zoo, fire pits with a s’mores bar, and free hot chocolate! Don’t miss Santa‘s arrival! They can’t wait to see you and celebrate this beautiful winter season!
Home for the Holidays
Sunday, Dec 8, 2024
4 pm
$40/person (students $5)
Sawmill Creek Convention Center, Huron
There’s no place like home for the holidays with your Firelands Symphony Orchestra! Join for their annual holiday pops concert, where the orchestra and chorale unite to perform a blend of traditional tunes, global melodies, and plenty of festive cheer. As a special treat, acclaimed Broadway vocalist and Sandusky native Lynne Wintersteller returns home to enchant audiences with cherished family favorites that will truly ignite your holiday joy for the whole family.
9th Annual Salvation Army Toy Drive & Christmas Tree Lighting
Thursday, Dec 12, 2024
5 pm
Ørchard Farm Stand, Catawba
Ørchard is pleased to announce their 9th Annual Salvation Army Toy Drive & Christmas Tree Lighting! The seasonal celebration will include live music, bonfires throughout the farm, Ørchard Mulled Wine & holiday cocktails, shopping, and ceremonial Christmas Tree lighting. Guests are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped children’s toy as a donation to the Ottawa County Salvation Army upon arrival.
Lights of Spiegel Grove
Friday, Dec 13, 2024
6-7:30 pm
RB Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, Fremont
See Spiegel Grove, an arboretum and the estate of President Rutherford and First Lady Lucy Hayes, light up for the holiday season during Lights of Spiegel Grove. The grounds will be lit at 6:15 pm. Then, enjoy refreshments, carolers, visits with Kris Kringle (the Victorian name for Santa), and more. There will also be an open house of the first floor of the Hayes Home, which will be lightly decorated in a historically accurate manner. Visitors can walk through and see the house and ask staff questions. During the event, participants also can take a short, lighted walk of the grounds.
Holiday Market on the Water 2024
Friday-Saturday, Dec 13-14, 2024
Fri 2-8 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm
The Island Port at the Jet Express, Port Clinton
Handmade, Homemade, Small Business! Perfect event to get that holiday shopping completed, while supporting talented local vendors & small business owners! Cash bar, live music, football on the TV, raffles, food trucks, and more!
Merry Merry Market Barn
Saturday, Dec 14, 2024
10 am
Quarry Hill Orchards, Berlin Heights
Quarry Hill will have fun family activities inspired by the Winter Solstice. Celebrate the Scandinavian tradition of Santa Lucia with Brooke and the kids; mull through the market and listen to holiday music; soak up some love from farm pups Hudson and Walter; warm up your hands with a cup of hot apple cider from Poppy Bill; sip on a glass of Quarry Hill Wine; snack on a homemade Tamales from Miss Lidia; and create your very own fresh apple gift box to send to your loved ones this holiday season. Please note, some activities require pre-purchase and reservations. They have also heard that Santa Claus will be making an appearance to listen to all of the dreams your littles have this holiday season. Enjoy a festive scavenger hunt, smores roasting, and memory-making.
Holiday Candle-lit Tours at Historic Lyme Village
Saturdays, Dec 14 & 28, 2024
5-7 pm with tours departing every twenty minutes
Adult: $14, Senior: $12, Children (ages 6-12): $6, Children (5 yrs. and under with adult): Free
Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue
Step back in time to Christmas Eve, the year 1864, as you enjoy a quaint candle-lit guided tour of the Village, wonderfully decorated for the holiday season. Hear stories from costumed interpreters of how Christmas was celebrated in the Firelands in the mid-19th century. Afterward, enjoy complimentary hot cider, hot chocolate, and holiday cookies in the Carriage House Café. Each tour time slot accommodates 12 people so call to make your reservation today!
Christmas in the Village
Sunday, Dec 15, 2024
1-5 pm
Adult: $15, Senior: $13, Children (ages 6-12): $6, Children (5 yrs. and under with adult): Free
Historic Lyme Village, Bellevue
Christmas in the Village is a wonderful time to visit all the decorated buildings, including the beautifully decorated John Wright Mansion. The children will have an opportunity to go to the Merry Schoolhouse to write a letter to Santa, then go to the Post Office to mail it, and finally, visit the Mansion…where there will be a surprise waiting! Treats will also be available in the Carriage House Café.
Hayes Home Holidays
Friday-Saturday, Dec 20-21, 2024
5-9 pm (final tour at 8 pm)
$18/adults, $10 ages 6-18 yrs, Free for 5 and under; member discounts available
RB Hayes Presidential Library & Museum, Fremont
Enjoy a special evening tour of the Hayes Home during Hayes Home Holidays, offered two nights in December. Guests will be treated to festive stories and, throughout the tour, guests will be able to interact with costumed characters. Participants will enjoy a comforting cup of wassail, a hot spiced cider that was a popular holiday drink during the Victorian era. The home will be lightly decorated for the holidays in a historically accurate manner. Before and after tours, guests can enjoy the “Hayes Train Special” model train display in the museum auditorium.
The Burning River Brass Holiday Concert
Sunday, Dec 22, 2024
3:30-5:30 pm
$20/person (students free)
Port Clinton High School, Port Clinton
The Port Clinton High School Performing Arts Center hosts the Cleveland Burning River Brass Christmas Spectacular – “Our Christmas Gift to the Community” from Musical Arts Port Clinton.
However you choose to celebrate the season – make it merry! Shores & Islands Ohio is the perfect place to create holiday memories. We hope you’ll visit!
