Posts with tag 'Holiday'

Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.

Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show

160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights

4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065

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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.

Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203

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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.

Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center

160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219

Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.

Lights at the Scioto Mile

233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215

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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.

German Village Holiday Lights

German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206

Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.

Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio

14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013

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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?

Is heading to the Christmas tree farm or lot with the family to pick a perfect tree one of your favorite holiday traditions? Ohio offers so many great Christmas tree farms to choose from, whether you're from Columbus, live in Cincinnati, or are celebrating the holidays in Northeast Ohio. Start your search for the perfect tree with our guide to nine Christmas tree farms around Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

The Farms at Pine Tree Barn

4338 Shreve Rd., Wooster, OH 44691

One of Ohio's oldest and largest Christmas tree farms, The Farms at Pine Tree Barn is an excellent place to shop if you want to maximize your selection. There are more than 75,000 Christmas trees to choose from on this 150-acre farm, along with wreaths, boughs, roping, and swags. After you pick out your tree, be sure to check out the other activities, like rides on the Pine Tree Express, family holiday photo sessions, horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, and dining at the Village Cafe.

Sugar Pines Farm

9500 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026

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With both cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas trees available, Sugar Pines Farm makes it easy to fit tree shopping into your busy schedule. Of course, you might want to leave some time to enjoy the other activities available during the holidays on this 100-acre farm. Take a ride around the scenic farm on the hay wagon, or settle in by the warm comfort of the fire with kettle corn, hot chocolate, and all sorts of other holiday treats. Santa will also be making appearances at Sugar Pines Farm on December 3 and 10 from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.

Galehouse Tree Farm

11762 Coal Bank Rd., Doylestown, OH 44230

Whether you want a pre-cut tree, a cut-your-own-tree experience, or even wholesale-cut Christmas trees, the team at Galehouse Tree Farm has you covered. They're open every day from November 1 through December 23, with tons of ready-cut trees to browse at the Tree House Gift Shop for a convenient shopping experience. The Tree House is more than just a place to find your next tree. It's a shop filled with little holiday wonders to decorate your home, from ornaments to lights, figurines, and lovely, rustic country décor.

Cackler Family Farms

4971 Cackler Rd., Delaware, OH 43015

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Since 1989, Cackler Family Farms has been helping families in the Cincinnati area celebrate their favorite holiday traditions. The combination of an extensive selection, friendly, personalized service, and reasonable prices keeps many families coming back here year after year. If you're planning to shop here, be aware that reservations are required for the 2022 holiday season, and you can easily make your reservation on the Cackler Family Farms website.

HTH Christmas Tree Lot

2340 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Linworth, OH 43235

In addition to choosing from a wide selection of Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, and Douglas Fir trees of all sizes, shopping at the HTH Christmas Tree Lot is also a way to support a good cause during the holiday season. The non-profit Hope Thru Housing organization operates this lot, and all proceeds are donated to the cause. While you're there, be sure to check out the selection of wreaths, garland, tree stands, and other items to help decorate your home.

Timbuk Farms Christmas Tree Farm

2030 Timbuk Rd., Granville, OH 43023

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For a full family tree shopping experience, it's tough to top what you'll find at the Timbuk Farms Christmas Tree Farm. Shop from a huge selection of locally grown trees, then check out fun holiday activities like Santas Sleigh, the photo fun park, an antique car collection, and a giant haystack for the kids to climb. Stop by the Timbuk Lodge to warm up by a crackling fire, shop for holiday gifts, and enjoy some delicious seasonal refreshments on the weekends.

John T. Nieman Nursery & Landscaping

3215 Hamilton New London Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013

For stress-free, professional service while Christmas tree shopping, the team at John T. Nieman Nursery & Landscaping has you covered. They've been in business for over 75 years, with over 60,000 trees currently growing on the 125-acre farm. Head to the fields to pick the perfect tree, then the team will help you cut, shake, haul, and secure your tree to your vehicle. The Christmas Barn is where you can shop for all of your other holiday decorating needs while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.

Corsi Tree Farm

1651 Bolender Rd., Hamersville, OH 45130

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A convenient, hassle-free experience is what you can expect when you visit Corsi Tree Farm, where every tree, no matter the size, is priced at $75. Stop by on a chilly fall day to cut your own tree, then head to the Broken Stone lodge to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a bowl of authentic Italian chili. There's also a free petting zoo for the kids and live music on the weekends.

Tom Mitts Christmas Trees

625 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071

Serving Newport, KY, and the greater Cincinnati area for more than 50 years, Tom Mitts Christmas Trees offers an outstanding selection of trees from its convenient location in the heart of Newport. The shop is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. while supplies last, with trees ranging in size from 3 feet to over 14 feet. You can also pick up handy supplies like tree stands, nets, garland, and wreaths, along with free candy canes for the kids.

Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

With so many great farms to choose from, where will you pick your own tree this year?

Holidays usually mean a table full of food finished with a few scrumptious pies. Whether your favorite is apple, pecan, buckeye, or a cream pie like banana or coconut, pies help create delicious holiday memories that can be handed down from generation to generation. But with all the baking and other hustle and bustle associated with the holidays, why not leave the pie baking to the experts? You'll have many varieties to choose from and will surely enjoy the fresh, local ingredients used in many of them. Many bakeries also often put a twist on traditional favorites, such as a Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie.
  
Check out the following Columbus and Central Ohio bakeries, look over their menus or stop by and place your holiday pie orders.

Resch's Bakery

4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227

Generations of Columbus area residents have stopped by Resch's Bakery throughout its over 100 years of serving up treats like cakes, donuts, and pies. The bakery is dedicated to using the best ingredients to make tasty treats from scratch and to providing the highest level of customer service. Pies include pecan, cinnamon apple, Dutch apple, Dutch cherry, and sweet potato, and throughout the holidays, you'll find them on many local tables.

Dough Mama

3335 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202

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Dough Mama started as a home kitchen business for classically trained pastry chef Perrie Wilkof, who supplied pies to many notable Columbus-area restaurants, and has since grown into a successful cafe and bakery. Everything is made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Popular seasonal holiday pies include the Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie, a spiced pumpkin and roasted sweet potato blend custard, giving it a rich texture and flavor. The Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is also a favorite choice, with a bottom layer of rich dark chocolate loaded with pecans. It's also made with Kentucky Bourbon and organic maple syrup.

Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co.

901 High St., Worthington, OH 43085

Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co. was originally known as Mrs. Goodman's Pie Co., and they're still known for baking pies with flaky, buttery crusts and filling made from the best ingredients. Many pies are available, including apple, cherry, peach, pecan, and pumpkin. In addition to the traditional pecan pie, the bakery also puts a twist on it to create chocolate pecan and white chocolate pecan pies. If you prefer cream pies, you'll also have plenty of options, including banana, coconut, and chocolate peanut butter.

Ohio Pies

Columbus Area

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Ohio Pies is a licensed home bakery, so it doesn't have a storefront, but don't let that stop you from ordering their mouthwatering pies. The bakery's mission is to source seasonal, local ingredients and, in the process, feed your soul and nourish the community. That's why, for example, all the eggs for Ohio Pies come from the free-range hens at Harrison Farm, and all the butter comes from Minerva Dairy. Blueberries are sourced from Blueberried Alive's organic crops, and all milk and cream come from Snowville Creamery. Order favorite holiday pies like apple, blackberry, buckeye, s'mores, sweet potato, and pumpkin, made with local pumpkins. Hand pies are also available by the half-dozen in apple, blackberry, caramelized pear, and cherry.

The Original Goodie Shop

2116 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221

The Original Goodie Shop is a family-owned bakery that's served sweet treats to satisfied customers for 67 years. They've earned a generational following over the years and have customers who buy goodies for their children after growing up ordering the same thing from the bakery. Everything is hand-made from scratch, including donuts, cakes, cookies, and, of course, pies. Pies are available in small and large sizes in flavors such as apple, cherry, mince, pecan, and pumpkin.

The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm

3341 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232

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With The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm, you get the best of both worlds: The chance to buy produce and fresh foods for your holiday needs from the farm market as well as tasty baked goods like pies from Smith Farm Bakery. Made fresh daily, pies are available in many different flavors, including Dutch apple, apple, caramel apple nut, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, rhubarb, mincemeat, blackberry, and blueberry. Cream pie options include banana, chocolate, coconut, buckeye, lemon meringue, and key lime. All are baked fresh daily.

Matt's Bakery

39 S. Yearling Rd., Whitehall, OH 43212

Matt's Bakery is kosher, and all its items are parve. All baked goods are milk and dairy-free, with eggs used in the baking, and they're also nut-free (except for the pecan pie, which is baked separately). Before the holidays, pre-order pies such as apple crumb, blueberry, cherry, double-crust apple, peach, and strawberry. And while you're at it, order some challah, the signature bread item that the bakery's best known for.

Any Way You Slice It

What's your go-to holiday pie (or pies!), and where are you planning to order them from? 

The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning for some enchanting family fun. With events like the Christmas Connection in Northeast Ohio, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage in Columbus, A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour near Cincinnati, and many more, you have tons of great options no matter which corner of Ohio you call home. Here are some events to look forward to as you plan for the holidays in Ohio.

A Motown Christmas

605 N. Market Ave., Canton, OH 44702

Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours, A Motown Christmas puts a soulful spin on your favorite classic holiday tunes. This family-friendly performance will be held on November 17, 2022, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Canton Palace Theater, and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Bring the whole family for a memorable night of music, choreography, and fun surprises to kick off the holiday season in style.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

198 Hill St., Akron, OH 44325

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Settle in for an evening of holiday music, spectacular acrobatics, and unforgettable performances when you attend Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus. Featuring performers from around the world, a spectacular stage set, and an original score mixed with holiday classics, this show is sure to dazzle audience members of all ages. The show kicks off on December 6, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., with 20 unique acts leading you through an evening of holiday wonder, whimsy, and delight.

Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids

250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215

Enjoy sweet, holiday-themed fun for the whole family when you attend Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids at Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State Community College Campus. Learn how to dazzlingly decorate holiday treats from chocolate-dipped pretzel rods to sweet sugar cookies, then finish off the event by sampling some of your creations paired with a delicious mug of hot chocolate. The fun starts on December 10, 2022, at 11 a.m., with instruction from chef Shawnie Kelley.

Christmas Connection

1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135

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Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying plenty of attractions and activities for younger family members when you visit the Christmas Connection in Cleveland. The event will take place November 18-20, 2022, at the International Exposition Center, with hundreds of vendors selling gifts for even the hardest to shop for people on your list. The kids will love visiting Santa Land, where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There's even a Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring thousands of pre-wrapped, affordable items perfect for kids with their own shopping lists.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

34 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215

Turn back the clock and enjoy a true holiday classic for all ages with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Palace Theater in Columbus. This new touring show brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to the theater stage with all of your favorite characters and songs. The show starts at 6 p.m. on November 27, 2022, the perfect family activity to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend this year.

Easton's Grand Illumination

160 Easton Town Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43219

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Get ready for a night of dazzling lights, shopping, entertainment, and family fun with Easton's Grand Illumination at the Easton Town Center. There will be live music, costumed characters, holiday decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the youngest members of the family. The evening is highlighted by the Grand Illumination at 7 p.m. when more than 2 million lights will be turned on simultaneously to light up Easton Town Center. Easton's Grand Illumination will take place on November 18, 2022, from 6-9 p.m.

The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays

650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202

Prepare to be amazed by incredible illusions and marvelous magic for the whole family with The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. This fun, fast-paced show has delighted audiences around the globe, featuring some of the world's most talented illusionists and magicians. The show starts at 7:30 PM on November 25, 2022, ideal for an evening of family fun after a day of Black Friday shopping.

A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour

11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241

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The Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum that will transport your family to a different era, and the holiday season is an excellent time to visit. The museum will host A 19th Century Guided Holiday Tour, which will take your family throughout the historical Heritage Village to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while learning how holiday traditions have evolved over centuries. Tours leave every hour on November 30 – December 3 and December 7-9, 2022, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.

Home for the Holidays

Where will you be celebrating the season in Ohio this year?

Trains, both toy and real, conjure up pleasant memories of days gone by. Bring a welcome touch of nostalgia to this year's holidays with a visit to these Christmas train rides and displays around Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati.

The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Dennison Railroad Depot Museum, 400 Center St., Dennison, OH 44621

You and your family have loved the book and the movie. Now experience the magic in real life on The Polar Express™ Train Ride at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum. Storytellers are on board to read the book as elves lead everyone in games, songs, and other activities. Refreshments include beverages and cookies made by Mrs. Claus. The train makes a stop at the North Pole to pick up Santa, who will visit with the kids during the return trip. Trains run Friday through Sunday on the first two weekends in December. Visit the website for times. Tickets range from $45-$80. 

North Pole Adventure™

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, 7900 Old Rockside Rd., Independence, OH 44131

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Take in the winter beauty of the Cuyahoga Valley on your own North Pole Adventure™. Everyone can enjoy cookies and cocoa as kids write letters to Santa and take part in singing and dancing with elves. When the train stops at the North Pole to hand-deliver the letters, there's a good chance that a special guest will come on board. The train leaves the station at 7:30 p.m. daily through December 19. Tickets are $45-$92.

Christmas at the Junction

EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Ct., West Chester, OH 45069

Remember the joy you felt watching your new model train circle the Christmas tree? Share that delight with your own kids at Christmas at the Junction. In addition to being the home of the world's largest indoor train display, EnterTRAINment Junction is a family fun center revolving around a railroad theme. Christmas at the Junction features a number of holiday train displays along with dazzling decorations, lively activities, and a visit with Santa. Festivities take place through January 2. Hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at noon. Admission is $15.95 per person when purchased in advance on the website.

Santa Train

Zanesville & Scenic Western Railroad, 5705 SR-204, Mt. Perry, OH 43760

During the holidays, the Mt. Perry Scenic Train transforms into the Santa Train. The 40-minute ride follows the historic Glass Rock Spur, named for the days when the line transported silica sand from Central Silica Company in nearby Glenford. Santa, assisted by the conductor, will be handing out gifts and treats along the way. The Santa Train departs each hour between 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the second and third weekends of December. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for ages 3-13. Receive a discount with a donation of food or a new, unwrapped toy.

Puritas Nursery Holiday Trains

19201 Puritas Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135

For the 18th year, Puritas Nursery is treating the West Park community to their delightful holiday train display. Three separate train sets, each in a different size, are fascinating to watch for "kids" of all ages. As if that wasn't reason enough to visit Puritas Nursery, you can shop their great selection of mistletoe, wreaths, and holiday greenery, as well as a wide variety of gift items and stocking stuffers. View the trains during store hours, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends through December 31.

Santa Christmas Train 

Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 W. Canal St., Nelsonville, OH 45764

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Over three decades, generations of families have made the Santa Christmas Train a part of their holiday tradition. Historic Hocking Valley makes a perfect seasonal backdrop for the two-hour trip to East Logan and back. Santa will be along for the ride to visit with each child and collect their wish lists. At the end of the journey, they will also receive a special candy cane treat. Trains run each weekend through December 19. Visit the website for departure times. Tickets are $21 for adults and $16 for ages 3-12. 

Youngstown Model Railroad Association Open House

751 N. Four Mile Run Rd., Austintown, OH 44515

Members of the Youngstown Model Railroad Association love to share their enthusiasm for their favorite hobby with others. One of their more popular activities is their holiday open house, which they have been conducting for more than 65 years. Held at the group's headquarters, the open house features one layout upstairs and another downstairs, with surrounding "towns" that include carnivals and other life-like details. Hours are noon - 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on the first two weekends of December. A $5 donation is requested from all visitors over the age of 11.

North Pole Express

Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc., 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay, OH 45840 

Real trains? Toy trains? No need to choose at North Pole Express. Quarter-scale trains are ready to take you through a glittering wonderland of trees and lights. Meanwhile, toy train displays await in the festively decorated museum and train barn. You never know when Santa and Mrs. Claus may pop in for a visit! Activities take place 5:30  - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5:30  - 8:30 p.m. Sunday through January 2. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for kids 12 and under. 

Express Train

Crocker Park, 172 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, OH 44145

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Are your little ones a bit young for an actual train ride? Crocker Park's Express Train provides a healthy dose of excitement for kids who might not be ready for a longer trip. The whole family will enjoy the sight of Crocker Park done up in all its holiday finery. Before or after, kids can visit with Santa and get their picture taken at Santa's Village. The Express Train runs daily through Christmas Eve. Visit the website for hours. Tickets are $4 per person. 

Get On the Right Track

In many parts of the world, trains are still a major form of transportation. What exotic location would you travel to by train?