Jerri Furniss Blog

Christmas is coming, and what better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit than to visit a Christmas shop or two? Ohio has dozens of these stores dotted across the state, including some worth going out of your way to see. To help you gear up for the holidays, let's take a closer look at eight of the most impressive Christmas shops around Cincinnati, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio. 

Story Book Kids Gifts

10725 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

Also known as SBK Gifts, Story Book Kids Gifts is a treasure trove of Christmas goodies for people in the Cincinnati area. This year-round Christmas shop is piled high with enough ornaments, throw pillows, figurines, cookie jars, decorative candles, and other housewares to satisfy even the most passionate fans of the holiday. Many of their items can be personalized, too, making them even more meaningful. Frequent shoppers will also love their Kringle Rewards program. You'll earn loyalty points for each purchase, but you'll also get a bonus of 15 points every time you post a product review. 

The Christmas Ranch

3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152

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The Christmas Ranch is the ultimate destination for Christmas aficionados in Ohio. In addition to train and wagon rides, a working carousel, a themed photo space where you can take pictures with Santa, and miles of elaborate light displays, this ranch is also a prime holiday shopping destination. The property boasts six Christmas-themed shops and a holiday bakery with fresh cookies, cakes, and other treats available every day. Each one is lavishly decorated for the holidays and staffed by a friendly group of "elves" who love Christmas just as much as you do. Plan to spend at least a few hours there when you visit—you'll need that time to see everything on display!

White Pillars Christmas House 

7405 E. Pike, Norwich, OH 43767

As soon as you pull up to the White Pillars Christmas House, you know you're in for a treat. This stately columned period home dates back to 1882 and immediately evokes the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Inside, you'll find all kinds of unique Christmas ornaments and figurines, as well as artisan candies, cookies, and other goodies. They also sell a few artificial Christmas trees to help you deck the halls in your own home. One of their most prized collections is their assortment of Heritage Lace products. These delicate doilies, tablecloths, table runners, and other linens are the perfect complement to any Christmas display and can be difficult to find at other retailers. 

Christmas Tree Shops

2264 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459

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Christmas Tree Shops is the go-to retailer for all your synthetic holiday tree needs in and around Columbus. This shop contains many sections devoted to trees and décor that fit into specific aesthetics, including Rustic Country, Gilded Holiday, and Forest Fantasy. Their cheery displays are the perfect way to get a feel for what the trees look like in a home setting, and they're also great for scoping out new decorations and accessories that compliment each tree's theming. On top of that, the store hosts visits from Santa every Saturday during the holiday season. Your child will love getting a chance to meet the jolly old man himself as part of your shopping trip!

Smore Baskets

508 Main St., Dresden, OH 43821

Once known as Smore Christmas, Smore Baskets may have changed their name, but they haven't left the holiday spirit behind. They still devote most of their display space to Christmas-themed items in the weeks leading up to the big day. You'll feel like you've stepped into Santa's workshop when you see all of the holiday-themed boxes, tins, and (of course) baskets on display in this charming little shop. They also carry a wide selection of rustic wreaths and other decor items to help you bring your holiday vision to life. 

Tis the Season

4363 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Northeast Ohio's premier Christmas shop Tis the Season offers three full floors of Christmas cheer for you to enjoy. The store's main entrance is a spectacular log cabin made of real logs and equipped with a working fireplace for a cozy atmosphere. From there, you'll be able to explore the top two floors of the store section by section, browsing their massive stock of vintage holiday items and modern favorites. Look out for the section nestled in an old chapel lined with stained glass windows and fitted with restored wooden pews—its stunning beauty deserves special attention and maybe even a few snapshots. 

The store's lower level is filled with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and over 75 different types of lights. Trees range in size from 2 to 12 feet tall and come in every shape, style, and color imaginable. Whether you're in the market for a new tree or want to enjoy walking through this incredible synthetic forest, you're sure to have a great time. 

A Christmas Story House Gift Shop

3166 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

Everyone loves the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story, but did you know that the house featured in the movie is still standing right here in Cleveland? Today, it operates as a combined gift shop and museum. You can find all sorts of A Christmas Story merchandise here as well as a wide selection of items related to other iconic Christmas properties, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch, and Home Alone. Remember to save some time to visit the museum section of the business and see the inside of Ralphie's home for yourself. 

Catherine's Christmas 

910 E. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041

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The same family has run Catherine's Christmas for nearly 30 years. Located in a gorgeous old century home, this year-round Christmas shop was named after the family matriarch Catherine and her love of Christmas. Today, the cozy shop is stuffed with Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, gift items, and decor—including some made by talented local craftspeople. Each room in the house is devoted to a particular kind of merchandise, making it easy to find whatever you're looking for. These displays change yearly, so be sure to visit during each holiday season to see what they have in store. 

Ring In the Holiday Season

Which of these festive stores will you check out in the coming weeks?

November's attitude of gratitude doesn't have to end once the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are gone. You'll be giving thanks for this month's wonderful free offers courtesy of Cutler Real Estate and LoLo Gifts.

We appreciate all the great small businesses in Northeast Ohio, Columbus, and Cincinnati. These gifts let us give back to the community and help you discover them as well.

November Gifts:

Wooster: A Pint

Columbus: Coffee and Donuts

Kent/Stow: A Coin Purse

Akron: A Tea or Shake

Cleveland: $10 Certificate

Medina: $10 Certificate

Cincinnati: Latte and a Pastry

Canton: $10 Certificate

Wooster: A Pint

JAFB Wooster Brewery

120 Beall Ave., Wooster, OH 44691

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Celebrating a birthday or just the end of a long work week? Raise your free pint in a toast with family and friends at JAFB Wooster Brewery.

About JAFB Wooster Brewery

Paul Fryman, founder of JAFB Wooster Brewery, is so fascinated with beer-making that he wrote his senior thesis about the impact of microbreweries on the American beer industry. JAFB incorporates ingredients such as raspberries, coffee beans, and chocolate malt to create their unique flavors. 

Contact and Hours

330.601.1827

Monday - Thursday: 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: Noon - midnight
Sunday - 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Columbus: Coffee and Donuts

Donna's Delicious Dozen

5322 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus, OH 43230

When you claim your free gift of coffee and donuts, you'll understand why the shop has the name Donna's Delicious Dozen. It's hard to resist taking twelve of these delicious pastries back home to enjoy at your leisure!

About Donna's Delicious Dozen

If you're a pastry lover, Donna's Delicious Dozen is your dream come true. All donuts are made fresh to order, so you can select your own combinations from a variety of toppings, icings, and drizzles. 

Contact and Hours

614.245.4859

Tuesday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kent/Stow: A Coin Purse

Red Letter Days of Kent

144 E. Main St., Kent, OH 44240

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Tired of trying to figure out what to do with your loose change? Problem solved with your free coin purse from Red Letter Days of Kent.

About Red Letter Days of Kent

Give your inner artist some inspiration with a visit to Red Letter Days of Kent. Delightful items such as coloring pencils and markers, journals and notebooks, and wrapping paper will spark anyone's creative fire. 

Contact and Hours

330.474.1330

Sunday - Monday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Akron: A Tea or Shake

Fairlawn Nutrition

55 Ghent Rd., Fairlawn, OH 44333

Do you think "tasty" and "healthy" are mutually exclusive terms? Find out how delicious good beverages can be with your free tea or shake at Fairlawn Nutrition.

About Fairlawn Nutrition

Start your day right or get a midday pickup with a shake, coffee, or tea at Fairlawn Nutrition. They even have gluten-, dairy-, and caffeine-free options to accommodate special diets. Use their convenient app to place an order from your phone.

Contact and Hours

216.543.7772

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cleveland: $10 Certificate

The Salvaged Boutique

13383 Madison Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107

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Are you decorating a new home or planning a fresh look as you prepare to sell? Use your $10 certificate toward furniture or accessories at The Salvaged Boutique.

About The Salvaged Boutique

Kathy and Karen, the sister team that owns The Salvaged Boutique, share a passion for stylish decorating on a shoestring budget. In 2013, they started a DIY blog that led to an Etsy shop. It was so successful that, 18 months later, they moved into their current brick-and-mortar shop featuring vintage, refurbished, and new home decor items.

Contact and Hours

216.925.5259

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Medina: $10 Certificate

Bella Moxie Company

236 W. Liberty St., Medina, OH 44256

Tired of seeing the same limited selection of merchandise at the national big-box stores? You'll have a hard time choosing what unique item to get with your $10 certificate from Bella Moxie Company.

About Bella Moxie Company

When you shop at Bella Moxie Company, you support small business in two ways. The shelves are filled with high-end, one-of-a-kind jewelry, accessories, and home decor products made by local artisans. In addition, the store itself is owned by two entrepreneurial women. Follow them on Facebook to see the new arrivals.

Contact and Hours

330.725.7971

Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Cincinnati: Latte and a Pastry

The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar

648 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, OH 45206

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Running late in the morning? No need to skip breakfast. There's always time for your free latte and pastry from The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar.

About The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar

Whether you prefer sweet or savory breakfast, The Fix Coffeehouse & Bar has the perfect item to pair with your latte. The shop features an assortment of pastries from Cincinnati's top bakeries, along with a selection of sausage and egg, lox and cream cheese, and other sandwiches on bagels from The Bagelry.

Contact and Hours

513.620.7076

Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Canton: $10 Certificate

Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters

1003 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton, OH 44704

Coffee has come a long way from the basic black cup of joe. Find your new favorite roast with your $10 certificate from Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters.

About Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters

Roasting coffee may not seem like a regular segue from painting houses, but it worked for Terry and Peggy Miller. After 23 years of owning a house painting company, the Millers decided to follow their passion and open Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters, maintaining the same attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Contact and Hours

330.483.5297

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

A "Feast" of Giving

Make thanksgiving a year-round way of life. Just contact your Cutler Real Estate salesperson to sign up for our monthly offering of free gifts. 

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?

Cutler Realtors are always working hard behind the scenes to meet the real estate goals of buyers and sellers across Northeast Ohio, Columbus and Central Ohio, and Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. From marketing to negotiating to closing, our Realtors go the extra mile to help clients navigate every step of the buying or selling process.

Each month we recognize those agents who have gone above and beyond to meet and exceed their goals.

Click Here to Read More...

People around the world love going out to see a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmastime. Whether it's a yearly tradition for your family or something you've always wanted to experience, you don't have to go far from home to see a performance of this classic ballet.

From high-production traditional versions to newer interpretations, there are so many places around Ohio where you can see a live performance of The Nutcracker this Christmas. Let's look at a few of the most popular in greater detail below.

The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater

39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Every year around Christmas, the Ohio Theater hosts the talented artists of Ohio's BalletMet for a series of performances of The Nutcracker. This year, shows will run from December 8 all the way up to Christmas Eve. This production is extremely well-crafted, boasting gorgeous sets and visual effects as well as world-class dancing from the BalletMet's company dancers and students. With more than two weeks' worth of performances in Columbus' premier theater, you're sure to be able to fit one into your busy holiday schedule. 

My First Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater

39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

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Yes, you read that right: The Ohio Theater offers an additional performance of The Nutcracker. This time, it's a special performance called My First Nutcracker, taking place on December 22 at 11 a.m. This show is a slightly abridged version of the full BalletMet version designed to make the experience better for families with young children and people with disabilities like autism. The shorter 1-hour performance time, smaller crowds, dimmed house lights, and quieter music all help make this version much easier for kids to sit through. If your kids do get antsy, audience members are invited to get up and move around during the performance or even leave the theatre if they need to.

The Nutty Nutcracker

182 South Main Street, Akron, OH 44308

Looking for a laugh or two this Christmas? On December 2 at 7 p.m., the Akron Civic Theatre will be hosting a performance of The Nutty Nutcracker, a parody version of the classic show. This production is an adults-only campy comedy that still showcases plenty of excellent ballet dancing. It turns the elegant timelessness of the original on its head in a way that veteran Nutcracker fans are sure to appreciate, and if nothing else, it's great for a fun, lighthearted night out during a hectic holiday season.

The Akron Nutcracker

198 Hill Street, Akron, OH 44325

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The University of Akron's Dance Institute is partnering with the Verb Ballet's company dancers for a repeat performance of last year's hit new show, The Akron Nutcracker. This adapted version of the original aims to tell the classic story within a recreation of the Akron of the 1930s, complete with iconic local landmarks like Polsky's Department Store and the Stan Hywet estate. This limited-run Northeast Ohio show is being performed Dec. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. each evening, so it's a great family activity to help you build up to the big day.

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet

500 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44114

If you want to see a world-class production of The Nutcracker right here in Ohio, check out this year's performance of Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet on Saturday, December 10 at the Cleveland Public Auditorium Music Hall. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this adaptation of the classic ballet, and its goals of spreading world peace and harmony are more important now than ever. Come see the artistry of some of Ukraine's top ballet dancers as they bring this dazzling show to life – it's an experience you'll never forget. 

The Nutcracker at Cincinnati Music Hall

1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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A yearly staple at the Cincinnati Music Hall, The Nutcracker is arguably the most popular show performed by the Cincinnati Ballet. It's a great excuse to watch some of Ohio's most talented dancers practice their craft. And because it's so popular, you can expect high production values that will make the experience even more worthwhile. This year's performances run from December 15 all the way up to Christmas Eve, so find a free day on your calendar and book your tickets!

Nutcracker Hot Chocolate

650 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Telling a familiar story from a new perspective is a great way to make it feel fresh and current again. On December 9 and 10, the Aronoff Center for the Arts will be hosting Nutcracker Hot Chocolate, a modernized version of The Nutcracker that has been adapted to showcase African American performers and culture. Acclaimed dance icon Debbie Allen created the show in 2008 to help inspire young dancers of color to keep pursuing their dreams. It's won a bevy of awards since then and continues to be a favorite of families everywhere.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

317 East 5th Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

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The Nutcracker may be traditionally staged as a ballet, but who says it has to be? The Hip Hop Nutcracker reimagines this classic show as a thrilling hip-hop dance exhibition that is sure to make you think about Tchaikovsky's music in a whole new way. This touring performance will be stopping in Cincinnati for a show at the Taft Theatre on December 1 from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. The tour features rapper Kurtis Blow as the show's MC, as well as a full troupe of talented artists dancing on a set that recreates modern-day New York City with gorgeous graffiti lighting effects.

Dreaming of Christmas

Which of these exciting performances of The Nutcracker will you be seeing this holiday season?