Nov./Dec. 2024

November December 2024 Ohio Magazine newsstand cover (photo by Aerial Agents)

Travel

22 Ways to Celebrate the Holiday Season in Columbus

Head to our state capital this season for twinkling lights, local shopping and great events that promise to warm the rest of your year. 

5 Ways to Kick Off the Holidays in Ohio

Your holiday plans start here. Check out these festive gatherings and events during the last week of November.

53 Must-See Roadside Attractions in Ohio

The Buckeye State is home to many interesting and unusual finds that may be closer than you think. Here is your ultimate guide to seeing them all.

Akron’s Lock 3 Reopens in Time for the Holidays

Celebrate the return of Akron’s Lock 3 on Nov. 29 with a festive evening featuring a parade, drone show, ice skating and more.

Best Hometowns 2024: Bryan

An effort to fill vacant buildings revived this city’s downtown, illustrating the sense of pride and spirit of collaboration in this community about 64 miles west of Toledo. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Hilliard

This Columbus suburb offers a rich history and a small-town atmosphere, while its location along Interstate 270 has made it a destination for development.  

Best Hometowns 2024: McConnelsville

This historic river town offers a picturesque setting, a charming downtown and deep ties to the coal-mining heritage that shaped this part of Ohio. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Millersburg

This historic village in Holmes County offers a destination of its own as a well as a taste of the slower way of life practiced in the surrounding Amish and Mennonite communities. 

Best Hometowns 2024: Urbana

Downtown redevelopment has made this Champaign County community a regional destination for those seeking fresh flavors and interesting finds.

Best Hometowns 2024-25

This year, we honor Bryan, Hilliard, McConnelsville, Millersburg and Urbana. These five communities embody the characteristics that make us proud to call Ohio home.

Experience 40+ Ohio Holiday Classics

From enchanting historic estates to elaborate light displays, these cherished traditions are perfect for embracing the spirit of the season and making new memories. 

Mark Veterans Day at One of These 4 Ohio Events

Remember the sacrifices of America’s brave men and women in uniform at these happenings across the state.

Pyramid Hill Lights Celebrates 25 Years

A family tradition in Hamilton for decades, this beloved light show at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is back with festive displays and plenty of holiday cheer. 

Roadside Ohio: Bizzare Homes

Explore some of our state’s most unique abodes, from a 1924 ore freighter turned ship house on South Bass Island to a whimsical mushroom-shaped home in Cincinnati.

Roadside Ohio: Food Finds

From an Ohio State Buckeye-themed, train-car diner to an iconic cheese barn along the interstate, explore these spots that promise a memorable visit.

Roadside Ohio: Gravesites, Memorials and Monuments

From Cincinnati’s Passenger Pigeon Memorial to Alan Freed’s grave, visit these spots that honor legendary figures, community spirit and pivotal moments in Ohio history.

Roadside Ohio: Larger Than Life

From oversized ears of corn to a giant Campbell’s Soup can, discover larger-than-life landmarks that offer a whimsical take on our state’s history, culture and creativity.

Roadside Ohio: Man-Made Marvels

Explore these testaments to creativity and ingenuity that can be found across Ohio, from a re-created Wild West town to the nation’s oldest mini-golf course.

Roadside Ohio: Unusual Museums and Objects

From neon signs and vintage televisions to troll dolls and cardboard boats, explore these truly one-of-a-kind exhibits. 

Roadside Ohio: Wildlife & Natural Wonders

Immerse yourself in Ohio’s natural beauty, from wildlife encounters with rescued birds at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary or marveling at the stunning rock formations of the Ohio Caverns.

Save The Date: 24 Ohio Holiday Events

Downtown light displays, classic holiday performances, pop-up markets and glowing gardens are all part of the fun this season. 

Step Into Holidays Past at These 5 Historic Ohio Homes

Celebrate holidays the old fashioned way by touring these five historic homes with Christmas displays across our state. 

The Hayes Train Special Returns to This Presidential Home in Fremont

For nearly 30 years, this display has been a holiday season tradition in northwest Ohio. Here’s how you can see it this season.

Visit ‘Candy Land: It’s Wild in Ohio!’ in Kirtland

This larger-than-life rendition of the beloved board game comes to life in Lake County for the holiday season.

Visit This Gothic-Style Temple in Lake County

The northeast Ohio community of Kirtland played a pivotal role in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Food + Drink

Enjoy Books and Brews at these 3 Ohio Shops

Visit these three Ohio bookstores that go beyond the printed page to offer coffee, beer, wine and more. 

How Three Bites Bakery Became a Columbus Pastry Destination

Owner Isabella Bonello draws on her family’s heritage to create beautiful and inventive pastries at her downtown shop. 

Kast Iron Soda Works Offers a Universe of Pop Possibilities

Wanting to create a family-friendly community gathering spot, Lesley Kline opened a Columbiana County soda bar that offers a deep lineup of fun and funky varieties. 

Try the Swensons Burger That Puts Thanksgiving on a Bun

This Akron-based, fast-food chain is a favorite for burgers and shakes year-round, but the holidays bring a handful of special menu items. 

Arts

A First Look at the Ohio-Made Movie ‘Lost & Found in Cleveland’

In this film by Keith Gerchak and Marisa Guterman, an antiques-appraisal television show’s visit brings together a diverse cast of characters.

See ‘Posing Beauty in African American Culture’ in Cincinnati

This exhibit comes to the Taft Museum of Art with decades of photos and a goal to reimagine the standards of beauty. 

See “Picasso and Paper” in Cleveland

Running Dec. 8 through March 23, this exhibition offers insight into the famous painter‘s fascination with paper as an artistic medium. 

Ohio Life

Explore Clutch Collective in Marietta

Sarah Arnold’s independent shop in Marietta, Clutch Collective, offers a delightful selection of curated items that celebrate the creativity of artists across the region.

How Josh Dickerson Became Owner of the House From A Christmas Story

The managing partner shares his perspective on the Cleveland home’s evolution from upstart tourist attraction to beloved holiday landmark. 

Ohio Finds: Dog Figurine Made by The Logan Pottery

Decor depicting dogs was a popular ornamentation for hearths and mantelpieces during the early 20th century. 

The Year Ohio Supplied the White House Christmas Tree

In 1967, the White House Christmas tree for the family of President Lyndon B. Johnson came from Portage County.

Who Was Johnny Appleseed?

Two hundred and fifty years after his birth, John Chapman still holds a place in our history that often contains as much lore as it does fact. Here is how he shaped Ohio through his work.