2025 Holiday Events Guide Includes Area Events
Article Presented By McDonald’s, “I’m Lovin’ It!”
(Chillicothe) – Across Ohio, communities are stringing lights, tuning choirs, baking cookies, warming the cocoa, and preparing for one of the most cherished seasons of the year. TourismOhio has released the 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide, a curated collection of 440 holiday happenings — five in every county — that highlight the small traditions, big celebrations, and hometown magic that make the holidays meaningful across the state.
“The Holiday Events Guide is really about connection,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio’s State Tourism Director. “The holidays are when people come home, see old friends, and reconnect. These events — big and small — are opportunities to make memories together, support local businesses, and feel that sense of belonging that Ohio does so well.”
Featured among the 440 events in the guide include the always popular Chillicothe Downtown Holiday Open House this weekend, November 21st-23rd, with the official lighting of the Christmas tree and the Shine On Chillicothe light display. There will be special offers from shops and restaurants and Ivy’s will once again offer horse-drawn carriage rides. Additionally, there will be Christmas movies shown at the Majestic Theatre presented by Uhrig Financial Group on Saturday, November 22nd.
Other events featured in the 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide includes Downtown Chillicothe’s annual Rudolf Run 5K & Glow Walk on December 3rd, the annual Phil Dirt and the Dozers’ Christmas concert at the Majestic Theatre on December 6th, Chillicothe Civic Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” – Broadway Version December 11th-14th, and the newest holiday tradition, the Columbus Symphony’s Holiday Pops Spectacular at Ohio University Chillicothe on December 14th.
“TourismOhio’s Holiday Events Guide is an incredible resource that highlights the holiday spirit in every community across Ohio, and we’re proud to partner with them to showcase Chillicothe and Ross County’s events,” stated Melody Young, Executive Director of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Seeing our traditions featured alongside celebrations from all 88 counties reinforces just how special visiting Ohio can be. This support draws visitors to our community to explore our local shops, restaurants, and attractions – and encourages them to stay overnight to experience everything Ross County has to offer this time of the year. Together, these efforts strengthen tourism and boosts our local economy during the holiday season.”
TourismOhio research shows that one in four people visiting friends or relatives in Ohio never leave the house to do an activity — meaning families miss opportunities to make memories, and local businesses miss the boost that comes from holiday traffic. At the same time, 60 percent of Ohio trips are planned within just four weeks, which means most holiday outings are spur-of-the-moment decisions.
The Holiday Events Guide is designed exactly for that. It makes it easy to turn “What should we do tonight?” into “Let’s go.”
“During the holidays we welcome friends, family, and loved ones into our homes, hoping to make their stay as effortlessly magical as the season feels” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This guide gives people a simple starting point to turn those visits into experiences — and experiences into memories. And when visitors get out into our towns and neighborhoods, the whole community feels the benefit.”
Events in the Holiday Events Guide are submitted by Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), ensuring the listings reflect what residents treasure most, including:
• Festive light shows
• Historic village celebrations
• Parades and tree lightings
• Snowy hikes and winter markets
• Home tours, choirs, craft fairs, and community theater
The 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide is available now at www.Ohio.org/holidays and can be viewed digitally or downloaded for free. Media outlets, bloggers, and local tourism partners are encouraged to share and highlight events in their regions using #HolidaysInOhio and #OhioTheHeartOfItAll.
Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
The Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes Chillicothe and Ross County as a welcoming destination filled with unique attractions, cultural experiences, and year-round events. The Bureau partners with local businesses and organizations to support tourism growth, increase overnight visits, and strengthen the local economy. Learn more at VisitChillicotheOhio.com.
