The most wonderful time of the year has arrived, and Mansfield and Richland County are showing up to spread festive cheer far and wide! Immerse yourself in holiday events that capture the Christmas spirit, make memories with family and friends and start a new holiday tradition or two.
Kick off the season with “Christmas Time in the City”, the Tiny Tim Shoppe, the 55th Annual Holiday Fair at The Mansfield Art Center, and Christmas at Kingwood, featured on Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail!
We have tons of events to share here, but be sure to bookmark our Tinsel Towns page where you’ll find the best holiday events in one easy-to-find spot. Find events at attractions, live music and performances, and don’t forget the lights! Experience all the Tinsel Towns across Richland County and Discover what makes each community shine.
Christmas Lights, Tours & More!
Take a Candlelight Holiday Tour at Malabar Farm State Park (December 6th – 8th and 13th-15th) to see Bromfield’s Big House all decked out for the holidays and learn more about this fascinating piece of local history.
See Oak Hill Cottage, Mansfield’s Gothic Revival Landmark, decked out in Victorian fashion for Ghosts of Christmas Past (Dec. 7th) a Gaslight Tour (Dec.13th & 20th- reservations required) or Christmas at Oak Hill Cottage tour on Sundays during the month of December.
Buy your tickets now for Christmas at Kingwood! You won’t want to miss the area’s most-visited holiday venue, open nightly from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. through Dec. 30th. Bundle up, buy a cup of hot chocolate in the cafe, and wind your way through the magical light displays on the estate grounds. Once in Kingwood Hall, peek into the stunningly decorated rooms while you’re serenaded with live music by local performers.
Check out our list of Holiday Attractions to learn how to visit the reindeer at Kleerview Farm and for more places to celebrate the holiday season.
Theater & Live Music
The beloved Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life takes the stage of the Mansfield Playhouse as a radio broadcast in It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at the Mansfield Playhouse (Dec. 6th & 7th and 13th-15th).
The Richland Academy of the Arts presents The Nutcracker (Dec. 7th & 8th) at the Renaissance Theatre. Journey with Clara as she and her magical doll encounters the terrifying Rat King and enchanting Sugar Plum Fairy.
Our Performing Arts page has a complete listing of holiday performances including presentations by the Mansfield Orchestra, the Youth Orchestra, and The Artistic Jazz Orchestra.
Celebrate the Heart of Christmas
Biblewalk, Ohio’s only wax museum, is offering free tours of The Life of Christ from December 23rd to December 31st. Be sure to add a tour of the Museum of Woodcarving to your visit. This museum houses the largest collection of wood carvings by a single man; a true treasure for Mansfield.
The Clear Fork Alliance Church hosts their annual Experience Bethlehem walk through event from December 13 to December 15. a free event.
Tree Lightings plus Santa & Reindeer Sightings
There truly is something magical about watching the lights on a Christmas Tree appear for the first time. Plan to watch the Christmas Tree Lighting at Marshall Park in Ontario or the Yule Log & Tree Lighting with Santa at the Bellville Bandstand on December 5.
Christmas Time in the City At the Richland Carrousel Park provides family fun for all ages. The City of Mansfield tree lighting takes place on December 6 at 6:00 p.m. Other activities include carolers, live reindeer, alpaca, carriage rides, photos with Santa, and more. Plan ahead and Purchase a ticket to ride the carousel here. Tickets will not be available during the event.
Plymouth’s Christmas in the Village (Dec. 6 & 7) features a small business shopping mart, food trucks and vendors, ice carving sculptures, a parade of lights, Santa and more!
Check out the Lighting Displays & Events page for similar events.
Santa is making appearances all over Richland County! Here are a few places you can see him:
Snap photos with Santa at the Mansfield Richland County Public Library on Dec. 2nd from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy Storytime with Santa at the same location on Dec. 3rd from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pancakes with Santa at Lexington High School on Dec. 7.
Make your reservations for Breakfast with Santa at Black Dog Tavern on Dec. 7th from 9 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Santa will be at Wade Gardens Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Santa will be visiting the Richland Carrousel Park every Saturday until Christmas from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Meet Santa at Kingwood Center Gardens on Dec. 7 & 8th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.. A timed-ticket is required for entry. Enjoy Brunch with Santa at the Wishmaker House on Dec. 8th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Breakfast with Santa at Texas Roadhouse in Ontario on Dec. 14th from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Meet Santa at Christmas for the Birds at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary Dec. 14th.
Santa’s not the only celebrity making the rounds this year. On December 14th and 21st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. you can meet your favorite characters in Bellville at the Whoville House, Frozen House, the Nightmare Before Christmas House, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Star Wars House.
Finally, Santa’s Reindeer will be at Kingwood Center after the big day. You’ll find them resting up on Dec. 26th & 27th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grab your timed tickets now.
Christmas Shopping
Support local when you shop at these locations for unique and one-of-a-kind gift ideas for friends and family.
The Daytime Shop and Dine at Kingwood Center Gardens will run through the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Garden & Gift Shop. While you’re there, consider purchasing an individual or family membership as a gift that continues to give throughout the year.
The 55th Annual Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center runs through Dec. 29th and offers a carefully curated collection of gifts from local artists and small businesses from around the world. You can also give an experience gift by purchasing a gift card for future classes offered at the MAC.
The Tiny Tim Shoppe allows children to shop and wrap Christmas gifts for friends and family with help from a volunteer. Open on select Saturdays (Dec. 7th, 14th, 21st and Friday night during Christmas in the City). Advance sign-up is required.
Butler’s Christmas in the Village Craft Show (Dec.7th), the Christmas Bazaar at St. Mary’s (Dec. 7th), and Shady Lane Alpacas Christmas Open House (every Saturday and Sunday in the month of December starting Dec.7th) are a small sampling of additional locations and events serving your Christmas shopping needs.
‘Tis the Season to Learn Something New
From fused glass to knitting chunky fingerless gloves to ceramic gnomes, you’ll find plenty of seasonal crafts to make this month. Check out our Make It! page for more fun holiday-themed activities and hands-on workshops
Calendar of Events
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events at DestinationMansfield.com.
Make sure you tag Destination Mansfield on social media when you’re spreading Christmas cheer this holiday season! We’d love to see how you celebrate around town and we may just share your photos on our social pages!