Tinsel Towns

Christmas is celebrated all across Mansfield and Richland County, and each community adds something special to the season. That’s what Tinsel Towns is all about. Follow the lights from town to town for tree lightings, holiday markets, carriage rides, Christmas performances, decorated historic homes, sparkling gardens and visits with Santa and his reindeer. Our local communities have cultivated a holiday season full of opportunities to create, explore and celebrate together. Venture beyond Mansfield to discover the traditions and celebrations that make each of our Tinsel Towns part of Christmas in Richland County.

Celebrate the Heart of Christmas

Take time during the busy holiday season to visit BibleWalk, Ohio’s only wax museum, and experience The Life of Christ, a journey through the life of Jesus. While you’re there, add the Museum of Woodcarving to your visit, home to the world’s largest collection of wood carvings created by a single man. It’s a meaningful stop to include in your Tinsel Towns travels.

Christmas Lights, Tours & More!

Step inside some of Richland County’s most beautiful places as they dress up for Christmas! Take a Candlelight Holiday Tour at Malabar Farm State Park and see Louis Bromfield’s Big House glowing with holiday decorations. Wander through the 32-room home while hearing stories about the house, the rooms and life on the farm during Bromfield’s time, then enjoy refreshments at the end of your tour. Celebrate the season with two holiday experiences at Oak Hill Cottage. During Ghosts of Christmas Past, explore the decorated rooms and meet costumed interpreters who bring the cottage’s history to life. Or experience a Christmas Gaslight Tour, when the historic rooms glow by gaslight and the cottage takes on the feel of a Victorian Christmas.

Then make your way to Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens, where the grounds sparkle for the season. Stroll the outdoor trail featuring more than seven linear miles of twinkling lights and the festive Community Tree Walk before heading inside Kingwood Hall to see room after room dressed for Christmas. Watch for Santa and his reindeer, model train displays and live musical performances throughout the season. Warm up with a seasonal treat, then stop by the Garden & Gift Shop and greenhouse to shop for holiday gifts, seasonal décor and plants.

Theater & Live Music

Miracle on 34th Street takes the stage at the Mansfield Playhouse with the heartwarming story of Kris Kringle, whose kindness and Christmas spirit help one little girl discover the magic of believing in Santa Claus.

The Renaissance Theatre is ready to deck the halls with a full lineup of holiday favorites! Watch local dancers from Richland Academy of the Arts bring The Nutcracker Ballet to life December 5 and 6, complete with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and a journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. On December 12, add a little swing to the season with We Wish You a Jazzy Christmas, featuring The Artistic Jazz Orchestra and big band takes on favorite Christmas songs. The music continues with the Youth Orchestra’s Holiday Prelude on December 13, followed by the Mansfield Symphony’s Holiday Pops on December 19. It’s a December packed with music, dancing and plenty of Christmas spirit!

Christmas Tree Lightings and Santa & Reindeer Sightings

There’s something magical about the moment a Christmas tree lights up for the first time! Gather the family for the Christmas Tree Lighting at Marshall Park in Ontario or head to the Bellville Bandstand for the Yule Log & Tree Lighting with Santa. In Mansfield, Christmas Time in the City brings plenty of holiday cheer to downtown with the City of Mansfield tree lighting, carriage rides, photos with Santa and more festive fun near Richland Carrousel Park. And don’t miss Plymouth’s Christmas in the Village! Shop the holiday market, grab a bite from food trucks and vendors, watch ice carving sculptures come to life, enjoy the Parade of Lights and, of course, visit Santa.

And what would Christmas be without reindeer? Stop by Kleerview Farm to visit Santa’s four-legged friends and add a little extra Christmas magic to your Tinsel Towns adventures!

Christmas Shopping

Christmas shopping is even better when you can support local businesses, artists and makers along the way. From handcrafted gifts and artwork to experiences you can enjoy long after the holidays, there are plenty of ways to find something special for everyone on your list. At Kingwood Center Gardens, Daytime Shop & Dine runs throughout December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Browse the Garden & Gift Shop, then stop at Gateway Café for lunch and a festive hot cocoa. An individual or family membership also makes a great gift that can be enjoyed throughout the year.

The Annual Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center runs through Dec. 31, with artwork and handcrafted gifts from local and regional artists. For someone who would rather make something of their own, consider a gift card for a future art class. Little shoppers can get in on the fun, too. The Tiny Tim Shoppe gives children the chance to choose and wrap Christmas gifts for family and friends with help from volunteers. Advance registration is required. Open November 21, 28 and December 4, 5, 12, 19 from 10am-4pm and Friday night during Christmas in the City.

Keep your Tinsel Towns shopping going beyond Mansfield. Browse handmade finds at Butler’s Christmas in the Village Craft Show, stop in Bellville for gifts, home décor and seasonal finds at Rustik Market, or head to Alpaca Meadows and shop the Farm Store for cozy alpaca socks, clothing, blankets, yarn and gifts. During Christmas at Alpaca Meadows, you can even visit the alpacas while you shop.

Calendar of Events

Keep the Christmas cheer going! Visit our Calendar of Events to find even more holiday happenings throughout Mansfield and Richland County, from Christmas markets and performances to community celebrations and visits with Santa. As you make your way through our Tinsel Towns, be sure to tag Destination Mansfield on social media. We’d love to see where your holiday adventures take you and may even share your photos on our social pages!

Natalie Snyder, 2026