The most wondrous time of the year is here, and Richland County is showing up in a big way. You’re invited to celebrate the season at some of the year’s most anticipated events across Mansfield and our family of festive Tinsel Towns. From the magic of Christmas at Kingwood to the one-of-a-kind, spine chilling Blood Prison Christmas Incarceration, there truly is something for every interest. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember.
Kick off the season with “Christmas Time in the City”, the Tiny Tim Shoppe, the 56th Annual Holiday Fair at The Mansfield Art Center, and Christmas at Kingwood, featured on Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail.
Celebrate the Heart of Christmas
Biblewalk, Ohio’s only wax museum, offers free admission for The Life of Christ tour on December 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31. 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.
Christmas Lights, Tours & More!
Take a Candlelight Holiday Tour at Malabar Farm State Park (December 5th – 7th and 12th-14th) 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. 6th) a Gaslight Tour (Dec.12th & 19th- 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 Best Christmas Pageant Ever takes the stage at the Mansfield Playhouse (Dec. 5th & 6th and 12th-14th). This tale of chaos and mayhem turns into a heartwarming story that celebrates the true meaning of Christmas.
The Richland Academy of the Arts presents The Nutcracker (Dec. 6th) 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.
Christmas Tree Lightings and 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 Dec.4th.
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 Dec. 5th at 6:00 p.m. Other activities include carriage rides, photos with Santa, and much more.
Plymouth’s Christmas in the Village (Dec. 5 & 6) features a small business shopping mart, food trucks and vendors, ice carving sculptures, a parade of lights, Santa and more! And the best part? All events and attractions are FREE!
Check out the Lighting Displays & Events page for our complete listing of events.
Santa is making appearances all over Richland County! Find those dates here!
Christmas Shopping
Support local when you shop at these locations for unique and one-of-a-kind gift ideas for friends and family. Give them a gift like no other.
The Daytime Shop and Dine at Kingwood Center Gardens will run through the month of December from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Garden & Gift Shop. While you’re there, visit Gateway Café for lunch and a festive hot coca. Consider purchasing an individual or family membership as a gift that continues to give throughout the year.
The 56th Annual Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center runs through Dec. 31st 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. 5th, 6th,13th, and 20th and Friday night during Christmas in the City). Advance sign-up is required.
Butler’s Christmas in the Village Craft Show (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.
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!