October flew by and the holiday season is almost here! Christmas spirit is filling the air as Richland County prepares for lively craft fairs, pop-up shops, and festive fun. Get ready to join the holiday excitement!
We’ve highlighted some of the events happening this month but make sure to take a peek at the events calendar for a full list of exciting things to come!
Don’t miss the final days of Blood Prison (Nov. 2), Crow Fest (wraps up Nov. 16) and the final Free First Monday at Kingwood Center Gardens of the year. (Nov. 4th)
Kicking off in November is the much-anticipated opening of the Tiny Tim Shoppe, tours of Oak Hill Cottage (including the nighttime Ghosts of Christmas Past) and Christmas at Kingwood (Nov. 30th).
Shop Til You Drop- Craft Shows, Holiday Fairs & Markets
Christmas is the time of giving, and if you’re looking for that special gift, find it at one of the specialty shops or craft shows listed happening in the area.
Eat Your Art Out (Nov. 12) is a Mansfield Arts & Culture fundraising event at Hudson & Essex. Art and food combine to create a fun evening where guests enjoy wine paired with a six-course meal inspired by a historical painting. Advance reservations are required.
Kingwood’s Garden & Gift Shop Artisan Holiday Market opens Nov. 16-17. Shop holiday decor and gift ideas in The Garden & Gift Shop. The King Ballroom highlights local artists selling handcrafted jewelry, pottery, teas, artwork and more.
The Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe offers a volunteer-assisted Christmas shop for those under 12 years old to shop and buy gifts for friends and family. Reservations are required. The Tiny Tim Shoppe opens on Nov. 23rd and runs each Saturday leading up to Christmas.
The 55th Annual Holiday Art Fair at the Mansfield Art Center starts November 23rd and runs into December. This event shows the work of local artists & makers, as well as a wonderful variety of sourced gift items from small businesses around the globe. Don’t forget gift certificates are available for purchase for art classes offered at the Mansfield Art Center.
Christmas Lights, Tours & Ghosts (Yes, you read that right!)
Oak Hill Cottage Christmas Tours are offered on Sundays, starting November 24th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (No reservations needed, start any time before 4:30). Tour this Gothic Revival Landmark decked out in Victorian fashion for the holidays as traditions of Christmas past are brought to life. The Ghosts of Christmas Past will also be held at Oak Hill Cottage on Dec. 7 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this gothic property lit up at night.
Christmas at Kingwood begins November 30th. The community’s largest and most visited holiday venue has become a tradition for many local families. Bundle up, buy a cup of hot chocolate or glass of wine in the cafe, and stroll through the magical light displays on the estate grounds. Once in Kingwood Hall, peek into the stunningly decorated rooms with live music played by local performers.
Get Crafty!
Winter is a great time to learn something new, make a few new friends and create something for everyone on your Christmas list. Make sure you call and sign up soon so you don’t miss out on these fun, holiday-inspired classes and workshops. Kingwood Center offers a fun fall class, Harvest Acrylic Painting (Nov. 7). Or get into the holiday spirit and Make Your Own Holiday Wreath (Nov. 11), Evergreen Gnomes (Nov. 15), and Children’s Make-Your-Own Holiday Centerpiece (Nov. 16).
The Mansfield Art Center offers a variety of classes that include My Koolaurful Monster (Nov. 9) and Family Art Night (Nov. 16).
Alpaca Meadows offers workshops like Victorian Garland Making Workshop (Nov. 10), Granny Square Crochet Course (Nov. 11) and Turkey Needle Felting (Nov. 16).
Find additional holiday-themed classes at unexpected venues like Needle Felted Fall Pumpkin at Burton Park (Nov. 11), Pinecone Christmas Tree with Fiber Alpaca Balls at Shady Lane Alpaca Farm (Nov. 17), and Santa Hat Sip & Paint Your Pet at Hickory Vines Winery & Venue (Nov. 30)
Theater & Live Music
The Renaissance Theatre presents The Producers (Nov. 9, 10, 16, 17). Bialystock and Bloom are back in Mel Brooks’ The Producers, now a hit Broadway musical known for its outrageous humor. Winning a record 12 Tony Awards, it tells the story of a struggling producer and a shy accountant who plot to create a flop and scam investors—only for the show to become a surprise success. The Producers is a comedy that spares no one, delivering laughs at every turn.
The Mansfield Playhouse presents Wonderland Wives (Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23) a comedy for mature audiences with immature tastes. Cinderella’s Prince is in prison, Belle’s house is in chaos, Alice is hooked on the caterpillar’s pipe, and Snow White’s husband runs off with the three little pigs. Snow’s keeping up appearances with a girdle and hair dye while juggling Belle’s drinking and Cindy’s food binges.
The Spirit Room at The Phoenix, The Phoenix, Hudson & Essex and Hickory Vines Winery and Venue all offer live music this month. View the Live Entertainment page for a complete listing.
Family Fun Continues
November is full of family fun but keep reading for a few more ideas.
Kingwood Center Gardens offers the Final Free First Monday (Nov.4) of the year in November. Don’t miss the opportunity to traverse the grounds, visit the Mum Tree, feed the ducks and marvel at the greenhouse at no cost one last time in 2024.
Oaks & Acorns at Gorman Nature Center is a program for preschool-aged children to enjoy the outdoors with a caregiver, including activities, crafts, hikes, and games. This program is held each Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Whether you’re searching for unique holiday gifts, love crafting and learning, cherish holiday traditions, or want to support the community through special fundraisers, you’re covered. Make November unforgettable!
For the most up-to-date event listings, live music, and other community events, visit our ever-changing Calendar of Events Don’t forget to tag Destination Mansfield-Richland County on social media so we can see what fun you find this holiday season.