This is the time of year when Richland County truly shines! As December approaches, the excitement of the holidays becomes contagious! Christmas spirit fills the air as communities across the county prepare for lively craft fairs, pop-up shops, and festive fun. Get ready to join in the holiday magic!
For the Christmas-loving crowd, beloved holiday traditions are making their return! Don’t miss the much-anticipated opening of the Tiny Tim Shoppe, The 56th Annual Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center, tours at Oak Hill Cottage, Christmas at Kingwood, and the Opening Day of Kleerview Farms.
Shop Til You Drop- Craft Shows, Holiday Fairs & Markets
Christmas is the time of giving, and if you’re looking for that special gift, you may find it at one of the specialty shops or craft shows listed below.
Enjoy an evening filled with festive cheer at the Rustik Market Christmas Open House (Nov. 7). You can view the new seasonal collection, enjoy live Christmas music, freshly roasted Raising Roots Coffee, cookies, door prizes, and receive a mystery discount for walking through the door.
The 51st Annual Hillsdale Arts & Crafts Festival (Nov. 8) boasts over 100 vendors with items ranging from baked goods to Christmas decorations to handcrafted items, leatherwork, ceramics, toys, quilts, paper crafts, wood carvings, and more. There will also be raffles, giveaways and live music and food served throughout the day by the Academic Booster Club.
Step into a world of Christmas magic at Avita Health System’s Holiday Craft Show (Nov. 15). Shop local and discover one-of-a-kind gifts, crafts, and creations from talented artisans.
The Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe is a volunteer-assisted Christmas shop for those under 12 to shop and buy gifts for their friends and family. Reservations are required.The Tiny Tim Shoppe opens on Nov. 22nd and runs each Saturday leading up to Christmas.
Check out the Mansfield Toy Show (Nov. 23), where nostalgia takes center stage! Browse aisles of diecasts, comics, and collectible toys that are perfect for reliving childhood memories or finding that one-of-a-kind nostalgic gift for the hard-to-buy-for person on your list.
The 56th Annual Holiday Art Fair at the Mansfield Art Center starts November 22nd and runs until the end of December, showcasing 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 MAC.
‘Tis the Season for Holiday Fun
Opening Day at Kleerview Farm (Nov. 22) marks the start of a season full of holiday cheer! Bring the whole family for a day of festive fun featuring wagon rides, hot chocolate, and a chance to meet the farm’s beloved reindeer. Yep, you read that right. Reindeer.
Oak Hill Cottage Christmas Tours will be offered on Sundays, starting November 23rd from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (No reservations needed, start anytime 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.
Christmas at Kingwood Center Gardens (begins Nov. 29) is one of the community’s most beloved holiday traditions and the area’s largest, most-visited seasonal event. Bundle up, grab a cup of hot chocolate from the café, and stroll through the dazzling light displays that transform the estate grounds into a winter wonderland. Inside Kingwood Hall, admire the beautifully decorated rooms while enjoying the sounds of live music performed by talented local musicians.
Get Crafty!
Winter is the perfect season to try something new, meet new friends, and create handmade gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. Be sure to call and register soon so you don’t miss out on these fun, holiday-inspired classes and workshops.
Kingwood Center offers the following classes:
Working with Resin: Floral Pendant (Nov. 6)
Evergreen Wreath Workshop (Nov. 11)
Children’s Make-Your-Own Holiday Centerpiece (Nov. 15)
Alpaca Meadows offers a Turkey Needle Felting Class (Nov. 15).
Theater & Live Music
Conne and Alice Bond light up the Ghostlight Lounge with soulful vocals and masterful piano melodies, creating an unforgettable evening of vibrant, heartfelt music during Ghostlight Cabaret at the Renaissance Theatre (Nov. 7).
Experience an evening of music, memories, and holiday spirit as Jim Brickman takes the stage for HITS LIVE! and A Little Bit of Christmas (Nov. 8) at the Renaissance Theatre. This heartwarming concert blends his greatest hits with festive favorites for a truly magical celebration of the season.
Veterans’ Salute (Nov. 9) performs for a free concert honoring the courage and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Presented by the AFM 159 Concert Band and Mansfield Symphony Chorus, this powerful performance unites professional musicians and vocalists in a moving tribute of gratitude and song.
Get ready to rock at the Renaissance with Crazy Train™: America’s Ozzy Osbourne Experience (Nov. 14). This is the ultimate Ozzy Osbourne tribute show led by North America’s top Ozzy performer, Vinny Cormier. Backed by a powerhouse band, this high-energy production delivers electrifying music, stunning visuals, and unforgettable “wow” moments that capture the spirit of Ozzy live and loud!
The ladies of Exit Laughing are back at the Mansfield Playhouse for another round of outrageous fun in Keep on Laughing! (Nov. 14, 15 & 21,22). Expect big laughs, wild adventures, and plenty of surprises as this hilarious group proves that life and love only get better with age.
Step into a world of charm and romance with She Loves Me (Nov. 21,22,23 & 28, 29, 30) at the Renaissance Theatre. Set in a 1930s perfumery, this heartwarming musical comedy follows two feuding shop clerks who unknowingly fall in love as anonymous pen pals. This is a heartwarming story filled with wit, music, and a touch of holiday magic.
The Spirit Room at The Phoenix welcomes Colby T. Helms for the Sunday Songwriter Series (Nov. 9), The Renaissance Theatre and Hickory Vines 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 complimentary admission in November on the First Monday (Nov.3) and Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), the final free days for the year. Don’t miss your opportunity to traverse the grounds, feed the ducks and marvel at the greenhouse at no cost for the last time in 2025.
Discover the fascinating world of Ohio’s resident falcons at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary during Falcon Friday (Nov. 7) Meet their feathered ambassadors and hear an inspiring rehabilitation success story shared by the Curator of Animals.
Pop in to Story Time at Relax it’s Just Coffee (Nov. 10) with the wonderful team from the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. Arrive early, treat yourself to a latte and muffin, and let the kids enjoy an hour of engaging stories and fun-filled activities.
Whether you’re on the hunt for unique holiday gifts, eager to get creative with festive classes, or simply love celebrating timeless traditions, there’s something for everyone this season. Let’s 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 on social media so we can see what fun you find this holiday season.