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. Start making your holiday plans with Christmas Time in the City in downtown Mansfield, the Tiny Tim Christmas Shoppe, the Holiday Fair at the Mansfield Art Center and Christmas at Kingwood. Then 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. At Oak Hill Cottage, step back into a Victorian Christmas during Ghosts of Christmas Past: A Gaslight Tour or visit on Sundays in December for a Christmas tour of this Gothic Revival landmark.

Then make your way to Christmas at Kingwood, where the gardens sparkle for the season! Stroll the outdoor trail of lights and festive Community Tree Walk before heading inside Kingwood Hall to see room after room dressed for Christmas. Warm up with a seasonal treat, do a little holiday shopping and keep an eye out for special events throughout the season.

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!

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. Best of all, these holiday celebrations and activities are FREE!

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

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!

Natalie Snyder, 2026