Clifton Mill features millions of holiday lights each November and December. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

By Ken Drenten

Each year, it seems there are more and more holiday-themed events and attractions to choose from. I’m a traditional kind of guy. I enjoy doing many of the same things each holiday season.

I have a short list of must-see movies, like “Elf,” “White Christmas” and “It’s A Wonderful Life,” as well as the animated TV shows “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” In addition, there are a number of holiday attractions that are worthy of returning to each holiday season.

So, have a warm cookie, a cup of hot chocolate, and consider my top 5 repeatable holiday-themed attractions in Ohio. My apologies for posting this before Thanksgiving (!!!) for readers’ planning purposes.

House From A Christmas Story – Cleveland

The House From A Christmas Story is the scene of much of the filming of the classic movie “A Christmas Story,” which, by the way, is also on my must-watch list. The simple two-story frame house has been restored and decorated to look as much as possible as it did in the 1983 movie, which depicted the nostalgic and hilarious memories of an early 1940s Christmas season. There is even a Leg Lamp in the front window. A museum and gift shop is located across the street. The house is open year-round at 3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland (216) 298-4919. Holiday hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays until Dec. 23; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays until Dec. 28; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Jan. 2 and 3; closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus is a magical place. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens – Columbus

Frankin Park Conservatory is a gem of a place to visit any time of the year, with its zoned biohabitats and Victorian-era Palm House. But the center really pulls out the stops for Conservatory Aglow during the holiday season. In addition to their traditional poinsettia tree, there are festive decorations and a holiday model train display. Many workshops and classes are offered, from gingerbread house making to crafting holiday decorations from natural materials. 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus (614) 715-8000, open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill – Clifton

One word sums up Clifton Mill during the holiday season – “magical.” The folks at this historic 1802 gristmill near Springfield erect a display of millions of holiday lights all over the mill, a covered bridge and ravine of the Little Miami River. Then they synchronize it all to music. The result is spectacular. There’s also a collection of antique Santa Claus figurines, an amazing miniature village, a vintage gasoline station, as well as the mill’s gift shop and restaurant. The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill starts Nov. 29 and runs every evening through Dec. 25. Gates open at 5 p.m. nightly; lights are displayed 7 days a week 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 24 and 25, 6-8 p.m. 75 Water St., Clifton (937) 767-5501.

The Guernsey County Courthouse is the centerpiece of downtown holiday in Cambridge, along with the Dickens Victorian Village. (Credit: Ken Drenten)

Dickens VIctorian Village & Guernsey Courthouse Holiday Lights – Cambridge

Taking a walk along Cambridge’s Wheeling Avenue during the holidays is like turning the pages of a Charles Dickens novel, with larger-than-life models of Dickensian characters all along the street. Dickens Victorian Village is displayed each evening during the holiday season. Whenever we visit this charming town in December, we’re sure to visit Theo’s Restaurant for a hearty meal and some of the best pie around. But the centerpiece is the Guernsey County Courthouse in the center of town, with an estimated 30,000 holiday lights synchronized with Christmas carols and seasonal music. Both displays are available every day/evening Nov. 1-Dec. 31. For more information, stop in at the Welcome Center, 708 Wheeling Ave. (740) 421-4956.

Steubenville Nutcracker Village – Steubenville

Steubenville Nutcracker Village is a collection of 200 life-size nutcrackers displayed throughout downtown Steubenville, and you’ll have an adventure finding each of them while you learn more about this historic city. Each nutcracker is carved by local artist Brodie Stutzman and painted by local artists. Special events and activities include a lantern parade, beer garden, advent market, library story walks, hayrides and children’s activities. The display is free to the public 24 hours a day from Nov. 26 to Jan. 10. For more information, stop in or call at 155 N. Fourth St., (740) 371-6020.

Learn about more Christmas-related shops and attractions at Dusty TIres.

Ken Drenten is creator and editor of Dusty-Tires.com, a travel blog for out-of-the-ordinary places in Ohio.

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