New Statewide Holiday Events Guide Features Lake County
Across Ohio, communities are stringing lights, tuning choirs, baking cookies, warming the cocoa, and preparing for one of the most cherished seasons of the year. TourismOhio has released the 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide, a curated collection of 440 holiday happenings — five in every county — that highlight the small traditions, big celebrations, and hometown magic that make the holidays meaningful across the state.
“The Holiday Events Guide is really about connection,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio’s State Tourism Director. “The holidays are when people come home, see old friends, and reconnect. These events — big and small — are opportunities to make memories together, support local businesses, and feel that sense of belonging that Ohio does so well.”
Local Community Events Featured
Featured among the 440 events in the guide for Lake County include:
Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail - November 1-February 14
Brrr! While the winter chill might nip at your nose, there's no better way to warm up than with a steaming cup of cocoa on the 2025 Tour Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail!
Now in its second year, this seasonal experience invites you to embark on a deliciously cozy adventure through Lake County. Explore a handpicked collection of 17 charming coffee shops and local businesses—each serving up their own signature spin on hot chocolate. Participants who earn 1,000 points will earn an exclusive #TourLakeCOcoa mug!
Holiday Pop Up Bars with Debonne Vineyards and Grand River Cellars - November 19-January 11
Both wineries have transformed into a whimsical, over-the-top holiday escape! Sip on specialty Christmas cocktails with clever names and dig into delicious themed dishes
Spirit of the Season - November 21 | Painesville City
Greet Santa as he comes to town and lights the city tree! Enjoy free train rides around the Square, an indoor kids activity, dance performances, of course, Santa's House!
Historic Kirtland Nativity Exhibit - November 30-December 30
Annually at the holidays, the Historic Kirtland Visitors’ Center together with the Kirtland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, exhibits hundreds of Nativities, drawing visitors from all of Ohio and beyond.
Port Plunge: Get Frozen in Fairport - January 1, 2026 | Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance
Take a "plunge" in Lake Erie at Fairport Harbor Lakefront Beach on Thursday, January 1, 2026 to help raise funds for the Fairport Harbor Arts and Culture Alliance!
Why This Guide Matters to Ohio Communities
TourismOhio research shows that one in four people visiting friends or relatives in Ohio never leave the house to do an activity — meaning families miss opportunities to make memories, and local businesses miss the boost that comes from holiday traffic. At the same time, 60 percent of Ohio trips are planned within just four weeks, which means most holiday outings are spur-of-the-moment decisions.
The Holiday Events Guide is designed exactly for that. It makes it easy to turn “What should we do tonight?” into “Let’s go.”
“During the holidays we welcome friends, family, and loved ones into our homes, hoping to make their stay as effortlessly magical as the season feels said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This guide gives people a simple starting point to turn those visits into experiences — and experiences into memories. And when visitors get out into our towns and neighborhoods, the whole community feels the benefit.”
Local Stories, Statewide Reach
Events in the Holiday Events Guide are submitted by Convention & Visitors Bureaus (CVBs), ensuring the listings reflect what residents treasure most, including:
Festive light shows
Historic village celebrations
Parades and tree lightings
Snowy hikes and winter markets
Home tours, choirs, craft fairs, and community theater
A Tool for Local Storytelling
Reporters and newsrooms looking for holiday content will find:
Local families, volunteers, and long-running organizers to interview
Feel-good community features perfect for TV, print, and digital
Ready story angles for “things to do this weekend” updates
Economic impact at the local level
Available Now
The 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide is available now at Ohio.org/holidays and can be viewed digitally or downloaded for free. Media outlets, bloggers, and local tourism partners are encouraged to share and highlight events in their regions using #HolidaysInOhio and #OhioTheHeartOfItAll.
Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.