The music is playing in the stores, the trees and lights are up and you may even find yourself craving a warm cup of cocoa or mulled cider.
Yes, the holiday season is officially here. While it may be tempting to stay inside where it's nice and warm, there are plenty of events happening all across the state that may be just enough for you to bundle up and brave the cold air and slick roads.
Here are some of the holiday events this season happening near you.
Northeast Ohio
Tour the Farmpark's holiday lights from the comfort of your own car at this event, which occurs on weekends throughout the month. You can also purchase a wooden toy kit for an extra $5.
This adventure from the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad takes families on a holiday-themed train ride with special guests, hot chocolate and more. Rides go through Dec. 21
This is your chance to check out more than 1.5 million lights making up displays at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. You can enjoy the lights from the warmth of your car or take in all the details by walking through. The event goes through Dec. 30.
'Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
This show runs through Dec. 15 at KeyBank State Theatre, focused on the story of a girl and her father finding each other again after being split apart by a snowstorm.
This is your chance to experience a life-sized version of the classic board game in addition to crafts, scavenger hunts and more at this free event at the Penitentiary Glen Reservation through Jan. 1, 2025.
This holiday event doubles as a history lesson, taking participants on a tour of holiday celebrations during the 19th century at Hale Farm & Village on select days through Dec. 23.
"You'll shoot your eye out, kid." This is your chance to see the iconic holiday movie on stage, at Allen Theatre through Dec. 22.
If you're looking for a traditional holiday night out, consider seeing The Nutcracker at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. The event runs through Dec. 22.
Take a ride on a 700-foot ice chute during the cold weather. It will remain open through late February at The Chalet in Mill Stream Run Reservation.
Central Ohio
Enjoy massive light displays and other "one-of-a-kind holiday experiences" in downtown Columbus. If you're still feeling the holiday spirit after the start of the new year, don't worry. This daily event lasts until Feb. 16. Consider attending on Dec. 13 or 20 for Festive Fridays to enjoy a trolley tour, live music, hot chocolate and more.
Enjoy an evening at the zoo and light by millions of holiday lights. Admission to the zoo includes admission to this event, which also allows participants to enjoy other entertainment like animated light shows, a Yule Tide boat ride, a meeting with Santa and more. This event goes through Jan. 5.
Season of Celebrations at COSI
The Center of Science and Industry Museum will become "a winter wonderland, combining science, education and the festive spirit of the season" through Jan. 5. Check out numerous Christmas trees on display as well as food and drink.
Children 5 and older can assist the elves in Santa's workshop to make toys at this interactive event. Additionally, enjoy some live music, snacks and more. This event is on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 23 at CCT Studios.
Looking for unique gifts ahead of the holidays? You might be able to find something at the Holiday Gift Shop at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Items range from posters to mugs to puzzles and more. It goes through Dec. 31.
Central Ohio Model Railroad Club 2024 Holiday Open House
Train lovers rejoice, as you can get free admission from noon to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday throughout December to the railroad club.
Check out this one-woman rendition of the Christmas classic at the Riffe Center Theatre Complex, with performances from Dec. 12 through 22.
Families can take part in this scavenger hunt for 12 small elves, incorporating visits to local businesses in Historic Dublin. The event lasts until Dec. 23, with a grand prize drawing on Dec. 24.
Enjoy activities, photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt and more at this daily event at the Legoland Discovery Center Columbus until Jan. 5
Southwest Ohio
Take a one-mile walking tour of lights displays, and enjoy live music, a bonfire, food trucks and more at this recurring event throughout the month.
Check out the amusement parks with a holiday-themed coat of paint. You can walk through the thousands of holiday lights, ice skate, enjoy some food and even see a Christmas tree lighting every night of the event, which occurs on select nights until Dec. 31.
The Cincinnati Zoo boasts 5 million lights on display until Jan. 5 in addition to blacklight puppet shows, concessions and more. There will even be the opportunity to visit with Santa until Dec. 23.
If you're looking for a traditional holiday night out, consider seeing The Nutcracker at the Springer Auditorium. The show is on select nights through Dec. 29.
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati’s Downtown Dazzle
Ever wanted to see Santa Claus rappel from a building downtown? This is your chance, in addition to fireworks, hot cocoa, an ice rink and more holiday fare. This event is on Saturdays through Dec. 21.
ChristmasTime at Ark Encounter
This event includes everything from a laser show to camel rides to a VR experience at the massive Noah's Ark display. It will be on select days through Jan. 4.
Check out more than 2.5 million lights at this massive display, located at Thomas More Stadium in nearby Florence, Kentucky. Ther's also the chance to grab food and drink, enjoy ice skate and more. The event goes through Jan. 1.
If you've ever dreamed of walking into a massive snow-globe, this is your chance. Check out the art display and more through Jan. 5 at the Alice Bimel Courtyard at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The museum notes that the best time for viewing is during the extended Thursday hours, 5 to 8 p.m.
The classic holiday story comes to the stage at Moe and Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre with showtimes through Dec. 29.
Whether you're meeting Santa, enjoying a wagon ride or listening to carolers, there's plenty to do at Parky's Farm during the holidays. The nightly event goes from Dec. 13 to 23 and on Dec. 31.
Greater Dayton RTA’s historic Christmas trolley
You'll have a chance to see the 1948 holiday trolley at various events throughout December (as well as a visit from Santa) at Wright Stop Plaza, at the corner of Main and Third. The last event is Dec. 23.
Enjoy a visit with Santa and a ride on the train through Warren County at this event hosted by Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. You can purchase tickets from Dec. 11 to 19 at time of publication.
Enjoy these animated holiday displays, which have "been on display in the Schuster Center’s Wintergarden during the holidays for more than 20 years." Showtimes go through Dec. 29.
Northwest Ohio
The Toledo Zoo says they have more than a million lights on display for visitors to walk through, in addition to "200+ illuminated animal images." The event lasts through Dec. 31.
Check out train rides, exhibits and, of course, snap a picture with Santa and more at this annual tradition at Sylvania’s Tam-O-Shanter sports complex. The event runs through Dec. 24.
This is the 50th year of this annual event, in which "volunteers from the community transform over 30 areas of the 30,000-square-foot Manor House into a holiday wonderland." Consider a visit soon, as the free event runs through Dec. 15.
Christmas Light Helicopter Tours
This would certainly allow you to see holiday lights from a whole new perspective. The price is $199 per person, but the expereience will take you over northwest Ohio sights, including downtown, the zoo and neighborhoods to see extravagent light displays from the sky.
The inaugural market event has one weekend left, on Dec. 13 and 14. This is your chance to snag some holiday food, gifts and more at Mylander Plaze in downtown Sandusky.
Spectrum News 1 senior producer Lydia Taylor contributed to this report.