CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The magic of the holiday season is officially underway across Ohio, and this year, Chillicothe and Ross County are taking center stage. TourismOhio has released the 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide, a statewide roundup featuring 440 seasonal celebrations — five from each of Ohio’s 88 counties — showcasing everything from small-town charm to large community festivals.
“The Holiday Events Guide is really about connection,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio’s State Tourism Director. “These events are opportunities to make memories, support local businesses, and feel that sense of belonging that Ohio does so well.”
Chillicothe Events Featured in Statewide Guide
Among the highlighted events is the annual Downtown Holiday Open House, running November 21–23, complete with the official Christmas tree lighting, Shine On Chillicothe displays, downtown shopping specials, and horse-drawn carriage rides courtesy of Ivy’s. The Majestic Theatre will also screen Christmas classics on Saturday, November 22, sponsored by Uhrig Financial Group.
Other Chillicothe and Ross County events selected for the 2025 guide include:
- Rudolf Run 5K & Glow Walk – December 3
- Phil Dirt & the Dozers Christmas Concert at the Majestic – December 6
- Chillicothe Civic Theatre’s “A Christmas Carol” – Broadway Version – December 11–14
- Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops Spectacular at OU-Chillicothe – December 14
“We’re proud to partner with TourismOhio to showcase our community’s holiday traditions,” said Melody Young, Executive Director of the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Being featured alongside events across all 88 counties reinforces how special Chillicothe is and brings visitors who support our local shops, restaurants, and hotels.”
A Guide Designed to Support Local Communities
TourismOhio’s research shows that many visiting friends or family never leave the house for activities — and that most Ohio trips are planned within four weeks. The guide aims to help families turn holiday visits into memorable outings that benefit local businesses.
“This guide gives people a simple starting point to turn visits into experiences — and experiences into memories,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development.
Statewide Collection of Holiday Magic
Events included in the 2025 guide reflect the traditions Ohioans treasure most, with listings submitted directly by local Convention & Visitors Bureaus. Highlights include:
- Light shows and tree lighting ceremonies
- Historic village Christmas festivals
- Parades, winter markets, and holiday hikes
- Craft fairs, home tours, choirs, and community theater
The guide also serves as a ready-made resource for reporters, bloggers, and newsrooms seeking feel-good holiday stories and weekend event coverage.
How to Access the Guide
The 2025 Ohio Holiday Events Guide is available now at Ohio.org/holidays, where it can be viewed online or downloaded free of charge. TourismOhio encourages communities and media to share local holiday happenings using #HolidaysInOhio and #OhioTheHeartOfItAll.
