When cold weather sets in, we’re more likely to hunker close to home and less likely to be out socializing. That’s what makes winter-time festivals so much fun – they provide a chance to get out and see our friends and neighbors and meet new friends. Here are some of the most popular celebrations for Winter 2013/2014 that are a short drive from Akron.
Guest post by Joe Laing
November Winter Festivals in Ohio
About three hours south of Akron in Wilmington is the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival on November 8th and 9th. Listen to the bluegrass, tap your toes and generally enjoy the company of other music lovers and shed all those workaday woes. This all happens at the Roberts Centre.
It’s fun to begin the Christmas celebrations early so head towards Columbus again for Christmas in Springboro. The 27th annual Christmas is happening on the 22nd and 23rd of November – the weekend before Thanksgiving. This is something not to miss if you have a chance to get there.
On the 22nd to the 24th of November you can also enjoy the Jingle Bell Luminary Weekend Event in Waverly Ohio. Arts and crafts will be at hand and wine tasting and much more. Many want to take part in the quilt show and taste that delicious spaghetti dinner served. Of course, the kids will want to meet Santa.
Right in Akron is the famous Holiday Tree Festival which takes place from November 23 to December 1st. The number of trees decorated and displayed at John S. Knight Center will take your breath away. This is an event that has happened for the last thirty years and will likely go on for double that amount of time. Everyone loves this Holiday Tree Festival!
December Winter Festivals in Ohio
On the 5th of December, there are many events happening around Ohio. For instance, in Canton, Ohio (only about a thirty-minute drive from Akron) there is the Light Up Downtown celebration. The children will be thrilled to see a magical elf, lights and decorations.
A mere 21 minutes north of Akron in Peninsula, there is the Peninsula Candlelight Walk, a traditional walk through the village holding lighted candles. This is a moving celebration of the holiday. Later, on the 7th, Christmas in Peninsula really begins with train rides, photos of the kids with Santa and much more.
Also on December 7 there is the Hilliard Hollyfest to consider for more holiday fun! It’s a two hour drive but worth every minute. More arts and crafts, with jewelry, clothing and homemade items you can take home with you. People come from all over for this fun affair, and you should have this on your festival itinerary.
January Winter Festivals in Ohio
After all the Christmas celebrations at home, it is time to get out and about again. This time head to the Loudonville Winter Fest, also known as the Mohican Winter Fest. On 10 and 11 January in Loudonville, you will enjoy this free event and all the ice carvings and sculptures.
February Winter Festivals in Ohio
February offers some great family festivals for Akron residents and visitors. The one-hour and thirty-minute drive to Sandusky is going to put you at the Sandusky’s Arctic Ice Festival. On February 1 and 2 you can discover such great adventures as ice boat races, cross-country skiing, sledding and ice skating. Warm up at the Soup Cook-off downtown. Trolley rides and more activities await you here!
From February 15 to 18 you need to schedule in the Medina Ice Festival. This is a celebration with marvelous live music, great contests and delicious foods. The festival is free and is only 34 minutes from Akron.
One of the most popular festivals in Ohio occurs on February the 16th – the Brite Winter Festival in Cleveland. Stand comfortably by a roaring fire in between adventures such as the winter games and attending some musical performances.
In Columbus, the Arnold Sports Festival is definitely something to behold if you get the opportunity. From February 27 to March 2 you can take in something like a combination of sports show/competition/fitness fun. Find out what all the top athletes are using for energy and strength. They will be there displaying them in their booths. Free samples alone are worth the trip! If a sports enthusiast, you will love this.
March and April Festivals in Ohio
Maybe we are moving slightly out of the wintertime mode here, but March and April offer some wonderful festivals too! The Maple Fest at Malabar Farms is the first of March.
Only thirty minutes away is the Buzzard Sunday in Hinckley where the return of these amazing birds is the focus.
And on St. Patrick’s Day, there is the event known as St. Patrick’s Day in Cleveland with a marvelous parade.
And in April, it’s the Geauga County Maple Fest in Chardon for live entertainment, a parade, the exciting lumberjack competition and bathtub races. There is so much happening, you have to attend to believe it.
That covers the festivals around Akron for now. Stay tuned in the Spring for more.
About the Author
Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States.
