Winter is the time for reconnection, being together and finding fun ways to celebrate the season. Here in Knox County, our charming villages and downtown Main Street know a thing or two about bringing cheer to the holidays. Gathering with family and friends calls for new adventures and fun to be had; so if you are home for the holidays, starting a new tradition, shopping for your ‘nice’ list or just need an energizing getaway, start here with us.
Here are some itineraries to inspire your winter adventures!
Follow the links to learn more about the event or point of interest.
Festive Family Fun
The table is set, the kids are home and the extended family is on their way to visit. Give your family (and friends) the experience of a new tradition and exciting fun.
November 29th - December 1st
Join Mount Vernon Arts Consortium as they bring A Christmas Carol to life on the historic, Knox Memorial Theater. The ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. You don’t want to miss this beloved family classic live on stage.
Local Tip: The Sunday matinee lines up perfectly to close the curtain right when the Experience Mount Vernon Annual Holiday Parade kicks off. Watch the curtain fall on great show, then walk a block down East Vine to watch the holiday spirit spread through downtown.
December 1st
Experience Mount Vernon brings the ‘Hallmark holiday magic’ to Main Street as they kick off the season. The Annual Holiday Parade lines the streets with excitement, cheer and treats. Grab a bite to eat, hot cocoa for your stroll (Local Tip: Ask the baristas at Happy Bean for extra peppermint in yours!) and enjoy the family fun happening on the square. Once Santa makes his way down Main Street, it’s your chance to meet the big guy at Pictures with Santa at The Mount Vernon Grand Hotel.
Other Festive Family Fun events….
The Nutcracker Presented By Central Ohio Youth Ballet
Breakfast with Santa Presented by Knox County Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Claus’ Workshop Presented by Woodward Opera House and PAKUnited
Handcrafted Holidays
You’re a creative thinker, a thoughtful gift giver and a lover of all things local. Stroll and shop through these events to find something for everyone on your list.
November 24th
Local artisans and glass blowers, The Coleman Family invites you to join them on their farm for their Christmas Seconds Sale at The Coleman Family Farm. Enjoy award-winning artisans share glass blowing demos and leave with a one of a kind piece for that one of a kind person.
Local Tip: If you can’t make it out to the event, visit Vicki at her shop in Downtown Mount Vernon, The Coleman Gallery. Looking for a unique stay while in town, the upstairs of the gallery is a BNB, Coleman Gallery Suite!
November 30th
Experience Mount Vernon welcomes you to downtown to meet and shop with wonderful local shop owners, artists, creatives and entrepreneurs as they open their doors for Shop Small Saturday. Every Main Street across the country has its own unique story - and choosing to shop local helps our communities thrive. Beyond that, you’ll be able to give a local treasure or unique find to the ones you love this season.
Local Tip: Shop Small Saturday in Downtown Mount Vernon is DORA Approved; turning ‘sipping and shopping’ into our new favorite weekend activity! DORA is just beer and wine, but here’s a link to some of our favorite places to sip this season.
Other Handcrafted Holidays events….
The Rural Society Holiday Sale
Fredericktown Annual Christmas Walk
Sundays on the Square Holiday Market
Local Tip: The Blonde Robin (Danville), The Brickhouse Grind (Fredericktown), The Burg Cafe (Centerburg) and Wiggin Street Coffee (Gambier) are great spots to grab a handcrafted coffee or festive beverage to fuel your weekend of shopping.
Wild Wonderland
You’ve wrapped up your meetings, silenced your phone and now it’s time to reconnect with the peace of the outdoors. Skip the commercials and tune in for some unexplored paths throughout Knox County.
December 14th
The Knox County Park District is excited to welcome back, Fire & Ice at Honey Run Waterfall. The Honey Run Waterfall stretches 25 feet and is carved out of blackhand sandstone; similar to the ecosystems found in Hocking Hills in southeastern Ohio. Started in 2014, to benefit the local Food For the Hungry initiatives, this event brings curious explorers to the park during a time most wouldn’t consider. Pathways lit by thousands of luminaries, while the waterfall is frozen (or covered with snow) gives attendees a magical evening beneath the trees and stars. More event information coming soon!
December 14th
If you think Ohio winters are cold, try Antartica! As a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions, Sandy Reed recently traveled to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and Antarctica. Meet at the Brown Family Environmental Center to hear Sandy share stories from her chilly travels, wildlife encounters and history surrounding her most recent trek.
Local Tip: Bundle up, arrive early, grab a BFEC map and hit the trails! The Labyrinth Trail during the winter is serene and leads you on a winding trail right by the Kokosing State Scenic River.
Other Wild Wonderland stops….
Wolf Run Regional Park (bring your four-legged friend!)
Knox Lake (did someone say ice fishing?)
Ackerman Nature Preserve (a birders paradise!)
Local Tip: Before you enjoy hunting & trapping this winter in Knox County, stop by Danville Outdoors. Their new storefront is filled with all your outdoor needs; don’t forget the snacks! Here is Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Hunting and Trapping schedule for 2024-2025.