Experience The Wonder Of The Holidays In Scioto County
As the winter chill settles in, something magical is stirring within the small towns of Scioto County, Ohio. The holidays are here, representing a heartfelt celebration of community, tradition, and the simple joys that make Christmas special. From the twinkling lights of the historic Otway Covered Bridge to the moving underground experience of the Christmas Cave, Scioto County offers a unique blend of holiday events. Each one will fill your heart with the season’s warmth as you discover the joy of a small-town Christmas.
Kicking Off the Holidays in Otway: A True Small-Town Christmas Celebration
The holiday season in Scioto County kicks off with the Otway Community Christmas on Saturday, November 30, 2024. The town comes alive with festive cheer as families gather to celebrate at the Redbird Christmas event at the Otway Community Center. From 12 to 5 p.m., enjoy a cozy lunch of homemade soups and grilled cheese, surrounded by beautifully decorated Christmas trees up for silent auction. Live music fills the air while local artisans showcase their handmade treasures.
No Christmas celebration is complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus. From 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., the Otway Gym becomes a winter wonderland. Children can meet the jolly couple, share their Christmas wishes, and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies. The joy in their eyes captures the true magic of the season.
As evening falls, the historic Otway Covered Bridge, draped in twinkling lights, becomes the centerpiece of the celebration. Drive through the illuminated bridge, where Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet you with candy canes. Christmas carols and a live nativity scene remind everyone of the season’s true meaning. End the night with a peaceful walk along a luminary-lit path at Brush Creek Township Park, a moment of quiet reflection in the crisp night air.
An Enchanting Underground Journey: The Christmas Cave
Just a short drive from Otway, holiday magic awaits in Minford. Experience one of Ohio’s most unique Christmas displays: the Christmas Cave. Each year, the White Gravel Mines are transformed, their natural beauty serving as the perfect backdrop for the powerful story of Jesus’ birth. Walking through the tunnels, you’re greeted by carefully crafted scenes, each softly illuminated by thousands of lights. This journey through the critical moments of the nativity story brings the Christmas story to life like never before.
Each display invites you to pause, reflect, and connect with the true meaning of Christmas. In the quiet of the caves, the hustle and bustle of the season fades away, offering a moment of peace and contemplation. The Christmas Cave provides a serene space to connect with the spirit of the season in a way like you never have before.
Beyond Christmas, the caves host other significant events, including the Easter religious dramas. These moving performances depict the life, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus, offering a deep spiritual experience. The caves’ natural acoustics and atmosphere enhance these events, making them a unique destination for those seeking spiritual enrichment and a deeper connection to the natural world throughout the year.
Joy and Laughter: Winter Fest in Portsmouth
Portsmouth’s Winterfest rounds out the holiday celebrations in Scioto County. Named by the Hallmark Channel as its 2019 Hometown Christmas Town, Portsmouth embodies the joy and nostalgia of a small-town Christmas.
Winter Fest runs from November 29 through December 29 and is perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking to embrace the festive spirit. Take a spin on the ice rink, snuggle up with hot cocoa on a horse-drawn carriage ride, or enjoy the company of loved ones. Winterfest offers moments of happiness and togetherness that are the essence of the holidays.
New this year, a walk-through light display promises to be a highlight. It stretches through the festival grounds and keeps the holiday spirit alive into January. In addition, there will be over 20 life-size displays at the Three Bridges Concert Venue.
You can enjoy Market Square in downtown Portsmouth throughout the week. However, the ice skating rink, vendor village, food trucks, and gift shop are open Thursday through Sunday.
Visit the Friends of Portsmouth Facebook page for up-to-date information on all the festivities.
A Small-Town Christmas to Remember in Scioto County
In Scioto County, Christmas celebrations are more than just events. These heartfelt traditions unite people and help create memories that long outlast the tinsel and wrap. From the warmth of community gatherings in Otway to the journey through the Christmas Cave, the season in Scioto County is truly special. Moreover, with the festive celebrations at Winter Fest, every moment tugs at the heart. Each beautifully reminds us of what Christmas is all about.
So this year, make your way to Scioto County, Ohio, for a small-town Christmas. Experience the magic of the season. Connect with the warmth of community, and celebrate the holidays in a place where Christmas isn’t just a time of the year. The feeling stays with you long after the lights come down.
To discover more about this captivating area throughout the year, visit Explore Scioto.
