There’s nothing like visiting a local Christmas event to get into the holiday spirit and Steubenville, Ohio has one of the best for you.
Since 2015, the town transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Its main feature is the Steubenville Nutcracker Village. Starting with just 35 life-sized original nutcrackers depicting characters from literature, art, music, and entertainment, the collection has grown each year, and with the addition of 5 new nutcrackers this season there will be over 200 on display 24/7 throughout the historic business district on 4th Street from November 24, 2023 through January 6, 2024.
All the nutcrackers are designed and produced locally by the creative elves at Nelson’s of Steubenville. From the members of the Rat Pack to the characters of the Nutcracker Ballet and a huge variety of figures from history and the professions, the nutcrackers provide excellent opportunities for making family memories and taking selfies. A map and contest for finding the Nutcrackers will be available to involve all the family. Check the website www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com.
The community has developed other attractions to add to the event including a Holiday Market and Christmas at the Fort. Set up under a canopy of lights and music in Fort Steuben Park, the weekend Market offers gifts, décor, and foods of the season. Choirs and singers entertain and two scale model trains chug-chug around the 32’ Christmas Tree while St. Nicholas strolls among the visitors. Lights and music in the “forest of animated trees” in Fort Steuben Park add to the fun. The 18th century Historic Fort Steuben is open for tours at a nominal fee. Inside the Visitor Center, there is a model train village on display, a show and sale by local artists, and the Fort Gift Shop stocked with holiday items as well as books, toys, and souvenirs. See the website www.oldfortsteuben.com.
The downtown streets are decorated with 25 live Christmas trees with a tree decorating competition for local non-profits that viewers can vote for. Students from the local schools have decorated store fronts to enhance the holiday spirit. The Jefferson County Courthouse glitters with a holiday light show on Friday and Saturday evenings. Hayrides and Trolley Rides will carry visitors around the historic downtown and City of Murals.
The Public Library of Steubenville & Jefferson County offers a Nutcracker Storywalk among the trees and nutcrackers on 4th Street, so visitors can search for pages and enjoy a seasonal classic while they walk.
The Children’s Corner on 4th and Market Streets will be open on weekends with free crafts, games, performances, and photos with Father Christmas. A Sanctuary Garden with a beautiful Nativity creche will be located at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Leonardo’s Coffeehouse on N. 4th Street will have a Museum of Classical Christmas Masterpieces displayed on their 2nd floor. North 4th Street will also be the site of the German Gluhwein Garden, where visitors can sip on mulled wine and bask in Bavarian charm. Other shops along the street will have special holiday sales and offerings.
No holiday event is complete without a parade and the Steubenville Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade will process down 4th Street at noon on December 2 with bands, dancers, and floats to celebrate the season.
Another popular way to join the fun is to participate in the Saint Nicholas Day Lantern Parade. St. Nicholas and companions will begin at First Westminster Presbyterian Church and lead lantern-bearers, bellringers, angels and mortals to the Creche at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, singing hymns and spreading the joy of the Christmas season.
Other holiday events include Christmas concerts and music workshops, a Nutcracker Ball, a Nutcracker Tea Party, and a Holiday Hike at Beatty Park.
For information on these as well as lodging and dining options in Steubenville, contact the Steubenville Visitor Center by phone (740.283.1787), email info@visitsteubenville.com, or stopping by 120 S. 3rd Street, Steubenville OH 43952.
