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Nutcracker Village Steubenville

A popcorn vendor at the nutcracker village

Nestled in the Ohio Valley, just a scenic drive along the Ohio River, is a magical village that comes alive during the Christmas season. In 2015 Nelson’s Gifts, afamily-run wood manufacturing business, partnering with the Old Fort Steuben Project, created an event with a village of 37 life-size nutcrackers in the likeness of numerous characters.

Now in its fourth year in Steubenville, the Nutcracker Village and Advent Market has not only grown in visitor attendance, but the number of nutcrackers has increased considerably. Contributions from local businesses, clubs, schools, and individuals have allowed nutcrackers to be custom-built for the village, resulting in this year’s total of over 150.

Nutcracker

Nutcrackers have been named, designed and clothed in anything imaginable. These characters are six feet tall and some represent the town’s dentist, doctor and lawyer. There are favorite fantasy characters, real-life heroes, movie and television characters, and sports teams. Included are the cast of The Wizard of Oz, an Ohio State University football player, astronaut John Glenn and Steubenville-native Dean Martin.

Experience the magic of each nutcracker while walking through Nutcracker Avenue, a sidewalk in Fort Steuben Park which includes a tunnel lined with Christmas lights. Figures are on exhibit waiting for their names to be read and their pictures to be taken.

If you wait patiently, Father Christmas will make an appearance walking throughout the village. Towards the end of the park is the visitor’s center with a Christmas-themed retail store. Outside the store is a life-size nutcracker nativity set. A free hayride through the area will allow for lots of photo opportunities.

At the entrance to the park, a beautiful 30-foot Christmas tree welcomes you to the Advent Market, which consists of vendors and local businesses branching out from their downtown locations. Froehlich’s Classic Corner and Leonardo’s Coffee Shoppe are local favorites.

Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe provides the opportunity to purchase your favorite nutcracker in the old-fashioned miniature size. The year 2017 marked the unveiling of a nostalgically enchanting painting of the Nutcracker Village by Dave Barnhouse. It is available on coffee mugs and t-shirts as a remembrance of your visit.

Nutcracker

The Nutcracker Village is a memorable experience for visitors to appreciate something familiar in a magically creative and impressive way. The 2018 event opens on Friday, November 23, and the display is open 24/7 through January 5.The Advent Marketis open Friday through Sunday each weekend through December 30. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays 3pm-8pm and Sundays 1pm–6pm. For more information, see the website SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com.

Nutcracker Village Steubenville

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