LIGHTS, MUSIC & NUTCRACKERS
Looking for a holiday destination with family-centered displays, activities, and events? Look no further than Steubenville in eastern Ohio which has become a mecca for Christmas lovers.
It began eight years ago with the creation of the Steubenville Nutcracker Village. Starting with just 35 life-sized original nutcrackers depicting characters from literature, art, music, and entertainment, the collection has grown to 200 on display 24/7 throughout the historic business district on 4th Street in downtown Steubenville from November 22, 2022 through January 7, 2023.
All the nutcrackers are designed and produced locally by the creative elves at Nelson’s of Steubenville. From the characters of the Wizard of Oz to the members of the Rat Pack and a huge variety of figures from history and the professions, the nutcrackers provide excellent opportunities for making family memories and taking selfies. www.steubenvillenutcrackervillage.com
Additional attractions have developed alongside the Nutcracker Village including a Holiday Market and Christmas at the Fort. Set up under a canopy of lights and music in Fort Steuben Park, the Market offers gifts, décor, and foods of the season. Choirs and singers gather around the 32’ Christmas Tree while St. Nicholas strolls among the visitors. New this year will be a “forest of animated trees” in Fort Steuben Park. The 18th century Fort Steuben is open for tours at a nominal fee. Inside the Visitor Center, a model train village is on display and the Fort Gift Shop is stocked with holiday items as well as books, toys, and souvenirs. 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 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 & Market Streets will be open on weekends with free crafts, games, performances, and photos with Fr. Christmas.
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 3rd with bands, dancers, and floats to celebrate the season.
After a lapse of two years, the original musical production Wooden Heart Follies is returning this season. Created by veteran community theater actors, directors, and playwrights John and Von Holmes, the play brings to life nine nutcrackers, using the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite with comic lyrics added. The story begins once upon a time in a magical land called Steubenville, where the mad scientist nutcracker falls in love with his human designer and turns the Nutcracker Village upside down. Audiences will discover whether nutcrackers really do like sugar plums, and whether or not wooden hearts can fall in love. The production will run December 1-4; tickets can be found at www.woodenheartfollies.com.
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.
Steubenville Ohio Nutcracker Village
