The Holiday Season Shines With Nutcrackers, Lights, And Cheer
Every winter, Steubenville, Ohio, comes alive with the sights and sounds of the season. Downtown glows with twinkling lights, music fills the streets, and families gather to celebrate traditions both old and new. This year promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with holiday favorites returning along with new experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Lights Up the Night
The season kicks off on Friday, November 28, with Steubenville’s Light Up the Night celebration at Fort Steuben Park. A Holiday Market will open in Christmas Tree Plaza, featuring handmade crafts, festive food, and unique gifts.
The evening builds to a blessing of the city’s 32-foot Christmas tree before the crowd joins together for the big countdown. When the tree lights up, fireworks burst overhead, followed by a dazzling light show projected onto the Jefferson County Courthouse. This is when you know Christmas has truly arrived.
Nutcracker Village
One of Steubenville’s most loved traditions is the Nutcracker Village, returning for its 11th year. More than 200 life-sized nutcrackers are displayed throughout downtown, each designed with creativity and personality. On November 25, a kickoff party on N. 4th Street will reveal new nutcrackers, along with music, shopping, local craft beer, and steaming cups of gluhwein.
Throughout the season, special events add to the celebration: an abridged performance of The Nutcracker by Canton Ballet, the whimsical Wooden Heart Follies musical, the lantern parade, and even a Nutcracker Masquerade Ball. Whether you stroll the streets by day or night, these nutcrackers bring a playful sense of wonder to the holidays.
Christmas at the Fort
From November 28 through December 28, Historic Fort Steuben hosts Christmas at the Fort, a family favorite filled with activities for all ages. Visitors can enjoy singing trees, puppet shows, movies, Holly Trolley rides, and photos with St. Nicholas. A life-sized German Christmas Pyramid and festive light displays add to the old-world charm.
Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll find a Christmas Shoppe, a model train village, and an art exhibit from the Steubenville Art Association. For history lovers, self-guided tours of the reconstructed 18th-century fort are available for a small fee.
Plan Your Visit to Steubenville this Christmas
With sparkling lights, lively markets, and holiday traditions that blend history and creativity, Steubenville offers a holiday season worth making part of your own family story. Event schedules and maps are available at Leonardo’s Coffeehouse on N. 4th Street or online at SteubenvilleNutcrackerVillage.com and VisitSteubenville.com.
This Christmas, bundle up, bring your loved ones, and experience the magic of Steubenville.
