Longing for a more relaxing version of the holidays this year? Look no further than Historic Roscoe Village, located in Coshocton, Ohio.
Roscoe Village is a canal-era neighborhood filled with charming historic buildings, many of which were built in the 1830s. These buildings offer a glimpse into the past, but are now home to modern shops, restaurants and pubs.
Imagine strolling the historic street with a bit of snow in the air, evergreens and lit trees along the walks, candles in the windows, a welcoming light to all who come.
The village’s small businesses are filled with special gifts, many made locally. Restaurants include Texas-style barbeque, American-fare steaks and burgers, gourmet hotdogs and made-to-order subs and salads.
There’s even a shop filled with candy! There’s no hustle and bustle in Historic Roscoe Village, just a charming village waiting for you to explore.
If history piques your interest, be sure to add the Living History Tour to your visit. Tours are self-guided and allow guests to visit exhibits on their own, at their own pace, no tour guide necessary.
Guests will find video kiosks in each living history building and costumed interpreters in some. The tour begins at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center and includes a short film about what life was like on the canals in the early 1800’s. Exhibits include The Schoolhouse, Doctor’s House and Mrs. Johnson’s Kitchen, Doctor Johnson’s Office, The Print Shop and The Broom Squire. The Blacksmith Shop and Antique Toy exhibits are open most weekends.
The first two Saturdays in December are Candlelighting Days. “The first Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony took place in 1968,” said Roscoe Village Director Casey Brown, “and has been a yearly tradition ever since.” Families can enjoy a day of shopping and special activities that may include carolers, roasted chestnuts, visits with Santa, and crafts followed by the Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony, which begins at 6 pm in the center of the village. Gather at the base of the village’s giant Christmas tree with friends old and new to remember times past, hear stories, and see the 30-foot tree be lighted.
The passing of the candlelight from one person to another is magical. As the light brightens the darkness, so does the sound of Silent Night, which is sung throughout the crowd. “The ceremony marks the beginning of the holidays for many families,” says Brown. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to share hot apple cider and cookies prepared by the village’s shop owners.
“Our Holiday Lantern Tour is truly special,” says Brown, “and is also an annual tradition for many.” Offered only two evenings each year, the tour takes place following the Candlelighting Ceremony. Dates for the Lantern Tour are December 3 and 10, 2022. Costumed Interpreters lead guests through the village’s Living History exhibits, sharing stories of the holiday traditions that were popular during the 1800’s. “The tour always sells out,” says Brown, “so it’s important to make your reservations early at RoscoeVillage.com.”
Other events round out the holiday season in Coshocton, making it easy for guests to stay for the weekend. Saturday, December 3 is a special shopping day throughout Coshocton, featuring the Shops of Roscoe Village and those in the Historic Downtown District.
The Jingle Bell Shop Hop offers a limited number of tickets for a day of shopping, with free gifts at each participating shop. With over thirty locally owned shops in Historic Roscoe Village and Coshocton’s Downtown Historic District, there is something for everyone, even your furry friends!
Coshocton shops are filled with locally made goods, antiques, and rustic finds. Many establishments are owned by multi-generational families, and many are housed in century-old buildings, with the original features restored and maintained to showcase each building’s unique architecture. Refreshments and merriment are sure to be a big part of the day, and it’s rumored that Santa will even make an appearance! Details at OurTownCoshocton.org.
The Live “drive-through” Nativity will be held December 9-10 at The Coshocton Christian Tabernacle. The ten-minute journey follows a luminary-lit drive and includes the birth and life of Christ. This annual tradition is more than a quarter century old. Find details at CoshoctonTab.org.
Sunday, December 4 is the Coshocton Community Choir’s 52nd Annual Christmas Concert. Featuring the talents of more than 200 singers and musicians, this concert marks the beginning of the Advent season with classical and contemporary music celebrating the traditions of Christmas through stories and songs. Check CoshoctonCommunityChoir.org for more information.
On Saturday, December 10, a Christmas Crafters show will be held at the Lock Landing in Roscoe Village Visitors’ Center. Area bakers, artists and crafters will be there throughout the day for leisurely browsing.
Other activities available in Coshocton County include area Cut-Your-Own Christmas Tree Farms and the Three Rivers Wine Trail. For details, lodging information and a complete list of shops and restaurants, see VisitCoshocton.com.
Visit Historic Roscoe Village at Christmas
