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The holiday season is upon us, and Ohio is buzzing with festive cheer! From twinkling light displays to festive markets, and from snow-filled wonderlands to merry performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. As your trusted banking partner, Middlefield Bank is excited to share our top picks for holiday events and activities throughout Ohio this December.

Cleveland/Akron and Northeast Ohio

Wild Winter Nights

Stroll through an illuminated winter wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights—including holiday-themed areas such as Enchanted Forest, Swan Lake, Candy Lane, Polar Pathway, and more. Enjoy some delicious treats as you walk through.

• When: November 14 – December 30
• Details: Wild Winter Lights Presented by NOPEC | Cleveland Metroparks

House from A Christmas Story

Visit the iconic house from the beloved holiday movie, featuring decorations, exhibits, and even a leg lamp or two! This residence offers year-round tours and even the option for overnight stays. There’s even a gift shop for last-minute Christmas shopping.

• When: December 1-30
• Details: House From A Christmas Story

Cleveland Orchestra's Holiday Concerts

Get into the holiday spirit with the Cleveland Orchestra's festive performances at Severance Hall. You can even bring your kiddos to meet Santa, capture special moments with photo opportunities, savor delicious cookies and warm up at their cozy hot cocoa bar, letter-writing station! Additional cookies and beverages will also be available a la cart for parents.

• When: December 11-22
• Details: Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts (2024)

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens' Deck the Halls

With over 1.4 million stunning holiday lights and the Manor House decorated in a beautiful fashion—this is a must-see this holiday season. You can also visit Santa in Rudolph’s Corral through 12/23. Plus, before or after your tour, buy a hot gingerbread cookie and cocoa (or beer and wine if that’s more your style). They even have pretzels!

• When: December 5-23, 26-30
• Details: Deck the Hall | Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Akron Zoo's Wild Nights

Enjoy a festive evening at the zoo, featuring animal encounters, Santa, treats, and twinkling lights. Plus, see what trouble the Grinch can get into from Dec 1-29. If you brought your party pants, the Rockin’ Lighted Spectacular has animated lights set to music for a holiday dance party! Buy a glass of beer or add an adult jolt to your hot cocoa and coffee.

• When: November 29 – December 30
• Details: Wild Lights | Akron Zoo

The Akron Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert

Get into the holiday spirit with a festive performance at the Akron Civic Theatre. Bring your friends and family to sing along to your favorite holiday tunes, enjoy dazzling musical performances, and create magical memories this season!

• When: December 13
• Details: Holiday Pops 2024 - Akron Symphony Orchestra

Columbus and Central Ohio

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights

Marvel at the zoo's stunning light display, featuring over a million lights and festive animal exhibits. Admission is included with your regular Zoo admission or Columbus Zoo membership. To catch a glimpse of the animals before they retreat for the evening, be sure to arrive early and enjoy the Zoo lights afterward.

• When: November 22 – January 5
• Details: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Wildlights Zoo Lights

Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons

The first three weekends in December mark this fun event. Attendees can enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and for the adults—a bar serving up hot, boozy beverages. The Wanderlights Trolley Tour provides a perfect view of Downtown’s dazzling light displays and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s butterfly-themed light show.

• When: December 6, 13 and 20
• Details: Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons - Downtown Columbus

See “The Nutcracker” Ballet at Columbus Theater

A wonderful holiday tradition, take your family to see BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker.” Gorgeous costumes and sets, magnificent dancing and Tchaikovsky’s glorious score make this show a must-see. Book tickets today.

• When: December 28
• Details: BalletMet Columbus - The Nutcracker - Ohio Theater Columbus, OH - Tickets, information, reviews

Gift of the Craftsman Sale at the Ohio Craft Museum

Visit this event for unique gifts handcrafted by nearly 200 artists across the country, including jewelry, glassware, pottery, plush animals, winter accessories, and original holiday cards. The perfect place to grab a gift for someone special—or yourself!

• When: November 3 – December 23
• Details: Gifts of the Craftsmen - Holiday Exhibition & Sale - Ohio Designer Craftsmen

Cincinnati and Southwest Ohio

Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights

Explore the zoo's dazzling light display, featuring over 2.5 million lights and festive animal exhibits. Additionally, admire the beauty of 5 million LED lights, visitors can find the five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake, or snack at one their seasonal concessions.

• When: November 21 – January 5
• Details: PNC Festival of Lights - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Newport Aquarium's Scuba Santa

Dive into the holiday spirit with Scuba Santa, featuring underwater gift-giving and festive fun. It’s a Water Wonderland full of playful penguins, colorful holiday lights and a flurry of magical bubbles.

• When: November 29 – December 24
• Details: Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland | Newport Aquarium

Cincinnati Ballet's “The Nutcracker”

Enjoy a classic holiday performance at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. They are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of “The Nutcracker” in Cincinnati.

• When: December 19-29
• Details: The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family - Cincinnati Ballet

Christkindlmarkt

Experience a traditional German Christmas market at the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt, including artisanal gits, festive food, and live entertainment!

• When: November 22 – January 5
• Details: Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House 2024 Free

Holiday Shopping with Middlefield Bank

This holiday season, make the most of your shopping with Middlefield Bank's credit card offers. We have five great options from the bank you know best:

• Rewards Platinum Visa® - Earn Unlimited Reward Points. Earn one point per dollar on all net purchases. Choose from hundreds of merchandise, travel and activity options.¹
• CashRewards Platinum Visa® - Earn 1% cash back on all net purchases.¹
• Platinum Edition Visa®   - No penalty APR and competitive rates*.
• Secured Platinum Visa® - Build or Re-Build Your Credit. The card that helps you build or re-build your credit.
• Visa® Signature - Bonus Rewards and Travel Perks. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points when you spend $2,500 in the first 3 months. Earn 1.5 points per dollar on all your net purchases.

Apply for a Middlefield Banking Company credit card today and start earning rewards on your holiday shopping! Click here for more details.

Stay warm and Happy Holidays from Middlefield Bank!

* See the card application’s Important Disclosures for current terms, rates and fees. This card is issued by TCM Bank, N.A. Subject to credit approval.
¹Available with Rewards Platinum and Cash Rewards Platinum credit cards only. To access rewards, your account must be open and in good standing.