Celebrate the Holidays in Steubenville, Ohio: Top Things to Do in 2024
Known for its strong community spirit, historical charm, and vibrant celebrations, Steubenville offers an array of holiday-themed activities perfect for families and individuals looking to get into the Christmas spirit. From the iconic Nutcracker Village to parades, holiday shopping, and performances, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best things to do during the holiday season in Steubenville.
1. Steubenville Nutcracker Village
Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village has become a beloved tradition, drawing people from all over the region to experience its charm. Running from November 21, 2024, to January 6, 2025, this open-air exhibit features over 200 life-size Nutcracker characters, each uniquely designed and hand-painted. As you stroll through the village, you'll find yourself immersed in a winter fairy tale, with twinkling lights and a festive atmosphere.
But the Nutcracker Village isn’t just about the nutcrackers. Located in Historic Downtown Steubenville, the village also hosts several special events, including:
Christmas Market (November 24 – December 23): Local artisans and vendors offer handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal foods, making it the perfect spot for holiday shopping.
Nutcracker Village Opening Night Street Party: 5 NEW nutcrackers will be revealed Tuesday and we want to welcome them with a big street party!
The Nutcracker Story Walk: In collaboration with the Steubenville & Jefferson County Library, Pick up a map and guide from Leonardo’s Coffee on 4th street, complete the storywalk, and pick up a prize when you’re done!
The Children’s Corner: Facilitated by volunteers from Hilltop Montessori School in Steubenville, you can escape the cold to for free face painting, Christmas Crafts, photos with Santa, holiday games, and more!
The Nutcracker Village is a fantastic way to kick off your holiday festivities, offering something for every member of the family.
2. Christmas at the Fort
Historic Fort Steuben is another key destination during the holiday season in Steubenville. Christmas at the Fort runs concurrently with the Nutcracker Village, enhancing the holiday experience with a focus on history, tradition, and community.
Fort Steuben Park will be decked out with Christmas lights, adding a festive glow to the winter evenings. Visitors can take guided tours of the Fort Steuben Museum, explore historical exhibits, and shop at the Fort Steuben Christmas Gift Shoppe. The gift shop offers unique, handcrafted gifts, perfect for anyone seeking one-of-a-kind holiday presents.
In addition to the Gift Shoppe, you can experience a 32-foot tall Christmas tree that lights up the night, along with illuminated holiday scenes and decorations throughout the park. Don’t miss the Annual Advent Market, which features stalls selling holiday treats, decorations, and gifts.
3. Steubenville Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade
A classic holiday staple in Steubenville, the Sights and Sounds of Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at noon. Held along Fourth Street, this grand parade brings together the entire community for an afternoon of festive cheer. The parade features marching bands, colorful floats, dancers, and, of course, Santa Claus!
The theme for this year’s parade is "Steubenville Christmas Magic," and participants are encouraged to decorate their floats with a bit of holiday sparkle. It’s a great family-friendly event that captures the joy and community spirit of Steubenville during the holiday season. The four-block route allows plenty of space for spectators, so bring a chair and some hot cocoa, and settle in for an afternoon of holiday fun.
4. Old Fashioned Christmas Concert
Get ready for a magical & free evening on December 9th at 6:30PM at the Old Fashioned Christmas Concert at Sycamore Youth Center, featuring 20 of the top young artists in the area! Each artist will perform one beloved Christmas song in a festive setting, with Sycamore decked out in beautiful 1940s-inspired decorations.
During intermission, guests can enjoy food and drinks from that era, making it a nostalgic and immersive experience. Perfect for the whole family, this evening promises food, fun, and a heartwarming holiday atmosphere that everyone will love!
5. Letters to Santa
While you’re grabbing a warm drink at Leonardo’s Coffee on 4th street, go next door to write a letter to Fr. Christmas (or Santa. Or St Nick….) and mail it out through the special Santa Mailbox right outside of Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe!
Leave your own address in the letter and rumor has it he will write you back! You can pick up a postcard to write on at Drosselmeyer’s Nutcracker Shoppe.
Santa Mailbox Located at:
155 N. 4th Street
Steubenville OH 43952
6. German Gluhwein Garden
Get a mug of hot mulled wine or cider and enjoy the charm of Eastern European Christmas! Located at 156 N. 4th Street, Steubenville, OH 43952 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only! Wine provided by Black Sheep Vineyards. Garden sponsored by WTRF!
7. The 2024 St. Nicholas Day Lantern Parade
This year, the Lantern Parade will take place on December 6 St. Nicholas' Feast Day. We will gather at the parking lot of First Westminster Presbyterian Church (235 N. 4th St.) and at 7PM, process 3 blocks down the center of 4th Street to the Nativity Creche in the Sanctuary Garden at St. Paul's Church (415 Adams Street). Anyone is welcome to join the parade and participants are invited to make & bring their own lanterns and bells to ring!
You can register to take part in the parade here.
8. Polar Express Hayrides
November 26 - January 5 Ride the Polar Express Hayride! Everyone rides for free! Pick up @ 156 N. 4th Street every half hour between 6PM-8PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
9. The Nutcracker Tea Party @ Leonardo’s
Enjoy tea and treats at the annual Nutcracker Tea Party at Leonardo’s 3rd floor ballroom! Tickets fly fast, so make sure you grab yours as soon as they become available! December 14th, 2024 3-5pm.
XOXO,
Steubie
PS. The holiday season in Steubenville, Ohio, is truly something special. With a rich array of events and activities, this charming town comes alive with the spirit of Christmas, offering something for everyone. Whether you're wandering through the magical Nutcracker Village, enjoying the festive lights, or shopping for unique gifts, Steubenville is the perfect destination for holiday cheer. Be sure to mark your calendar and join in the festivities that make this town a magical place during the most wonderful time of the year.
