There’s a chill in the air and snow is just around the corner. That means it’s time for Santa to start planning his route around the country for photo ops, pancake breakfasts, train rides, and all of those wonderful traditions that bring smiles to the faces of kids from one to 92.
Everyone’s favorite North Pole dweller always makes plenty of stops in Hocking Hills. Here’s where you will find him this year:
Santa Train
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad’s Santa Train is an annual event not to be missed! The train departs from Nelsonville Depot at 11 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm Saturdays from November 30 to December 21. The round trip adventure takes about two hours. Make your reservations now as some departures are already sold out!
Breakfast with Santa at Adena Mansion and Gardens
December 7 is shaping up to be a busy day for Santa (see the Logan Santa Parade and the Winter Carnival Downtown Tree Lighting in Lancaster), so he needs to start off with a good breakfast. Adena Mansion and Gardens will open for a special holiday weekend on December 7 and 8, and it all begins with a Saturday morning Santa breakfast. The event is schedule for 9 to 11 am and includes breakfast, ornament-making, cookie-decorating, and other fun activities. Click here for the event flyer.
Logan Santa Parade
Every year, the city of Logan celebrates the season in fine style, with bands, floats, and of course the big man himself! This year’s Logan Santa Parade is on December 7. The parade departs the Hocking County Fairgrounds at 2 pm, but the fun starts beforehand at the Logan Town Center. At the conclusion of the parade, Logan will officially light up for the holidays. For more information, visit the Logan-Hocking Chamber of Commerce.
Winter Carnival Downtown Tree Lighting, Lancaster
After the parade in Logan, follow Santa up the road to Lancaster, where he will be available for pictures at the Winter Carnival Downtown Tree Lighting. The party gets going on December 7 at 6 pm in downtown Lancaster with free refreshments and music by the Fisher Catholic Choral Ensemble. There will also be horse-drawn carriage rides and a market where local artisans and craftspeople will be selling their wares. Bring the whole family and officially start the countdown to Christmas.
Christmas in Ash Cave
On Saturday, December 14, from 5 to 7 pm, celebrate the holidays with a walk through the winter wonderland of Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. A campfire, carolers, hot beverages, and an old-fashioned Santa Claus await nature enthusiasts of all ages. Kids can also help decorate the Christmas tree for wildlife. Ash Cave is easily accessible by stroller and wheelchair. Details about the Ash Cave Christmas Event.
There is nothing like seeing the delight on a child’s face when Santa first appears. This year, start making your Christmas memories surrounded by the natural splendor of Hocking Hills in southeast Ohio. For a full list of everything that is happening in Hocking Hills this winter and year-round, visit the events calendar at the Hocking Hills website: www.hockinghills.com.
