The holidays arrive early in Ohio Amish Country. Seasonal displays begin appearing at our gift shops in August and September. Lights and decorations start going up on our campuses in October, and holiday festivities get underway the first week in November.
Here are some of the top holiday activities to enhance your visit and help you get into the Christmas spirit:
Nov. 6, 2026: Walnut Creek Christmas in the Village & Tree Lighting – Get a jump on your holiday shopping and watch the village light up for the season. Downtown merchants including Carlisle Gifts will host open houses and holiday sales ahead of the ceremonial tree lighting on the square beginning at 7 p.m. Allow time before the ceremony for a hearty meal at the original Der Dutchman Restaurant.
Nov. 13, 2026: Dutch Valley Christmas Tree Lighting – Enjoy a magical evening of family-friendly holiday fun with caroling, refreshments, and a live nativity. Complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, and goodie bags for kids will be available while supplies last. The festivities begin at 5 p.m. and culminate with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:30. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy delicious Amish Kitchen Cooking at Dutch Valley Restaurant and special savings at Dutch Valley Gifts.
Nov. 18 – Dec. 15, 2026: Ohio Star Theater presents “A Christmas Carol: The New Musical” – Back by popular demand, this Broadway-style production follows the miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge as he’s visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. A lushly orchestrated score by Steve Parsons and witty lyrics breathe new life into Charles Dickens’ classic tale of holiday redemption. For showtimes and tickets, visit DHGroup.com or call the Ohio Star Theater Box Office at 855-344-7547.
Nov. 27, 2026: Berlin Nativity Parade, 5:45 pm – Sponsored by the Berlin Main Street Merchants, this community Black Friday tradition will transport you to Bethlehem as the Three Wise Men and others pay tribute to our newly born Lord and Savior. Come for the day and experience all this bustling shopping town has to offer, including the crowd-pleasing buffet at Berlin Farmstead Restaurant.
Dec. 4-5, 2026: Journey to Bethlehem, 4 to 8 pm – This popular self-guided driving and walking tour features eight stops throughout Walnut Creek representing the search for the Christ Child. The tour begins at Elite Flooring & Tile, where participants will register and receive a map. Carlisle Gifts will host a Christmas open house and special sale during the event.
Dec. 5, 2026: Light Up Sugarcreek, 4 to 6:30 pm – Spend an enchanting holiday evening in Ohio’s “Little Switzerland.” The festivities begin at 4 with a Christmas parade along Main Street and culminate with a candle-lighting at the World’s Largest Cuckoo Clock. Free hot dogs and refreshments will be served, and sleigh rides will be available throughout the evening.
Dec. 18-19, 2026: Holmes County Christmas Cookie Tour – Celebrate the magic of the holiday season while supporting local businesses. Ticketholders will receive a nostalgic holiday treat at each stop along with a commemorative cookbook featuring all the recipes. The tour includes Der Dutchman, where tourgoers will enjoy a buttermilk cookie with white icing and festive sprinkles.