Thinking of a change from your regular Florida holiday trip? If you share Your Family’s Place family values and love for Christmas traditions, then Ohio’s Amish Country is a lovely destination choice.
Farmers markets, nativity plays, and Christmas carols are just a few of the many holiday activities you can enjoy. And once you’ve sung your heart out, you can retreat back to our comfortable, luxurious vacation homes that are spacious enough to bring the entire family — grandparents, cousins, and all.
But first, let’s cover everything you need to know about Christmas in Amish Country.
2024 Christmas Events in Ohio’s Amish Country
Winter in Amish Country might bring some chilly weather. But mid-40-degree weather can’t stop the fun as long as you’re prepped with the right jacket and Christmas itinerary! Here are some Christmas events to attend on your December Amish Country vacation:
1. Journey to Bethlehem
- Date: December 6-7, 2024
- Location: Walnut Creek Township Area, OH
- Website: cometowalnutcreekohio.com
You might not be able to pack a Christmas tree on your getaway.
But who needs a tree when you can experience Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, re-enacted in an interactive marketplace and stops with Biblical characters and Christmas lights along the way?
The journey ends with a live Nativity Scene that has mesmerized and brought Christian joy to families visiting Amish Creek for many years, as it’s an annual event. If you’re after a religious-based activity to connect with God on your trip, this is a must-see for your Amish Country vacation.
2. ‘Tis the Season Christmas Open House
- Date: December 6-7, 2024
- Location: 4363 State Route 39 in Berlin, OH
- Website: visitamishcountry.com
If Amish Country is known for anything, it’s respect for tradition. That’s why the Christmas Open House is running again this year for the 27th in a row. Hosted by Ohio Amish Country’s all-year-round Tis the Season Christmas Shoppe, the open house features Christmas products and jarred goods, holiday decorations, and in-store refreshments with holiday music to feel festive.
But if your trip falls a little after the open house, don’t fret. This Christmas shop is open year-round and a cherished activity on every holiday itinerary. When you walk in, you’ll see a fireplace and Christmas village ambiance, with angel and biblical figurines for sale.
For vacationers heading home before Christmas, this is the place to grab last-minute holiday gifts, like holiday tree ornaments, advent calendars, and snow globes.
3. Christmas at Sheiyah Market
- Date: November 7th to 8th, 2024
- Location: 4755 OH-39, Berlin, OH
- Website: sheiyahmarket.com
Who doesn’t like a good sale? The Sheiyah Market is filled with feel-good shops where you can find your next decor item or Christmastime outfit. But during the Christmas special, they offer a range of discounts from 10% to 30%. The ambiance is especially charming during the holiday season, with Christmas trees and decorations adorning the transformed barn-to-market.
Our favorite find? The Little Christmas Bracelet from the Sheiyah Style Boutique. Treat all the ladies on your trip, or bring a few back as souvenirs.
And if you need an extra kick from the fatigue of walking? Stop by Buggy Brew for a stellar cup of Joe or rich mocha.
Christmas in Amish Country Packing List
We mentioned that Winter temperatures can dip down to the low- to mid-40s Fahrenheit. This means you’ll need to pack warm clothes to feel as cozy and comfortable as possible to enjoy your Christmas itinerary to its fullest.
Here are some must-pack items for a Christmas getaway in Ohio’s Amish Country:
- Hat, scarves, and mittens
- Long-sleeve shirts and layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Cozy sweaters
- Long-johns
How about blankets, toiletries, and kitchen extras for baking? Don’t worry about all that. Your Family’s Place has you covered with comfortable, fresh linens and sheets, abundant throw blankets, and every kitchen appliance you need for your family dinners.
More Christmas Time Activities to Do in Ohio’s Amish Country
Some Christmas events don’t run every year. For that reason, we made sure to include only 2024 events in the previous section so you know for certain that they’ll be running on your vacation.
But that doesn’t mean you don’t have other options during the holiday season. Here are some seasonal activities you can enjoy every year in Ohio’s Amish Country.
1. Visit the Ohio Star Theater
- Location: 4985 State Route 515, Millersburg, OH
- Website: dhgroup.com
You have a wide range of Christmas plays and concerts to see at the Ohio Star Theater. From the Siberian Orchestra show to Christmas Cabarets, there’s no shortage of live entertainment at this theater.
Check the website’s calendar for A Christmas Carol — that’s one you can rely on every year.
On top of holiday-themed shows, you can also enjoy the Dutch Valley Market nearby in Sugarcreek. Grab a few Amish-themed sweets, deli meats, and jams to bring back home and snack on at your vacation rental.
2. Walnut Creek Amish Flea Market & Marketplace
- Location: 1900 OH-39, Sugarcreek, OH
- Website: walnutcreekamishfleamarket.com
Running between March to December, the Walnut Creek Flea Market is full of vendors from Amish families and other locals selling their wares. This ranges anywhere from handmade ceramics and quilts to Amish wood creations and baked goods.
Our personal favorites? The Amish Country Gourmet is in the Blue Building. Plus, you have a fully equipped kitchen to enjoy take-home goods to their fullest. Pick from homemade eBBQ sauces and dry rubs to season your meats on the BBQ, or buy a pack of their signature meatballs and make a delectable pasta.
The Nut Joint is also a must-stop for the perfect snack to keep you fueled on your trip. Take your pick — cashews, pecans, almonds — and then pick the flavor. They’ll put anything on your nuts, from chocolate and caramel to cinnamon.
3. Yoder’s Amish Home Tour
- Location: 6050 State Route 515, Millersburg, OH
- Website: yodersamishhome.com
You might notice Amish carriages and families selling goods at markets on your trip to Amish Country. While the outer glance of the Amish tradition is still a great experience, what if we told you that you could get even deeper? We always recommend Yoder’s Amish Home Tour to our guests.
In 1972, the Yoder family bought the house and run-down farm that had been previously rented to Amish families for years prior. After a few renovations on the 138-year-old farm, the Yoder couple opened up their home for visits.
The kiddos will love the buggy rides around the farm, guided tours with animals, and Amish-themed activities like baking and apple stirring. Plus, the home is full of Amish mementos, including traditional dresses, old-school sewing machines, and much more.
Stay and Revel in the Christmas Spirit in Ohio’s Amish Country
This part of Ohio is known for its high density of Amish families and their wholesome Christian traditions.
But we know that many of our guests here at Your Family’s Place share some of those traditional values, too. That’s why we created multi-generational, nostalgic vacation homes curated to meet every family’s needs, no matter how large.
Ready for a Christmas getaway to Ohio’s Amish Country? Book with Your Family’s Place today!