Introducing Ohio's Christmas Capital

Experience the Magic of the Holiday Season in Downtown Bellefontaine

​Downtown Bellefontaine is officially Ohio’s Christmas Capital, and this season, the historic heart of Bellefontaine is ready to deliver a magical holiday experience. With an enchanting Christmas parade, appearances from Santa every weekend, and some of the best holiday shopping and dining in the state, Downtown Bellefontaine is set to be a top destination for holiday festivities.

​“This year, our team has gone above and beyond to make Downtown Bellefontaine a true winter wonderland,” says Andrea Wrocklage, President of the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership and a longtime downtown retailer. “We’re incredibly proud of the way our small businesses, community organizations, and local talent have come together to make the downtown an experience like no other. This season, we invite everyone to discover the magic here and see why Bellefontaine truly shines during the holidays.”

L to R: Downtown Bellefontaine Event Coordinator Maddie Stotler, Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership President Andrea Wrocklage, Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman, Logan County Visitors Bureau Director Anna Louden, Small Nation Founder Jason Duff

Click to read Mayor Crissman's Proclamation.

​This year, downtown’s calendar is packed with holiday cheer. In addition to a charming parade to kick off the season, Santa Claus himself will be stationed downtown each weekend to greet visitors of all ages at the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership’s Santa Shed. Downtown Bellefontaine also offers unmatched gift shopping, with a curated selection of boutiques, shops, and retailers featuring unique and thoughtful gifts. Restaurants throughout downtown offer warm and inviting spaces to gather and enjoy the flavors of the season. And for those looking to capture the holiday magic, special photo ops are set up throughout the town, perfect for seasonal snapshots and family photos.
 
Bellefontaine’s historic atmospheric theatre, the Holland Theatre has many holiday-themed shows scheduled for this season, adding live entertainment to the downtown’s festive atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a mix of classic holiday performances and family-friendly productions, creating unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Other downtown events include cookie decorating classes, family photo sessions, and an ugly sweater bar crawl. For a full list of events and things to do this Christmas season, visit downtownbellefontaine.com/Christmas.
 
“Bellefontaine’s transformation into Ohio’s Christmas Capital celebrates everything our community loves about this time of year,” says Jason Duff, Founder & CEO of Small Nation. “From the decorated storefronts to the twinkling lights of our new Mistletoe Avenue, there’s nothing like the magic of downtown during the holidays. It’s a place where families and friends can come together to create memories that last a lifetime.”
 
“This Christmas season, however you celebrate – in church, with family, or with friends – it is my hope that all have a safe and Merry Christmas,” Bellefontaine Mayor David Crissman added.
 
Visit Downtown Bellefontaine this holiday season to shop, dine, explore Mistletoe Avenue, and discover for yourself why we’re known as Ohio’s Christmas Capital.