It’s October now, the air is crisp and the leaves are golden, but here in Downtown Bellefontaine we’re already getting excited. Why? Because the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner! We’re not just getting ready for Christmas!

We are Ohio’s Christmas Capital. And if you’re looking to build new memories you’ll cherish for decades, put us on your holiday calendar.

If you’ve heard of a major downtown revival in Central Ohio, you’ve heard about Bellefontaine. Thanks to Small Nation and our amazing community, we’ve transformed our historic downtown. And people are flocking to it!

More Than Just Lights: The Heart of the Holiday Experience

What makes Bellefontaine Ohio’s Christmas Capital? It’s our community, our history, and a packed calendar of holiday events that turns our town into a holiday destination.

You want to feel that Christmas spirit. We get it. So many people do! Here’s how we can give it to you:

Events for All Ages

The holiday season kicks off with the big Hometown Christmas Parade and the lighting of our beautiful Courthouse Christmas Tree. This is when our downtown really starts to glow with the Christmas Spirit.

Throughout December, the cheer is nonstop. Check it out …

• Visits with Santa: The Santa Shed is the place to be for families to meet Santa in the heart of downtown.
• Festive Fun: From the Reindeer Dash for families to the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl for the 21+ crowd we have something for everyone.
• Holiday Entertainment: Our beautifully restored Holland Theatre has a lineup of holiday shows and concerts to fill the air with holiday cheer.

Shop Local for the Perfect Christmas Gifts

Are malls even a thing anymore? Not so much. What about shopping on Amazon? Is that fun? (Not so much.)

What if you could find great gifts and love the process at the same time?

Downtown Bellefontaine is home to a variety of unique local shops, offering the perfect opportunity to find special gifts for everyone on your holiday list. Whether you’re shopping for children, friends, or family, our downtown has something for everyone.

We state that with confidence because of the incredible variety. Let’s go on a quick tour, shall we?

For the little ones in your life, The Fun Company is the go-to destination for the best children’s toys and games. With a wide selection of both classic and modern options, you can find all sorts of options that will bring smiles on Christmas morning.

If you’re looking for a unique, one-of-a-kind gift, be sure to visit Nest 1896. This charming shop offers a wide range of handcrafted items and beautiful home décor that will make your presents stand out from the rest.

By the way, shopping makes us hungry. You too?

A Historic and Foodie Destination

Looking to get some grub? Dine and be merry! Peruse through these options.

• Award-Winning Pizza: Enjoy a relaxed “date night” on the patio at Six Hundred Downtown, home to a six-time world pizza champion. You really can’t go wrong with the best!
  
  
• Ohio’s Top Beer Bar: Brewfontaine, voted Ohio’s top beer bar for five years running, offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere and an unbeatable selection of craft beer. It’s the perfect place to unwind.
  
  
• Elevated Dining: For something a little more upscale, head to The Syndicate for local steaks, fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and an amazing weekend brunch.
  
  
• Global Flavors: Looking to spice things up? Try the authentic Mexican cuisine at The Flying Pepper Cantina, which grew from a local food truck favorite into a fantastic brick-and-mortar spot.

Once your meal has hit the spot, there’s a lot more to do in town!

Visit Santa at the Santa Shed

A beloved tradition in Downtown Bellefontaine, the Santa Shed, presented by the Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership, is a must-visit during the holiday season.

Located in front of the historic Courthouse, this is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a magical meet and greet with Santa himself.

St. Nick will be available on Saturdays, Sundays, and select Fridays throughout the Christmas season to listen to holiday wishes, pose for photos, and spread plenty of Christmas cheer.

November 23 through December 22nd

• Saturdays: 1 PM – 4 PM
• Sundays: 2 PM – 4 PM
• Friday, December 13 & 20: 5:30p-7:30p

Of course, this is only the beginning. We have a ho-ho-whole selection of events! Check out the schedule below and start your holiday planning!

Holiday Events in Downtown Bellefontaine

As the Christmas Capital of Ohio, there’s always something happening downtown.

• November 23: Santa Shed Grand Opening
• November 23-24: Holiday Open House
• November 27: Thanksgiving Eve Bash with SaMax at the Syndicate
• November 29: Black Friday in Downtown Bellefontaine
• November 30: Small Business Saturday in Downtown Bellefontaine
• December 1: Donuts & Wishlist featuring Santa at the Fun Company
• December 1: Madcap Puppets: The Nutcracker at the Holland Theatre
• December 3: WCOC Concert Band Holiday Concert at the Holland Theatre
• December 5: Christmas Movie Trivia & Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at Brewfontaine
• December 6: Hometown Christmas Parade
• December 6: Holiday Night Market at the Morning Riot
• December 7-8: Brunch with Santa at the Syndicate
• December 7: Stained Glass Class at Triple Moon Designs
• December 7: Reindeer Dash and A Holiday Hunt
• December 7: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl and After Party
• December 7-8: Windmill Productions: A Swingin’ Christmas, The Holiday music of Tony Bennett at the Holland Theatre
• December 11-12: Holiday Dueling Pianos at the Syndicate
• December 12: Gift & Brews Men’s Shopping Night
• December 13: Polar Express Family Paint & Craft Night at Triple Moon Designs
• December 13-15: Carriages & Carols: A Downtown Christmas Celebration
• December 14: Santa at the Morning Riot
• December 14: Sheriff’s Office Annual Christmas Movie & Santa Visit at the Holland Theatre
• December 14: Adult Cookie Decorating at Triple Moon Designs
• December 15: Brush & Brunch at the Morning Riot
• December 15: Lima Symphony Orchestra-Bells, Brass and Bows at the Holland Theatre
• December 18: Christmas Cookie Decorating at the Photo Booth
• December 19: Kids Cookie Decorating at Triple Moon Designs
• December 19: Carols for a Cause at Brewfontaine
• December 19-22: Winter Flight Candle at Triple Moon Designs
• December 20: The Yuletide 5 at the Holland Theatre
• December 21-22: Glow & Gift: A Luminary Shopping Experience

As the days get shorter, there’s no better time to start planning your trip now. Come and see why Downtown Bellefontaine is proud to be called Ohio’s Christmas Capital!

One last question: What’s the first holiday event you’ll put on your calendar: the parade or the Santa Shed?