Posts from December 2nd, 2022

Christmas is coming, and what better way to get yourself in the holiday spirit than to visit a Christmas shop or two? Ohio has dozens of these stores dotted across the state, including some worth going out of your way to see. To help you gear up for the holidays, let's take a closer look at eight of the most impressive Christmas shops around Cincinnati, Columbus, and Northeast Ohio. 

Story Book Kids Gifts

10725 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45241

Also known as SBK Gifts, Story Book Kids Gifts is a treasure trove of Christmas goodies for people in the Cincinnati area. This year-round Christmas shop is piled high with enough ornaments, throw pillows, figurines, cookie jars, decorative candles, and other housewares to satisfy even the most passionate fans of the holiday. Many of their items can be personalized, too, making them even more meaningful. Frequent shoppers will also love their Kringle Rewards program. You'll earn loyalty points for each purchase, but you'll also get a bonus of 15 points every time you post a product review. 

The Christmas Ranch

3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, OH 45152

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The Christmas Ranch is the ultimate destination for Christmas aficionados in Ohio. In addition to train and wagon rides, a working carousel, a themed photo space where you can take pictures with Santa, and miles of elaborate light displays, this ranch is also a prime holiday shopping destination. The property boasts six Christmas-themed shops and a holiday bakery with fresh cookies, cakes, and other treats available every day. Each one is lavishly decorated for the holidays and staffed by a friendly group of "elves" who love Christmas just as much as you do. Plan to spend at least a few hours there when you visit—you'll need that time to see everything on display!

White Pillars Christmas House 

7405 E. Pike, Norwich, OH 43767

As soon as you pull up to the White Pillars Christmas House, you know you're in for a treat. This stately columned period home dates back to 1882 and immediately evokes the warmth and nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas. Inside, you'll find all kinds of unique Christmas ornaments and figurines, as well as artisan candies, cookies, and other goodies. They also sell a few artificial Christmas trees to help you deck the halls in your own home. One of their most prized collections is their assortment of Heritage Lace products. These delicate doilies, tablecloths, table runners, and other linens are the perfect complement to any Christmas display and can be difficult to find at other retailers. 

Christmas Tree Shops

2264 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459

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Christmas Tree Shops is the go-to retailer for all your synthetic holiday tree needs in and around Columbus. This shop contains many sections devoted to trees and décor that fit into specific aesthetics, including Rustic Country, Gilded Holiday, and Forest Fantasy. Their cheery displays are the perfect way to get a feel for what the trees look like in a home setting, and they're also great for scoping out new decorations and accessories that compliment each tree's theming. On top of that, the store hosts visits from Santa every Saturday during the holiday season. Your child will love getting a chance to meet the jolly old man himself as part of your shopping trip!

Smore Baskets

508 Main St., Dresden, OH 43821

Once known as Smore Christmas, Smore Baskets may have changed their name, but they haven't left the holiday spirit behind. They still devote most of their display space to Christmas-themed items in the weeks leading up to the big day. You'll feel like you've stepped into Santa's workshop when you see all of the holiday-themed boxes, tins, and (of course) baskets on display in this charming little shop. They also carry a wide selection of rustic wreaths and other decor items to help you bring your holiday vision to life. 

Tis the Season

4363 State Route 39, Millersburg, OH 44654

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Northeast Ohio's premier Christmas shop Tis the Season offers three full floors of Christmas cheer for you to enjoy. The store's main entrance is a spectacular log cabin made of real logs and equipped with a working fireplace for a cozy atmosphere. From there, you'll be able to explore the top two floors of the store section by section, browsing their massive stock of vintage holiday items and modern favorites. Look out for the section nestled in an old chapel lined with stained glass windows and fitted with restored wooden pews—its stunning beauty deserves special attention and maybe even a few snapshots. 

The store's lower level is filled with hundreds of beautiful Christmas trees and over 75 different types of lights. Trees range in size from 2 to 12 feet tall and come in every shape, style, and color imaginable. Whether you're in the market for a new tree or want to enjoy walking through this incredible synthetic forest, you're sure to have a great time. 

A Christmas Story House Gift Shop

3166 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109

Everyone loves the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story, but did you know that the house featured in the movie is still standing right here in Cleveland? Today, it operates as a combined gift shop and museum. You can find all sorts of A Christmas Story merchandise here as well as a wide selection of items related to other iconic Christmas properties, including The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Grinch, and Home Alone. Remember to save some time to visit the museum section of the business and see the inside of Ralphie's home for yourself. 

Catherine's Christmas 

910 E. Main St., Geneva, OH 44041

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The same family has run Catherine's Christmas for nearly 30 years. Located in a gorgeous old century home, this year-round Christmas shop was named after the family matriarch Catherine and her love of Christmas. Today, the cozy shop is stuffed with Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, gift items, and decor—including some made by talented local craftspeople. Each room in the house is devoted to a particular kind of merchandise, making it easy to find whatever you're looking for. These displays change yearly, so be sure to visit during each holiday season to see what they have in store. 

Ring In the Holiday Season

Which of these festive stores will you check out in the coming weeks?