Christmas break will soon be here, and kids are buzzing with excitement for an extended pause from school. Parents, on the other hand, may be wondering how to keep everyone entertained. We all know the famous line from Alvin and the Chipmunks — “And mom and dad can hardly wait for school to start again” — but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little pre-planning, you can transform the break from chaotic to holly jolly. Luckily, Union County is full of fun, memory-making activities your family will love.
Creating Holiday Magic: Unearth Unique Family Adventures
From festive story times that whisk kids into winter wonderlands to hands-on gingerbread covered bridge workshops that spark creativity, Union County is packed with heartwarming activities. Holiday-themed play groups, ornament making, and community open houses offer joy and learning in equal measure.
- Kitschen Bakery | Family Gingerbread Covered Bridge Workshop, Ten Little Reindeers
- Bug and Bear Play Cafe | Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus
- Richwood North Union Public Library | Kids Make and Take Clay Christmas Tree
- Marysville Public Library | Merrysville
- Plain City Public Library | Magical Winter Window - Animated Stained Glass Projection
- Marysville Art League | Stained Glass Ornaments, Ornament Painting and more!
Strikes and Smiles: Bowling Fun for a Festive Holiday Break
Bowling with kids is a fun way to create lasting memories filled with laughter and enthusiasm. The sound of crashing pins, the glow of neon lights, and the cheers of victory make the bowling alley an unforgettable experience for children of all ages. From the moment they lace up their colorful bowling shoes to their first roll of the bowling ball, kids are immersed in a world of friendly competition and laughter. Dragon Lanes in Marysville, Ohio, is family-friendly, with a game room and delicious snack bar to keep them smiling the whole night through. In Plain City, lace up the shoes at Plain City Lanes, pick a lane, then order a pizza to round out the fun.
Unforgettable Holiday Magic: Drive-Thru Spectacular Christmas Lights in Union County's Quaint Small Towns
Experience the magic of the holiday season like never before with a drive through the colorful Christmas lights on display in Union County’s charming small towns. As the sun sets and the stars begin to twinkle, our streets come alive with a symphony of colors, transforming our towns and parks into a winter wonderland. Twinkling lights drape the trees, and festive displays of reindeer, snowflakes, and Santa's sleigh adorn the streets, creating a genuinely mesmerizing spectacle. Take a leisurely drive through our illuminated quaint drive-thru light displays, accompanied by the cheerful melodies of classic Christmas tunes. Hit the backroads and visit two of the covered bridges on the Covered Bridge Trail that are festooned with sparkling lights!
- Pastime Park | Plain City, OH
- Richwood Lake Park | Richwood, OH
- Merry and Bright Bridges | Pottersburg Bridge and Bigelow Bridge
Discover the Magic: Unveiling Charming Holiday Events throughout Union County
From tree lighting ceremonies and heartwarming parades to holiday movies and musical performances, discover the joyous events that make the season merry and bright in every corner of this welcoming destination!
- Uptown Marysville: Buy tickets to a holiday event at The Avalon Theatre. From movies to musical performances, there’s something for everyone! Lace up some skates at Merry on Main for an iceless skating experience as you’ve never experienced before. Stroll the shops and enjoy local cafe and bakery treats or drinks to warm you from the inside out.
-
Plain City: Get in the festive spirit through beautiful small-town holiday décor, Pastime Park’s drive-thru lights, and Local shops and cafés offering warm, cozy stops for families
-
Richwood: Richwood remains a wonderful holiday stop with the magical Richwood Lake Park drive-thru light display, charming local eateries to enjoy before or after your light tour and a peaceful small-town winter atmosphere perfect for a family stroll.
.
Bouncing into Holiday Bliss: A Festive Family Excursion
Grab the kids and pre-purchase tickets to Urban Air Adventure Park for a full day of adventure where they can reach the top of the climbing hill, slam dunk like the all-stars, then have a flying good time on the APEX trampolines. Families can book a play day pass or buy a membership to keep the Christmas break fun happening all year long.
Tip: Refuel the kids with a pizza or snack from the cafe to energize them.
Country Christmas at Marmon Valley Farm: A Rustic Holiday Escape
Look no further than Country Christmas at Marmon Valley Farm for a delightful way to spend Christmas break with your family. It's a magical and heartwarming celebration perfect for families during the holiday season. The farm is all dressed up with twinkling lights and décor, transforming it into a real winter wonderland. Step onboard the horse-drawn wagon as you travel through a living nativity, where the Christmas story is acted out before your very eyes!
Tip: Watch the weather and pick a night when the stars are bright or a chance of snow to make this evening magical.
