THE AMISH WINTER HOLIDAY TOUR
Amish Country does not close down in the winter - especially not during the special Christmas season of December. No Grinch here. While a jacket may be needed, don't let it stop you. Come, enjoy the splendor of the season (and maybe even experience the beautiful snow on the rolling hills of Holmes county). Spring pastels, summer vibrant colors, and fall mums may be gone, but now there is the picturesque colors of Christmas. Enjoy a warm Christmas cookie, a hot cup of cider, slow down and relax. No hustle and bustle here. You might even learn how Amish and Mennonites celebrate Christmas. See you in December.....
The first Friday and Saturday of December is the Journey to Bethlehem. Experience the sights and sounds that Joseph and Mary may have experienced as they journeyed to Bethlehem. Some of the activities of the journey include registering for taxation, just as Mary and Joseph did, and experiencing the Bethlehem marketplace. Participants will also meet biblical characters and share a fireside with shepherds and their flocks. The journey ends with a live Nativity scene. The area is lighted with over 10,000 luminaries. This is a beautiful experience.
Christmas decorations of every kind can be found throughout the community.
No December visit to Amish Country would be complete without a stop at 'Tis the Season - the largest Christmas store in Ohio.
Cozy up under a beautiful Amish handmade quilt this holiday season. This cultural masterpiece will bring warmth and color to your life.
Hmmmm....edible homemade seasonal chocolates. Candy from Amish Country is always appreciated.
Handcrafted Amish furniture is cherished. Their beauty, quality, and craftsmanship have long been admired everywhere. The furniture will last a lifetime, as will your fond memories of Ohio's Amish Country.
The exquisite Amish handcrafted leather at a family owned and operated leather store is but another sought-after product in Ohio's Amish Country. You will enjoy the personable environment as Mike and Karen share their family background with you. Browse the family store for many unique leather items.
Get a personalized tour of the Amish home where Troy (guide) spent much of his time growing up. Many family Christmas visits were spent here. Hear the stories of short-sheeted beds, crutches used while riding a buggy, and so many more.
Never occupied by the Amish, but a very unique and interesting visit is the Victorian House. Well worth the stop - especially at Christmas time when every room is decorated with themed trees.
Yet another Amish Country community event is the Christmas Cookie Tour. Always held in early December, with proceeds benefiting local charities. This tour takes you to Inns all around Holmes County, each with a specialty cookie, and each Inn is uniquely decorated. Come and enjoy the ambiance.
Amish Country is also known for their baking. During the Christmas seaon each guest can take homemade cookies with them to enjoy later.
And even just as enjoyable is decorating your own. Still home baked by the Amish, but you get to personalize your cookies. Yummy (do you really think they are going to make it home before before being eaten - I doubt it).
No trip to Amish Country would be complete without a stop for cheese.
There are many places, like Heini's Kase Haus (Cheese House) and Guggisberg Cheese, where you can pick the cheese of your choice. Heini's, for example, has been here for generations. Known for their Baby Swiss, Heini's actually has 80 different flavors of cheese. Enjoy sampling your favorite, and take some home to add that special touch to your holiday meal.
Visiting in December lets you gasp at all of the beautifully decorated businesses in the area. Staying at Comfort Suites Berlin allows you the opportunity to take in the extra touch of the owners wives....decorations at their finest.
Come and enjoy Amish homemade food prepared from family recipes. There is nothing like food to connect people. These all-you-can-eat, family-style meals are "to write home about".
Warm up on a cool December day with fresh hot cider at our local orchard. While here, appreciate the apple orchards from the lookout balcony with views that seem endless.
The handcrafted candles are perfect for home decor, with their special designs and fragrances. They also make perfect holiday gifts.
The aroma of homemade bread and cheese tarts whisking in the parking lot of our local back roads Amish bakeries will pull you in to satisfy your taste buds. Thankfully, they don't use any calories when they bake fresh cinnamon twists from here (well, at least that's what I tell myself).
The beauty of the fall harvest being covered by a snowfall is one of the possible backroads sights you might find in December.
Buggies dot the countryside all winter long. Their contrast to the white snow sure makes a pretty picture.
The Nativity Parade held in Berlin right after Thanksgiving is spectacular.....complete with shepherds, camels, donkeys, angels, oxen, candles, singing carols together, reading the Christmas story on the square, and of course, Baby Jesus. No Santa here.
Time for church. Even in the winter roads are lined with people going to church on Sunday. No "snow days" for the horse and buggy.
Singing is a huge part of the Amish and Mennonite culture. You might even be blessed with local caroling.
One thing that is never forgotten here is the reason for the season. Families always stop to pray together. Come and enjoy those values.
And don't forget your special tree ornaments creating memories of your time in Ohio's Amish Country.
There are always special ones to take home with you. Come every year for a collection of different ones to admire.
You can't beat the homemade chocolates in the area. While visitng a private Amish home you can dip your own. A special treat for the season.
It's December, of course you have to shop while you are here. That can be done at Sol's Exchange, the shops along the streets of Berlin, or the Holmes County Flea Market (opened special hours in December).
And while in Berlin, stop by for a homemade soft pretzel for you, and some awesome popcorn you can take home as gifts (maybe even a gift to yourself).
ohio star theater
BEAUTIFUL 500 SEAT THEATER
Spend a fun-filled, family-friendly time enjoying a memorable performance at the Ohio Star Theater. From unforgettable characters to old-fashioned simplicity and non-stop laughter, this is the place to let your heart sing and your spirit soar. See show information under each seasonal listing on this website. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat, family-style meal in an Amish home, capped off with a wonderful Amish country show. I would be glad to book an all-inclusive package for you.
"THE CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP" showing Nov. 19 - Dec. 28
A ship. A storm. And one family's unsinkable mission to rescue Christmas for their Chicago community. This new musical is inspired by the true story of the Rouse-Simmons, the most famous of the historic Christmas Tree Ships.