Celebrating the Holidays in Eaton, Ohio

The holiday season is filled with exciting activities marking the reason for the season. The city of Eaton, Ohio enjoys a variety of holiday festivities throughout this active time. Many of the activities are free of charge for the entire family. Some festivities will accept donations.

Visit Preble County to enjoy and experience the wonder of Christmas. The Friday following Thanksgiving marks the start of Eaton's Christmas season celebration with the lighting of the trees around the city and the courthouse. Traditionally, Eaton decorates the downtown area with white Christmas lights. The trees lining Barron street and Main Street are draped with sparkling strands of lights.

During the lighting of the Christmas tree at the Courthouse, citizens of Eaton enjoy music from the local school children.

A display of carolers can be seen near the post office downtown. People who travel the streets of Eaton can hear the pleasant songs of the season as they walk or drive by the area. The statue depicts carolers from years past. The ladies are dressed in fancy dresses, joined by the gentlemen donning top hats. The display is reminiscent of Christmas past.

A popular event for the entire family is held at Fort Saint Clair. This historic site is located off of State Route 35. The fabulous display of colored lights covers a vast area of the park. Visitors drive through the historic park to see the magical and glorious decorations.

The display of lights takes guests from reality to a winter wonderland. Even Saint Nick himself takes a break from his North Pole duties to drop by for this event. If kids are lucky enough to visit at the same time as Santa, they can drop some hints for their favorite toys. Guests can enjoy a mug of coffee with some cookies while they warm up from the cool winter night.

The brilliant lights of Fort Saint Clair are accented beautifully by the winter snow. A dazzling waterfall of lights adds extra flair to the magnificent display. The buildings are lined with sparkling lights reminiscent of a gingerbread house.

Kids will love the animated attractions of animals. A busy beaver chews his way through a tree of lights. A glowing deer usually leaps across the road to the delight of young and old alike.

Brilliant hues of red, blue, green, and much more ignite the dark sky in the artistic display. The display seems to be a little different each year.

To say goodbye, the finale is a fantastic tunnel of lights. The moving lights give the visitors the feeling that they are driving through a rainbow. This whimsical end leaves a lasting impression until next year.

After visiting the Fort's display, take a moment to check out Storybook Lane. This is a neighborhood display of decorations unique to Eaton. Travel just a few minutes to see this interesting attraction. Homeowners on Frederick Dr. and Amelia Dr., place large depictions of childhood familiar favorites. Gigantic characters typically made of wood and hand painted, are featured in bright spotlights. The lineup includes Humpty Dumpty, Rock a Bye Baby, Winnie the Pooh, Bugs Bunny, and many more.

Frederick Dr. can be reached from the Fort by traveling South on Camden road to Hillcrest Drive. Turn left onto Hillcrest. Frederick Drive will be about ¾ miles up the road on your right. There will be no specific signs to denote this attraction.

Hollingsworth East Elementary School is the location of a night with Santa. Annually, East students and their families are invited to participate in a unique opportunity. The cafeteria of the school is transformed into a pint-sized shopping center for the youngsters. After having their pictures taken with Santa, children are invited to browse the store. Volunteers help the youngsters choose appropriate gifts and budget their funds. The gift items featured are priced affordably to fit a child's budget. Kids really love choosing their own gifts for Mom and Dad. The gifts are even more special because the child picked it out by themselves.

Adults truly cherish the thoughtful nature of the children's gifts. Your little one will surprise you by personally selecting the present that suits you perfectly.

Contact the local churches to find out the specific dates and times for their Christmas pageants and festivities. Eaton First Church of God, for example, will be having the annual Christmas Choir event. Members of the church practice for months to put on a fantastic show. Several performance times are available to make catching the presentation convenient for your busy schedule. This family event is free of charge. Do not come to the presentation expecting a familiar and traditional Christmas story. This fabulous musical event will not only entertain, but remind all guests about the reason this season is so special.

If you are wanting to start a new family tradition, take a trip to Kincaid Pines. Take State Route 127 South out of Eaton to Consolidated Road. Turn right and travel about 1 to 1 1/2 miles to Kincaid Road. Turn right onto Kincaid Road and look for the sign.

The whole family will cherish the memories of tromping through the snow to find just the right evergreen for their very own Christmas tree. Take a ride on a wagon pulled by a tractor, or if you time it just right, you can catch a ride on a horse drawn sleigh.

After you select the perfect spruce for your family, you can cut it down by hand, if you so choose. Kids and adults love the excuse to get out of the house and trek through the snow. When your home is filled with the fragrant smell of a freshly cut pine, you will be taken back to that wonderful day.

The citizen's of Eaton enjoy the holiday season. This attitude is extremely evident through the wide array of holiday activities and celebrations. Join in the family fun here in the heart of Preble County.

Begin a family tradition of your own. Whether you choose to catch a show or pick a pine, Eaton will certainly put you in a festive mood to celebrate the holiday season. Eaton has something for everyone.