Seasonal Serenity - Free Family Fun for the Holiday

Christmas comes but once a year, with everyone running to find that perfect gift for that special person instead of enjoying what the season has to offer.

.If you are looking for the sights of the season instead of the stress of the season, look no further that the fine city of Eaton, Ohio.

Every December 1 thru the 22 at Fort St. Clair in Eaton Ohio since 1987 the forest has come alive with the largest display of lights around. Done solely on donations this display grows every year and is something to be reckoned with.

Every evening at 6 pm this historic landmark opens its gates with the sights and sounds of the season. This free tour of Christmas past can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car as you coast slowly thru a wooded wonderland of partridge, toy soldiers, and teddy bears, or you can get out of your vehicle down by the old Fort and walk around the few remaining structures that are left.

These structures include a stone fireplace, an original log structure of the fort, the "Whispering Oak", a 200 year old tree, and a miniature version of one of the last remaining covered bridges in Preble County. All of these brightly covered in Christmas lights with sounds of the season playing in the background.

Inside the log building you can warm yourself beside a blazing fire and enjoy cookies and juice, or coffee and hot cocoa if you prefer, provided by local volunteers while your children visit with the Jolly Old Elf. The stone fireplace provides shelter for the Nativity and gives Mary and Joseph shelter from storm. The newest building, not part of the original fort, houses several trees decorated by local businesses for your viewing pleasure.

Located on the West edge of Eaton on Camden road this display is free fun for the entire family no matter the age.

Just around the corner, off of St. Rt. 725, is Fredrick Dr, affectionately dubbed "Storybook Lane" a double cult sac filled with storybook characters. This Storybook Lane is put up by private homeowners every year without donations or help from outside sources. While not as large as the display at Fort St. Clair this free display is sure to be fun for the smaller people in your car.