Christmas in Medina Feels Like Stepping Into a Holiday Movie
There are some Ohio towns that simply understand Christmas, and Medina is one of them.
The first time you walk onto Medina Public Square Historic District during the holiday season, you understand why people make the trip. The historic buildings, locally owned shops, glowing storefronts, and gazebo in the center of town create the kind of Christmas setting that feels almost too perfect to be real.
In fact, HGTV named Medina the Best Christmas Town in Ohio for 2023.
See Medina Square Dressed for Christmas
The heart of Christmas in Medina is the Square.
Historic buildings surround Uptown Park Gazebo, and once the Christmas lights come on, the entire downtown seems to glow. Take time to simply walk around. Pop into the local shops, grab something warm to drink, look at the decorated storefronts, and enjoy the beauty of an old-fashioned downtown at Christmas.
Pro-tip: Come in the late afternoon. You can shop and explore in daylight and then watch the Square completely change as darkness falls and the lights begin to shine.
Experience the Medina Candlelight Walk
If you want to see Medina at its Christmas best, plan your visit around the annual Medina Candlelight Walk.
For 2027, the celebration kicks off November 19 with the lighting of the Christmas tree and downtown buildings. On November 20, the Holiday of Lights Parade travels to Public Square, followed by fireworks over Uptown Medina. The Candlelight Walk tradition transforms downtown with thousands of lights and candles, creating one of Northeast Ohio’s prettiest holiday scenes. This is the Medina Christmas experience I wouldn’t miss.
Step Inside Castle Noel
And then there’s Castle Noel.
Iconic.
Located less than a block from the Square, Castle Noel calls itself America’s largest year-round indoor Christmas entertainment attraction. You’ll find Christmas movie props and costumes, vintage animated New York department-store windows, and plenty of Christmas nostalgia. You can even take a ride down a slide inspired by Ralphie’s visit to Santa in A Christmas Story.
Reservations are required, so this is one stop you’ll want to plan ahead.
Make a Day of Christmas in Medina
My favorite part about visiting Medina at Christmas isn’t just one attraction. It’s the entire atmosphere.
Shop the Square. Grab lunch or dinner downtown. Take photos by the gazebo. Visit Castle Noel. Stay until the Christmas lights come on.
Medina has managed to hold onto that classic small-town Christmas feeling that so many of us remember.
And when you’re standing in the middle of the Square surrounded by historic buildings and thousands of twinkling lights, you might find yourself thinking the same thing I do:
This is what Christmas in Ohio is supposed to feel like.