Evan Johnson Blog
Evan Johnson Blog
RSS Feed
Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.
RSS Feed
- 2026 | 5 Posts
- 2025 | 4 Posts
- 2024 | 24 Posts
- 2023 | 13 Posts
- 2022 | 75 Posts
- 2021 | 69 Posts
- 2020 | 47 Posts
- 2019 | 91 Posts
- 2018 | 93 Posts
- 2017 | 107 Posts
Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky | 94 Posts
Columbus & Central Ohio | 71 Posts
Explore Ohio | 95 Posts
Home Inspiration | 5 Posts
LoLo Gifts | 33 Posts
Northeast Ohio | 136 Posts
Real Estate | 103 Posts
Uncategorized | 2 Posts
October
29
29
An Etsy Holiday Gift Guide Featuring 21 Local Ohio Shops We Love
Whether you're shopping for the holidays, a birthday, an anniversary or another special occasion, Etsy is a great place to start. Its easy-to-use search tool allows you to track down shops and items in specific locations — so you can shop local and impress that special someone at the same time.
To make sure your loved ones gets the perfect gift this holiday season, we rounded up our favorite Ohio shops on Etsy. Featuring gifts for him, for her, for the kids, for the pets, and even for the home, you're sure to find something for everyone on your list this year. Happy shopping!
For the Home
Moderncre8ve
October
27
27
7 Magical Places to Go Ice Skating Near Akron and Canton
When the local ponds freeze over, Ohio locals don their skates, grab their mittens, and hit the ice for a winter adventure. Ice skating is a fan favorite around the holidays and during these colder months, and luckily, the Akron and Canton area has its share of pristine ice rinks just waiting to be carved.
Weather permitting, you will be able to skate in the great outdoors in one of our local Metroparks, but there are also few indoor rinks for when the weather outside is frightful. Some of these are open year-round, so keep an eye on the schedule!
Without further ado, here are some of our favorite indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks near Akron and Canton.
Hall of Fame City Ice Rink
215...
October
27
27
Ohio Volunteer Opportunities | 22 Incredible Causes in Ohio Worth Supporting
Giving back is an important piece of residing in any community. Not only does it benefit those in need, but it provides an opportunity to meet new people and become part of a cause greater than yourself.
While you can't go wrong donating or volunteering in any capacity, deciding which cause to support and how to take action can be overwhelming. Luckily, our agents and staff are here to help! They've provided recommendations for local, national and international charities — all with noble missions worth supporting. All you have to do is choose a cause that resonates with you, and start giving back!
Community & Housing | Arts & Culture | Food & Shelter | Animals | Health | Youth |
October
27
27
20 Holiday Events in Columbus to Mark on Your Calendar This Season
Looking for events during the 2018 holiday season? Check out our most up-to-date guide 21 Essential Columbus Holiday Events You Should Mark on Your Calendar.
The seasonal jingles, festive displays and overall jolly atmosphere in Columbus can only mean one thing — the holidays are upon us! This time of year the city is buzzing with countless events, all engineered to make your days merry and bright.
From lantern festivals to craft fairs, and musicals to workshops, we rounded up the holiday events we are most looking forward to this year. So grab your ugly sweater, and get ready to make this season one to remember.
Train-loving children will love this fun holiday event! Come write your own letter to Santa, make Christmas crafts, ride on a train and enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus herself.
Holiday Hoopla
When: November 16-December 30, Showtimes Vary Where: Shadowbox Live Nicknamed the "granddaddy of all holiday shows," Holiday Hoopla mixes sketch comedy, seasonal music and dancing to make a hilarious, entertaining and energetic show. The show has become a Columbus tradition after nearly a quarter century on the Shadowbox Live stage. This season, also look for Cratchit (an original holiday musical), and Holiday Lunchbox.Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
When: November 17-January 7, 5:30-10 pm Where: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair See holiday displays in a whole new light at the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival. Wander through the State Fairground to witness larger-than-life light sculptures crafted by Chinese artisans, enjoy exciting performances and more!Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
When: November 17-Jan 1, 3-7 pm Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo will light up this season with a wide assortment of holiday decorations. Witness them all after hours, seek out animals in their natural outdoor habitats, and interact with a number of familiar characters — we hear Rudolph will make an appearance!Gardens Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
When: November 18-January 3, 10am-5pm daily; 10am-9pm in December. Exceptions are Dec. 24 (open 10am-5pm) and Dec. 25 (closed). Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jones via Franklin Park Conservatory
It's the most wonderful time of the year at Franklin Park Conservatory! View elegant displays of poinsettias, seasonal foliage and twinkling lights, compete in the annual gingerbread competition, and enjoy a wide array of family activities, special entertainment and workshops.Holiday Lights, Presented by American Electric Power
When: November 21-January 2, After Sunset Where: Columbus Commons Make your way to the Columbus Commons this season to witness a brilliant display of more than 320,000 lights! It's the perfect destination for a stroll after sunset.The Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: The Ohio Theatre
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via The Columbus Symphony
Ronald J. Jenkins will lead the Columbus Symphony in the wildly popular Holiday Pops concert, featuring the season's most loved songs and carols. Santa himself is rumored to attend!Columbus Winterfair
When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: Bricker Building At Columbus Winterfair, artists from across the nation come together to showcase contemporary crafts from woodwork to jewelry. It's the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift for that special someone, or simply find unique decorations for your home!WinterFest
When: December 2, noon-4 pm Where: Bicentennial Park Kick off the holiday season in style with this festive event! As the Scioto Mile is lit up from end to end with thousands of spectacular lights, you and the whole family can enjoy a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.Holiday Lights Tour with Columbus City Adventures
When: December 2-18, Select Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30 pm Where: Columbus City Adventures Jaunt through Central Ohio's twinkling winter landscape with Columbus City Adventures. You'll board a bus and journey through downtown, along the Scioto Mile and Christmas Corner. Along the way, listen to historical holiday stories!The Jingle Bell Run
When: December 3, 10 am Where: Genoa Park Running a 5K has never been so merry! Don your most festive holiday costume, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces, and bring loads of good cheer to this charitable race. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts will benefit the Arthritis Foundation — so signing up is guaranteed to get you on Santa's "nice" list.Short North Holiday Hop
When: December 2, noon-10 pm Where: The Short North Arts District
Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus
On the first Saturday of every month, Short North welcomes residents and visitors alike for a gallery hop, during which the art galleries open their doors wide and showcase new exhibitions, street performers, special events, food and drinks. The first Saturday in December is no exception, but you can expect the festivities to be even merrier than usual with special events and displays!Village Lights Presented by Schmidt's
When: December 3, 5-9 pm Where: German Village Kick off the holiday season at German Village as the streets light up with fun displays. Shops, businesses and restaurants will be open late with holiday treats and special offers, and carolers will serenade you from every corner!Workshop: Silhouette Ornaments
When: December 3, 1-4 pm Where: The Smithery: Artist Made Goods Hand-made ornaments are the best ornaments — especially when they look this good! Stop by the Smithery for this three-hour artist's workshop, where you will learn to make your own copper disc ornament with a cutout. All materials and tools will be provided.The Hip Hop Nutcracker
When: December 5, 7:30 pm Where: The Palace Theatre
Photo courtesy of the United Palace of Cultural Arts via the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts
A large cast of all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist will come together for this contemporary reimagining of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, which stands apart as one of the most anticipated performances of the season.Christmas in Columbus: Return of the Elf
When: December 7-17, Times Vary Where: The Short North Stage at the Garden Theater The Short North Stage will come alive this season with the traditional holiday spectacle. This year's show will feature Gideon the Elf as he returns to the city to save it from the clutches of his evil cousin, Simeon. Expect to hear some of your favorite seasonal songs performed by a large cast of singers and dancers!Festivus 2017
When: December 8-10, Times Vary Where: 400 West Rich Join 400 West Rich and the 400 Market for their annual holiday celebration of art and handmade goods. There will be plenty of local vendors to shop from, live music, and open studios for exploring!The Nutcracker at Balletmet Columbus
When: December 8-24, Times Vary Where: BalletMet Columbus
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Zmuda via BalletMet Columbus
Whether this is your first time witnessing the Nutcracker or if you have made it an annual tradition, the BalletMet rendition is not to be missed. The world-class dance theatre welcomes its best and brightest stars to the stage to present a holiday classic — a performance sure to enchant fans old and young.Learn to Make A Festive Holiday Wreath at the Franklin Park Conservatory
When: December 9, 1-3 pm Where: The Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens Your holiday decor isn't complete without a festive wreath on the door! Come learn to make your own at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens using a selection of fresh greenery, cones, berries and other plants. All materials are included in the cost of the class, and you'll be able to take your creation home with you. This is one of many holiday-themed workshops and events at the Franklin Park Conservatory. See the full calendar here.Dine with Santa
When: December 10, 8-10 am Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's going to be hungry after the long journey! Join him and a series of holiday characters for a merry brunch at the zoo. Your children can get a photo with Saint Nick, enjoy up-close animal encounters and more.Trans-Siberian Orchestra
When: December 30, 3 pm AND 8 pm Where: The Nationwide Arena You may have attended a holiday concert or two, but you've never heard the classics like this. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is known for their dazzling performances, pyrotechnics, and rock and roll you can feel in your chest. They will stop in Columbus on their Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Grab 'em while you can!Letters to Santa and a Christmas-Themed Train Ride
When: December 9, 10, 16 and 17, noon-4 pm Where: The Ohio Railway Museum
Train-loving children will love this fun holiday event! Come write your own letter to Santa, make Christmas crafts, ride on a train and enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus herself.
Happy Holidays!
October
20
20
A Complete Guide to 21 Holiday Events in the Akron and Canton Area
Looking for events during the 2018 holiday season? Check out our most up-to-date guide A Complete Guide to 28 Holiday Events in the Akron and Canton Area.
The holiday season is upon us, which means that your schedule is likely filling up with family get-togethers, ugly sweater parties and more! While we love sporting those ugly sweaters just as much as the next person, we recommend you save some of your holiday-themed attire for the many events happening in the Akron and Canton area. From a ride on the Polar Express to a gingerbread extravaganza, there are so many festive things to do this time of year!
Here are some of the events we are most looking forward to this year, so mark your calendars and get ready to make this season one to remember.
Start off your holiday season in a sophisticated setting with a soul-warming cup of tea! The famed Dragonfly Tea Room will host a special candlelight tea, complete with holiday snacks and live music, for your enjoyment. Call ahead to make your reservation!
This tradition is as sweet as can be! The Fieldcrest Estate will host adults and children alike, giving them the chance to choose a floor plan and design your own giant gingerbread house. Guests can choose from three different sized houses to take and build. It will be baked, sliced and constructed upon your arrival, and there will be plenty of materials available so you can decorate the home to your heart's content! While you are working, enjoy hot chocolate, adult beverages and other holiday treats.
The Polar Express on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
When: November 11-21 AND November 24 through December 21, 7-9 pm Where: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Akron Northside Station
Photo courtesy of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Pajama-clad families will board a train for a fun filled evening excursion, complete with hot chocolate, cookies, and a reading of the classic Polar Express story. Your destination is the North Pole, and upon arrival, you will be greeted with caroling elves and even Santa himself!The 36th Annual Holiday Tree Festival
When: November 18-26, Times Vary Where: The John S. Knight Center, Akron Mark your calendars for the 36th Annual Holiday Tree Festival! This event will feature more than 200 decorated trees, 85,000 strings of lights and countless holiday creations displayed in the John S. Knight Center. It will truly be a sight to behold! All proceeds will benefit the Akron Children's Hospital.The Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Welcome Santa Parade
When: November 24 & 25, 11 am Where: Lock 3 The night after Thanksgiving, the streets of downtown Akron will light up with thousands of holiday lights and fireworks to ring in the holiday season in style! The event will feature live performances, ice skating at Lock 3, holiday treats and more. Come back the following day for a grand parade and the arrival of Mr. Claus himself! The parade will feature more than 75 units including marching bands, floats, costumed characters and dance groups. Santa will be available at Lock 3 after the parade to meet everyone!Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo
When: November 24-December 30, Dates Vary, 6-9 pm Where: The Akron Zoo, Akron
Photo courtesy of the Akron Zoo
Come see the zoo in a whole new light! One of Akron's most popular gems will be decked out in thousands of holiday lights and decorations. Walk through the zoo's displays, enjoy a concert from the carolers, take a ride on the Wild Winter Express train, get a photo with Santa, and top the night off with a freshly made s'more!Christmas at Beech Creek Gardens
When: Weekends, November 24-December 23, Times Vary Where: Beech Creek Gardens, Alliance Stop by the idyllic Beech Creek Gardens for a holiday extravaganza. There will be trees, holiday trains, roasted marshmallows, visits from the Grinch, live performances, plenty of gorgeous light displays, and so much more. There's no better way to get into the holiday spirit!The Nutty Nutcracker Presented by the Ballet Theatre of Ohio
When: December 1, 7 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, Akron You might have seen a version of the Nutcracker before, but you've never seen it like this! For one night only, enjoy a spoof of America's favorite holiday classic on the Akron Civic Theatre stage. The performance is family-friendly, but parts might be considered adult humor.A Christmas Candlelight Victorian Tea
When: December 1, 4:30 and 7 pm Where: The Dragonfly Tea Room, Canal Fulton
Start off your holiday season in a sophisticated setting with a soul-warming cup of tea! The famed Dragonfly Tea Room will host a special candlelight tea, complete with holiday snacks and live music, for your enjoyment. Call ahead to make your reservation!
Holiday Party at the McKinley Presidential Library & Museum
When: December 1, 6-8 pm Where: The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, Canton This festive, annual event will include live music, crafts for kids, open hearth cooking demonstrations, unique stocking stuffers for purchase, special planetarium and science shows, and a live reading of 'Twas The Night Before Christmas. The museum will be decked out in its holiday best with more than 30 trees and extravagant lighting displays — and we even hear that Santa will make an appearance! Admission for members is free (guest tickets are just $5), but make sure to bring a few canned goods for the Hunger Task Force.A Christmas Carol
When: December 1-17, 8-11 pm Where: The Players Guild Theatre, Canton
Photo courtesy of the Players Guild Theatre
See the story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life by the Players Guild Theatre! The performance of Dickens' ghostly story is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.Christmas on the Canal
When: December 2, Time TBD Where: Historic Canal Fulton Stroll through the streets of Historic Downtown Canal at this family-friendly festival! You will have the chance to meet Santa in person, enjoy Christmas shopping, marvel at the beautiful lights, listen to caroling, get out onto the ice skating rink, and so much more.The Holiday Celebration at the Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center
When: December 3, 3-6 pm Where: The Huston Brumbaugh Nature Center, Minerva Celebrate the season at the Nature Center! Make holiday-themed crafts, enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate by the fire, listen to live music, and (most importantly) visit with Santa in an 1800s-era cabin. This free event is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family!Santa Fly In
When: December 3, 1-4 pm Where: The MAPS Air Museum, North Canton
Photo courtesy of the MAPS Air Museum
Santa Claus is coming to town, but he's not using the chimney this time! Santa will fly to the MAPS Air Museum by plane to visit all of the good boys and girls. Make sure to snag a photo with him before enjoying punch and cookies, and exploring the planes at the museum.Snack With Santa at the Akron Zoo
When: Saturdays and Sundays, December 2-19. Times Vary. Where: The Akron Zoo, Akron The animals won't be the only ones at the zoo this season! Santa Claus is coming to town, and he will be at the zoo for this merry event, which includes snacks, entertainment and holiday crafts. Admission to Wild Lights is included in the ticket price.Light Up Downtown
When: December 7, 5:30-8:30 pm Where: Downtown Canton This holiday festival will feature live performances, fantastic fireworks, and a special visit from everyone's favorite man in red! Bring the whole family for this fun-filled event, and don't forget that camera — you'll need it to capture all of the memories! Photos with Santa will be available on the main stage shortly after fireworks have concluded.Home for the Holidays with Helen Welch
When: December 8, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, Akron Join the Akron Symphony Orchestra for their annual holiday celebration concert. Helen Welch, one of Akron's most beloved entertainers and a critically acclaimed vocalist, will lead the evening, so you can be sure the night will be lively and festive to say the least!Home Sweet Home: A Gingerbread House Event
When: December 9, 9 am-3 pm Where: The Fieldcrest Estate, North Canton
This tradition is as sweet as can be! The Fieldcrest Estate will host adults and children alike, giving them the chance to choose a floor plan and design your own giant gingerbread house. Guests can choose from three different sized houses to take and build. It will be baked, sliced and constructed upon your arrival, and there will be plenty of materials available so you can decorate the home to your heart's content! While you are working, enjoy hot chocolate, adult beverages and other holiday treats.
ELF the Movie and ELFcon
When: December 9, 2 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, Akron Enjoy everything ELF at this festive event. A sing along screening of ELF will take place at 2 pm at the Akron Civic Theater, because the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear! Raise the spirit meter even higher by stopping by Lock 3 for ELFcon before the movie starts. Here, you'll be able to compete in an Elf costume contest, an etch-a-sketch drawing contest and a trivia contest alongside a sled hill, ice skating and putt putt.The Frosty Frolic
When: December 9, 9 am-noon Where: McKinley National Memorial, Canton The Canton Parks are merry and bright this time of year, strewn with an assortment of fun and colorful holiday decorations. We can't imagine a better setting for a morning jog! Come to this festive race and walk or run the course of your choosing. The event will start and finish at the McKinley National Memorial, and entry includes a tee shirt, cookies and plenty of hot chocolate!Cirque Dreams Holidaze
When: December 12, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, Akron This critically acclaimed extravaganza combines a cirque show, a Broadway musical and a Christmas spectacular into one incredible show! Witness snowmen, penguins, reindeer, gingerbread, Santa and more complete gravity defying feats to the soundtrack of original music and seasonal hits from live performers.The Carol of the King - The Irish Dance Christmas Spectacular
When: December 17, 7:30 pm Where: E.J. Thomas Hall - The University of Akron, Akron Carol of the King will bring a love story to life on stage with 20 of the world's most skilled Irish dancers and musicians. You'll be transported to a mystical time and place, right here in Ohio.The 9th Annual Ryan Humbert Holiday Extravaganza
When: December 20 and 21, 8 pm Where: The Akron Civic Theatre, Akron This annual extravaganza has become a staple of the Northeast Ohio holiday season, and this year's theme will not disappoint! Ryan Humbert's new honky tonk band, Shooter Sharp & The Shootouts, will pay tribute to the country greats and serve up a healthy dose of merry classics.May your days be merry and bright!
The Cutler Real Estate® word mark is a registered trademark owned by Cutler and Associates, Inc.
Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility
This site is hosted, designed and copyright
© 1994 - 2026 by
Delta Media Group, Inc. -- Patent Pending --