11-14-2026 1:25pm

Holiday Magic Across Warren County: Your Guide to Christmas Festivals, Parades and Tree Lightings

Beth Callahan Editor

Spectators fill downtown Lebanon for a previous Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival. The annual celebration is among the holiday traditions returning to Warren County in 2026.

WARREN COUNTY, OHIO — The holiday season is arriving across Warren County, bringing with it Christmas parades, tree-lighting ceremonies, visits with Santa, holiday markets and family traditions that have been celebrated for generations.

From the historic streets of Springboro and Waynesville to Lebanon's famous horse-drawn carriage parade, residents have numerous opportunities to celebrate the season without traveling far from home.

The Warren County Post has compiled the following guide to help families plan their holiday activities.

Is Your Holiday Event Missing?

The Warren County Post wants to help spread holiday cheer throughout our communities! If your city, village, township, church or organization is hosting a holiday festival, parade, tree lighting or other community celebration that isn't included in our guide, we'd love to hear from you.

Email the event's name, date, time, location and a brief description to TheWCPost@gmail.com, and we'll be happy to add it to our holiday guide.

November Holiday Events

Saturday, Nov. 14 — Franklin's Very Merry Main Street

When: 3–7 p.m.

Where: Downtown Franklin, Fourth and Main streets.

Franklin welcomes the holiday season with an afternoon of family activities, visits with Santa, a holiday vendor market, children's crafts, face painting, carousel rides, a horse-drawn carriage and entertainment.

The city's Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m.

Nov. 20–22 — Christmas in Historic Springboro

When: Friday, 6–10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Historic downtown Springboro, South Main Street.

One of the area's largest holiday celebrations returns for its 38th year, featuring more than 75 craft vendors, food vendors, entertainment, children's activities and visits with Santa.

The annual Christmas parade begins Saturday at noon, following a 5K run/walk at 9 a.m.

More information: Christmas in Springboro

Nov. 26–Dec. 31 — Light Up Middletown at Smith Park

When: Nightly, 6–10 p.m.

Where: Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown.

A longtime holiday tradition returns to Middletown as Smith Park transforms into a winter wonderland filled with illuminated Christmas displays.

Visitors can enjoy the colorful lights and festive scenes from the comfort of their vehicles during the drive-through attraction.

Light Up Middletown is open every evening from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, including holidays, regardless of weather.

Admission is by cash donation, with visitors choosing the amount they wish to contribute.

More information: www.lightupmiddletown.org

Friday, Nov. 27 — Holidays in Deerfield

When: Nov. 27; check the township calendar for event hours.

Where: Deerfield Township.

Deerfield Township will welcome the Christmas season with its family-friendly Holidays in Deerfield tree-lighting celebration.

More information: Deerfield Township

Friday, Nov. 27 — Lebanon Holiday Illumination

When: Tree lighting at 6 p.m.; Santa visits from 6–8 p.m.

Where: Christmas Tree Park and nearby Gazebo Park, downtown Lebanon.

Lebanon's downtown holiday celebration includes the lighting of the community Christmas tree and an opportunity for children to visit Santa.

Saturday, Nov. 28 — Middletown Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

When: 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Middletown, along Central Avenue.

Middletown celebrates the season with its annual Santa Parade, followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree at Governor's Square.

Holiday festivities also include downtown activities and opportunities to enjoy the seasonal decorations.

More information: Reimagine Middletown

December Holiday Events

Friday, Dec. 4 — Mason Tree Lighting Ceremony

When: 6–8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Plaza, Mason.

The city of Mason will welcome the holiday season with its annual downtown tree-lighting ceremony.

More information: City of Mason

Dec. 4–6 — Waynesville's Christmas in the Village

Where: Historic downtown Waynesville.

Downtown Waynesville transforms into a Christmas village with more than 1,000 luminaries lining Main Street, holiday entertainment, strolling characters and visits with Santa.

Santa arrives by fire truck Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m.

On Sunday, the Christmas Market Street Faire takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Parade of Santas at 1 p.m.

More information: Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, Dec. 5 — Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival

When: Festival, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; parades at 1 and 7 p.m.

Where: Historic downtown Lebanon.

One of Warren County's most recognizable holiday traditions returns for its 37th year.

The Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade features beautifully decorated horses and carriages traveling through the city's historic downtown.

Visitors can enjoy two parades — an afternoon procession at 1 p.m. and the popular candlelight parade at 7 p.m.

Throughout the day, the Christmas Festival and Market will feature food trucks, vendors, holiday shopping and opportunities to visit Santa.

More information: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce

Saturday, Dec. 5 — Hamilton Township and Maineville Tree Lighting

When: 4–6 p.m.

Where: Hamilton Township Fire Station 76.

Hamilton Township and the village of Maineville will celebrate their ninth annual tree lighting with visits from Santa, musical performances by local students, family activities and seasonal refreshments.

The evening will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas tree and a drone show.

Free shuttle service will be available from the former Hamilton-Maineville Elementary School, beginning at 3:30 p.m.

More information: Hamilton Township

Saturday, Dec. 5 — Loveland Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Where: Historic downtown Loveland.

Loveland's sixth annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival will bring residents together for holiday entertainment, family activities and the lighting of the city's Christmas tree near the Little Miami Scenic Trail.

The tree stands more than 60 feet tall and is decorated with approximately 2,500 lights and 250 ornaments.

More information: City of Loveland

Remembering Our Veterans

Saturday, Dec. 19 — Wreaths Across America

National Wreaths Across America Day offers an opportunity for residents to remember fallen veterans, honor those who served and teach younger generations about the importance of their sacrifices.

Carlisle: Carlisle Community Church, 780 Fairview Drive. The official national program lists the wreath-laying ceremony at noon, although a local announcement lists an 11 a.m. start. Participants should confirm the time with organizers.

Hamilton Township: Noon–1 p.m., Maineville Cemetery. The ceremony will include military honors and the placement of remembrance wreaths at veterans' graves. Hamilton Township is working with the Civil Air Patrol to recognize veterans buried in three township cemeteries.

More information: Wreaths Across America

Holiday Light Displays and Seasonal Attractions

Several Warren County attractions also offer opportunities to enjoy holiday lights and family activities throughout the season.

Nights of Lights: Nov. 20 through Jan. 2 at the Warren County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, featuring a drive-through display of more than 2 million lights.
The Christmas Ranch: A holiday light attraction in Morrow featuring illuminated displays and family activities.
Kings Island WinterFest: The Mason amusement park transforms into a holiday attraction with elaborate lights, seasonal entertainment and activities.
Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad: The North Pole Express offers holiday train rides featuring visits with Santa on select dates.

Visitors should check each attraction's official website for operating dates, ticket prices and reservations.

This guide will be updated as additional community celebrations are announced. Readers are encouraged to check back throughout the holiday season.

Last updated: Nov. 14, 2026.

Have an event to add? Email TheWCPost@gmail.com.