Ohio has a truly unique Christmas attraction that’s different from all the other light displays throughout the state. The Christmas Cave at White Gravel Mines in Minford features unique illuminations, thousands of lights, and biblical scenes depicting the birth of Christ via a mile-long system of passageways within the mines. It’s a beautiful Christmas attraction the whole family will love, and this Christmas Cave in Ohio is one of the most unusual places to make memories each holiday season. It’s no mystery why over 33,000 people visit the Christmas Cave in Ohio each season!

Please note: Though this annual attraction opens every Friday and Saturday between Black Friday and the holidays; dates for each year’s season vary. For the most up-to-date information, be sure to check out the White Gravel Mines website.

While admission to this Christmas Cave in Ohio is free, a $1 per person donation is appreciated at the entrance to the cave, but in the spirit of Christmas, no one will ever be turned away! All proceeds are used for improvements and additions to the organizer's positive community events.
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There are alternative routes to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, but their special accessibility hours vary. Be sure to check for these dates and times in advance before you plan a trip!
Inside, you'll start your self-guided tour in the village of Bethlehem.
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The display is about a mile long and takes a little less than an hour to walk through, depending on how often you stop to observe the scenes.
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Along the way, you'll see several Christmas trees and decorations...
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...and 15 biblical scenes depicting the story of the birth of Christ.
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Next to each scene, you'll find written information about the story of Christ's birth.
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There's something new and magical to see at every turn. (And there are benches placed throughout the mines to stop and rest if you need to.)
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There's even a display that honors and explains the inspiration for The Christmas Cave, which was Rudd's Christmas Farm in Blue Creek, Ohio. (This attraction ended in 1999, but you might remember it from Christmases past.)
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At select times on Saturdays, you'll even get to observe some live Christmas caroling in the cave's small theater. (An informational video plays in between performances.)
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At the end of your tour, you'll find a small gift shop, where you can purchase ornaments and other small souvenirs.
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If you were impressed with your subterranean tour, you should consider making a donation to the cave! They ask humbly for a donation of $1 per person, so be sure to bring some cash or change with you!

The Christmas Cave in Ohio is located at 4007 White Gravel McDaniel Rd., Minford, OH, 45653. It is open every Friday and Saturday for five weekends during the holiday season between 4 and 10 p.m. (For more information about this unique attraction and to keep it on your radar, connect with the gravel mine on White Gravel Mines’s Facebook page.) Have you been here before? If so, share your photos and experiences with us!

For more fun things to do with the family this Christmas season, check out our previous article, 15 Christmas Light Displays In Ohio That Are Pure Magic. Or you could always go on our Christmas lights in Ohio road trip. Just be sure to check out our road trip packing guide before you get on the road.

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More to Explore

Christmas in Ohio

Nikki Rhoades | October 11, 2019

What are the best holiday light displays in Ohio?

The Buckeye State has nearly 12 million jolly residents that make every season magical, but there’s no time quite like the holidays to visit the state. You’ll find a number of things to do at Christmas in Ohio, spanning from the shore of Lake Erie to the banks of the Ohio River:

  • Up North, it’s Christmastime all year round at ‘Tis The Season near Amish Country.
  • Down south, Cincy is deeply rooted in tradition. One family has put on an over-the-top display for over 50 years!
  • You’ll find many incredible holiday events in Ohio, especially in our small Christmas towns.

Are there other unique holiday events in Ohio?

There is so much fun to be had in this splendid state around the holidays! If you’re in search of light displays in Ohio, you’ll find a number of festive and fun attractions throughout each and every residential area. You will find all sorts of family fun in Ohio, such as:

  • Steubenville’s Nutcracker Village
  • Cleveland’s Inventionasium. Whatever you end up doing during the holidays in Ohio, you and your family are sure to have a great time full of memory-making.

Are caves safe places to visit in Ohio?

Ohio’s more dangerous caves are typically not open to the public – this one, Seneca Caverns, and those in Put-in-Bay are well trafficked by visitors and are amazingly safe. However, human life poses a risk to the lifespan of the cave’s loveliest features… so remember not to touch the stalactites unless you are given explicit permission!

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4007 White Gravel-McDaniel Rd, Minford, OH 45653, USA