This Tiny Town Near Cleveland Is The Grandest Winter Wonderland You’ll Ever Visit
By Nikki Rhoades|Published December 03, 2019
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
Northeast Ohio is full of charm around the holidays, but nothing quite compares to the jolliness of Christmas in the Victorian countryside. Believe it or not, one such town exists not too far from home. Lined with historic buildings and tasteful decorations, it’s no wonder many consider Peninsula to be the best Christmas village near Cleveland. Prepare to strike the harp and join the chorus, because you’ll sing for joy in this merry little community.
Tucked away in the countryside of Summit County is a pretty little village that transforms with the seasons.
Peninsula is a village of just a few hundred people, but its charm attracts thousands of visitors each year. This old school community transforms with the seasons, feeling like sleepy hollow in the fall and the North Pole in the winter.
Stores, restaurants, and residents alike go all out for the holiday season.
Cozy hangouts like The Wine Mill become absolutely inspired as snow arrives in this pretty community. You'll find an endless supply of Yuletide cheer in Peninsula, whether you're cozying up beside a fire or strolling snow-lined streets.
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And, amazingly, much of this community can be accessed on foot.
The stretch along State Route 303 and into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are absolutely enchanting in the winter. Many choose to explore this area via bicycle as well, a fact evidenced by the village's own bicycle rental shop in the heart of town.
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And, as it turns out, this quaint community is the perfect place to stock up on your own decorations!
Pictured in the previous two images is The Log Cabin Gallery, a quaint and gorgeous little art shop that offers jaw-dropping views of the landscape. They sell some of the loveliest decorations and collectibles all year round, but Christmastime comes with a charm of its own.
You can even hand-select your own Christmas tree at Heritage Farms.
This quaint and magical farm has served the area for nearly two centuries, and its landscape remains quaint and inspiring to this day. Learn more about their Christmas tree farm here.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad cuts through Peninsula, operating in the winter months for special events. The scenic train will not run in December of 2019, though business will resume as usual in late January.
Whether you're checking out the national park by rail or on foot, you'll find yourself enamored by its beauty.
This landscape is one of the loveliest in the state! As the only national park in Ohio, Cuyahoga Valley National Park belongs on your winter bucket list.
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And if you're in town for the holidays and looking for a place to enjoy Christmas Eve service and carols, Peninsula United Methodist Church is the place to be.