Historic Loveland becomes a Holiday Wonderland
By Chuck Gibson
Christmas arrives in Loveland this Saturday, December 14, with the traditional celebration of Christmas in Loveland organized by The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance. From 4-9 p.m all of Historic Downtown Loveland is filled with the merriment of Christmas.
“There will be so many fun activities,” said CeeCee Collins, Chamber President. “This is such a great event where businesses give back to patrons who visited. There will be tons of samplings and give-away’s for all ages to enjoy.”
Some of the fun activities will include face-painting, carolers singing, meeting Elsa & Anna, and a caricature artist in Forever Grace Designs. You won’t want to miss tasting Tano’s famous bread pudding or cookies, and hot cocoa at the hut near the live nativity and stage. There will be plenty of entertainment with caroling on the live stage with Christmas music and emcee from STAR 93.3 radio.
Loveland will be shining bright with businesses decorated all along the streets and across the bridge. Visitors can enjoy a trip back into a traditional Victorian Christmas with a short trolley ride to the Loveland Museum Center. When you arrive you’ll be treated to beautiful classic decorations throughout the museum center. Kids will enjoy the train ride around LMC or seeing the model train display by Dick Shaver upstairs. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the live music and singing by the Ohio Valley Voices and Loveland Presbyterian Church Choir.
It is happy holiday fun for everyone. Kids and parents alike can paint ornaments at the Hometown Café on the trail, or stop in at Whistle Stop ClayWorks to purchase or paint peace dove ornaments.
Everyone will love the Polar Express feature on the train car at The Works restaurant. Stop in at Ramsey’s for free face painting too. Get the whole family photo at the Wolterman Law photo booth and don’t forget man’s best friend at the dog photo booth at Loveland Canoe & Kayak. If you still have that “Bah-Humbug” feeling, stop in to see Scrooge at Eads
Santa Claus is sure to lift your Christmas Spirit at his new workshop at Matthew Capps’ photography. Santa will be giving each person a candy cane and one free photo with him. Mrs. Claus may even read a Christmas story.
“We’ll have Santa’s workshop,” said Kaytee Capps, Capps Photography admin. “Kids will get to build toys with Santa.”
An old fashioned Christmas is the theme at the Loveland Stage Company. They offer three free shows at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. in the LSC Theater – first come, first serve for all the visitors. What would Christmas be without a visit to Whoville and The Grinch? The City of Loveland will deck City Hall in Whoville theme. Kathy Bailey is the Mayor of Whoville with The Grinch and the Whoville dog.
“They’ll have girls there doing little girls hair with the ‘Cindy Lou Who’ hairdo,” Collins said. “You can come in looking like a normal little girl and come out looking like you’re from Whoville. They have spared no expense on the actual production and decoration. It is always something to be seen.”
You’ll have a holly jolly Christmas in all the decorated shops and eateries sampling favorite holiday treats and drinks. Montgomery Cyclery will feature a hot chocolate bar with your choice of cinnamon stick, or marshmallow or whipped cream topping. Smores are sure to be a hit at Plaid Room Records. The soon to be open new restaurant Rodi at Karl Brown Way and West Loveland will be handing out sample treats too.
“Can’t forget the horse-drawn carriage rides,” said Collins. “There is plenty of fun for everyone. The businesses are doing a great job highlighting the holidays. It’ll be fun.”
Christmas in Loveland – Free to the public
Saturday, December 14, 2019 – From 4-9 p.m. All around Downtown Historic Loveland – Click here for all the information from LMRChamberalliance
Fast facts from the Chamber:
The train is at the Loveland Museum Center
A Holiday Trolley will transport people to the Loveland Museum Center from Harrison Avenue at no charge
Maps of all the activities are available inside the businesses and by the Clock Tower.
A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse drawn carriages.
Line up for the Carriage is across from Lyle’s Bike’s, Brews & BBQ
Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
Photos caption: Scenes from Christmas past and present in Loveland (Photos Credit: Chuck Gibson)
