Published on August 12, 2021

12 Dates of Christmas

Ohio Wine Country

Looking for a holiday date night idea? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up 12 “dates” of Christmas, ranging from drive-thru light shows to cozy cooking classes to experience Ohio’s Wine Country in a whole new way.

Lattes & Covered Bridges with your Love

Drive-thru The Station Coffee Drive-thru, one of Ashtabula County’s newest coffee shops, for lattes and breakfast before hopping on the Covered Bridge Trail. Choose from 19 picturesque bridges to explore! Don’t know where to begin? We suggest starting your journey at the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge, which is the longest covered bridge in the United States!

Stroll through the Ashtabula County Metroparks

Throw on a cozy winter sweater, lace up your hiking boots, put on your earmuffs and head out to your favorite Ashtabula County Metroparks trail. New to the trails? We suggest starting your stroll at Harpersfield Covered Bridge for a photo op before hopping on the trail.

Shop Small in the Harbor

While the Historic Ashtabula Harbor shops are open year-round, they are hosting a “Holidays in the Harbor” event on December 14. Grab your loved one and head out for a day of holiday fun, shopping and dining. A little elf told us that Santa may be making an appearance!

Dinner and a Show 

Enjoy a romantic dinner at Rennick Meat Market or Bascule Bridge Grille on Bridge Street before making your way to the Ashtabula Arts Center to enjoy an evening performance of The Nutcracker. This classic tale is presented by the Ballet Theatre Ashtabula. Be sure to book tickets in advance, certain dates are already sold out!

Cozy up with Cocktails

Hurry over to Red Eagle Distillery or Seven Brothers Disillery for some seasonal cocktails. Try their warm cider made with house-made bourbon, warm apple cider and cinnamon.

Crafty Couple

Sip and paint your way through the night at the holiday-themed “Brushes and Lushes” event at Grand River Cellars. Extend your date and stay for a warm meal paired with a glass of local, Ohio-made wine.

Weekend Winery Tour Date

M Cellars offers winery tours on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. After you enjoy your tour, sit back, relax, and sip on some M Cellars wine while you listen to the crackling fire. 

Apple “Pie” of my Eye

Who says you can’t have pie for breakfast? Surprise your loved one with a date to The Little Pie Shop for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dessert! 

You Light up my Life

Hop in the car, pack some hot cocoa and cookies, and head over to the Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake display. This drive-thru experience features over 70 displays throughout Lakeshore Park with beautiful Lake Erie as the backdrop.

Sweets with your Sweetie

Stop by Rosabella Winery, one of the newest wineries in Ohio’s Wine Country, for a holiday cheesecake flight! Enjoy one of each holiday-themed flavored cheesecake: candy cane, gingerbread, chocolate mint, and espresso.

Snow Day at The Lodge

Snowshoeing, snow biking, and skiing, oh my! The Lodge at Geneva offers these unique local experiences to guests and to the general public during the winter season. Rent equipment from The Lodge to experience Ashtabula County in a new way!

Cooking Class at Harbor Gardens

This could be one of your favorite new date night ideas! Learn how to cook a new dish alongside your sweetheart. Harbor Gardens strives to include ingredients that you can find right here, in our local community! Check Harbor Gardens website and Facebook page for up-to-date events. 

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