Make your New Year's Plans in Lorain County-Indoors or Out

Staying local for New Year’s Eve? No plans yet? No worries—here are a few celebration spots for you to choose from in the area.

Grab some friends and bowl in the New Year with Rebman Recreation! Rent-a-Lane from 10am to 10pm at $20 per hour, minimum of 4 per lane with complimentary shoes or for $49.95 enjoy a large pizza and pitcher or pop for 2 hours. Perfect for groups or families.

Feast on fine food for NYE! Matus Winery invites you to New Year’s Eve Dinner by Rotuno’s and entertainment by Minor Adjustment at $40 per person. Dinner includes Prime Rib, Pork Loin, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Shrimp Cocktail, Roll, & a Bottle of Wine. Reservations required, call or email to reserve your seat.

Skate in the New Year at Ghostly Manor Thrill Center & Skateworld in Sandusky! The family friendly New Year’s Eve Skate & Dance Party provides both general and VIP admission options for you including skate rental, party favors and more. Party from 8:00pm through the night. For more info, contact Skateworld at 419-625-0212. 

Start the party early at North Park Arena! Ice skating is open to the public from 1-3:30pm on New Year’s Eve Day. Just $4 for youth and $5 for adults. 

Get a head start on your 2011 workout plan with a morning hike at one of the Lorain County Metro Parks sites. Strenuous and moderate hikes offered on NYE morning at Columbia Reservation and Schoepfle Garden. For more info, check out the LCMP website.

Looking for a mini-getaway for you and your sweetie to celebrate? Two local inns have you covered!

Stay at the Inn of Elyria for their New Year’s Eve Party featuring an All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib Buffet, DJ, and New Year’s Day breakfast. Call 800-321-7333 for reservations. Cost is $219 (+tax) per couple.

Don your party hats at the Oberlin Inn New Year's Eve Gala 2010. Enjoy elegant Four Course Candlelight Dining, Open Bar 7:30-1:00am, Party Favors, Midnight Champagne Toast, Dancing and Entertainment by Elegant Entertainment.  Tastefully appointed guestroom and sumptuous New Year's Day Brunch.  Only $249 per couple (plus tax & gratuity). Call 440-775-1111 for reservations.

Whether you’re clinking glasses with friends or nestling by a fire with the one you love, bid 2010 farewell and welcome 2011 with anticipation for the coming year!

New Holiday Traditions in Lorain County

Try something new this holiday season and add a twist to your traditional celebration! Light displays, carolers, and mistletoe are a must, but why not try a few of these unique holiday activities and celebrations. 

Do-It-Yourself Holiday Décor
Design your own 20" fresh indoor/outdoor holiday wreath at the Fresh Wreath Workshop at Days of Yore Herb & Flower Farm. [12/4/10, 2pm & 6pm. $36.50 per person. 440.647.2045]

Holiday decor at Farmyard Flowers

Old Fashioned Holiday
Experience what it was like to celebrate the holidays as a pioneer! There will be a reenactment as you tour the Benjamin Bacon House Museum at Vermilion River Reservation with authentic sights, smells and sounds of a pioneer holiday. A live band performance, food, and horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. [12/4, 3-8pm; 12/5, 2-6pm]
  
An International Holiday
Celebrate the season by learning how other cultures throughout the world observe the holidays at French Creek Nature Center’s, “Holiday Traditions Around The World.” You will travel to different "countries" set up in the Nature Center. Each country will have a craft or activity and a customary holiday treat. This year's countries will include Germany, Norway, Canada, Ireland, and a few others. After traveling, enjoy a soup dinner. [12/7, 6-8pm. 440.458.5152]

A Holiday Whodunit
The Oberlin Inn hosts a Holiday Murder Mystery, complete with a dinner buffet and overnight accommodations. Reservations required. [12/11, 440.775.1111]

Holiday Wine Tasting with the Lake Erie Crushers
Do wine and baseball mix? In this case, yes! Join the Lake Erie Crushers at the All Pro Freight Stadium for Italian wines and cuisine. [12/15, 6-9pm. 440.934.3636]

A Christmas Cabaret
Back by popular demand—A Christmas Cabaret will take you on a sleigh ride of 30 songs for the season and other festive curiosities – plus evergreens like Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, Silver Bells, God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen, and many more. Performances at Stocker Art Center were sold out last year, so get your tickets early! [12/17, 7:30pm & 12/18, 3:00pm; $15/Adults; $10/Children 12 & under]

Ballroom Dancing on the Lake
Dance the winter night away at Lakeview Park's Rose Cafe. Free lessens before the dance. Reservations required. [12/17, 7-10pm, 440.458.5121]


Christmas on the Farm

Head out to Bonnie Brae Elk Farm and take a wagon ride to feed elk, then enjoy a warm  cup of chili or cocoa in the barn. $10 per person. [12/18,19, 20, 440.647.3232]

Bonnie Brea Elk Farm

Kwanzaa Celebration

Celebrate African heritage and culture at Harrison Cultural Community Centre at part of the week-long Kwanzaa celebration. Public invited. [12/28, 6:30pm; 440.244.0359 or 440.244.0367]

Don’t forget to shop these local spots for that distinctive gift—

Ginko Gallery

Uncommon Objects

The Tree House Gallery and Tea Room

Petitti Garden Center

Holiday decorations at Petitti Garden Center

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or Chinese New Year, Lorain County is full of fun unconventional and traditional holiday celebrations for your family. Kick your “bah hum-bug” attitude, and enjoy the winter wonderland of northern Ohio! For more holiday events, visit our Calendar of Events page.

Visit Lorain County wishes you and your family a happy, healthy holiday season!

For additional information, stop by the Visit Lorain County Travel Information Center at 8025 Leavitt Road, call us 1-800-334-1673, visit the website, become a fan on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.