The 2024 Christmas Walk is on its way! Sponsored by the James A. Garfield Historical Society, this year’s walk is sure to bring out the nature lover in you!
The biennial Christmas Walk is set to kick off on Thursday, November 7th with the Candlelight Night. This is a very special event. Starting at 5:00 pm til 8:00 pm, this is the only opportunity to see all the houses lit up at night in their Christmas splendor. Only 150 tickets are sold for this night’s event, so get your reservations in soon. Meet at the beautifully decorated Mott building, located at 8107 Main St in Garrettsville, receive a free ornament, and enjoy light refreshments before you head off to tour the four homes and St Ambrose, where each house is waiting to give you a treat as well. Tickets are $30. by reservation only. To reserve your tickets, call/text Debbie Smith at 330-389-1859.
Regular Christmas Walk tickets are $20 each. Dates and hours are Fridays, November 8th and 15th from 10 am to 5 pm; Saturdays, November 9th and 16th from 10 am to 5 pm and Sundays, November 10th and 17th from 12:30 til 5 pm.
Nature’s Noel Extravaganza
The first house on the walk is found at 11499 Wheeler Rd. will fill you with peace and tranquility as you drive into a wonderfully nature filled oasis. This log home owned by Evie and Sam Bixler Sr. and Ann and Sam Bixler Jr., tells of the journey of a father and son who planned a home for both young and old in a unique setting. Divided for both families, the home will be a mix of how a young family and an older family decorate for the holidays.
A Christmas Hunt
Next on the tour will be the home of Rebecca and Robert Philpot, at 10547 South St. Baying hounds, a cunning fox and well-mannered horses urged on by scarlet-clad hunters are the central motif ofa Christmas hunt. Along with the Philpot’s penchant for foxes, the inspiration for “A Christmas Hunt” is their print of the painting, “Before the Hunt,” rendered in 1930 by Frank Moss Bennett. The print graced the homes of Mrs.Philpot’s grandmother, and then her mother, before coming to reside in Garrettsville. Before leaving the Philpot’s 1863 home you will pass by the hunt breakfast table, laid out and ready to welcome the weary and hungry riders in from the field.
A Cozy Christmas at Camp Creek
Continuing on with the nature themed Christmas Walk is the home of Denise and Mark Ellerhorst at 10816 Liberty St. perched above Camp Creek’s beautiful waterfall and ravine. Built on the site of a Garrettsville woolen mill, you will be surrounded by frosty woodland wonders, up-cycled vintage glass, cozy wools, fireplaces and homemade sparkles to warm the heart and bring a smile.
Christmas at the New-Old House
And last, but certainly not least, is the home of Tim and Carol Smith located at 8452 Center St. This Folk Victorian home was originally built in 1875 and then renovated in 2018, thus earning the nickname of the new-old house. Decorations range from early 1900’s style to modern and traditional. The home also showcases the paintings of Celia Thomas, the local artist who was the owner’s grandmother.
Oh, My Stars
St Ambrose will be the featured church this year. And, oh, my stars! They have quite the display of stars, with the main emphasis on the Star of Bethlehem. St Ambrose will also be serving lunches. Stuffed cabbage, mashed potatoes and their famous green beans are on the menu, as well as pulled pork sliders with chips. Chocolate and carrot cakes and hot coffee/cocoa will also be sold. Be sure to stop in for this delicious homemade meal.
Make a point to stop in at the craft show at the Village Hall as well – a chance to start your Christmas shopping with homemade crafts. Something for everyone on your list!
