by David Miller
Loveland, Ohio – The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is calling all Christmas fanatics to come and enjoy a beautifully decorated City of Loveland winter wonderland. Can anyone resist the clip-clop and jingle of horse-drawn carriages and the smell of hot cider?
The Little Miami River Chamber Alliance said that the City of Loveland will once again be transformed into a beautiful wonderland for the Christmas holiday.
On December 17, visitors can enjoy carriage rides, a train ride, complimentary tastings, crafts, holiday beverages, a trolley ride, Christmas entertainment, and a few new items in historical downtown Loveland. Entertainment will be in the center of town next to the live nativity scene and inside many businesses.
CeeCee Collins, President of the chamber shared that “there will be so many fun activities such as train rides, caroling and Santa’s Wonderland, just to name a few! This is such a great event where the businesses want to give back to everyone that has patronized and visited in downtown. They truly appreciate everyone supporting local businesses and hope they will return to enjoy all of the Loveland area. There will be many samplings and give-a-ways for all ages to enjoy!”
This event will be held rain, snow, or shine. And we predict shine because the Weather Channel says it will be sunny and nearly 40 degrees on December 17,
A few Facts:
- The event takes place from 4-8 PM, on December 17th
- The train is at the Loveland Museum Center and a trolley will take guests from Downtown Loveland to the museum
- Maps of all the activities will be placed inside the businesses and available by the clock tower.
- A back portion of Railroad Avenue will be closed to allow for the horse-drawn carriages. Carriages will cost $2 per person.
- Line up for the Carriage is on Railroad Avenue across from the Wicked Pickle Restaurant.
- A Holiday Trolley will transport people to the Loveland History Museum from Harrison Avenue at no charge.
- Entertainment will be in the center of town and next to the fountain.
- A shuttle bus will take folks from the Shoppers Haven Parking lot to downtown Loveland. The Shuttle will run the entire time.
- The event is free for all, thanks to our sponsors. Special Thank you to our Presenting sponsors: Sibcy Cline Realtors, Kelli Williams, and McCluskey Chevrolet, Inc.
The event began in 1987 when Loveland artist, Deirdre Dyson was asked to design and silkscreen posters for the first two years of Christmas in Loveland.
On, December 6, 1987, women at Grailville saw the crass capitalism of how the birth of Jesus was celebrated and wanted to change things up, at least for Loveland. They wanted to put a little “Christ” back into Christmas by offering a community event they named, Christmas in Loveland.
Dyson said, “The intent of the women at the women’s retreat center was to celebrate Christmas, rather than celebrate Christmas shopping.”
Years later, former Loveland resident, Martin Schickel volunteered to start organizing the event and did so for many years. Schickel’s family was deeply connected with Grailville, so it was a natural fit. In 2013, Schickel, who was also one of the founders of Loveland’s Amazing Race, later re-named The Amazing Charity Race, decided to gradually retire from being so actively involved in community events, so he turned over Christmas in Loveland to the Loveland Area Chamber of Commerce. It was Schickel’s gift to the community that he re-gifted to the Chamber. Schickel also has deep connections with the Chamber having once served as its President.
Not sure what to expect at Christmas in Loveland this year? Click below to view photos taken by Loveland Magazine Photographer Sam Smith of Christmas in Loveland in 2016.
Christmas in Loveland (2016) through photos
This LOVELAND MAGAZINE HD VIDEO is short clips of some of the sights and sounds of Christmas in Loveland 10-years-ago.
by Cassie Mattia
