The Butler Co. Visitors Bureau invited us out to experience the holiday in Hamilton, OH. I had no idea how much we really needed a fun-filled family outing! My mind was reset after months of staying home. It felt so good to get out while also feeling safe – social distancing and masks were in full force from everyone we encountered. *although we were invited to visit – like always these thoughts and opinions are my own*
Through December, Hamilton, OH has a laundry list of holiday festivities – a full schedule of events guaranteed to lift your holiday spirits!
–Reindeer Games (scavenger hunt)
–Holly Jolly @ Home (activity kits to take home & enjoy!)
-Craft & Cocktail Quest (special offers and discounts at local DORA locations around Hamilton—check in to 10 or more and win a medal/bottle opener)
–Santa’s House (starting 12/4)
–Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill (2.5 miles of holiday lights, light-based art installations, new media artwork, and music from November 20 through January 3)
What Did We Do In Hamilton,Oh?
Shop Downtown – Support Local Businesses
I had no idea Hamilton had so many great small businesses! We visited: Wildfire, Sara’s House, & Henry’s Candy Co. There’s so many more to explore – all in walking distance! I’ve been wanting to visit Wildfire & Sara’s House forever now – I follow them on IG & swoon over their beauty! Henry’s was incredible – a true experience! I had no idea it was so close to our home! The boys absolutely loved it!
Check out my tiktok video of our shop small experience!
Take Pictures With Murals
It was a chilly day so we did not walk from one side of downtown to the other – but we did walk a little more down by the shops. There were so many cute murals on both sides – and probably even more around Hamilton! The boys loved this one with the ducks. Jax loooooved ducks right now so this was so exciting! I love a good photo opportunity!
Paint Pottery At The Studio: Masterpieces & Memories
Before we even got to the studio, Jax & Trevor had already said, “This is the best day ever!” about 100 times. Little did they know. The Studio is a fun place to paint your own pottery. My boys are incredibly creative so they thrived here! The Studio offers take and paint pottery as well if you aren’t comfortable in the studio. When we visited it was not crowded. They recommend making reservations. They also have you keep all items at your table for sanitization between guests.
We are waiting for our text to return and pick up our pottery! I can’t wait! Trevor made a cat replica of Rosemary (our kitty cat at home) & Jax made a piggy bank. I had to make a coffee mug of course! I also created a Christmas ornament to remember the day by! We will be back for sure – this was a blast!
Dinner To Go From Fretboard Brewing
We thought about eating at their patio – but the place was a little crowded for our comfort level! We downloaded their app for easy ordering and picked it up. Now we know why it was crowded – – -the food was bomb! Derrek said his burger was the absolute best he has ever had! We ate in the truck. It was nice because I could change Odie’s diaper and feed him. We can’t wait to get our text from The Studio to come pick up our pottery – we are totally getting Fretboard for dinner again!
Journey Borealis Drive Thru Lights
This was the icing on the cake! When I figured out this was on our to do list – I FREAKED! I love a good light show. There’s something about millions of lights, Christmas music, excitement from the babes – – that just makes me cry. It’s so silly, but it’s like during this time you can really escape life for a moment & enjoy yourself completely! If you do anything this holiday – get to Journey Borealis. You will not regret it – 2.5 miles of over one million lights!
How’s the line?
We waited maybe 5-7 minutes. I also heard from others the line was not long at all – if any! The thing with Pyramid Hill is the check in booth is right when you turn in off the road – maybe 7 cars in? So when the line piles up from people paying – you end up waiting on the side of the road. I think because of this and the fact that they can fit so many cars in at once – they make sure they get you in quick!
TIPS:
download the app beforehand so you have the music ready to roll! We did not realize that, but we listed to the Sia Christmas album and that was perfect for us! If you are a Hamilton resident you get to enjoy the show FREE every Tuesday!
Watch my TikTok video of our drive!
Visit gettothebc.com for the complete schedule of events, hours, and more!
What are you adding to your bucket list? Hamilton is about 25 minutes from Cincinnati. I totally suggest taking a drive to shop/pick up dinner/do something fun! REMEMBER be social – but distant. Share your fun & tag me! Also – wear your masks 🙂
[…] lights in Ohio. Adventure Mom Blog details holiday light displays in Cincinnati, while this list showcases Hamilton County. Here are a few recommended […]