Page 14 - Dresden Buzz 11/14/2025

PAGE 14 | MUSKINGUM COUNTY HOLIDAY GUIDE
Holiday season brings festive events and traditions to
Muskingum County
26-foot Ornament Tree located in front of the John McIntire Library.
NOVEMBER 14 - 27, 2025
BY JORDIN HARMER | ZANESVILLE-MUSKINGUM CVB
Muskingum County Convention and aged 4 to 12 may enter the Teddy Bear
Visitors Bureau (Visit Zanesville) is pre- Coloring Contest by submitting artwork
paring to welcome the 2025 holiday sea- at the John McIntire Library or the Wel-
son with a full calendar of community come Center. Horse-drawn carriage
activities, light displays, and family tradi- rides will return on December 4 and
tions. A free fifteen-page holiday booklet December 19, offering a guided look
is now available at locations throughout downtown during the holidays. Elfie, a
the county, including the Muskingum life-sized holiday elf, will also make ap-
County Welcome Center, and can also pearances throughout December, and
be downloaded at VisitZanesville.com. families can share photos after spotting
The guide outlines a range of seasonal him for a chance to win prizes.
experiences for residents and visitors. Santa will greet children at several
One of the most recognizable sights of sites across the county. Letters may be
the season returns to downtown Zanes- submitted through special mailboxes
ville as the 26-foot Ornament Tree glows located at Muskingum County Library
in front of the John McIntire Library. The branches, Community Bank offices, and
display has become a popular spot for the Welcome Center to ensure delivery
photos and a familiar marker of the to the North Pole before Christmas.
community’s holiday kickoff. Downtown Zanesville will host the
Evening activities will again be a high- First Friday Art Walk on December 5,
light throughout December. The Musk- featuring open galleries, music, lights,
ingum County Courthouse will present free trolley rides, and visits with Santa.
nightly music-synchronized light shows Additional seasonal attractions include
from 6 to 9 p.m., drawing families down- the Holiday Drink Trail and a Snowman
town for the tradition. Nearby, Zane’s Trail showcasing seven six-foot snow-
Landing Park offers additional light dis- men throughout downtown.
plays, and downtown storefronts will fea- The holiday season will feature pa-
ture holiday décor. Five village parades rades, artisan workshops, concerts,
are planned on separate dates this year, shopping events, and other community
allowing families to attend multiple cel- activities. Additional holiday events will
ebrations. Parade listings are printed on be added regularly as details are con-
the back cover of the holiday booklet. firmed to the community calendar avail-
Young residents are encouraged to par- able on VisitZanesville.com.
ticipate in seasonal activities. Children
Holiday Bulb Decorating Event
Lynette Dotson
at Genesis HealthCare System
For families who lost children
The Genesis HealthCare System Heal- ory of their baby: one to take home, and
ing After Infant Loss (H.A.I.L) bereave- one to hang on a special tree at Genesis.
ment team will hold its annual Holiday Light refreshments will be served. The
Bulb Decorating on Thursday, Dec. 4, event is free and open to anyone who
from 7 to 9 p.m. in Genesis Hospital would like to come. Registration is re-
Meeting Rooms A, B, C and D. Families quired. Call Genesis Women’s Services,
who have suffered the loss of a baby or (740) 450-6262, to leave a voicemail
child, or had a miscarriage, are invited to with the number of adults and children
attend and decorate two bulbs in mem- who will be attending.
Zanesville NAACP Hosts “Santa
& Cocoa” Outreach Event During
First Friday Art Walk SUBMITTED
The Zanesville Branch of the NAACP sion and membership benefits of their
invites the community to “Celebrate the local NAACP, including ongoing efforts
Season” at a festive Santa & Cocoa Out- to support civil rights, education, voter
reach Event during the upcoming First engagement, and community empower-
Friday Art Walk on Friday, December ment in Muskingum County.
5, from 5–8 p.m. at Nicole’s on Main “We’re excited to offer a fun and wel-
Boutique, 532 Main Street in downtown coming holiday experience while also
Zanesville. giving residents an opportunity to con-
This free, family-friendly event wel- nect with the important work happening
comes all who believe in the magic of in our local NAACP chapter,” said Kyle
Santa Claus—and those who simply want Johnson, President,Zanesville NAACP.
to enjoy a warm cup of cocoa, treats, “First Friday is the perfect backdrop for
and joyful community spirit. Guests are community, celebration, and engage-
invited to stop in throughout the evening ment.”
to meet Santa Claus, enjoy seasonal re- The event is free and open to the pub-
freshments, and connect with neighbors lic. No registration is required.
in celebration of the holiday season. For more information about NAACP
The NAACP encourages families to membership or upcoming events,
bring their children to meet Santa, take please visit the Zanesville NAACP Face-
photos, and share their holiday wishes. book page or email muskingumcounty-
Community members will also have the naacp@gmail.com
opportunity to learn more about the mis-