Celebrate 35 Years of the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade

Blog by Eva Hammang

For more than three decades the Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival has remained a staple of Southwest Ohio's holiday event schedule, drawing festive-feeling travelers from near and far to charming Downtown Lebanon on the first weekend of December each year.

Originally hosted in 1989 as a quiet, community-driven event intended simply to celebrate Lebanon's rich history and charm, the long-beloved festival has since become increasingly popular and now stands as one of the Midwest's most highly-anticipated holiday happenings.

While the event's main attraction (or, attractions rather) are its two incredible parades featuring more than 100 beautifully decorated carriages pulled by Clydesdales, Percherons and more gorgeous horse breeds, the parades are just a sampling of the heartwarming, family fun you'll find at the festival each year.

Local food and craft vendors, Christmas carolers, bell choirs, storytellers, and even Santa-themed train rides on the nearby LM&M Railroad add even more to the festival's magic, making it one of the Buckeye State's absolute best bets for capturing the holiday spirit.

This year's event, scheduled for Saturday, December 7, will mark its 35th anniversary and promises to be another unforgettable celebration of history, community, and holiday cheer.

Make this the year you finally check it out!

Oh, and a pro tip for first-timers: bundle up and get there early to stake out a prime parade-watching spot!