Cutler Blog
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"Don't Stop Believin'" in Winter Magic: The Ultimate November & December Guide to Akron & Canton
"Don't Stop Believin'" in Winter Magic: The Ultimate November & December Guide to Akron & Canton
When the air turns crisp in Northeast Ohio, it's easy to want to stay indoors—but as Journey sang in 1981 and kept playing on repeat through the late 80s and 90s, don't stop believin' in the magic of our local communities! November and December transform the Akron and Canton regions into a true winter wonderland filled with bright lights, local shopping, and cozy traditions.
Whether you're looking to buy a home in Stark County or settling into Summit County, here are the top lifestyle activities you shouldn't miss this holiday season.
1. "Walking in Memphis"... or Canton's First Friday?
Marc Cohn had us daydreaming about walking through Memphis in 1991, but around here, we prefer walking down the vibrant streets of downtown Canton! Kick off November and December by attending Canton First Friday. It's a monthly party celebrating local art, live music, and amazing food downtown.
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Explore: Canton First Friday
2. "Wild Wild West" Meets Wild Lights at Akron Zoo
Throwing it back to Will Smith's 1999 hit, things get a little wild around the holidays—in the best way possible! Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo features millions of dazzling lights, visits with Santa, and festive treats across the zoo grounds. It's one of the highest-rated family holiday events in Northeast Ohio.
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Explore: Akron Zoo Wild Lights
3. Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
If you want to feel like royalty (Cue "Smooth" by Santana feat. Rob Thomas, 1999), take a stroll through Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. This historic 65-room Tudor Revival manor house is illuminated with over one million lights, featuring themed indoor trees, gingerbread houses, and courtyard fires to warm up with hot cocoa.
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Explore: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
4. Score Big at the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Winter in Canton means football season is in full swing. Give your holiday guests an unforgettable outing at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. November and December feature special holiday promotions, interactive exhibits, and football history that sports fans of all ages will love.
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Explore: Pro Football Hall of Fame
Thinking of making a move? From historic Akron Ohio neighborhoods to charming suburban developments in Stark County Ohio. Cutler Real Estate is here to help you find your dream home this winter.
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"Wonderwall" of Lights: Cincinnati's Premier November & December Lifestyle Guide
"Wonderwall" of Lights: Cincinnati's Premier November & December Lifestyle Guide
Oasis released "Wonderwall" in 1995, asking: "Because maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me?" Well, these incredible Cincinnati holiday events are here to save your winter weekends from boredom! From the banks of the Ohio River to historic neighborhoods, the Queen City knows how to celebrate November and December in style.
1. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Recognized consistently as one of the best zoo light displays in the nation, the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is a must-visit. Featuring 4 million LED lights, a black-light puppet show, and s'mores stations, it's pure magic.
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Explore: Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
2. "Jump Around" at Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
House of Pain had everyone jumping in 1992, and you can jump (or glide!) on the ice at the UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank formerly at Fountain Square has relocated to the Elm Street Plaza for 2026. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, it's perfect for ice skating, and festive city energy.
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Explore: Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
3. "Waterfalls" of Lights at Nights of Lights
TLC told us in 1995 not to go chasing waterfalls, but you should definitely drive out to Cincinnati's Nights of Lights . Stay warm in your vehicle as you drive through synchronized light tunnels set to classic holiday tunes for nearly 2 miles at the Warren County Fairgrounds!
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Explore: Cincinnati Nights of Lights
4. "Empire State of Mind" at Findlay Market
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys sang about the bustling energy of NYC in 2009, but Cincinnati's historic Findlay Market brings that exact vibrant market charm to Ohio! In November and December, Findlay Market hosts holiday markets, artisan pop-ups, and seasonal food tastings perfect for buying local gifts.
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Explore: Findlay Market
Looking for your Queen City castle? Discover modern urban living or quiet suburban charm across Cincinnati with the experts at Cutler Real Estate.
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"Ice Ice Baby": Cool Ways to Celebrate November & December in Central Ohio
"Ice Ice Baby": Cool Ways to Celebrate November & December in Central Ohio
Vanilla Ice dominated the charts in 1990 with "Ice Ice Baby", and while Central Ohio gets its fair share of winter chill, Columbus stays red hot with incredible holiday events throughout November and December! From twinkling downtown lights to bustling shopping centers, living in Columbus during the holidays offers something for everyone.
1. "Steal My Sunshine" at the Columbus Zoo Wildlights
LEN's 1999 hit was all about chasing the bright spots, and nothing brightens winter nights quite like Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Millions of LED lights, animated light shows set to music, and reindeer encounters make this a top-tier tradition for Central Ohio families.
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Explore: Columbus Zoo Wildlights
2. "All Star" Shopping & Dining at Easton Town Center
Smash Mouth told us in 1999 that "all that glitters is gold," but at Easton Town Center, all that glitters is millions of festive holiday lights and a giant 50-foot Christmas tree! Easton offers premier holiday shopping, a holiday drone show, and dining options that make holiday prep a delight.
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Explore: Easton Town Center
3. Stroll Through the Scioto Mile Lights
For a breathtaking city skyline view, take an evening walk along The Scioto Mile. Transformed into a glowing winter wonderland each December, downtown Columbus lights up the parkland along the riverbanks with vibrant hues.
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Explore: Scioto Mile Parks
4. "Life is a Highway" – Head to the Conservatory
Tom Cochrane's 1991 anthem urges us to drive all night long, but your destination should be Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for Conservatory Glow. Walk among glowing light installations, outdoor displays, and warm indoor tropical gardens.
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Explore: Franklin Park Conservatory
Welcome Home to Columbus! Whether you want a cozy condo in the Short North or a family home in Dublin or Olentangy, let Cutler Real Estate guide your Columbus home search this season.
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Fall Home Maintenance Checklist (Hansel and Gretel's Winter Prep)
Welcome to a fun, whimsical twist on home upkeep! At Cutler Real Estate, we know that keeping your home safe, efficient, and beautiful shouldn't feel like a chore.
Deep in the autumn forest, Hansel and Gretel knew that cold days were fast approaching. Rather than relying on a trail of breadcrumbs that birds might eat, they left a clear trail of fall home maintenance tasks to prepare their cottage for the long, freezing winter ahead!
Before winter trickery catches you off guard, use our autumn home winterization guide to keep your house warm, safe, and cozy.
1. Warm Up the Oven... Er, Furnace!
Don't wait for the first freeze to realize...
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The Best Time To Buy a Home in 2026 Is Almost Here
The Best Time To Buy a Home in 2026 Is Almost Here
Want to buy a house this year, but not sure if the timing's right? Seasonally, it may actually be a better time to buy than you expect.
Yes, mortgage rates have been ticking up lately – and that's creating some real challenges with affordability. No one's arguing that. But there are also predictable trends that happen this time every year that can put some wind back in your sails.
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