The holiday season is, without a doubt, the most awaited time of the year. When the air turns cold, the day turns dark, Christmas lights start twinkling, and jingle bells are ringing there is no better place than Belmont County to get you into the holiday spirit! From parades to outdoor festivals, Christmas shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts to sipping hot cocoa, and picking out a freshly cut Christmas trees, we have you covered!

The Christmas tree is a symbolic part of holiday traditions, and no matter how or when you decorate your tree, there’s nothing quite like cutting your own Christmas tree. For many, the pilgrimage to a Christmas tree farm is a cherished, time-honored tradition that symbolizes the kickoff to the holiday season. So, channel your inner Clark Griswold, and head outdoors to get the perfect Christmas Tree. Belmont County has two tree farms to help you create a day of old-fashioned, fun-filled memories with your family or friends: Davis Christmas Trees in Barnesville and Feisley Tree Farms in St. Clairsville.

Three generations of Feisleys have grown Christmas trees in Belmont County and their farm is one of the largest Christmas tree operations in Ohio. The picturesque farm with its endless rows of hillside Christmas trees and historic barn is the perfect Christmas backdrop. Feisley Tree Farms was the filming location for Hallmark Movie Channel’s “A Christmas Tree Miracle” in 2013. A trip to Feisley’s includes a wagon ride out into the fields to pick your perfect tree. Be sure to check out the barn for gifts made by local artisans as well as hot cocoa, cider, and sweet treats available to purchase.

From a fresh cut Christmas tree to the perfect gifts to put under it, look no further than Belmont County! Find that special gift when you shop local at one of our many specialty stores. Family-owned Deluxe Toy & Hobby in Martins Ferry has been a Belmont County staple for over 65 years. This three-story toy store offers something for the youngest to oldest with unique and classic toys, as well as hobby items and games. It was named one of the best toy stores in Ohio in 2020 by Ohio Magazine.

Shopping local this holiday season is easy with the many places we have throughout the county for those one-of-a kind unique gifts, art, antiques, handmade items, clothing and more! Some of my favorites include: Past to Present Quilt Shop, The Melting Pot Marketplace, Three Labs Mercantile, Fur Pet’s Sake, Kelly’s Suite White House Gallery, and the Farmhouse on 40. You’ll find gifts so unique you may want to keep them for yourself! And, if you can’t find that perfect gift, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate from one of our hometown restaurants or winery.

Finally, don’t fret about getting Santa’s cookies ready. When it comes to baking the best Christmas cookies, not everyone is a master, so let the pros handle it! Belmont County has many local bakeries to help you out. From the Fat Apple in Bridgeport to Unique Treats by Jacquie in Bellaire, the Yorkville Bakery to the Riesbeck’s Bakery, you will be able to find all the treats to keep your loved ones and Santa satisfied.

So, by golly, be jolly! Let’s merry up and have the best Christmas season together, Belmont County! Here’s to extra-decked-out halls, warmer-than-usual hugs, and celebrating the special people who make your season bright.

Be sure to visit www.visitbelmontcounty.com to check out all the holiday events happening right here in friendly, beautiful, Belmont County. From my family to yours, wishing you a very happy and safe holiday season!

Each month this space will be devoted to a column written by Jackee Pugh, executive director of the Belmont County Tourism Council. She will provide information about the tourism office, local attractions, upcoming events, and other local finds in Belmont County. She will share information about the travel and tourism industry and how it impacts our local economy.