Glow snow tubing, igloo dining: These escapes are worth the drive this holiday

Beginning on Dec. 13, Snow Trails in Mansfield offers glow tubing.

Credit: Nate Wolleson

Credit: Nate Wolleson

Beginning on Dec. 13, Snow Trails in Mansfield offers glow tubing.

We’re all in need of an escape once in a while — even if it’s just for a couple of days. If you’re looking for something unique and fun to do, we have the ultimate list of holiday escapes.

Whether you want to plan a trip with other grown-ups or with the family, these events offer something for everyone. And, the best part? They’re really not too far away. We’re talking about a little over a couple hours, at most.

Here are some ideas for a quick trip this holiday season.

HIT THE SLOPES WITH GLOW SNOW TUBING: MANSFIELD, OHIO

Beginning Dec. 13, guests to Snow Trails can expect to experience glow tubing.

Credit: Nate Wolleson

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Credit: Nate Wolleson

Yes,  you heard correctly: Snow glow tubing. And it’s within driving distance of Dayton! It’s all at Mansfield’s Snow Trails in scenic Possum Run Valley. An array of colorful LED lights line the park for all to enjoy. After hitting the slopes, guests can enjoy live entertainment or grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many eateries in the ski lodge on premises.

TAKE A WALK THROUGH CINCINNATI’S WINTER WONDERLAND

A new event series, Snow Banks at the Banks, will debut in January. Every weekend in January, expect snow-themed activities including “snow blizzard” special effects, a 50-foot snow tub run, sledding, a ski lodge style cocktail lounge and more. There is something for everyone!

SEE UNDERGROUND HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAY: LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Until Jan. 4, visitors to Lights Under Louisville in Kentucky will have the opportunity to take in one of the largest underground holiday lights displays in the country.

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You may have been to a really neat holiday light display. But have you been to one underground? From now until Jan. 4, visitors to the Mega Cavern in Louisville, Kentucky, can fully explore one of only a few underground holiday lights displays in the entire world. You won’t want to miss this one!

STEP INTO AN INFINITE WORLD OF LIGHT

Imagine standing alone, surrounded by single points of light suspended over a pool of water. That sensation, “Yayoi Kusama: Fireflies on the Water,” is open at the Toledo Museum of Art. Visitors will experience 60 seconds alone in the room, which uses lights, mirrors and water to transport viewers to a space that seems endlessly expansive. The installation runs through April 26, 2020.

VISIT HOUSE WHERE ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ WAS FILMED: CLEVELAND, OHIO AREA

Take a drive three hours northeast of Dayton and you'll find the house used for the Parker family home's exterior shots in the 1983 classic holiday film, A Christmas Story, located in Cleveland's historic Tremont neighborhood. The "A Christmas Story House" and museum are open year round 7 days a week (except major holidays). Extended hours are offered during November and December. Both the "A Christmas Story House" and "The Bumpus House", fictional home to Raphie's neighbors, the Bumpuses, are open for overnight stays. For rates and booking, visit bumpushouse.com. To check hours & admission, extended hours calendar and all other information, visit achristmasstoryhouse.com. TOM GILLIAM / CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Credit: Tom Gilliam

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Credit: Tom Gilliam

We are willing to bet that you have watched “A Christmas Story” at least once in your lifetime. Many of the scenes involving Ralphie Parker and his family are filmed at a historic home in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. And you can visit this home where all of the holiday action took place.

DINE IN ROOFTOP IGLOOS: COLUMBUS AND CINCINNATI,OHIO

Vaso is now offering an igloo dining experience atop the AC Hotel in Dublin, Ohio.

Credit: Orcun Turkay, GM of AC Hotel Columbus Dublin

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Credit: Orcun Turkay, GM of AC Hotel Columbus Dublin

Why go to the usual restaurant for dinner when you can eat in an igloo? Over the past few years, dining in igloos has become incredibly fashionable all around the world, including in Ohio. And you can have this very experience in two nearby Ohio cities: Columbus and Cincinnati. And, yes, the igloos are heated.

ADMIRE CHIHULY ARTWORK AMONG CHRISTMAS LIGHTS

Chihuly’s “Red Reeds” on display at Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus. CONTRIBUTED/CHIHULY STUDIO

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Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus is just the place to go to admire nature — especially around the holidays. This year offers an added attraction: a stunning exhibit by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly, famous for his colorful and bold glass sculptures. And, if you visit during nighttime hours this month you can also enjoy “Conservatory Aglow.”

TAKE A DEEP DIVE INTO COSI’S ‘UNSEEN OCEANS’

Visitors to "Unseen Oceans" try to match adults from a variety of marine species to their planktonic forms  in a “Find My Baby Picture” game.  ©AMNH/R. Mickens

Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

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Credit: Roderick Mickens AMNH

You can stand side-by-side with a blue whale, one of the largest animals on earth, and explore the ocean in a new exhibition at COSI. “Unseen Oceans,” on display through Feb. 2, 2020, showcases marine environments and the scientists who study them to learn the mysteries of the sea.

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