Here in the Ohio Valley, we really know how to celebrate the holidays.

Our special events to mark the season are worth a trip, even an overnight stay.

Oglebay Park’s Festival of Lights is a nationally recognized attraction.

And now, the Nutcracker Village in Steubenville is open, and bigger and better than ever.

It is just what the name implies — displays of life-sized characters modeled after the ballet, “The Nutcracker.” No stage can match Steubenville, however. This year, there are more than 200 life-sized “nutcrackers” on display.

The annual event brings thousands of people to Steubenville from across the region. It’s an economic driver for many downtown businesses.

“We love seeing people walk downtown,” said Rikki Kamarados of Downtown Bakery. “They do come in — the nutcrackers being on Fourth Street actually enhances our foot traffic. “It’s nice to see a lot of people downtown — I remember the 1970s, the people walking around downtown — foot traffic was always big back then.”

The nutcrackers were the start of a season full of fun in Steubenville. The city “Lights Up the Night” tonight, with a Christmas market and more open to the public.

Enjoying the holiday season close to home is so easy. Get out and make memories this year.