Reindeer, carriage rides and cheer: Christmas Time in the City brings holiday magic downtown

MANSFIELD — The streets of Downtown Mansfield were booming with crowds Friday evening, but it wasn’t for the Queen of Hearts drawing.

Christmas Time in the City transformed downtown Mansfield into a festive gathering place, drawing the community together for an evening of seasonal celebration.

Mayor Jodie Perry expressed her thanks to the downtown Mansfield community for the work put into making the holiday spirit come alive.

A holiday tradition continuing to grow

Live reindeer, ice sculpture carving, photos with Santa and carriage rides were just a few of the holiday festivities community members could take part in.

Those of age could also enjoy the Christmas Beer Garden at the Carrousel, featuring craft beers from The Phoenix Brewing Company and Schnitz Brewery.

Buckeye Bakery Inc. gave community members the chance to get creative by decorating cookies.

For many attendees, the event was a time to come together and celebrate community, family and the season of giving.

Kheera Clingman, a Bucyrus native, moved to Mansfield 11 years ago. She said despite living in Mansfield for more than a decade, this year marked her first time attending Christmas Time in the City.

“It’s a little crowded, but it’s fun,” Clingman said. “It feels like Christmas.”

She noted the construction work recently going on in downtown Mansfield and how impressed she was they could have it open for the event.

“I try to keep up with it so I know what is going on and I think it looks beautiful,” she said.

Clingman’s children, Emilia Mills and Weston Mills, said their favorite part of the evening was riding the carousel and seeing Santa Claus.

Clingman also surprised her children with a carriage ride for the evening.

Downtown Mansfield development on display

Jennifer Kime, CEO of Downtown Mansfield Inc., said the event was a perfect example of how bright downtown Mansfield truly shines when the community shows up.

Many families have taken on Christmas Time in the City as a family tradition, she said, making it a night to remind the community how special downtown Mansfield really is.

“The tree lighting at Richland Carrousel Park is one of my favorite downtown traditions. It’s such a fun and festive night that brings people of all ages together,” Kime said.

She added there is something magical about gathering around the carousel, hearing the countdown and watching the tree light up for the first time each season.

“It’s a moment that feels joyful and connected. With carriage rides, live music, reindeer and shops open late, the whole downtown feels warm and welcoming,” she said.

Kime also noted the evolution Downtown Mansfield has seen lately, including the opening of multiple new shops.

“This is a great chance to explore, support local businesses and see how much momentum we have right now,” she said.

Kime added construction is currently paused for the winter months, which will resume in the spring.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the new brick crosswalks and experience a preview of what the finished Main Street project will look like,” she said.

(Photos from Christmas Time in the City. Credit: Hannah Martin)