DACO to host ornament decorating class, makers market to ring in the holidays
November 24, 2025

LANCASTER, OH – For 25 years, Dr. George and Jeanne Johnson have transformed the historic Reese-Peters House into a holiday wonderland filled with nostalgic charm.

Whether it was the glowing charm of vintage plastic blow molds, the elegance of Victorian-era trees, the whimsy of a storybook Christmas or the sparkle of a Russian holiday display, everyone who has visited in December over the past quarter of a century has a favorite. To celebrate the silver anniversary, this year’s exhibition brings together highlights from each of these beloved themes in one nostalgic showcase.

“We asked some of the patrons what their favorite decorations were over the years, so we’re incorporating these elements into the different parlors,” Dr. George Johnson said. “Because this is our silver anniversary of nostalgic Christmas displays, we’re going to feature several decorated vintage aluminum trees as well.”

A Silver Celebration: 25 Years of Christmas at DACO will showcase Christmas décor from across the decades, beginning with the Victorian era and continuing through World War I and II, all the way to the retro sparkle of the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Many of the trees will be accompanied by toys from the same era, creating a sentimental snapshot of Christmas mornings through the decades.

Dr. Johnson will also offer a special twilight Curator Talk on Sunday, December 7 at 4:30 pm in which he will walk visitors through the Christmas displays and share insights into 25 years of

Christmas collectibles. Reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made on the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio’s website, decartsohio.org.

A Silver Celebration: 25 Years of Christmas at DACO will be open from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026. DACO will also hold several events in December to celebrate the holidays.

MUSEUM SHOP SPECIAL DISCOUNT: Cross names off your holiday list early while supporting the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio by shopping in the museum shop. On November 28-30, take advantage of our post-Thanksgiving sale in the museum shop where everything will be 10% off. The shop will be open normal hours except Shop Small Saturday, November 29 (opens at 10:00 am).

CERAMIC ORNAMENTS CLASS: Design six to 10 ornaments in this festive ornament-making class that will prepare you for the holidays. The class, designed for ages 10 to adult, will take place over two sessions on Thursday, December 4 and 11, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. This class is the perfect opportunity to create holiday décor for your home or craft treasured gifts.

MAKERS MARKET: The DACO Holiday Makers Market will take place Saturday, December 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Wendel Center for Arts Education. Vendors will sell a variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, pottery, candles, holiday ornaments, painted china and more. Support local makers while checking off Christmas list needs.

SPECIAL EXTENDED HOURS: On Saturday, December 6, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio will stay open until 6:00 pm so that visitors can enjoy the Reese-Peters House illuminated for the holidays.

“HOLIDAY ROAD SHOW” with Dr. George Johnson: Inspired by the hit show, “Antiques Roadshow,” this special event on Sunday, December 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, invites guests to bring their vintage holiday decorations for a fun and informative appraisal session. Discover the history behind your treasured ornaments, lights and festive collectibles.

ADVENT WINDOW WALK: The Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is once again participating in Lancaster’s Advent Window Walk, in which a different downtown business or organization illuminates a decorated window each night during the month of December. DACO will unveil its Hanukkah window at 6:00 pm on Sunday, December 14.

FOOD COLLECTION DRIVE: In support of the community during the holidays, the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio is hosting a food collection drive through December. A donation box is in the front lobby of the Reese-Peters House where visitors can place non-perishable items that will go to Fairfield County’s Hunger Alliance. Registration is available for the ornaments class and Holiday Road Show listed above at decartsohio.org. High-resolution photos are available upon request.

About the Decorative Arts Center of Ohio
The Decorative Arts Center is housed in the Reese-Peters House, a Federal/Greek Revival masterpiece at 145 E. Main Street in Lancaster’s Historic District. Admission is always free. For information about exhibitions or programming, visit decartsohio.org.