Even if the weather outside is frightful, holiday gatherings are so very delightful. Springfield and the surrounding areas have a variety of venues to host your family or office during this most wonderful time of the year and beyond, while the weather remains cold or snowy.
Springfield remains a great central location to meet if your family is scattered across the state, says Chris Schutte, vice president for destination marketing and communications for the
Greater Springfield Partnership. Plus, the lights and holiday ambiance make downtown a “magical place to be during the holiday season,” he says.
“If you’re planning an outing in Downtown, this is just the perfect backdrop,” Schutte says.
Clark State College and Downtown’s
Courtyard by Marriott have event spaces that fit groups of varying sizes, and
Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, at 109 W. North St., is another venue to consider (although it is already booked for the 2021 holiday season). The Hub has compiled a list of a few more options in and near Springfield. Remember that venues have varying policies on catering and alcohol – and book soon if you plan to deck the halls in December!
1.
The Blessing Barn
Location: 4405 Spence Road, Springfield
A barn that was once home to cattle and hogs was renovated in 2013 and is now an event space for up to 230 guests. Planning a more intimate holiday gathering? The venue’s bridal suite also can be rented for small meetings or events of up to 20 people for a smaller fee.
The Blessing Barn is on a 10-acre farm and features a stone fireplace, enclosed porch and warming kitchen. Tables and chairs are included in the price.
Source:
The Blessing Barn
2.
Buckeye Sports Lodge
Location: 126 W. High St., Springfield
Host up to 120 people in this upstairs event room, which also offers a projection screen if a slideshow of family photos is on your list of must-haves for your family gathering. The venue also has both on- and off-street parking and a dance floor if you are looking for a not-so-silent night.
The room is open until 11 p.m., and tables and chairs are included. Overnight accommodations are a short walk away for out-of-town guests.
Source:
Buckeye Sports Lodge
3.
Bushnell Event Center
Location: 14 E. Main St., Springfield
This venue in downtown Springfield has several room rental options, with seating for up to 300 guests in the largest room and smaller options available depending on the size of your gathering. Inviting out-of-town relatives? It’s within walking distance of the Courtyard by Marriott.
Tables and chairs are included with the rental, and having both covered and street parking will bring some joy to the world of your guests if it is a blustery evening. And feel free to reminisce late into the night: The rooms are available until midnight.
Source:
Bushnell Event Center
4.
COhatch – The Market
Location: 101 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
Welcome up to 60 guests at this venue in the center of the city. COhatch’s unique atmosphere includes 65-inch smart TVs, six onsite restaurants and a bar. Tables and chairs are included.
Parking is available behind the building, with additional free parking next door at the Heritage Center of Clark County.
Source:
COhatch and Rachel Williams-Erie, community manager
5.
The Derby Banquet Hall & Conference Center at Windy Knoll Golf Club
Location: 500 Roscommon Drive, Springfield
Whether or not the weather is a winter wonderland, your guests can take in the scenic views from the Derby’s banquet room, which can be configured for up to 125 guests in half the room or 250 guests in the full room. An adjacent full-service bar may help to keep your guests merry, as will the banquet room’s Wi-Fi and audio-visual capabilities.
Room rentals end at midnight and include tables, chairs, set-up and clean-up.
Source:
The Derby at Windy Knoll
6.
Fratelli’s
Location: 42 N. Fountain Ave., Springfield
Voted the best Italian restaurant in Springfield, Fratelli’s pairs its food with cozy Christmas décor to get your guests in the holiday spirit. The restaurant can accommodate between 20 and 120 guests and can offer a pizza bar or family-size meals to share or can personalize your meal in another way.
Tables and linens are included, and a free parking garage is available across the street.
Source:
Fratelli’s and Lisa Sheehan
7.
The L
Location: 1530 S. Yellow Springs St., Springfield
This event space includes two areas: One that can accommodate up to 125 people, and another that fits 50. Or rent the whole building for a larger gathering! Tables and chairs are included, and amenities include the use of a 70-inch smart TV, microphones, and a kitchen or kitchenette.
The space is all on one floor and is ADA-accessible. The L is booked for this holiday season but is available to rent for indoor and outdoor events throughout the year.
Source: Sheila Rice, co-owner of
The L
8.
Locust Hills Golf Club
Location: 5575 N. River Road, Springfield
Winter is your chance to book an event at Locust Hills since summer Saturdays are often filled with golf events. You can leave your clubs at home while you celebrate the holidays surrounded by chandeliers and crown molding.
The main banquet room can accommodate up to 214 guests, while the tee room is better for smaller gatherings of up to 64 people.
Source:
Locust Hills Golf Club
9.
Simon Kenton Inn
Location: 4690 Urbana Road, Springfield
Have a holly jolly holiday party in one of the historic Simon Kenton Inn’s several spaces. Smaller areas include the Historic House or the Pub Restaurant, but the venue also has facilities that welcome up to 350 guests.
Out-of-town family will like the lodging options directly on the property. Ask about the 20-foot stone fireplace to make your event extra merry and bright.
Source:
Simon Kenton Inn
10.
Young’s Jersey Dairy
Location: 6880 Springfield-Xenia Road, Yellow Springs
Whether your group is fewer than 50 or much, much larger, Young’s Jersey Dairy has a number of options to help you set the holiday mooo-d. The Dairy Store’s new rooms accommodate up to 60. For gatherings of up to 200, look to the rustic Young’s Event Center – the former Golden Jersey Inn – with its dance floor and exposed wood beams.
Who needs to spend all day at the oven when Young’s ice cream cups are included in so many of its catering options? A half-pint should be enough to get even the most bah-humbug guests into the holiday spirit, indeed.
Source:
Young’s Jersey Dairy