Nutcracker Village taking on a different look in 2020

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ohio — A yearly tradition is looking a bit different this year.

Though there are no new nutcrackers added to the Nutcracker Village this year, the tour of them will be five times as long, covering four city blocks.

With the enforced social distancing regulations, now they will be filling more than just The Fort.

Creator Therese Nelson explains the new look.

"They’re primarily through downtown -- 4th and Market,” Nelson said. “The ones on the street can be driven through. You can see them if you stop at the coffee shop we have."

In addition to the lengthened walk through 182 nutcrackers, this gives downtown a better opportunity to open itself to the public and those from out of town.

Nutcrackers placed outside corresponding businesses.

"Put them in front of matching store fronts to make a theme so that they’re they literally make a village. We have a coffee on outside the coffee shop, and an eye doctor outside the Ace Optical," Nelson said.

This will also make the experience longer for people coming in from out of town and those who want to stay extra protected can see the nutcrackers from there vehicles if they drive through downtown.

"We wanted the village to be an opportunity for revitalization,” Nelson said. “Having them outside put the object you want to see outside the place you want them to go."