It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Sorry if you are now singing that on repeat in your head (or outlaid) like I am. For the month of December, I am going to give you a weekly list of fun holiday events taking place throughout our beautiful city. Not only are their special events each week, there are a ton of events that go on throughout the entire month. My three favorites are the Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights, walking around the zoo and looking at their beautiful lights and the newest addition – the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival.
Columbus Zoo Wild lights
Monday, November 28th
Uptown Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting – An annual tradition, Uptown Christmas Walk offers residents a fun-filled evening of holiday joy and magic. Held annually on the first Monday following Thanksgiving, the Uptown Christmas Walk has brought families together for generations. Visitors enjoy live reindeer, children’s activities, dance troupes and musical performers, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even photos with Saint Nick himself at Santa’s Village. As dusk settles, the countdown begins as the switch is flipped on the giant Marysville Community Christmas Tree at Partners Park. And for those looking for holiday gift ideas, many of the Uptown merchants remain open throughout the evening, offering coffee, cookies, and special discounts. Be sure to visit them all for a chance to win great door prizes!
Tuesday, November 29th
Tweens and teens (and adults) are invited to make small gifts of origami for the holiday season at the Bexley Library. This event is FREE, however, you do need to register here.
Pet Portraits by Charlotte – A special event, just in time for the holidays! Pet Portraits by Charlotte will be the perfect gift for the pet-lover in your life! On November 29 from 6-8:00pm, at Camelot Cellars, bring a picture of the beloved pet and Charlotte will create a custom ink portrait just for you! Portraits will be done on a first come, first serve basis and there will be eight different 15 minute slots available. Each portrait will be $20, no early sign up and please limit one per customer.
Holiday Centerpiece Workshop – Join Christal from Flair- Finishes, Decor & Supply for a fun, hands-on workshop in Local Roots private banquet room. Enjoy drinks and appetizers while putting together your own unique holiday centerpiece that will be perfect for your dining room table! All the materials will be provided. Just come ready for fun!
Wednesday, November 30th
Official Lighting at Christmas Corner! The Columbus Children’s Choir will be performing and hot chocolate will be available with proceeds going to Manna Cafe.
Main Library Holiday Open House – Bring your family to see the Huntington Holiday Train as it rolls back into Main Library for the season. Then watch Topiary Park light up for the holidays while enjoying warm cocoa and cookies in our second floor Reading Room overlooking the park. Join us for crafts and sing-along carols, plus listen to a very Special Guest read a storybook during our Holiday Open House. All activities are free including parking in Main Library’s garage. Live music by Cristo Rey Columbus High School Choir and ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Thanks to Friends of the Topiary Park, Friends of the Library and Huntington for additional support.
Thursday, December 1st
Holiday Cards – Your kiddo will get to create their own lovely holiday cards at Zen Kids, starting at 10am. Make sure to stay and play after class in their wonderful play cafe.
Illuminating Shopping – Enjoy an evening with family and friends for dinner, drinks, shopping and live holiday music in historic Old Worthington. Amid festive luminaries lining High Street, local retailers will be open late to offer special sales as part of the annual Illuminating Shopping event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A horse-drawn carriage will be available to take you for a ride around the neighborhood. Plan to make this longstanding tradition part of your 2016 holiday schedule.
Holiday Bubbly Tasting at Meza Wine Shop – Enjoy a special tasting opportunity showcasing beautiful bubbles from Cava to Prosecco to Growers Champagne! Just in time for the holidays! Enjoy 6 different wines. Cost is $25 Call 614.259.3101 for a reservation. All wines will be available by the glass this evening – no corking on bottles from the tasting line up.
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting – The holiday season opens in Ohio with the annual holiday Statehouse event. Attend the Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting to kick off the 2016 holiday season. Holiday activities include: carolers, refreshments, model trains, community mascots and much more. Historical characters and modern dignitaries will be on hand to greet guests, including Santa himself. Free and open to the public.
Friday, December 2nd
Grand Illumination – Our city’s greatest holiday tradition, The Grand Illumination of The Scioto Mile, presented by Justice, will take place in Bicentennial Park starting at 5:00pm. The parks will be filled with holiday music, unique fountain illuminations and the lighting of Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile Promenade. The evening features fun family activities, giveaways from community partners, visits with Santa and a focus on the spirit of giving through the Empty Bowls projkct, supporting the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, and the Give Hope and Cheer program to help brighten the holidays for the nations at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Admission is FREE.
Holiday Wine Tasting – Head to The Worthington Hills Market downtown for a wine tasting similar to their 10 for $15 they have each month. You will be tasting at least five champagnes and will have three breweries present and sampling: Abita, Four String, and Yellow Springs Brewery. Additionally, Laurel Valley Creamery will be there with some delicious, local cheese. Lastly, Jessie from Planthropy will be on hand crafting custom-made succulent arrangements perfect to brighten up your home or give as a holiday gift.
Saturday, December 3rd
Breakfast with Santa – Join Santa for breakfast and a meet-and-greet photo opportunity at Franklin Park Conservatory. 8:30am–10am.
Christmas Beer Crawl – Grab you best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters, and elf costumes and get ready to crawl through park street area bars. Including in your ticket: 22oz Bad Santa Stadium Cup for all your drinks, commemorative Santa hat, no cover with your ticket purchase and drink specials at all participating bars. Purchase tickets here.
Made Local Marketplace – The 1st of THREE Made LOCAL Marketplace Holiday Shows! Join them from 11-6 at Brookshire to SHOP LOCAL from incredible Ohio makers! 405 Greif Pkwy, Delaware, OH 43015
Holiday Tour of Churches – Downtown Columbus is home to many historically and architecturally significant churches representing the finest in craftsmanship and ecclesiastical design. Join Columbus Landmarks for a walking tour of four stalwart churches – enjoy seasonal music at each, and learn their rich histories and how they work to meet the needs of their dynamic congregations and the greater neighborhood, while being caretakers of some of Columbus’ most important buildings. Tour begins at Broad Street United Methodist Church, 501 E. Broad St, at 2:0o.
Holiday Toy Drive – Help spread holiday cheer this season at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Donate new toys and books during the Annual Nationwide Children’s Holiday Toy Drive! Drop-off will be at our Outpatient Care entrance located at 555 S. 18th St. A gift of toys, games or activity supplies can make a big difference to children and families spending time in the hospital over the holiday season! While they cannot accept food or clothing, here is a list of items they can collect.
Sunday, December 4th
Made LOCAL Marketplace Vintage Marketplace – Shop vintage and handmade items at the first ever Made LOCAL Marketplace Vintage Marketplace at Brookeshire in Delaware. Perfect event to pick up a few unique holiday gifts.
2016 Columbus Krampus Parade – The Parade will mark the official beginning to the holiday season. The parade will call forth the spirit of Krampus to remove all the negativity and ill will from the year and usher in glad tidings for the holiday season. Come join the fun and spirit of the holiday season, dress up as Krampus and raise positive vibes for this year’s Yuletide season. The parade will start at 3pm at Boline Apothecary and process down to The Magical Druid. There will be snacks and drinks, special events and offers at both locations. Come spend the day in Clintonville as they celebrate Holidayville.
A Christmas Story Beer Tasting – Join Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse for one extra special beer tasting featuring A Christmas Story and an appearance by Scut Farkus – actor Zack Ward! Zack will be on hand to share stories about making the movies, take some pics and he’ll have some fun merch available. You can see for yourself if he has YELLOW EYES! They will be featuring 10 Christmas Beer and tons of presents(raffles).
