'Tis the Season for Holidays in Westerville

This holiday season, visit Westerville and get into the holiday spirit while you eat, play, shop and stay in our wonderful city. You’ll have fun, cross names off your shopping list and find new and unique ways to spend time with family and friends.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have long been acquainted with Westerville’s charms, make sure to visit Westerville’s small business community. Stop into one of Westerville’s participating DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) establishments to purchase a
seasonal adult beverage to sip on while you explore. Many bars and restaurants will be offering special holiday-themed DORA drinks for purchase. View the festive drinks below.

Wrapped in Westerville - Uptown Holiday Shopping Trail

From Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29) through Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), experience the charm of Uptown Westerville with 26 festive stops featuring one-of-a-kind gifts, warm seasonal treats, and endless holiday spirit — from sparkling December evenings to joyful New Year moments and Valentine’s delights. Simply make a purchase and scan the QR code at 10 participating shops to be entered to win one of three $250 Uptown Gift Cards, redeemable at more than 20 local restaurants and boutiques. Celebrate the season — and support local — with this fun and festive shopping adventure in the heart of Westerville!

HOLIDAY EVENTS

From the beginning of November through the end of the year, Westerville, Ohio is home to a variety of fun and festive events happening all season long. Events range from holiday markets, parades, concerts and performances to kid-friendly craft making, visits with Santa and so much more. Plus, take advantage of the experiential trails to earn prizes when you visit with the Columbus Coffee Trail, Ale Trail and Pizza Trail, all with Westerville stops!

LOCAL SHOPPING

Westerville is a shopping guru’s dream, especially during the holiday season. Stroll among the historic brick streets in the city’s Uptown shopping district featuring boutique shops, one-of-a kind finds, local Ohio gear, antique stores and delicious treats. One stop in Westerville is sure to check off everyone on your holiday list, from big gifts to stocking stuffers. You may even find something to add to your list too - just tell them to shop in Westervile!

DAZZLING LIGHTS

From the end of November through the holiday season, Frasier Fir trees, illuminated by white lights and topped with red bows, will line the streets in Uptown Westerville. Take a stroll from dusk till dark this holiday season and see these beautiful trees sparkle throughout Uptown! You can also enjoy the glow of holiday cheer with the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail, featuring Westerville’s Inniswood Metro Gardens and Heritage Park.

LETTERS TO SANTA

Beginning just after Thanksgiving through Christmas, bring the family to Rotary Mini Park located in Uptown Westerville. Enjoy a perfect, well-lit spot to take pictures and then write and send your letters to Santa to be delivered just in time for Christmas.

CULINARY GEMS

Espresso Air Westerville

Westerville is known for its food scene and diverse restaurants. New restaurants continue to be added to create excitement. Many Westerville eateries feature seasonal menus - check them out for winter and holiday menus.

GROUP EXPERIENCES

Westerville Florist Blooms & Beverages experience

Whether looking for places to host holiday gatherings, find things to do with groups, or gift someone something unique, Westerville is packed with hands-on, experiential activities perfect for groups of any size and interest.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY DORA DRINKS

Uptown bars and restaurants are mixing up something special for Holidays in Uptown 2024. The following establishments will be offering holiday DORA drinks for the season, available beginning with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Nov. 29-30.

The drinks can be purchased in a DORA cup, for visitors to consume as they shop Westerville’s historic business district, in support of Uptown’s small businesses, so grab a drink and shop 'til you drop!

Asterisk – Toboggans in Tobago (brown butter Angostura, oat orgeat, acid-adjusted orange juice, rye)

Cardinal Pizza – Chai Apple Cider Mule

Espresso Air – Peppermint Bark Latte (espresso, peppermint bark, cinnamon, oat milk), Frosted gingerbread Latte (espresso, gingerbread, white chocolate, milk of choice), and Hazel’s latte* (espresso, hazelnut, vanilla, milk of choice) — named in honor of owner Talip’s daughter Hazel’s first Birthday!

Good Vibes Winery – Warm Red Mulled Wine

High Bank Distillery – Apple Whiskey Fizz (Granny smith apple infused Whiskey War, cranberry, cinnamon brown sugar reduction & cardamom bitters)

Koble – Barrel Aged Old Fashioned

Meza Wine Shop – Holiday Sangria (additional info: Meza will open its Holiday Pop-Up Window from 4-7 p.m. Fridays and 2-7 p.m. Saturdays, starting on Black Friday and going through the end of December.)

North High Brewing Company – Rum Pom Pom Punch

Old Bag of Nails – Mistletoe Margarita (Recipe: 1.5 oz Corazon tequila, 0.5 oz Triple Sec, 4 oz Cranberry juice. Directions: Rim a rocks glass with sugar/salt. Add ingredients to a mixer tin and shake over ice.  Strain into rimmed rocks glass with new ice cubes. Garnish with lime wheel.

Temperance Row Brewing Co/Uptown Deli & Brew – Christmas Ale

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Browse events in Westerville this holiday season below.

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • Uptown Art & Clay art experience in Westerville
    Holiday Tree, Wreaths & Angels

    Holiday Tree, Wreaths & Angels

    Uptown Art & Clay 13 1/2 E. College Ave., Westerville, OH, United States

    Enjoy a hands-on ceramic workshop designed for all skill levels, providing expert guidance in pottery techniques. Discover the art of ceramics and create your own unique masterpiece in a professional and inspiring environment. Dec 2 – 1:30pm & 6:30pm Dec 5 – 6:30pm Dec 6 – 1:30pm

  • Inside the Hanby House for the holidays
    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Celebrate the holidays at Hanby House in Westerville. The house, decorated for the holidays with an old-fashioned tree and soft candlelight in every room, will offer refreshments and live music in the parlor for visitors. Tours will be provided by costumed guides. No reservations required. Tuesday, Dec 2 & Thursday, … Continue reading →

  • Calligraphy by Candlelight

    Blend Candle Co. 16 E. Main St., Westerville, oh, United States

    Craft your own luxury scented candle while  learning the basics of calligraphy and create a festive acrylic tag to capture the warm glow of the season.

  • Inside the Hanby House for the holidays
    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Celebrate the holidays at Hanby House in Westerville. The house, decorated for the holidays with an old-fashioned tree and soft candlelight in every room, will offer refreshments and live music in the parlor for visitors. Tours will be provided by costumed guides. No reservations required. Tuesday, Dec 2 & Thursday, … Continue reading →

  • houseplant boutique in uptown westerville
    December Over Grown Workshops

    December Over Grown Workshops

    Over Grown Cbus 10 N. State St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Workshop Times are TBD – check website for updates Macrame Ornament Making – Dec 5 Holiday Vendor Pop-up – Dec 12 Over Grown Candle Pour Collaboration – Dec 21 Plant Your New Year Intentions – Dec 28

  • Christmas tree lighting at Westerville City Hall

    Westerville Tree Lighting

    Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Celebrate the season at the Annual City of Westerville Tree Lighting! Enjoy dazzling projection displays, festive photo ops, music from a live DJ, and Uptown shops open late—Follow the Parade of Lights traveling south on State St. at 7 PM as it makes its way to City Hall for the official tree lighting.

  • Uptown Art & Clay art experience in Westerville
    Holiday Tree, Wreaths & Angels

    Holiday Tree, Wreaths & Angels

    Uptown Art & Clay 13 1/2 E. College Ave., Westerville, OH, United States

    Enjoy a hands-on ceramic workshop designed for all skill levels, providing expert guidance in pottery techniques. Discover the art of ceramics and create your own unique masterpiece in a professional and inspiring environment. Dec 2 – 1:30pm & 6:30pm Dec 5 – 6:30pm Dec 6 – 1:30pm

  • 2025 Westerville Community Christmas Parade

    Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Enjoy parade fun plus photos with Santa, hot cocoa stations and festive characters! Stick around after the parade as the fun continues in our historic Uptown district. Enjoy holiday shopping at our boutique shops, grab a coffee, sweet treat or lunch, and be sure to cast to your vote for … Continue reading →

  • Inside the Hanby House for the holidays
    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House Holiday Open House

    Hanby House 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH, United States

    Celebrate the holidays at Hanby House in Westerville. The house, decorated for the holidays with an old-fashioned tree and soft candlelight in every room, will offer refreshments and live music in the parlor for visitors. Tours will be provided by costumed guides. No reservations required. Tuesday, Dec 2 & Thursday, … Continue reading →

  • Patrons at Daylight Artists Collective in Uptown Westerville
    Winter Daylight Holiday Market

    Winter Daylight Holiday Market

    Daylight Artist Collective 9 E. College Ave., Westerville, OH, United States

    Join us for our Holiday Market and find some unique gifts made by local artists! Daylight Artist Collective will be featuring the art of our Resident Artists & we will also be highlighting several additional local artists! Come in to see our space, enjoy shopping, food, drink, & activities!