'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.
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
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
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
Letters to Santa
Rotary Mini Park 54 N. State St., Westerville, OH, United StatesBeginning just after Thanksgiving through Christmas, bring the family to Rotary Mini Park located in Uptown Westerville at the corner of N. State and Home St. 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 … Continue reading →
Progressive Christmas Concert and Soup for Shelter
Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United StatesGet in the holiday spirit with Westerville Habitat Partnership as they present the Progressive Christmas Concert, a festive gathering where guests attend three separate performances at three different venues in Uptown Westerville. Ticket holders will be led to the next venue by lanterns and costumed guides for a full night of … Continue reading →
Who-ville Uptown
Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United StatesCharacters, crafts, and Who-ville themed activities from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 on the lawn of Hanby Elementary School, 56 S. State St. plus fun activities and events happening all around Uptown including make your own Grinch Christmas tree at the Westerville Florist and make your own Grinch hand … Continue reading →
Christmas for the Generations: A Holiday Spectacular
Westerville Central High School 7118 Mt Royal Ave., Westerville, OH, United StatesWe are set for "Christmas for the Generations: A Holiday Spectacular" on Saturday and Sunday December 14th and 15th, 2024. The show is an annual event produced, directed and choreographed by the Generations staff and performed by Generations students https://www.gen-pac.com/christmas/ Show times: December 14th: 11:30 PM Children's Concert: $13-$18 December 14th: … Continue reading →
Revolution Dance Company presents The Nutcracker
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH, United StatesEnjoy the ultimate holiday performance with The Nutcracker on Otterbein University's campus.
Holiday Make Your Own Pop Up at Meza
Meza Wine Shop 48 N. State St., Westerville, OH, United StatesPour your own holiday candle with Forgotten & Found! April will be at the shop showcasing her holiday collection and pouring candles for you! Enjoy holiday DORA drinks and sample select wines while you shop!
Revolution Dance Company presents The Nutcracker
Fritsche Theatre at Cowan Hall 30 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH, United StatesEnjoy the ultimate holiday performance with The Nutcracker on Otterbein University's campus.
Westerville Winterfest & Carnival
Clements Recreation Center 180 Center St., Westerville, OH, United StatesThis winter festival is a great way to connect with local families during the season. Fun event that helps families connect with area businesses, classes, education, care & programs for adults/kids, items for their home, holiday shopping or simply connecting with parents / moms.
Uptown Scrooge
Java Central Coffee Roasters 20 S. State St., Ste. B, Westerville, OH, United StatesNow A Seated Performance! This year you'll take a seat for a whirlwind interactive holiday experience like no other! Our fast-paced rendition of "A Christmas Carol" packs all the magic and mayhem into a one hour! Greeted by cheerful carolers and a grumpy (and dead) Jacob Marley, you'll be checked … Continue reading →
In the Christmas Mood
Grace Evangelical Luthern Church 100 E. Schrock Rd., Westerville, OH, United StatesEnjoy a free, family friendly night of fun and classic holiday music in brass & percussion by the Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company led by The Ohio State University’s band director, Dr. Chris Hoch.
MELT: Ice Sculpture Tour
Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United StatesBring the whole family and walk up and down the streets in Uptown to enjoy this free event! More than 30 ice sculptures will go on display outside historic Uptown buildings beginning Friday evening, Dec. 20 and lasting … until they melt!
Uptown Ugly Sweater Snack & Stroll
Uptown Westerville Main St., Westerville, OH, United StatesVisit the charming shops of historic Uptown Westerville during the Snack & Stroll event with 19 participating stores. Enjoy a drink within the designated outdoor refreshment area (DORA). Participating stores will offer additional snacks and refreshments for your enjoyment. Raffle prizes will also be offered. Don't forget to wear your … Continue reading →