From tree lightings to ice sculpture tours, here’s your guide to holiday fun in Westerville

Holiday tree lighting? Check. A festive scavenger hunt throughout Uptown? Check. Plenty of holiday shopping with even a themed 5K thrown into the mix? Check and check. Westerville is a holiday hotspot, and we’ve put together a handful of fun, festive ways to enjoy everyone’s favorite season, in Uptown and beyond. For a full list of all holiday happenings in Westerville, visit https://www.visitwesterville.org/holidays-in-westerville/

Small Business Saturday
Nov. 30
Sip, shop and stroll through Westerville’s historic Uptown district and enjoy the city’s DORA with special holiday – themed cocktails.

Holiday Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting
Dec 6, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
This year’s festivities will include special holiday installations with the Parade of Lights beginning at 6:45 p.m. on State Street between Home and Plum Streets. Santa will be present to light the main tree at 7 p.m., adding a touch of magic to City Hall. Uptown merchants and restaurants will be open late for your holiday shopping needs. 

It’s a Wonderful Westerville Scavenger Hunt
Dec. 7-31
The annual holiday hunt will take place throughout the Westerville Historic Business District. Maps will be available at Uptown Businesses, and be sure to make a stop to visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at Howard Hanna Real Estate Services/The McCurdy Team, 42 N. State St. on December 7 from 1-4pm. 

Westerville Lions Rudolph 5K Run/Walk and Winter Fest
Dec. 8, 1:30-4pm -More information available on the Race website.
The Westerville Lions Rudolph 5K Run/Walk is a family-encouraged 5K event with a new course this year at the Westerville Sports Complex. (Previously held in Uptown.)

There will be Santa, food trucks, and activities for families and spectators. The Rudolph 5K Run/Walk will generate funds to benefit Westerville area organizations.

Sounds of the Season presented by the Westerville Symphony
Dec. 8, 313 N. State St., 7 p.m.
Featuring Choral Conductor, John McClain, the Handel the Messiah Community Sing- along,part of the Ron Lykins Concert Series, will be held atSt. Paul the Apostle Church. 

Progressive Christmas Concert
Dec. 13, 7 p.m.-9:15 p.m.
Walk to three Uptown Westerville Churches to enjoy the sounds of the season! Church of the Master, Church of the Messiah, and First Presbyterian Church – Learn more and purchase tickets ($15 each) here.

Who-ville Uptown 
Dec. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Characters, crafts, and Who-ville themed activities will take place 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 scrub at Blend Candle Co.  More details and activity listings to come!

Annual Uptown Ice Sculpture Tour
Beginning Dec. 20
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 and Stroll
Dec. 21, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Take part in the inaugural Uptown Ugly Sweater Snack and Stroll! Get out your ugliest holiday sweater and proudly show it off in Uptown. It’ll be a great day to enjoy historic Uptown and “Shop Small” to support local businesses.  

Uptown Scrooge – ABRIDGED! 
Multiple dates, find the full performance schedule here
A shorter version of the fast-paced “A Christmas Carol” interpretation, “Uptown Scrooge” is sure to serve as a holiday delight for all ages.

Hanby House 2024 Christmas Open Houses
Celebrate the holidays in this  historic home decorated for the occasion, with music in the parlor and sweet treats in the adjacent Shoemaker Cottage. The home of Ben Hanby, composer of “Up on the Housetop” will be open to the public on Dec 3, 5 & 7, Find more information her

Ohio Holiday Lights Trail
Ongoing
Both Inniswood Gardens and Heritage Park are included on the 2024 Trail, which spans interesting attractions across the Buckeye State.

Check out more of what Westerville has to offer with the 2024 Visit Westerville Tourism Guide below:

Want to read more? Check out our print publications, (614) Magazine and Stock & Barrel. Learn where you can find free copies of our newest issues here!

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