Holidays in Full Glow: Why Westerville Is the winter Escape you didn’t know you needed

Holidays in Full Glow: Why Westerville Is the Winter Escape You Didn’t Know You Needed

The holidays hit different in Westerville. Think twinkle-lit streets, cozy coffee stops, festive pop ups, and a community that knows how to make the season feel special. Whether you’re checking off your gift list, looking for a new holiday tradition, or just wanting a change of scenery, Westerville is absolutely worth the short drive.

Here’s your guide to doing the holidays right—Westerville style.

Winter Strolls, Scenic Views, and One Seriously Photogenic Barn

If you’re craving that peaceful holiday moment, the kind with frosty trails and quiet morning air, Westerville has options. With a variety of parks, 51 miles of paved paths, and more than 650 acres of green space, it’s easy to find your winter calm.

Make Heritage Park your first stop. Not only is it gorgeous this time of year, but Everal Barn & Homestead, located right inside the park, will be glowing as one of the featured stops on the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail. It’s pure holiday magic.

Small Business Sunday Kick-Off (Nov. 30, 12–3 p.m.)

Start your holiday season with Uptown’s Small Business Sunday, an expanded celebration building on the national Small Business Saturday tradition. Uptown Westerville is turning Sunday into a full-on celebration of shopping small.

Snag one of 500 free “Holidays in Uptown” canvas totes (while supplies last).
Pick it up at the Uptown Westerville Inc. tent in Rotary Park at Home & State.
Bring the kids for a Gingerbread Obstacle Course and Snowman Bounce House adjacent to Columbus Running Co. (50 N. State St.) from 12–3 p.m.

It’s the perfect way to kick off the season—and support local from the start.

Wrapped in Westerville Uptown Holiday Shopping Trail (Nov. 29 – Feb. 14)

Make your way through Uptown’s boutiques and specialty shops, check in along the way, and soak up the seasonal energy. Make 10 check ins and you’ll qualify for a drawing to win one of three $250 Uptown Gift Cards. It’s fun, it’s festive, and it’s a great way to discover new favorite spots. Learn more and grab your passport here.

Annual Ice Sculpture Tour (Dec. 19)

One of Uptown’s most beloved traditions returns. Hand-carved ice sculptures appear throughout the district at 6 p.m. and stay on display until they melt. It’s a magical evening that brings Uptown to life.

Hands On Holiday Workshops + Pop Up Bars

From DIY ornaments to creative workshops and winter-themed pop-up bars, Uptown has plenty of ways to get hands-on with the holiday spirit.

Live Music All Season

Catch holiday tunes at local restaurants, bars, and Uptown venues—perfect for pairing with dinner, drinks, or a festive night out.

And that’s just the start. Holiday concerts and shows, themed events, and family activities round out the calendar all season long.

Shop. Sip. Stroll. Repeat.

If you haven’t wandered Uptown Westerville in a minute, the holidays are the perfect time.

Grab a warm drink (yes, DORA cups are fair game)
Wander past the storefronts dressed in holiday sparkle
Pop into boutiques for gifts you won’t find anywhere else
Soak in a cozy, small-town winter vibe that feels straight out of a holiday movie

Uptown nails the balance of historic charm and modern energy.

New Spots Worth the Drive

Westerville’s newest openings are making waves—especially this one:

Fox in the Snow – One of Ohio’s most beloved coffee shops is now open in Westerville, bringing its iconic pastries, incredible cinnamon rolls, rustic breakfast sandwiches, and perfectly crafted drinks. With its warm, inviting design, it’s quickly become a go-to winter hangout.

And the lineup keeps going:

Smash Park Westerville – The ultimate indoor hangout for winter. Pickleball, duckpin bowling, axe throwing, arcade favorites, and great food and drinks—all under one roof—make it an easy pick for cold-weather fun.
Begin Café – A new go-to for standout coffee and baked goods.
Over Grown – A plant lover’s paradise and a unique stop for holiday gifting.
Ampersand Asian Supper Club – Cozy, modern spot known for standout ramen, rice bowls, and Asian-inspired cocktails.
The Giving Room – A beautifully designed community space offering creative workshops, florals, gift crate building, and more.

Make It a Westerville HolidayWhether you’re sipping cocoa under Uptown lights, checking in on the Uptown Holiday Shopping Trail, watching ice sculptures sparkle, or discovering your new favorite spot, Westerville is the winter outing you didn’t know you needed. With festive experiences, warm energy, and plenty of small-town holiday charm, this season shines a little brighter here. Plan your holiday visit and explore everything Westerville has to offer at www.visitwesterville.org/holidays-in-westerville/

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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