Photo: Easton Town Center

Many of us are looking for inventive ways to keep ourselves in the holiday spirit, while still keeping money in our pockets. Here, I have just a few picks for free, family-friendly holiday things to do during the next three weekends in Columbus.

Eleventh Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony
Easton Town Center
November 20

Start off the holiday season tomorrow by bringing the family over to Easton Town Center for their Eleventh Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony. The whole center comes alive and starts off the shopping season with the lighting of their huge 50 foot tree, complete with an appearance by Santa. Carolers will be strolling around the sparkling streets of the center and the stores will be abuzz with sales.

Grandview Holiday Hop
Grandview Avenue, between 1st and 5th
November 28

Grandview Avenue comes alive with holiday spirit the Saturday after Thanksgiving. You can start by seeing a live reindeer exhibit at Arlington Bank and end by getting a free picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Tri-Village Studios. There are free horse-drawn sleigh rides for all ages up and down the Avenue throughout the night. Smell the holiday scents at The Candle Lab and check out other holiday crafts and treats along the way.

Village Lights
German Village
December 6

Experience the holiday charm of German Village during the holidays. The village is truly beautiful, with luminaries lit throughout the streets and park, and local businesses come out in full force this night with samples, holiday treats and specials. There is also an appearance by Santa, live entertainment and music to get you in the holiday spirit.

These events are sure to get you excited for the season, and you can search for even more here . Enjoy!

If you are looking for something to do with friends or family this weekend, I’d recommend the Taste of Grandview Heights .

Taking place on Sunday, October 4, The event features great appetizers, entrees and desserts served in sample-sized portions. They’re only a couple dollars apiece and will be served by some of the Grandview area’s best dining establishments. Add that on top of free admission and parking, and you have yourself one very affordable outing.

This year’s restaurant lineup includes Trattoria Roma, Hoggy’s, W.G. Grinders, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and other local establishments. The Taste of Grandview also features live bands and entertainment for adults and children. The Columbus Crew will be on hand with their Crew Soccer Tour, Columbus Young Professionals will be there with cornhole games, and SegAway Tours will give free Segway rides and lessons. For the kids, there will be a free children’s area that includes music, crafts, airbrush tattoos and a bounce-house.

Did you see how many times I mentioned the word FREE?! With so much for so little, you can’t afford not to come and have a great time.

Details:
Sunday, Oct. 4
2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
McKinley Field Park
1661 Goodale Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43212

Grandview Hop

This Saturday welcomes the second Grandview Hop of the year to Grandview Avenue. I attended last month’s hop and had a great time. Taking place the last Saturday of each month, this local street fair caters to all ages.

In the mood for a little shopping? Check out the local vendors lining the sidewalk, and choose from a number of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted items. You can find anything from an airbrush tattoo artist to a vintage cartoon button maker—and everything in between.

Did the shopping make you hungry? You’re in luck because Grandview Avenue is home to many delicious options. My personal favorite: Figlio Wood Fired Pizza . Their creative take on Italian gives you options like Avocado Bacon Pizza and Chicken Diablo Pasta. Or, if the weather permits, grab a seat at one of the outdoor restaurant patios and settle in for a great night of people watching.

This is Part 2 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, who features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

With all of the talk about the economy, I tried to make a conscious effort to shop locally for Christmas this year. I wanted to support our Columbus merchants - those who would feel the effects of the economy first, those we can not afford to lose, and those who make Columbus what it is.

I’m typically a last-minute shopper like Amy, but this year I planned ahead and gave myself time to hit a few Columbus neighborhoods to find gifts.

• I started with Collier West in the Short North , a gorgeous store with a variety of wares including tabletop items by Michael Aram and decoupage pieces by John Derian . I received personal assistance, didn’t have to deal with a stressed-out sales person out to make a commission, and my purchase was packaged uniquely and ready to give.

• I still send good old-fashioned greeting cards (and actually, not just at Christmas but year round). For unique cards, I headed to my usual stop, Peabody Papers in Grandview. I love walking into a place that carries a variety of styles created by artists or companies with a specific style. You’re warmly greeted at Peabody Papers and given personalized individual attention - whether you’re there for a single card or a set of customized invitations.

• Since I work for Experience Columbus, it might seem cheesy to say I like to give a local "experience" as a gift. Well pass the Gouda, because the truth is that’s exactly what I like to do. I purchased tickets for a friend and me to take a Chef Series Cooking Class at the North Market . You can’t get more local then taking a cooking class from a Columbus area chef; ours will be taught by Paul Yow from Barcelona Restaurant & Bar . What I really love about this gift is that my friend would have never bought it for herself.

• I have nine nieces and nephews, so for their gifts I headed to Larson’s Toys and Games in Upper Arlington, a great alternative to big box toy stores. Larson’s carries a variety of classic wooden toys along with lines of toys from around the world. I never worry that I’ve bought the little ones in my life something they already have. Larson’s also offers free gift wrapping, all year round. Enough said.

• Finally, for my friend that has everything, I turned to food. Weiland’s Gourmet Market in Clintonville has a wide variety of seafood, meat, cheese and specialty international items. I chose an assortment of goodies specific to my friend’s tastes, and was able to do it all during one stop at this busy but friendly market.  Weiland’s also offers a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right drink to go with whatever you might be serving (and for some of you out there, they can help figure out which libation will get you through holiday get-togethers with the relatives).

Like art? How about sports? Want to do something a little different this weekend? If you said yes at least once, here are two events to check out. They’re both in Grandview Heights (just a hop from downtown), they’re both this weekend, and they’re both sure to be a unique experience:

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C-Note Art Show

Feel free to fall in love with the artwork here – every piece is only $100. Over 150 independent Columbus artists will be showcasing nearly 600 pieces of artwork. You’ll find every imaginable style of art – ceramics, paintings, jewelry, photography and woodwork will all be available.

• Preview Dec. 12, Show Dec. 13 at Junctionview Studios.
• Visit the C-Note site for complete schedule and admission info.

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Skatemare Before Christmas II , presented by the Ohio Roller Girls

The Ohio Roller Girls is Columbus’ first and only all-female roller derby league. At the Skatemare Before Christmas II , you can cheer the ladies on during a derby style “gift exchange” (read: a few good hits and bruises given on the derby track). Dress warm and bring a chair.

• Dec. 13 at Central Ohio Roller Hockey . Doors open at 3:30 p.m., game starts at 4:30 p.m.
• Tickets: $5 with canned good donation. $6 regular admission.

One of the things I love about Columbus is the undercurrent of creativity that exists here. So imagine my delight when I learned that Tiny Canary will set up shop at Junctionview Studios this weekend. To quote from their Web site:

“Tiny Canary is a modern arts and crafts market inspired by the DIY craft movement. This event is designed to celebrate independent designers and artists locally and nationally while supporting the spirit of the handmade community.”

I am so there. And so is Columbus blogger CK of Creative Envy, who recently posted about the event. You can check out her thoughts here.

See you at Junctionview?