Nothing quite captures the magic of the holiday season like a Harry Potter holiday! If you're looking for unique holiday activities in Columbus, why not spend the season exploring the city as if you've stepped straight into the Wizarding World?
From charming bookstores and cozy tea rooms reminiscent of Hogsmeade to mystical shops filled with potion-making supplies and festive European Christmas markets, Columbus is full of magical experiences for witches, wizards and Muggles of all ages. Grab your wand, bundle up in your favorite Weasley jumper, and get ready to discover the most magical side of Columbus!
Source: OSP Images
Wizard Books - The Book Loft
Every wizard needs a good book for their studies, and you can find 32 rooms FULL of them at The Book Loft in German Village. It’s one of Columbus’ oldest bookshops, and the surrounding neighborhood will remind you of Hogsmeade with its brick paths and nearby shops like Stauf’s Coffee and 3rd & Sycamore candle shop full of botanical alchemy. You’ll find books on every subject at the Book Loft, from fiction to autobiographies, even romantacy novels. The only authors you won’t find are Rita Skeeter and Gilderoy Lockhart, who are only for Death Eaters anyway!
Three Broomsticks - Asterisk Supper Club
Cozy up with a classic English afternoon tea in Westerville, where it feels like stepping into a cozy pub like the Three Broomsticks at Asterisk Supper Club. While you won’t find butterbeer here, you’ll find a huge variety of 20+ teas! Create your own lunch with house-made scones, tea sandwiches, and desserts fit for every witch and wizard’s palate.
Wizarding Supplies - Witch Lab
Need to stock up on supplies for your potions? Visit the Witch Lab in Franklinton to gather herbs like sage and lavender as well as a multitude of crystals and gemstones. Witch Lab also offers classes and special events throughout the year where you can create your own witchy trinkets and hone your skills in palmistry and other spiritual tools. Browse their tarot card decks, candles, loose-leaf teas, incense and more!
Source: Makeready
The Leaky Cauldron (overnight accommodations) - The Junto Hotel
Sleepy witches and wizards should make their way over to The Junto Hotel and Maudine’s cafe, as it is much like the Leaky Cauldron. This “inn” welcomes all overnight travelers to downtown Columbus with a roaring lobby fireplace and several dining options. Get a warm meal at Little West Tavern or on the rooftop at Brass Eye. All rooms have been checked for rogue magical books with teeth and been marked safe so you can rest in peace!
Knit your own Weasley jumper - Dye Mad Yarn
Are you jealous of the annual Weasley Christmas jumpers? Well, you can knit your own by getting supplies at Dye Mad Yarn in South Columbus! This locally owned shop hand-dyes yarn, creating some of the most magical one-of-a-kind color combinations! Dye Mad Yarns offers free crochet patterns online as well as in-person classes where you can learn how to dye your own yarn or knit your own socks!
Hogsmeade - Dublin Christkindlmarkt
New to Columbus this year, the Christkindlmarkt will remind you of the snowy holidays at Hogsmeade! Walk the brick-lined roads of Riverside Crossing Park to discover a traditional European holiday village from Nov. 21 - Dec. 24. Enjoy classic holiday snacks and drinks like raclette, bratwurst, Glühwein, and more while shopping for tree ornaments and other seasonal trinkets! The market will be open Wednesday- Sunday. Be sure to check the schedule and review where to park your broomsticks and griffins here.
Source: The Citizen's Trust
Gringotts Bank (+bar) - The Citizen’s Trust
Have you ever wondered what the Gringotts goblins do after their shift to let off some steam? They go to the hidden bar inside the former 1920s bank, The Citizen’s Trust, in downtown Columbus. Grab some specialty cocktails from the talented barkeeps to enjoy among the neoclassical marble pillars. They even have a pop-up holiday bar during the winter, Miracle, to enjoy Wednesdays - Saturdays!
Whether you’re looking to stock your wizarding shelves or just have a good night out with the goblins, there’s something for every witch and wizard to enjoy this holiday season in Columbus!
