If your favorite part of the holidays is curling up with a mug of cocoa and a Hallmark movie marathon, you’re in luck; you can bring that same heartwarming magic to life right here in Columbus. Picture twinkling lights on snow-dusted streets, local shops brimming with one-of-a-kind gifts and festive outings perfect for reconnecting with loved ones. This year, Columbus is the perfect place to script your own Hallmark-worthy holiday.
THREAD in Columbus during the holidays. Source: Facebook.
Decorate the Perfect Hallmark-Inspired Home
Kick off the holiday season by adding festive décor to your home. Shop local home goods stores like Artisans & and THREAD to take home specialty pieces that will make your house feel cozy and curated this season. Christmas and Hanukkah décor can also be found at many of our local thrift, vintage and antique stores like Flower Child and Eclectiques. Read our Ultimate Guide to second-hand shopping in Columbus and get to hit the stores.
When it comes to your tree, nothing says “Hallmark Holiday” more than cutting down your very own family Christmas tree at a local tree farm. See this list of options in the Greater Columbus area.
For the DIYer, Maker’s Social is offering complimentary wooden ornaments (with purchase) for those dressed in festive attire all season long.
The Red Stable in German Village during Village Lights. Source: Experience Columbus.
Travel Back in Time to German Village
No Hallmark holiday is complete without a visit to Columbus’s German Village neighborhood. Established nearly 200 years ago by German Immigrants, the cobblestone streets and brick homes are the perfect backdrop for a holiday trip to Columbus. Residents of German Village go all out for the holidays, decorating the exteriors of their homes with festive garlands, lights, bows and more. While you’re there, shop for women’s apparel at Vernacular or smell good gifts at 3rd & Sycamore or pick up made local presents from The Red Stable. If you’re sticking around for a meal (which we highly recommend), read our German Village Dining Guide for suggestions on breakfast, lunch, dinner and more.
Don’t forget to come back for Village Lights, their marquee holiday event complete with an authentic German market, food vendors and festive activities happening this year on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Easton during the holidays. Source: Steiner + Associates.
Shop Local for Everyone on Your List
You can’t have a true Hallmark holiday without shopping, and retail is one of the things Columbus does best, with its unique districts located throughout the city. Explore the independently owned boutiques of Columbus’s Short North neighborhood, which transforms into the festive Short North Pole during the holidays. Shops we love include Black-owned Ransom Supply and Sole Classics for men’s wear and shoes, Big Fun for vintage toys and games and Penn & Beech for DIY candle pouring.
Easton Town Center was recently named a top retail destination in the country and for good reason. Boasting all your favorite national retailers like Abercrombie & Fitch and Nordstrom, luxury brands like Gucci and Tiffany’s and locally owned shops like Celebrate Local, Easton is a one-stop shop for all your holiday gifting needs. Make a weekend of it! Book your stay at an Easton area hotel and enjoy their horse-drawn sleigh rides, visit Santa and experience the magic of their festive holiday lights throughout the district.
Be sure to check out the Columbus Gift Guide (coming soon) for our curated list of must-gift items this year.
For more inspiration, read our full list of shopping districts in Columbus to explore.
Holiday hosting in Columbus. Source: Experience Columbus.
Host a Columbus-Themed Holiday Gathering
Hosting loved ones in your home is one of the most special things to do during the holidays, and Columbus brands are here to make it easy for you.
First, make sure your bar is fully stocked with locally distilled spirits from our partners on the Columbus Distillery Trail (a great holiday outing to do with out-of-town guests!), like Middle West Spirits (their Bourbon Cream also makes for a great gift) and Watershed Distillery. Complete your setup with festive mixers like Holiday Cheer Three Pack from Simple Times Mixers.
Any good holiday event begins with appetizers. Source all your charcuterie board needs from Foris Extraordinary Meats, pick up a pre-made board from M.C. Charcuterie or book the Charcuterie Cart to level up your larger events.
Want to serve a Food Network-level meal but not a Food Network-level chef? No problem. Order breakfast, lunch, dinner or desserts to go from Columbus businesses like Littleton’s Market and Cameron Mitchell Premiere Events. Read our full list of holiday meals to go for more inspiration.
Nothing says “Hallmark” like an after-meal cup of coffee. Pick up locally roasted coffee beans from Black Kahawa or Roosevelt Coffee to put a bow on your Columbus-themed event.
The Nutcracker Ballet. Source: BalletMet.
Experience the Magic of Columbus’s Holiday Lights Displays, Holiday Events and Holiday Performances.
Capture the full essence of the holidays in Columbus by getting out of the house!
Dazzling light displays can be found throughout the Greater Columbus region, like Conservatory Aglow, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and Wanderlights downtown. Read our full list of spectacular displays and plan your outing now.
Celebrate with residents and visitors alike at Columbus’s marquee holiday events like Village Lights in historic German Village on Dec. 7, Winterfest at Bicentennial Park on Dec. 6, and the Short North Holiday Hop happening on the same day. Read our full list of can’t-miss holiday events in Columbus.
Complete your Hallmark holiday season with a trip to one of Columbus’s historic theaters. Perhaps one of the most well-known shows is The Nutcracker, performed annually at the Ohio Theater downtown by BalletMet. Get your tickets now – they sell out quickly!
As the weather turns colder and the city sparkles with lights, there’s no better place to embrace the season than Columbus. Book your Hallmark-inspired staycation and find more inspiration this holiday season in Columbus.
