Holiday Highlights in Worthington
The holidays have officially kicked off in Worthington, with events, sales, contests, and so much more happening throughout the city. Here are just a few highlights of what’s coming in late November and early December! For more events and info, bookmark the Holidays in Worthington page.
Sparkle Night
(Sunday, November 24, noon-7 p.m.)
The Shops at Worthington Place will rock with music, performances, and fun activities all afternoon. Take a gingerbread house workshop, get the perfect family photos, participate in an elf hunt (from 12:30-3:30), see a performance from Mr. Grouchy, and so much more. The day culminates in a parade led by the Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band starting at 5 p.m. and ends with the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Get full details and register for the event here!
It’s a Wonderful Window
(Through the New Year)
Every year the windows of Old Worthington businesses come alive for the holidays with seasonal décor for the It’s a Wonderful Window contest. This year 24 businesses are participating, with half of them being decorated by a local volunteer design team. The creative designs all nod to the businesses themselves, like a donut snowman at Peace, Love, & Little Donuts or champagne glasses adorned with jewelry at Shift Studios.
As you visit the district this holiday season, be sure to take time – especially in the evening hours – to stroll by the windows and pick your favorite. The designs will be up through the New Year. Read more about the contest here!
Holiday Open House
(Sunday, December 1, noon-5 p.m.)
The popular Holiday Open House takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving, which this year coincides with December 1! Starting at noon, Old Worthington businesses are open with sales and activities and other celebrations. Families can go skating on the ice-less skating rink in front of House Wine, ride the miniature train in the Dewey’s plaza, take carriage rides through the neighborhood, and most importantly – meet St. Nick himself on the steps of the Worthington Inn from noon to 4 p.m.
The festivities continue until 5 p.m. Santa ducks out a little early, because he’ll later meet everyone on the Village Green when he arrives by fire truck (his reindeer are resting up for Christmas Eve) to sing carols, sip hot chocolate, and light the giant Christmas tree.
Holiday Craft Show
(Sunday, December 1, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
The Pizazz gift shop at The Shops at Worthington Mall is run by the Worthington Craft Guild, and they host their annual craft show on December 1. More than 50 vendors will be selling arts and crafts – all perfect for holiday gifts – at the shop itself and throughout the entire mall. Get more info here.
Illuminating Shopping
(Wednesday, December 4, 5-8 p.m.)
The following Wednesday is a delightful night of shopping in Old Worthington. Store windows are brightly lit, the trees are wrapped in Christmas lights, and luminaries line High Street that evening. Local businesses are open late, so you can grab dinner as a family, stroll the district, and finish up some early shopping.