Holidays in Uptown
Uptown businesses & restaurants will deck the halls for the season
Shop local this holiday season!
In a special themed event first launched in 2023, Uptown businesses will pull out all the stops to create a holiday destination in the heart of Westerville.
And Frank Capra’s fictional Bedford Falls in It’s a Wonderful Life hasn’t got anything on our real, historic Uptown.
Please come out to enjoy the festive decor and support our local merchants.
When that happens, it truly is a wonderful life in old Westerville.
Thank you to 2024 Holidays in Uptown Sponsor, RWM Wealth Advisors!
Check out these holiday events and many more in our Uptown Calendar:
- Nov. 23 — Uptown Holiday Open House, Snack & Stroll
- Nov. 29-30 — Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, with holiday-themed DORA drinks.
- Dec. 1, 7, 8, 15 and 22 — Uptown Scrooge Abridged
- Dec. 2-9 — Snowflake Castle at Everal Barn
- Dec. 3, 5 and 7 — Christmas Open House at Hanby House
- Dec. 6 — City Tree Lighting ceremony and Parade of Lights
- Dec. 7 — “It’s a Wonderful Westerville” Scavenger Hunt; Santa & Mrs. Claus at Howard Hanna/The McCurdy Team (42 N. State St.)
- Dec. 8 — Westerville Lions Club 5k Rudolph Run/Walk and Winter Fest
- Dec. 13 — Progressive Christmas Concert for Habitat at three Uptown churches
- Dec. 14 — Who-ville Uptown — Characters, crafts, in-store Who-ville themed activities
- Dec. 20 — WUMA Ice Sculpture Tour
- Dec. 21 — Ugly Sweater Snack and Stroll
When the tree is lit …
The City of Westerville will officially kick off the 2024 holiday season with the Parade of Lights and City Tree Lighting at 6:30/7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6.
Please attend the highly popular Tree Lighting (7 p.m.) then stick around to check out the holiday decorations at our Uptown establishments.
We can’t give out all the secrets just yet — but it’s going to be beautiful Uptown!
When the Star is shining …
Westerville’s Hoiliday Star dates to the depths of the Great Depression, when City Manager Ross Windom in 1935 was convinced to commission it, to draw shoppers to the city’s business district. (Read more here.)
While it was relocated in 2022 from its longtime home at State and Main streets a block north to State and Home streets — to protect the historic Holmes Hotel and Weyant Buildings at State and Main — the purpose remains the same.
When you see the familiar Holiday Star lit the week after Thanksgiving, please remember to shop local and patronize the shops and restaurants in Uptown. This year, you are sure to find something special during the Holidays in Uptown!
