Some folks believe that Black Friday is the kick off to the Holiday Season. I disagree. Here in Columbus, the first weekend of December kicks off the season of winter festivals.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 30TH

Winter Festival | Upper Arlington

Upper Arlington’s Winter Festival

Friday night, for those of you who don’t prefer stripping out of work clothes and dive straight into jammies immediately upon walking through the door at the end of the week, Upper Arlington is kicking off the season with their Winter Festival.

Caroling starts at 6:30pm and the tree lighting ceremony is at 7:30pm. Don’t forget to make time for the human snow globe. Plus, horse-drawn carriage rides, visit with Santa, live reindeer display, ice sculpting demonstrations, bonfire & S’mores.

There’s no cost to attend UA’s Winter Festival, and this year, it’s held at Mallway Park, 2096 Upper Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington OH 43221.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 1ST

The Jingle Bell Run | Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run

The Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell run is Saturday morning, come run, fundraise for a really important cause, and get some fresh air on your face .

You can register by clicking HERE, or day of before the run. Come hang out with Liz and I. It’s gonna be fun.

Saturday morning, 8 am, Genoa Park.

(303 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215)

WinterFest @ Bicentennial Park

WINTERFEST AT BICENTENNIAL PARK

Well. With a food truck list like that I’m not sure who’d be able to (or want to) stay away from The Scioto Mile Winterfest.

The day kicks off at 11 am on the bicentennial stage, with shows running through 2:30 pm. In addition to WinterFest, the Scioto Mile will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights, adding an air of festivity to downtown Columbus.

Plus, no one should ever pass up on the opportunity to dig into Chicky Chicky Waffle. Ever.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 2ND

Columbus Flea | Holiday Edition

Cols Flea | The Holiday Flea

The first Flea that I made it to was this summer, and I am hooked. The vendors, the makers, all of it kicks ass.

Columbus Flea started in 2010, and has been bringing you quality shit ever since. (really, it’s on their website.)

Columbus Flea organizes indoor & outdoor flea markets several times throughout the year. All Fleas feature friends from the neighborhood (and slightly beyond) selling a wide variety of textiles, ceramics, records, plants, handmade jewelry, original artwork, antiques, vintage clothing and more. Our proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio. columbusflea.wordpress.com

Village Lights |German Village

VILLAGE LIGHTS

Visit the historic streets of German Village to discover a world of lights and holiday magic. Village Lights presented by Schmidt’s, the holiday-kickoff experience in German Village, is Sunday, December 2, from 5-9 p.m.

Follow the luminaries from shop to shop as you begin checking off your holiday gift list. Our businesses are open late with holiday specials and you’ll find festive surprises around every corner.

Kick off your shopping at StrietzelMarkt on the Platz. You’ll find vendors, Mr. & Mrs. Claus, ice carving, live music, mulled wine and more. (Thank you to Germanvillage.com for the description of the event)

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