If you’ve ever wished High Street would swap cars for cheer, Holiday Hop is here to grant that very specific holiday wish. On Saturday, December 6, from noon to 8 pm, the Short North Arts District transforms into a walkable winter playground filled with art, music, shopping, and enough festive energy to power a small snow globe factory.
High Street, But Make It Magical
From East 2nd Avenue to Russell, the street becomes pedestrian only and fully decked out for the season. Galleries open with new exhibitions, businesses roll out holiday specials, and artists invite you to help paint the evolving Open Walls community mural. It’s the reliable Gallery Hop vibe, just wearing its best December outfit.
Quests, Prizes, and Small Business Joy
The Holiday Trail turns your shopping habit into a reward system. Make purchases at five participating businesses, check in on your digital pass, and claim a free hot chocolate and cookie from Tertulia Bakery and Cafe or a hot drink from Northstar Cafe. Shopping for treats that lead to more treats is the kind of holiday math we can all get behind.
Kids get their own district-wide adventure with a Scavenger Hunt that ends with a prize and a sense of accomplishment. Lil’ Shops offers child-friendly gifts under twenty dollars, perfect for young shoppers who take their holiday giving very seriously. You can even pick out a fresh holiday tree from Oakland Nursery’s pop-up lot and feel extremely on top of your seasonal to-do list.
Food, Fire, and Festive Extras
Holiday Hop is adding a curated lineup of food trucks this year, so wandering with snacks is highly encouraged. If you prefer your holiday treats in the form of wine and cookies, Vino e Dolcetti at Le Meridien, The Joseph will be pouring and pairing from 3 to 5 pm for the 21+ crowd.
Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up moments too. Local businesses are bringing sidewalk activations, including live ice sculpting by Dustin Weatherby of Sculptdecor. Yes, it’s as mesmerizing as it sounds.
Music Everywhere You Turn
The district will be buzzing with performers all day. The mini main stage features a full lineup that kicks off with the Parker Louis Jazz Trio at noon and wraps with Max Jones from 7 to 8.
Meanwhile, street performers fill every block with surprise moments that make Holiday Hop feel alive in that only-in-Columbus way.
A Market Worth Bundling Up For
If you’re hunting for unique gifts or something special for yourself, the Holiday Hop Market brings a wide mix of local makers offering items you won’t find at the mall. It’s a one-stop shop for handmade treasures and last-minute inspiration.
Holiday Hop is one of those events that reminds you why the Short North shines. It’s cheerful, creative, and delightfully easy to enjoy. Grab your gloves and get ready to hop straight into the holiday season. To learn more about the event, head over to shortnorth.org.
