Sounds of the season echo through the city as Christmas cheer is spread by local merchants and holiday shoppers as they pass by. It is no surprise that the historic downtown of Grove City becomes a miniature version of a Hallmark town with twinkling lights strung, crips cool air with wisps of Christmas snow felt in the air, and a Mistletoe market where vendors gather. 

Whether you’re looking to get away for a quiet holiday with your family or simply seeking out a day trip with festive cheer, Grove City’s magical setting is sure to fill you with Christmas spirit.

Best Christmas-Style German Kristkindl Market in Ohio

With Christmas in the air, a German-style Kristkindl Market descends in the Grove City historic town center each December. This festive market brings the old world warmth and beauty to the city center. Vendors will be lined up at this lively market with gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. It is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience where you can shop small and locally.

Historically you can see horses dressed up in their reindeer finest, giving rides throughout the day. Children and adults will feel like Santa calling out to them on Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and Vixen!!

Shopping in the Kristkindl Market will probably bring you here, but the professional ice sculptor will keep your attention and enthrall you with his mad ice skills. These will be displayed during the market, weather permitting.

Find Nutcracker’s as You Explore the City 

As you experience the excitement of finding holiday gifts for family and friends in Historic Town Center, join the hunt for Grove City’s Nutcrackers!  The sixth annual Nutcracker Hunt is a fun way for friends and families to experience the festive holiday atmosphere of the Heart of Grove City starting Friday December 2nd.

See Santa at the Christmas Parade

Rosy cheeks and a jolly ho-ho-ho come from Santa as he makes his way through Grove City in the Christmas parade welcoming in the Holiday season. Grab a cup of peppermint hot chocolate or other merry and bright flavor at Transcend Coffee and Roastery before settling in on the side of the street to watch the festivities. Make sure to get Santa’s attention because he needs to remember how good you have been this year.

Drop Off a Letter to Santa

The delight of the holiday season returns with this Grove City tradition; a Don’t direct mail route to Santa. The Parks and Recreation Department elves ensure letters arrive safely at the North Pole.

  • Children drop letters into Santa’s mailbox in front of the Grove City Welcome Center and Museum, 3378 Park St.
  • Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with every letter.
  • Drop off Monday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 4

Best Small-Town Christmas Shopping in Ohio

Each year people are looking for the best Hallmark-style small town, and one is right here in historic downtown Grove City. Windows are dressed with holiday cheer, and local shopkeepers wish you a Merry Christmas as you walk in the front door. Browse the locally owned shops to find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

Antiques and Primitives

Boutique

Collectible

DIY


Home Decor

Specialty Shops

Christmastime Hike at ColumbusMetro Parks 

There is no off-season for adventure in Ohio, so layer up and head to Battell Darby or Scioto Grove Metro Park for a jovial Christmas hike through the woods. Columbus Metro parks fill the Christmas calendar with jolly activities and guided walks throughout the holiday season. 

Animals in the visitor center at Batelle Darby are ready to welcome you in after your fast-paced hike through the park’s varied terrain. Kids will love the living stream located in the middle of the nature center, where they can watch the aquatic species be fed. 

Visitors can also enjoy viewing the bison from the viewing platform right off the nature center; if you’re lucky, you can see them in all their winter splendor. On brisk winter days after a fresh snowfall, these icons of America are majestic to photograph and watch in the stark whiteness of the snow on the ground.

There is no better time to visit Grove City than during the holiday season. You will enjoy the many delicious places to eat, plentiful shopping, and the welcoming Christmas cheer. 

Pro-tip: Make your Christmas brighter and book a  night at a local hotel to enjoy everything that Grove City offers during the season.