Check out what the Downtown and the Discovery District has to offer for the holiday season on Saturday, December 2, 2023 for the Downtown Columbus Holiday Trolley Hop.
The Trolley will take participants on rides to visit various merchants and cultural institutions in Downtown Columbus.
The whole family will enjoy the seasonal delights and there will be free trolleys running continuously from 1-6 p.m. through the District with fun stops for activities, crafts, tours and shopping to help you stuff stockings.
New for 2023!
The Santa Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building and Shops at Common Thread on 3rd Street is on the route for 2023. The route includes a stop at the Museum of Catholic Art & History, with State Auto’s nativity scene now displayed at St Joseph Cathedral at 212 E. Broad St.
The hop has been extended to 6 p.m. so that participants have a chance to view the holiday lights display at the Columbus Commons.
This year’s hop has two starting locations: the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch at 96 S. Grant Ave. and the Warehouse District at 256 E Neilston St. Parking is available at both locations. Additional parking is available at the Columbus Commons Garage, 55 E. Rich St.
Participating Merchants and Organizations
The 2023 Trolley Hop route has even more stops!
Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library, 96 N. Grant Ave. Check out the huge Huntington Holiday Train display in the Library.
Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St. – Get discounted admission to The Art of Maurice Sendak and a chance to visit Shokko Cafe and the museum gift shop. Read more about visiting the museum here.
Kelton House Museum & Garden, 586 E. Town St. – Learn about the incredible history of this Columbus landmark. Read more about tours and special events at Kelton House here.
Blockfort, 162 N. 6th St. – Check out the local artwork from painters, sculptors, designers
CCAD Beeler Gallery, 60 Cleveland Ave. – Featuring contemporary and experimental art and design exhibitions
Topiary Park & Museum Shop, 480 E. Town St.
Loving Realty & Rentals, 529 E. Town St.
Golden Hobby Shop, 549 E. Franklin Ave.
Restalgic, 415 E. Broad St.
Wickit, 415 E. Broad St.
Phoenix Rising, 243 N 5th St.
Lef Floral & Botanical, 243 N 5th St.
Ebb & Float, 231 N 5th
Hill’s Downtown Market 95 N Grant Ave
Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave.
Common Thread Shops, S 3rd
Museum of Catholic Art & History, 257 E. Broad St.
The Santa Extravaganza, Lazarus Building, 50 W. Town St.
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St.
This year’s Trolley Hop is organized by the Discovery Special Improvement District (DSID), which focuses on safety, homeless outreach, graffiti removal, economic research, community engagement, and creative placemaking.
Arrive early to shop at CCAD
The Columbus College of Art and Design is hosting its annual Art Fair & Marketplace on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trolley Hop participants are encouraged to consider buying a ticket and coming down early to see one-of-a-kind items made by CCAD students and alums.
Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
Looking for all of the holiday fun in Columbus? Check out these pages!
- Subscribe to Columbus on the Cheap's email list
- Free and cheap events this weekend in Columbus
- Your Guide to Christmas and Holiday Events in Columbus
- Over 40 Holiday Art and Craft Festivals
- Turkey Trots and Holiday Races
- Christmas Tree Farms and Lots in Columbus
- Christmas Theater and Concerts in Columbus
- Photos with Santa
- Locations of Mailboxes for Letters to Santa
- Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus
- Holiday Train Rides in Ohio: Santa Trains and Polar Express
- Free and Cheap Activities for Winter Break in Columbus
- Columbus Happy Hours
jan harris says
Hi Marcia. At Fun Town Play Cafe we have a wonderful music class and free play after. Wednesday Dec. 5 10;30. They get to play instruments, sing, we have parachute fun, etc.
https://www.facebook.com/events/2718788268346590/
Marcia says
Could you tell me about day time, during the week events to do with toddlers? Grandmas are seeking these things. Thank you.