Check out what the Downtown and the Discovery District has to offer for the holiday season on Saturday, December 7, 2024 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 this year!
The Trolley Hop is occurring alongside WinterFest, a celebration featuring local seasonal craft beer and cocktails, live music, and some of Columbus’ best food trucks.
WinterFest is presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department and takes place at Bicentennial Park (233 Civic Center Drive). For more information, click here.
The Downtown Holiday Extravaganza is also going on that day from 4 pm – 9 pm, with Santa and Mrs. Claus at The Lazarus Building, holiday festivities at Columbus Commons, and a boutique shopping experience at Common Thread (249 – 275 S Third).
Parking: Street parking is available throughout downtown Columbus.
Major parking locations include including at the Columbus Metropolitan Library (96 N. Grant Ave.), the Columbus Commons Garage (55 E. Rich St.), the Columbus Museum of Art (480 E. Broad St.), and near WinterFest (233 S. Civic Center Dr.). You may park near any Trolley Hop stop and pick up a trolley from there. Trolleys circulate approximately every 20 minutes.
Participating Merchants and Organizations
Participating Merchants and Organizations (subject to change):
- Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library, 96 N. Grant Ave. Check out the huge Huntington Holiday Train display
- Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St. Read more about visiting the museum here.
- WinterFest, 233 S. Civic Center Dr.
- Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.
- Lazarus Building, 139 N. High St.
- Citizen’s Trust and Yuletide on Gay 11 W. Gay St.
- Krampus Market at The Kee, 225 Neilston St.
- Blockfort, 162 N. 6th St.
- Topiary Park & Museum Shop, 480 E. Town St.
- Loving Realtors Winter Wonderland, 529 E. Town St.
- Kelton House Museum & Garden, 586 E. Town St. Read more about tours and special events at Kelton House here.
- Golden Hobby Shop, 549 E. Franklin Ave.
- Museum of Catholic Art & History, 257 E. Broad St.
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.