Black Friday Frantics

Experience the Magic of Uptown Westerville This Holiday Season

The holiday season in Uptown Westerville is a time of joy, community, and unique shopping experiences. This weekend, the historic district comes alive with events that offer something for everyone.

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

On November 29 and 30, Uptown Westerville invites you to kick off your holiday shopping during Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Local merchants will open their doors from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., showcasing a variety of unique gifts and holiday specials. Early shoppers on Black Friday can receive a complimentary "Holidays in Uptown" canvas tote bag, adding a special touch to your shopping experience.

Holiday-Themed DORA Drinks

Enhance your shopping with seasonal beverages from participating establishments within the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA). Stroll through the festively decorated streets, sipping on holiday-themed drinks crafted especially for the season.

Letters to Santa

From November 29 through December 25, families can visit the Rotary Mini Park at 54 N. State St. to send letters to Santa. This charming spot offers a perfect backdrop for holiday photos and a direct line to the North Pole, ensuring your wishes reach Santa in time for Christmas.

Uptown Scrooge Performances

On December 1, immerse yourself in a seated, interactive rendition of "A Christmas Carol" with Uptown Scrooge. Performances are scheduled at 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4:45 p.m., offering a whirlwind of holiday magic and mayhem in just one hour.

By participating in these events, you're celebrating the season and supporting the local businesses that make Uptown Westerville a vibrant community. Join them weekend to create lasting memories and find unique gifts for everyone on your list.

For a complete list of holiday events, visit Holidays in Westerville.

Uptown Westerville Prepares for Holidays with Special DORA Drinks

Uptown Westerville is in the holiday spirit with festive drinks for the weekend. Starting on Black Friday and continuing through Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29-30), bars and restaurants in Uptown will offer unique holiday-themed DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) drinks. Shoppers can enjoy these beverages while browsing Westerville’s historic small businesses.

Here’s a list of participating businesses and their seasonal offerings:

• Asterisk

  • Toboggans in Tobago: Brown butter Angostura, oat orgeat, acid-adjusted orange juice, and rye.

• Cardinal Pizza

  • Chai Apple Cider Mule

• Espresso Air

  • Peppermint Bark Latte: Espresso, peppermint bark, cinnamon, and oat milk.

  • Frosted Gingerbread Latte: Espresso, gingerbread, white chocolate, and milk of choice.

  • Hazel’s Latte*: Espresso, hazelnut, vanilla, and milk of choice, celebrating the first birthday of the owner's daughter, Hazel.

• Good Vibes Winery

  • Warm Red Mulled Wine

• High Bank Distillery

  • Apple Whiskey Fizz: Granny Smith apple-infused Whiskey War, cranberry, cinnamon brown sugar reduction, and cardamom bitters.

• Koble

  • Barrel-Aged Old Fashioned

• Meza Wine Shop

  • Holiday Sangria

  • Special Event: Meza will host a Holiday Pop-Up Window from 4–7 p.m. on Fridays and 2–7 p.m. on Saturdays, starting Black Friday through the end of December.

• North High Brewing Company

  • Rum Pom Pom Punch

• Old Bag of Nails

  • Mistletoe Margarita: A blend of Corazon tequila, Triple Sec, cranberry juice, and lime, served in a sugar or salt-rimmed rocks glass.

• Temperance Row Brewing Co/Uptown Deli & Brew

  • Christmas Ale

Visitors can sip on these festive drinks while shopping and supporting Uptown’s small businesses. Cheers to holiday fun in Westerville!

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