Up Front in Cbus helps you stay up to date on everything downtown Columbus and Grandview Yard—from community events and news to dining options and apartment guides. Click here to read more weekly digests.
Columbus Community
Celebrate Holidays in Cbus
This year the holiday season is unlike any other, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still plenty of ways to celebrate safely in Cbus! Try visiting the Holiday Blooms in the Botanical Gardens and enjoy hundreds of colorful, unique poinsettias—or take advantage of social distanced options such as drive-in activities at the South Drive-In or Community Drive-In. Experience Columbus has a great compilation of things to do to keep your mood and season merry throughout the downtown area and surrounding neighborhoods.
Host a Virtual Ugly Holiday Sweater Party
If you’re looking for a creative way to have fun with friends or family this season, try hosting a virtual ugly holiday sweater party! You can craft something yourself using items around the house, or pick one up at a local store. Before the party, set the mood by decorating the space behind you or uploading a festive (or funny) video background. Then, since this is a party centered around ugly sweaters, you could put on a fashion show. Have your guests take turns strutting their stuff across the screen and hold a vote for categories like ugliest sweater, most creative, etc.
It may feel different than your traditional holiday party, but hosting a virtual event is a great way to have fun while staying socially distanced.
Enjoy a Live Performance from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
For many, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra music is a holiday tradition. While the annual concert event is typically held at Nationwide Arena, this year, the rock band will live-stream their show, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” on Friday, December 18, at 8 p.m.
Order your live-stream tickets now and place a holiday-themed carryout order from a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy during the show.
Shop and Dine Local #inGrandview
Grandview Heights is hosting Grandview Heights-OPOLY, a fun spin on Monopoly, to support the community through December 14. Anyone can play, and many Grandview Yard businesses are joining in on the fun. Collect all of the properties for a chance to win gift baskets just in time for the holidays! Prizes range from $25 gift baskets to $150 value baskets.
Click here to register. And make sure to keep your eye out for the Shop Local – Dine Local logo as you support local businesses throughout Grandview Heights.
Columbus Living
Apartment Decorating for the Winter Holidays
It’s that time of the year! Time to pull out your holiday decorations and add some sparkle to your Columbus downtown apartment. To get inspired, visit theApartments at the Yard Facebook album to view submissions from residents participating in the holiday spirit contest.
If you are in search of a new apartment but short on time near the holidays, visit the Apartments at the Yard YouTube channel to tour virtually, when convenient. What better gift than a new home for the holidays?
The Perfect Gift for your Pet Roommate
When buying gifts this holiday season, don’t forget about your pet roommates! To find a list of the top items to get their tail wagging, check out great gift ideas from BarkEats—a Columbus-based dog-food delivery company and the maker of BarkBox. If you are still in search of the perfect pet-friendly apartment, Apartments at theYard, Flats on Vine and Flats II properties allow both cats and dogs.
Food & Drink
Meet Santa Curbside at Ted’s Montana Grill
This weekend only—December 12 & 13 from 11 AM – 4 PM—when you place a curbside pickup order online or by calling (614) 227-0013, Santa will personally bring your order to the car! If you order online, please feel free to put your children’s names in the notes section so that Santa can personally address them, or simply tell our staff over the phone. Cheers to making spirits bright!
GIVEAWAY ALERT
In the spirit of the season, the Arena District and Grandview Yard neighborhoods are running a giveaway for restaurant gift cards! Now through January 4, 2021, share a photo of your meal (carryout or dine-in) on social media by tagging @arenadistrict or @grandviewyard—depending on the location—for a chance to win a gift card to an Arena District or Grandview Yard restaurant of your choice.
You’ll get a double entry if you incorporate festive attire or decorations in the photo, like a Santa hat, light-up necklace or ugly holiday sweater!
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Support your neighborhood eateries this holiday season! Pair cozy movie nights with carryout or delivery from your favorite restaurants. Gift cards also make for easy stocking stuffers that last well beyond the holidays!
- Whistle & Keg | To-go growlers available to enjoy seasonal brews at home.
- Hofbräuhaus Columbus | Hofbrauhaus just tapped their festive Christmas Lager: Weihnachtsbier—a flavorful malty, amber lager with a nice hop “spiciness” in the finish.
- R Bar Arena | At-home happy hour or dine-in for the full ultimate hockey bar experience as we anticipate the Blue Jackets’ upcoming 20th
- Zoup! | Stock up on XL containers of your favorite Zoup! soup.
Health & Fitness
Give the Gift of Wellness from Club Pilates & ADAC
Gift a loved one—or treat yourself—with a membership to a nearby fitness studio! Both Grandview Yard’s Club Pilates and the Arena District Athletic Club offer custom membership options to fit your needs. Offering a spacious, clean and thoroughly sanitized environment, both venues offer the perfect place to get your heart rate up while staying safe this winter.
Virtual CBJ 20K
Registration for the Columbus Blue Jackets OhioHealth CBJ 20K is now open! The Virtual 20K, in recognition of the upcoming 20th NHL season, welcomes all runners and walkers. The rules are simple—just run or walk 20 kilometers (approx. 12.4 miles) anywhere, anytime, between January 11-30, 2021.
Register by December 28, and CBJ will mail you your race bib, event shirt and finisher’s medal before the event! Sign up for this virtual race event taking place in January at CBJ20K.com.
