Home for the Holidays 2016

Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

Oakland’s SPECIALTY Shops Oakland HOME (in Dublin)

Oakland INSIDE & OUT (in New Albany)

Visit oaklandnursery.com (look under specialty shops)

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Experience the Season!

Columbus

1156 Oakland Park Ave.

614-268-3511

Dublin

4261 W. Dublin-Granville Rd.

614-874-2400

See the back page of Home for the Holidays for specials & holiday events!

Delaware

25 Kilbourne Rd.

740-369-5454

New Albany

5211 Johnstown Rd.

614-917-1020

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Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Get out and discover the wonder of the season at these area events!

ONGOING Please note: Weekend events appear under the first date of the event.

4th Annual Holiday Lights Gingerbread House Contest: Nov. 14-Dec. 14. It’s time to cook up some creativity and design your entry for the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau’s 4th Annual Holiday Lights Gingerbread House Contest, presented by Young Chefs Academy! Entries do not have to be houses—and they don’t even have to be made of gingerbread—but they must incorporate some things that are visibly edible. This means that your structure can be baked, painted, built from blocks or wood … as long as you include edible items somewhere in your decorations. Use your imagination to put your own personal spin on your holiday building! Entries may be dropped off at the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau, 167 Mill Street, Gahanna.

Download the rules and an entry form to learn more at www.visitgahanna.com.

Columbus Commons Holiday Lights: Nov. 22-Jan. 1 Come out and be dazzled by more than 300,000 lights. Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St., Columbus.

(614) 545-4700 Dorothy Steiger Memorial Mitten Tree: Dec. 4-18. Stop by City Hall to donate mittens, gloves, hats and other warm gear by decorating the annual mitten tree! Donations for all ages are greatly appreciated. City Hall, 100 Lockville Road. (614) 833-2211, www.pickerington.net.

Letters to Santa: Dec. 1-16. Drop off letters to Santa in the Santa Mailbox located at Hilliard’s Station Park. Include a loose stamp (remember Santa needs an address) or a self-addressed stamped envelope. hilliardohio.gov.

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival: Nov. 25-Jan. 2. A 5-week celebration of Chinese culture will come to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. Get ready to experience Columbus in a whole new light with exquisite silk lanterns, traditional performances, and amazing food! 5 to 10 p.m., Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, $15/adult, $10/age 17 and under, $12/seniors and military, free/children 2 and under. ohiolanternfestival.com.

Santa’s Mailbox: Nov. 25-Dec. 11. A North Pole Express mailbox will be placed in front of City Hall in Pickerington for children to write Santa and his helpers a letter for Christmas. Please include child’s name and return address so Santa can write back! City Hall, 100 Lockville Road.

(614) 833-2211, www.pickerington.net.

Santa’s Mailbox: Nov. 23-Dec. 14.

Children who hand deliver their letters to Santa care of his special Upper Arlington mailbox receive a reply from Santa directly from the North Pole. To guarantee delivery, include the child’s full name, complete address with zip code and postage.

Mailbox in Kenny Road Parking Lot. www.uaoh.net.

A Seussified Christmas Carol: Dec. 2-11. A whimsical reinvention of Dickens’ most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zootfruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with—if he ever had his way with the story. Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday, CATCO is Kids, Van Fleet Theatre, 549 Franklin Ave. $10. www.catco.org.

Snowflake Castle: Dec. 3, 5 - 10 .

Experience the season with Oakland Nurseries!

Bring the children to visit Santa from noon to 3:30 p.m. at all Oakland locations Saturday, Nov. 26 – Sunday, Dec. 18 (Saturdays & Sundays only).

While visiting Santa, enjoy the unique Santa Wonderland at our Columbus and Delaware store locations! There, you and your family can experience lights, music and plush characters.

Only at Oakland can you truly experience the season!

Columbus store festivities: 1156 Oakland Park Ave. (614) 268-3511 • Horse-drawn carriage rides!

Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. starting Saturday, Nov. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 18.

• A reindeer will visit Oakland on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 1 to 4 p.m.

This is sure to be a favorite with your kids!

• Breakfast with Santa! Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 to 11 a.m. You can visit with Santa. Please call the store for more details.

• Live music on the weekends.

• Ugly Sweater Contest! Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. Enjoy the fun as a participant or spectator. Call the store to enter as a participant.

• Other weekend guests/events including Farm to You, Timberlane Llama Farm, Holiday Classics performed by Dr. B., Concessions, and Children’s Pine Cone Bird Feeder Activity on Saturday, Nov. 26. Please call the store for details.

Delaware store festivities: 25 Kilbourne Road (740) 369-5454 • Free popcorn and chili on the weekends starting Saturday, Nov. 26.

• Free hot cider and food samples on the weekends starting Saturday, Nov. 26.

• Kids’ activities on the weekends starting Saturday, Nov. 26 from noon to 4 p.m. Fun will include face painting, balloon art, coloring and letters to Santa.

• Other special guests and entertainment on the weekends!

Stop by Santa’s Workshop and visit with his elves at the annual Snowflake Castle.

Work with an elf and make your very own wooden toy to paint and take home. Stroll through the Homestead and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus (picture included.)

Don’t forget to check out the trains, Santa’s sleigh and the gift shop. This year’s new toy is a reindeer! 9 a.m. to noon and 5 to 8 p.m., 60 N. Cleveland Ave. Reservations are required, children must be accompanied by an adult. $10 per child (includes toy and photo), purchase tickets online at www.mkt.com/snowflakecastle.

SUNDAY, Nov. 27

Holiday Open House: Historic Old Worthington invites you to bring the family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, including horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and a visit from

Santa drops by the Oakland Nurseries store in New Albany for breakfast. Also, join Santa for breakfast at the Dublin and Columbus locations!

Dublin store festivities: 4261 W. Dublin-Granville Road (614) 874-2400 • Horse-drawn carriage rides every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26 - Sunday, Dec. 18.

• The kids can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate with Santa! Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3:30 p.m. starting November 26.

• Bring your dog to have a picture with Santa! Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 3:30 p.m. starting Saturday, Nov. 26 (Please call the store for more details.)

• Breakfast with Santa! Sunday, Dec. 18, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Please call the store for details.

• Plus, many more Holiday weekend events!

Santa. Local retailers will be offering special promotions. Noon to 5:30 p.m., Downtown Worthington. Free. www.worthington.org.

Tree Illumination Ceremony: Visit the Southeast Village Green for the annual Tree Illumination Ceremony. The program begins at 5:30 p.m. with carols and an appearance by Santa Claus to light the tree. Village Green, Southeast Quadrant, Worthington. Free. www.worthington.org.

Thursday, DEC. 1

Holiday Hop in Hilliard and Tree Lighting: Begin the holiday season with the 27th annual lighting of the City Tree by Mayor Don Schonhardt.

Enjoy musical selections by Hilliard Darby High School and the Scioto Darby Elementary first-grade choir under the direction of Joyce Brandt. This festive

New Albany store festivities: 5211 Johnstown Road (614) 917-1020 • Horse-drawn Carriage rides: Saturday, Nov. 26, Sundays, Dec. 4, 10, 11 and 18, noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Free popcorn and holiday cookies on the weekends starting Saturday, Nov. 26.

• New Albany High School “A” Capella Singers starting at 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 27 and Saturday, Dec. 10.

• New Albany High School Jazz Band Sunday, Dec. 4 starting at 2 p.m.

• New Albany High School Strings Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m.

• Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus!

Saturday, Dec. 17. Please call the store for details.

evening also includes a visit by Santa, ice sculpting demonstrations, reindeer, cookie decorating, Matt the Balloon Guy, face painting, wagon rides and hot chocolate! Stop in the Historical Village in Weaver Park as it is adorned in period decorations. Docents are available in each of the authentic buildings. Also enjoy Pop Up Art with the Hilliard Arts Council and caroling from the cast of A Christmas Story. Free hot chocolate is also available in the village. Purchase donuts from Bailey’s Drive-in Donuts. 5-7:30 p.m., Hilliard’s Station Park, Historical Village in Weaver Park. hilliardohio.gov. Holiday Tree Lighting: Celebrate the beginning of the Holiday Season with the City of Dublin. Christmas carols by Eli Pinney and Indian Run Elementary School students, performances by Dance Extension, live reindeer, complimentary hot chocolate and

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Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Holiday Events December including performances by local studios, arts, crafts and performances of “A Christmas Carol” on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 3 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This event is presented by Hilliard Arts Council. Hilliard Civic and Cultural Arts Center, 5425 Center Street. hilliardohio.gov.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Live holiday music, candle lighting ceremony and much more. Music by Paige’s Playhouse and the Westerville Community Band. 7 to 9 p.m., Westerville City Hall, 21 South State St. www.westerville.org.

Winter Festival & Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join the City of Upper Arlington for a festive evening to celebrate the start of the holiday season, including: lighting of the holiday tree, holiday music and caroling by local school choirs, visits with Santa, ice sculpting demonstrations, live reindeer, festival lights, carriage rides, bonfire with s’mores, great holiday gift ideas, specials and giveaways from Mallway Merchants, coffee and hot chocolate and more. 6 to 8:30 p.m., Mallway Park, Upper Arlington Ave. Free, some activities have a small fee. www.uaoh.net.

Winterfair: Dec. 2-4. The Columbus Winterfair returns with fine arts and crafts.

Browse the holiday artists’ market and find unique and beautiful handcrafted items for the home, office or gift giving. Artists from across the nation will be showcasing their traditional and contemporary crafts including ceramics, wood, glass, painting, metals, fiber, jewelry, photography, sculpture and more. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ohio Expo Center & State Fair, 717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus. $7/adults, free/12 and under. winterfair.org

SATURDAY, DEC. 3

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Gahanna tree lighting, 2013 donuts, photos with Christmas characters, prizes for children, official lighting of the “Doc Carpenter” Christmas tree by Santa. 5 to 8 p.m. Indian Run Elementary Lawn, 80 West Bridge Street, Dublin. dublinohiousa.gov Illuminating Shopping Event: Come to Downtown Worthington for an Illuminating Shopping experience! Bring your friends to enjoy wine and cheese, live music, carriage rides and special sales while you shop amid glowing luminaries for all of your holiday party & gift giving needs! 6 to 9 p.m. www.worthington.org.

FRIDAY, DEC. 2

2016 Christmas in the Village: Dec. 2-3. Canal Winchester’s annual storybook Christmas celebration will be held in the city’s historic downtown. The Santa Parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. and activities from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, the Santa Parade will start at 4:30 p.m. followed by the tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. and activities from 5 to 8 p.m., Activities will take place on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester as well as inside several business establishments around the city’s municipal office building at 36 S. High Street.

Christmas in the Village is a partnership between the City of Canal Winchester and Destination:Canal Winchester. This free community event would not be possible without the support of many local businesses and volunteers. Activities to include Visit with Santa, children’s games, Business Bazaar (Community Center), ice

sculptures (Stradley Place), carriage rides (Huntington Bank), hayrides (municipal building), electric trains (Community Center), Gingerbread House Contest (HER Realtors - S. High), children’s crafts, tree lighting (grassy knoll behind Stradley Place), children’s train rides (across from Fantasy Cupcake), popcorn station (Stradley Place). www.canalwinchester.org.

A Christmas Carol: Dec. 2-4. A Live Radio Play: The Charles Dickens holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, complete with vintage commercials and the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring.

A handful of actors bring dozens of characters to the stage as the familiar story unfolds. 7 p.m., Dec. 2-3 and 2 p.m.

Dec. 4, Westerville South High School, 303 S. Otterbein Ave., Westerville. www.westerville.org.

All Aboard the Polar Express Holiday Open House: Celebrate this favorite holiday book at an exciting after hours program. Stories, activities, caroling, crafts, treats and more! 7 to 8:30 p.m., Hilliard Library, 4227 Cemetery Road, Hilliard. Tickets required and available at the information desk. All ages welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult.

(614) 645-2275, www.columbuslibrary. org/locations/Hilliard German Village Garten Club Tree Lighting: The traditional lighting of the trees in Frank Fetch Park complete with Santa and hot chocolate. germanvillage.com.

Holidayfest: Dec. 2-3 The inaugural Holidayfest is slated for first weekend of

34th Annual Hollyfest Arts and Crafts Show: The Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring this premiere event to the community. There is something for everyone at this event: gifts for everyone on your list, Christmas decorations for your home or office, food, drinks, pictures for your four-legged friends with Santa Paws and a raffle with your chance to win every hour! Presented

by Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hilliard Davidson High School, 5100 Davidson Road. www.hilliardchamber.org.

CCAD Art Fair: A destination for art collectors and those who simply love art. Discover exceptional work by CCAD students and alumni. Proceeds from the art sold at the fair go directly to the artists.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (first look admission at 9 a.m. for $20/ticket) Loann Crane Center for Design, corner of Cleveland Ave. and Gay St., Columbus. $5. ccad.edu/art-fair Grove City Christmas Celebration:

The Grove City community is invited to celebrate a full day of holiday spirit in historic Town Center. Activities are sponsored by the City of Grove City, the Grove City Town Center Inc., Grove City Museum and others. Don’t miss shopping, visits with Santa, live entertainment, a parade and much more. From 2 to 7 p.m. in the George Edge Music Park on Broadway, children can meet Santa and parents can take their own photo or receive one for a $5 contribution to T.W.I.G. 184 benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

Donations of money, food or personal hygiene products for the Grove City Food Pantry and of toys and gift cards for the Jackson Township Firefighters for Kids holiday toy program also are accepted on the plaza. From 6 to 8 p.m., enjoy live entertainment, view a reindeer at the southeast corner of Civic Place and Broadway. The Grove City Community parade steps off at 7 p.m. after the parade wraps up, Santa returns to help light the community tree in the Town Center Plaza.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (614) 277-3000, www. grovecityohio.gov.

Holly Days: It is a day filled with lots of family activities including Irish elf pictures, Irish holiday momentos, a Holiday photobooth, an adult Christmas activity and Irish Christmas in Dublin at Ha’Penny Bridge Imports of Ireland. After your little one has told Santa what they would like for Christmas, visit Bri-Hi Square to see the choir, dancers, and singers. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Historic Dublin, 1 West Bridge Street Dublin.

Just Between Friends Christmas Sale: Dec. 3-4. Consignment clothes and toys just in time for the holidays. 3 to 9 p.m., Franklin County Fairgrounds, 5035 Northwest Parkway, Hilliard.

Mistletoe Market: Reminiscent of the German Kristkindl Market, this festive holiday shopping market brings old world charm and warmth to Grove City’s historic Town Center. Local vendors will be sprinkled throughout the Town Center in City Hall and in other businesses.

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (614) 539-8762, www.grovecitytowncenter.org.

Mount Carmel Santa Race 5K and Little Reindeer Dash: The Santa Race 5K and Little Reindeer Dash, presented by Mount Carmel Health System, will be held in Gahanna.The start and finish area will take place on Mill Street in the beautiful Creekside District. The top finishers receive prizes and all finishers a medal.

While the main event will be fun, we don’t want to forget about those Little Reindeer dashers! Little ones can take part in their own race to the finish. Dress in your best holiday gear and help spread the holiday cheer!! Register online now! (Registration fills up quickly for this fun event.) www.visitgahanna.com.

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Worthington tree lighting, 2012

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Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Holiday Events The Nutcracker: Dublin Dance Center and Gymnastics performs the holiday classic for the fifth year in a row.

11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd. Dublin. $7/adults, $5/ youth and seniors. dublinohiousa.gov/ abbey-theater.

Short North Holiday Hop: Holiday Hop is a celebrated Columbus tradition and the biggest Gallery Hop of the year.

See new art exhibitions in the District’s galleries, vote for your favorite window display, and grab a drink and bite to eat while you’re out under the glittering arches. Noon to 9 p.m. shortnorth.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 4

Dwight Lenox: Columbus’ coolest jazz singer croons holiday favorites. Favorites include The Christmas Song, Let It Snow, This Christmas, and many more! Meet Dublin tree lighting, 2012 Dwight during intermission or after the show. 3 p.m. Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Rd. with the Grandview Heights High School Singers and refreshments to warm your Dublin. $7/adults, $5/youth and seniors. spirits. Clay Café will have ornaments dublinohiousa.gov/abbey-theater. available for purchase that can be The Merry Mile: Grab your running decorated at the event. 6:30 to 8 p.m., shoes and plan to join us for this festive Grandview Center, 1515 Goodale Blvd., one mile fun run, proceeds go to the Grandview Heights. Free. (614) 488-3111, PCMA Food Pantry, participants will www.grandviewheights.org receive a t-shirt and prizes will be awarded in six categories. Sponsored

by City of Pickerington, ReynoldsburgThursday, DEC. 8 Pickerington Rotary Club and OPVBA. Lunch and Evening at the North 6 p.m., City Hall, 100 Lockville Road.

Pole: Dec. 8-9. Santa’s elves will serve $10/person or $30/family, please register, a light meal with a special dessert and www.pickerington.net. beverages. Santa will share great stories Olde Pickerington Village Holiday from the North Pole! Christmas crafts Gathering: Join us for a tree lighting and a sing-a-long will get everyone in the ceremony, carriage rides, strolling carolers, holiday spirit! Dec. 8: 6 to 7:30 p.m., Dec. holiday gift shopping, free children’s 9: noon to 1:30 p.m. and 6 to 7:30 p.m. activities, plaza of lights, gingerbread Ages 8 and under with parent, $10 per house contest, luminaries and a visit child; $5 per adult, infants under one from Santa! Sponsored by the OPVBA are free, pre-registration required. www. and City of Pickerington Parks and westerville.org.

Recreation Department. 5 to 8:30 p.m. with tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m., Olde SATURDAY, DEC. 10 Pickerington Village. (614) 833-2211 or Century Village Open House & (614) 321-8221, www.pickerington.net or Christmas Trolley Tour: Escape the www.pickeringtonvillage.com. hustle and bustle of the season and Village Lights presented by bring history to life with new holiday Schmidt’s: Visitors from across central traditions. Celebrate an evening of oldOhio kick off the holiday on the historic style holiday fun at the Century Village streets of German Village and discover a Open House and Christmas Trolley Tour, world of lights and holiday magic! Our hosted by the Southwest Franklin County 10,000 guests follow luminaries from Historical Society and the City of Grove shops to businesses and restaurants open City. Donations of money, food or personal late with holiday treats, discounts and items for the Grove City Food Pantry and special offers. Festive surprises are at every of toys and gift cards for the Jackson corner including carolers, live holiday Township Firefighters for Kids holiday toy music and a horse-drawn carriage. 5-9 program also are accepted at the Grove p.m. germanvillage.com.

City Welcome Center & Museum from 4 to 8 p.m. View historical Grove City artifacts including holiday decorations MONDAY, DEC. 5 and a festive model train village display.

Breakfast with Santa: Be sure to get The City continues its Christmas tribute to your tickets through Dec. 2, for a merry the Nutcracker with an animated window morning of fun! Come eat breakfast, make display reminiscent of retail displays from a craft, enjoy the holiday music, visit the the 1950s depicting fanciful scenes from gift shoppe, check out the bake sale and the classic tale of Clara and the battle of course see Santa! Sponsored by City between her beloved Nutcracker and the of Pickerington Parks and Recreation Mouse King at City Hall, 4035 Broadway.

Department and Pickerington Senior 4 to 8 p.m., 4185 Orders Road, Grove City.

Center. 8, 9:30 or 11 a.m., Pickerington Free. (614) 519-6447, find this event on Senior Center, 150 Hereford Drive. $6/ facebook. person, age 2 and under free. (614) 833Meijer’s Holiday Character 2211, www.pickerington.net The Grandview Singers: 26th Annual Breakfast: Don’t miss one of Gahanna’s Music in the Atrium indoor concerts series. most popular and beloved community events, the annual Holiday Character Grandview Heights High School choral Breakfast, presented by Meijer! The holiday show, directed by Andrew Grega. unforgettable event features crafts, 7 to 8 p.m. Grandview Heights Public face painting, storytelling, a special Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus. performance by Columbus Children’s Free. (614) 486-2951, www.ghpl.org Theatre and a special catch-all-youcan-eat-pancake breakfast with holiday TUESDAY, DEC. 6 characters. Seatings are every hour, Holiday Tree Lighting: Come help us starting at 8 a.m. CenterPoint Church celebrate the season with the lighting of Gahanna,620 McCutcheon Road, the community Holiday Tree. The winners Gahanna. $5- $15 Children must be of the holiday coloring contest sponsored accompanied by a paying adult. Everyone

by MembersFirst Pathways Financial must have a ticket to enter. (614) 418Credit Union will help flip the switch.

9114. www.visitgahanna.com.

Tree lighting will include carol singing

Lorrie Cecil | ThisWeek

Santa’s Coming to Town: Ho, Ho, Ho! Welcome Santa to the Grandview Heights Public Library as the Grandview Heights Fire Department drops Santa off at the front door on the city’s fire truck! Santa will meet with kids in the meeting room and parents are welcome to take their own photos, so don’t forget you camera.

Children can make a holiday craft and visit with Rosie the Comfort Dog from Atonement Lutheran Church too. Program is provided by the Grandview Heights Parks and Recreation Department and Grandview Heights Public Library.

11 a.m. to noon Grandview Heights Public Library, 1685 W. First Ave., Columbus.

(614) 481-3778, www.ghpl.org.

SUNDAY, DEC. 11

Santa in the Caboose: Get your photo taken with 1800s Santa in red caboose, free hot chocolate and doughnuts, wagon rides, petting zoo, tours of the historic village, live entertainment and more. 3 to 6 p.m., Historical Village at Weaver Park, 4100 Columbia Street, Hilliard. www.hilliardohiohistoricalsociety.com.

SATURDAY, DEC. 17

Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive: The Worthington Division of Fire is collecting toys for needy children this holiday season through the Firefighters for Kids toy drive. Donated toys need to be new and unwrapped. They can be for children of all ages, however there is a particular need for toys for teenage boys and girls. Cash or check donations are also welcomed.

Donations can be dropped off anytime 24/7 between now and Christmas Eve. Worthington area residents are also invited to drive through the Worthington Fire Department, 6500 N. High Street,

and drop off toy donations on Saturday, December 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food donations benefiting the Worthington Food Pantry and Resource center will also be collected. A list of needed food items can be found online at www. worthingtonfoodpantry.org. (614) 8857640, firefighters4kids.com.

New Albany Symphony’s “Santa and the Symphony”: It’s a performance for the young and young-at-heart! With short tunes, lots of clapping, and audience interaction, everyone will love this 30-minute performance (no intermission), which includes cookies with Santa in the lobby after the show. 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 30 W. Main Street, New Albany. $15/adults, $12/children for tickets call (614) 469-0939 or www. ticketmaster.com. 614) 323-1237, www.newalbanysymphony.net.

WCCA Breakfast with Santa: 9 a.m. to noon, Etna Road Elementary School, Whitehall

SUNDAY, DEC. 18

Irish Christmas in America: The Show: Now in its 12th season, Irish Christmas in America features top Irish music, song and dance in an engaging performance rich in history, humor and boundless energy. Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of award-winning lrish group Téada, the 2016 tour brings back the amazing Séamus Begley, (TG4 Traditional Singer of the Year) along with the immense vocal talents of Sligo’s Niamh Farrell. This family-friendly performance features Irish ballads, lively instrumental tunes and thrilling Irish dancing, while evocative photographic images provide a backdrop to some of the rich historical traditions. Take a memorable glimpse into the enchanting spirit of Christmas, as the finest traditional artists from Ireland bring you on a funfilled start to the holiday season of 2016.

5 p.m. Abbey Theater, 5600 Post Road Dublin. $10. dublinohiousa.gov/ abbey-theater.

New Albany Symphony’s “Holiday Spectacular”: Celebrate the holidays at home in New Albany, featuring local guest artists and the heartwarming songs and traditions that make this the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Don’t forget to arrive early for our fabulous Holiday Gift Basket Fundraiser! This year we will be featuring community and musician favorites - submit your favorite holiday tune online and you may hear it performed onstage! This concert sells out every year, so buy your tickets early! 3 to 5 p.m.

Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts, 30 W. Main Street, New Albany. $13-23 for tickets call (614) 469-0939 or www.ticketmaster.com. 614) 323-1237, www.newalbanysymphony.net.

TUESDAY, DEC. 20

Tremont Center Christmas Event: Join the Tremont Shopping Center merchants for some holiday spirit including reindeer from 1 to 8 p.m., sleigh rides and Santa and cookies from 6 to 8 p.m. 1 to 8 p.m., Tremont Center, www. tremontcenter.com

FRIDAY, DEC. 30

Noon-Lite Madness: Celebrate New Year’s Eve preschool style with crafts and entertainment from the Columbus Zoo and a countdown at noon to celebrate the New Year. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westerville Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. $5 per child, pre-registration required. www.westerville.org.

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Hilliard tree lighting, 2012

For updated holiday events throughout the season, please visit ThisWeekNews.com.

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Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Oakland talks Christmas tree varieties and care

By George Kosko Oakland Columbus Nursery Manager The evergreen tree brought home for the Christmas season has come to mean many things since its first use, five centuries ago. The tree’s modern origins trace to Germany, where the Yule-tree was lit with candles for Christmas celebrations. Today in our multicultural world, it symbolizes not only the Christian religious tradition, but also represents a seasonal celebration of giving, love, friends and family.

This year you will join a happy throng of 33 million fellow tree shoppers, who will go to find the ‘perfect tree’ at the local tree lot, garden center or cut-your-own tree farm. Many will accessorize, with fresh made wreaths, poinsettias and roping to complete their homes’ Christmas look. For those who worry about this harvest’s effect on the environment, fear not. Today’s Christmas trees are grown on farms, not harvested from the wild, and in their typical 7-12 year growth cycle in the field, provide thousands of acres of excellent habitat for birds, animals and insects.

In our great state of Ohio, we have the happy advantage of choosing from several conifers that make for excellent Christmas trees. By excellent, I mean they have good aroma, hold their needles pretty good after cutting, and stay fresh for a reasonable amount of time.

Favorite Christmas trees • Fraser Fir: Tops in terms of needle retention. This true fir has soft, dark green needles with a flash of silver underneath. A traditional spire shape and a nice aroma complete the package of what many call the ‘Cadillac of Christmas trees’.

• Douglas Fir: The soft, true green needles have an almost citrus aroma

White Pine

Fraser Fir and fairly stiff branches for those heavier ornaments. Good needle retention and a full, dense look make this a very popular choice.

• Concolor Fir: This fluffy and long needled true fir has waxy, bluish needles that smell amazingly like oranges. Curved needles hold a long time and sweep up easy if they do fall.

A beautiful and under used tree in our landscapes and at Christmas!

• Canaan Fir: Native to West Virginia, but made popular by Ohio tree farmers and Ohio State University researchers. This is a

newer variety with a wonderful balsam aroma and soft needles. A great, traditional spire shape, and good needle retention.

• Balsam Fir: Similar to Canaan Fir but with a more open branching habit. Great balsam aroma and straight trunk. Fair needle retention.

• Scotch Pine: An old favorite with a conical shape and medium 1 ½” long, pointy, but flexible needles.

Good needle retention and relatively light weight.

• White Pine: Long green needles on flexible branches give this tree a soft appearance. A light weight tree with good needle retention and clean smooth stem. The bendable branches make this a poor choice if you have heavy ornaments.

• Colorado Blue Spruce: The porcupine of the Christmas tree crowd, this beautiful blue-needled tree is dense and heavy with prickly, stiff needles on stiff branches (good for heavy ornaments). Have a pair of leather gloves and long sleeve shirt handy for putting this tree up. Fair needle retention.

Oakland Columbus Nursery Manager George Kosko advises checking the water daily for a long-lasting tree.

Christmas tree care Preparation, placement and watering. That’s our motto here at Oakland Nursery when it comes to caring for your fresh cut, real tree.

A little quality time spent preparing the tree, putting the tree in the right spot (Pssst, guys, measure your ceiling height), and watering daily, will greatly increase the chances of keeping your tree fresh for Santa’s visit.

Choose a spot well away from heater vents, wood-burning stoves and intense southern sun exposures. Make a fresh cut not more than one hour before setting your tree into the stand, and immediately fill with fresh water. Check the water level several times the first two days and then daily thereafter.

Avoid stringing old and worn-out lights on the branches and have a serious talk with the house kitty about climbing the tree!

With hope and glad tidings, we hope your evergreen brings you all the best this holiday season!

Christmas tree facts One of the most recognizable symbols of the holiday season, Christmas trees can be seen in private homes, public spaces and many prominent locations beginning each December. Christmas trees come in all shapes and sizes, and families may prefer certain types of trees, including aromas, needle types and fullness.

Christmas trees have a diverse history. The following are some facts about Christmas trees that holiday celebrants may or may not be familiar with.

• Many harvested Christmas trees do not grow in the wild, but are raised on farms. Christmas trees are an agricultural product.

• Roughly one million acres are dedicated to tree farming.

Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.

• It can take as many as 15 years for a tree to grow to the typical height required of a Christmas tree.

• Every state in the United States grows Christmas trees.

• Germans are credited with bringing the first Christmas trees into the home and decorating them in the spirit of Christmas. The first recorded reference to the Christmas tree dates back to the 16th century.

• Tree farms are beneficial to the environment because they reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air and help counter global warming.

• Approximately 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold in the United States every year.

• The most common Christmas tree species are balsam fir, Douglas-fir, Fraser fir, noble fir, Scotch pine, Virginia pine and white pine.

• The top Christmas tree-producing states are

• Christmas trees can be recycled into mulch.

Oakland Nurseries’ Tree Lot Locations 2016 Fresh Cut Trees ~ Pine Roping ~ Wreaths All fresh cut Fraser Firs & $ 00 00 Scotch & $

White Pines (6-8 ft.)

35

tax included!

Douglas Firs (6 ft.)

45

tax included!

Since 1940

www.oaklandnursery.com

Tree Lot Hours: (After Thanksgiving)

Mon.-Thurs. 11am-8pm • Fri. 11am-9pm Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 10am-7pm

1066 KINNEAR RD. 5304 HIGH STREET 2633 HILLIARD ROME RD. KARRIC SQ. SHOPPING CTR. ACORN FARMS GLENGARY CENTER SHERMAN CENTER Just West of Kinnear/Kenny Rd.

North of Graceland, Across from Iron Grill BBQ

Corner of Hilliard Rome & Roberts Rd.

Frantz Road, just south of Tuttle Crossing

7679 Worthington Rd. Westerville Rd. at Dempsey

Pickerington, - Rte. 256, 3 miles S. of I-270

Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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OaklandNursery.com

How to handle holiday hosting Holiday revelers tend to be busy with social engagements—from corporate parties to cocktails with close friends—between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Chances are, many people will be attending a party and/or hosting their own this holiday season.

While attending a party requires little of celebrants other than a willingness to have a good time, hosting a holiday get-together can be hard work. But hosts can heed a few time-tested strategies to ensure they and their guests make the most of their time together this holiday season.

Forget perfection Television, movies and advertisements paint an unrealistic picture of what the holidays should be.

Don’t get down if a holiday party that would make Norman Rockwell proud is beyond your capabilities.

Rather than trying to plan a picture-perfect holiday party, channel your energy into what you do best.

Cook up a holiday feast if you love being in the kitchen, or decorate till you drop if you love to deck the halls. The point of the party is to gather with family and friends, so no need to worry about throwing a perfect party.

Christmas cactus adds stunning color during the winter months

By Sean Maynard Oakland Dublin Greenhouse Manager It’s starting to be that time of year once again, where old man winter starts to show his frigid face.

Here at Oakland Nursery, we have the perfect solution to warm your spirit—seasonal favorites! Adding houseplants to your décor is a must.

Come view our selection of amaryllis, Christmas cactus and many other interesting plants that purify the air and brighten your day during these grey winter months. Adding live plants to your environment is proven to help with depression caused by the gloomy conditions that winter brings. These plants will help keep a smile on your face long after the Christmas tree comes down for the year. One of our personal favorites is the Christmas cactus, with vibrant blooms of yellow, pink, purple and white, it’s hard to decide which beautiful specimen to add to your growing collection.

Christmas cacti are a spectacular group of holiday houseplants that are desired by many. It may seem intimidating to care for such a beautiful tropical plant. However, care for this plant is easier than you would think. Enjoy eye-captivating colors such as shades of pink, red, purple, yellow and white during the

Enlist helpers Ask others to contribute to the party so all of the work is not on your shoulders. A potluck party is a great way to encourage participation. When everyone brings something along and helps, it frees up time to spend together rather than worrying about what needs cooking in the kitchen or whether a last-minute trip to the store is in order.

Downsize

Care for the Christmas cactus is easier than most might think and they provide beautiful blooms to warm the winter months. winter season.

After your Christmas cactus is home, it is important to find the right location for your plant to grow. Unlike most cactus which need bright direct lighting, this particular plant prefers to stay out of the spot light you might say. The Christmas cactus grows best in dappled lighting, away from direct sunlight, which can stunt growth and burn the leaves of the plant. This plant does not like heavy drafts, heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Your plant will grow best in temperatures ranging from 65-80

degrees Fahrenheit which are easily maintained in normal housing conditions. Unlike true cacti, this variety cannot tolerate completely dry soil. The soil should be evenly moist but not soggy for best growth.

Actively growing plants should be given a general purpose water-soluble fertilizer two to four times a year. It is recommended that you stop fertilizing

by October right before your cactus should start to bud. Repot your plant every two to three years in early spring to keep your plant healthy and happy.

Festive feelings may inspire you to expand your guest list. Social people understandably want to invite all of their circles of friends, but an overwhelming guest list can make hosting more difficult. If you have trouble paring down the guest list, consider hosting separate parties, designating one for family and another for friends.

You can even downsize your offerings to lessen some your load. Rather than spending days in the kitchen making unique apps, stock up on chips, snacks and premade appetizers so you have enough food. If you want to make one or two appetizers from scratch, stick to a handful of tried-and-true recipes and convenience items so you’re not worrying about kitchen-testing new things.

Hire professionals If you’re simply too busy to handle hosting but still want to invite loved ones, hire some professional help. Hire wait staff to tend to guests during the party, and book a cleaning service to clean your home in the days before the party. Don’t hesitate to have the party catered if you prefer your gathering not be potluck. Young children in the family?

Consider hiring a babysitter, so that you can do your shopping, kitchen prep work and decorating without interruption.

Holiday hosting can be a big time commitment, but there are ways to make hosting easier regardless of how busy you are.

Great gifts for seniors Every holiday shopper ends up with at least one loved one on their shopping list who they can’t seem to find anything for. Some people seem to have it all, while others may be less than forthcoming with regard to items they may need or want.

Many seniors tend to fall into the latter category. Shopping for holiday gifts for seniors can be difficult if shoppers don’t know what seniors want. Here are a handful of gift ideas that might work.

• Books: A 2015 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 69 percent of adults age 65 and over acknowledged reading at least one book in the previous

12 months. That makes books a good bet. But shoppers might want to opt for more traditional print books rather than e-books, as the survey found that only 15 percent of readers age 65 and over had read an e-book in the previous 12 months.

• Gym membership: According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, more than 80 percent of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. That can be especially troubling for seniors, who are at greater risk for osteoporosis. Physical activity, including

muscle-strengthening activities like weight training, can help combat osteoporosis. Many gyms offer heavily discounted memberships to seniors, and such gyms may even offer senior fitness classes at no additional cost.

• Family time: Many seniors genuinely have everything they need, and such men and women may only want to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. Make a New Year’s resolution to spend more time with the special seniors in your life if the perfect gift is eluding you.

Oakland Nurseries, Oakland HOME and Oakland INSIDE and OUT stores offer many unique seasonal collectibles, snacks and decorations that will bring joy to the senior in your life.

OaklandNursery.com

Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Making your home—HOME for the holidays!

By Sandy Warner Oakland HOME Store Manager For many of us, decorating your home for the holidays can seem like such a daunting task. Most of us will either pull out the artificial tree or visit the local garden store or tree lot to find the perfect tree for your family. Where there’s a tree, there is usually a wreath that is hung on the front door or over the fireplace. And that is where many of us stop. Tree. Wreath. Done.

However, all it takes is just a few details to add character, warmth and a sense of festivity to your home. It doesn’t require tools, breaking your budget, and it certainly doesn’t require re-doing your entire interior decor. In fact, trending in the world of holiday decor is a more simple, clean style, which is great for those of us that don’t have time or the desire to embellish every inch of our homes in red and green. And just because it’s simple and natural doesn’t mean it’s not elegant and sophisticated.

Here are a few ideas that may inspire you this season.

• Choose timeless pieces - things you can bring out year after year and that don’t lose their holiday appeal.

Stay away from fads, such as bright, unusual colors and patterns that will be out of style by next year.

Bling is in! Touches of sparkle with natural elements will really make your decorations come alive.

• Wreaths can always be used on front doors and mantles, but adding a wreath or swag to other doors in your home will quickly carry holiday cheer throughout your house. Consider the door of a bathroom, closet, or a set of French doors. And, don’t forget wreaths can become instant centerpieces when set in the middle of a table, then filled with candles or a vase of holly and berries.

• Adding brass, gold, or silver items to your existing decor will create “holiday bling”. Combining this bling with branches of evergreens, birch logs or a wooden Christmas tree will make those pieces come alive. Don’t be afraid to incorporate those sparkly pieces with natural elements.

Make your dining table a special gathering area for the holidays with small touches such as evergreens or cinnamon sticks tied with a ribbon at place settings.

• Find yourself with too many ornaments? Group them in a glass or wooden bowl which becomes an instant centerpiece for your coffee table.

• Your family dining table is an important part of the holidays, so make it special! Take a small group of evergreens, tie a ribbon around them, and then place them on top of each of your place settings at the holiday table. This can also be done with cinnamon sticks, sprigs of berries, and artificial mistletoe. The use of chargers has increased and non-traditional chargers are all the rage.

Whether it be a blackboard, slice of wood or piece of slate, make sure it still allows your guests to eat comfortably during their special dinner.

• Pillows are a great way to accessorize your living space. Adding holiday pillows to your existing ones will give your room new life and comfort for the holidays.

• Adding sprigs of holly and /or berries has always been one of my favorite things to do to spice up my home. Setting them in an existing vase, crock or piece of pottery adds instant holiday magic and is super easy. They can be real or artificial! Make sure the berries are red, not a burgundy or dark color. The darker colors will muddy up the room, instead of making it pop!

Candles can make a home calm and welcoming.

Flameless varieties will help with home safety.

• Candles are a must. With today’s flameless varieties, it opens the door to using candles safely throughout your entire house and creates a beautiful atmosphere that is both calming and welcoming. Don’t forget lanterns and hurricanes. They give your candles personality and Extra ornaments and pinecones in a vase with a presence. Candles are essential. You can never have ribbon makes a beautiful and easy centerpiece. enough.

• And, remember to add a few key pieces such as a family heirloom, a special snowman, or a favorite platter.

It’s all about adding the personal touches to what you already have that can turn your home into a festive, cozy holiday haven.

Have fun and we’ll see you soon at Oakland Nursery HOME.

Family heirlooms and favorite collectibles add history and generate memorable stories to share with family and friends.

Home for the Holidays | Sunday, Nov. 20 and Thursday, Nov. 24, 2016

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Experience

OaklandNursery.com

the Season!

Visit Oakland and “experience” the season in a very unique way!

GIFTS!

FESTIVE FLOWERS! Poinsettias from Plus other Holiday houseplants available Norfolk Island Pine, Christmas Cacti, Dish Gardens, Cyclamen and much more!

Find the perfect gift

Fresh Bundles of Greens from

$3.99!

for those on your list.

Select from every day & seasonal home décor, garden accents & supplies, and bird seed & feeders.

99¢

per bundle

Can’t decide?

Give an Oakland gift card, available in ANY AMOUNT!

Live Garlands and Wreaths available!

FESTIVITIES!

LIVE TREES!

Cut Christmas Trees from $9.99

Trees from 2-14 ft. and all sizes in between!

Cut Christmas Trees!

Balsam Fir ........ 3’ Fraser Fir .......... 3’ Douglas Fir....... 6’ Scotch Pine ..... 3’ White Pine ....... 6’ Canaan Fir ........ 3’ Concolor Fir ..... 5’

– – – – – – –

14’ 14’ 13’ 8’ 8’ 15’ 12’

($10.99 - $199.00) ($19.99 - $399.00) ($39.99 - $399.00) ($14.99 - $29.99) ($29.99) ($9.99 - $199.00) ($39.99 - $199.00)

Bring the children!

Santa will be down from the North Pole on Saturdays and Sundays from noon 3:30pm.

At all Oakland locations!

(Plus other exciting events during that time!)

and’s l k a O LTY A I C E SP s Shop

Visit Oakland HOME and Oakland INSIDE & OUT!!

Two unique shopping experiences for the Holiday Season!

Oakland Nursery HOME Oakland INSIDE & OUT 4271 W. Dublin-Granville Road Dublin, Ohio 43017

614-874-2400,

ask for the home store

5211-B Johnstown Road New Albany, Ohio 43054 614-573-8648

Visit us at www.oaklandnursery.com and look under Specialty Shops.

FOUR CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Columbus: 1156 Oakland Park Ave. • 614-268-3511 Delaware: 25 Kilbourne Rd. • 740-369-5454 Dublin: 4261 W. Dublin-Granville Rd. • 614-874-2400 New Albany: 5211 Johnstown Rd. • 614-917-1020 www.oaklandnursery.com

“Serving Central Ohio Since 1940” Open 7 days a week “Your Holiday Decorating Headquarters”