These are a Few of Our Favorite Things to Do at Christmas in Delaware, Ohio

December 7, 2020

Holiday cheer is in the air, and there are countless things to do at Christmas in Delaware, Ohio. Grab your favorite friend, significant other, or your whole family for a day of holiday fun in our historic downtown.

Arrive in Delaware before 11:00 am to enjoy a visit to the delectable Dipped Donut. Made to order donuts are what’s on tap for you as you head into this small but delightful experience! The Dipped Donut walks you through the process of picking out just the right icing and specialty topping for your donut goodie. Their goal is to bring a smile to your face as they help you create your dream donut.

Pro Tip: Ask for help if you can’t decide what to choose. And yes, bacon on a donut is a thing!

After imbibing in this tantalizing treat, bundle up for a walk along the banks of the Olentangy River on the multipurpose trail with a cup of warm coffee in hand to work off the treats. You’ll find breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and beautiful wildlife that make this area their home along your river walk excursion. You can find the trailhead and convenient parking for this trail at Mingo Park.

Take a break from the outdoors and warm up at The Hamburger Inn for lunch. As you walk into this unique diner from the 1930s, you’ll be transported back in time as you find a spot at one of the original stools around the vintage soda-pop bar. Order one of their hand-spun milkshakes, homemade grilled cinnamon rolls, or delicious hamburgers platters and savor the old-time feel while you eat.

With your batteries re-charged, it is time for shopping in the beautiful downtown. Strolling through the city streets will fill you with Christmas cheer and holiday spirit. You’ll find various delightful shops that will help supply everything you need for the family’s stockings. The kitschy boutiques and unique shops offer stylish gifts, vintage records and antiques, kid-friendly books, and savory treats. Everything is conveniently located and easily accessible.

Pro Tip: Parking during the holiday season is free at many parking lots and metered locations.

While you are on Sandusky Street, enjoy the hospitality of The Bare Bowl, where you can spend the afternoon creating an ornament for your Christmas tree. The Bare Bowl provides everything you need, from the paint to the kiln! Make memories designing an heirloom item that you can enjoy for years to come. If you are here with kids or someone who loves painting, this will be a winning stop.

However, if you’re looking for something a little more hands-off and relaxing, rent The Strand Theater out for a bring your own Christmas movie with your family. You’ll appreciate

this one of a kind opportunity that will give you an afternoon enjoying the historic theater all to yourself. It’s the perfect social distanced event for just your closest family and friends. For a small surcharge, The Strand can provide their world-famous popcorn and soda.

Directly across the street from the theater is the 1808 Bistro. This fresh, innovative, unique bistro is where you can enjoy one of their chef-inspired meals. You’ll find yourself completely taken in by the dazzling lights of the charming Christmas tree and joyous soft music filling the air. Choose something from the seasonally-inspired dishes or a holiday-themed drink to top off your evening. Don’t forget to have one of their melt in your mouth desserts; the whiskey bread pudding is a perfect nightcap.

Before heading to a local bed and breakfast, take one last walk through the festively decorated downtown area. Every home and business is festooned with lights, and the streets are lined with decorative displays. If your fortunate, you’ll be greeted with soft, gently falling snow as you window shop and delight in the last notes of your evening.

Pro-Tip: If you’re social distancing from restaurants but still want to “get out” or have a date night, Georgia’s Bed and Breakfast is partnering with four downtown restaurants through December that will cater a private dinner for you and your guest. Georgia’s will host you in their lovely dining room that is decorated for the season; everything you need will be provided, even that much-needed bottle of wine!

Within walking distance of downtown, you can book a stay at Georgia’s Bed and Breakfast, where you will come as guests but leave as friends. Built-in 1876, this historically registered structure is where you will call home for the night. As you enter the beautifully renovated historic foyer, you are met with a convivial feeling of holiday joy. Decorated from top to bottom with classic Christmas decor throughout, you will feel cozy and comfortable as you head to bed.

Mornings here at Georgia’s are what they are known for, and your day will start with seasonal fruit, yogurt parfaits, followed by pastries created by Fresh Start Bakery and house-made entrees. Breakfast here is never the same because they use local seasonal fare.

Before leaving town, stop at Choffy’s Coffee and Confections for a Polar Express Hot Chocolate, an enchanting seasonal drink filled with white chocolate, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Choffy’s carries Marie’s Candies, which are excellent for stocking stuffers. You’ll enjoy the homey feeling and the warm welcome.

Up till now, you have been able to enjoy everything that the historic downtown offers but don’t leave town without visiting Oakland Nursery to pick out a tree to grace your home. They have freshly cut trees from 2’ to 18’, live balled trees, and even a few artificial ones for you to choose from. Strolling through the tree lot is an experience filled with fun as you find that “perfect” Christmas tree!

Even if a tree is not on your list, they’ve had busy little elves helping to transform this nursery into a beautiful Christmas wonderland. You can find every kind of ornament, fresh evergreen wreaths, lush poinsettias, and an exquisitely decorated gift barn that has something for everyone on your list; you can even find decorative birdseed wreaths for your neighborhood birds.