Annual Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop set Dec. 2

Free trolley rides to various merchants and cultural institutions in Downtown Columbus will be available to the public on Saturday, December 2, 2023, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop offers participants unique holiday shopping options and fun activities for children. The event, in its 10^th year, provides the perfect opportunity to champion small businesses and embrace the spirit of local shopping.

This year's trolley hop offers an array of attractions, including live music, children's crafts, steaming hot chocolate, scrumptious treats, and appearances by beloved Holiday characters.

New this year! A route to the Santa Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building and Common Thread Shops on Third has been added. The route includes a stop at the Museum of Catholic Art & History, with State Auto’s nativity scene now displayed at St Joseph Cathedral at 212 E. Broad St.  The hop has been extended to 6 p.m. so that participants have a chance to view the holiday lights display at the Columbus Commons.

This year’s hop has two starting locations: the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch at 96 S. Grant Ave. and the Warehouse District at 256 E Neilston St. Parking is available at both locations. Additional parking is available at the Columbus Commons Garage, 55 E. Rich St.

Participating Merchants and Organizations:

• Columbus Metropolitan Library – Main Library, 96 N. Grant Ave.
• Topiary Park & Museum Shop, 480 E. Town St.
• Loving Realtors, 529 E. Town St.
• Kelton House Museum & Garden, 586 E. Town St.
• Thurber House, 77 Jefferson Ave.
• Columbus Museum of Art, 480 E. Broad St.
• Golden Hobby Shop, 549 E. Franklin Ave.
• Lef Floral & Botanical, 243 N. 5^th
• Blockfort, 162 N. 6^th
• Phoenix Rising Printmaking Coop, 243 N 5^th
• Common Thread Shops, 249-275 S. 3^rd
• Museum of Catholic Art & History, 257 E. Broad St.
• The Santa Extravaganza, Lazarus Building, 50 W. Town St.
• Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.

This year’s 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. On the eastern side of Downtown Columbus, The DSID helps property owners create and maintain a safe, vibrant, diverse, distinctive, and walkable mixed-use neighborhood. 

This year’s Trolley Hop is sponsored in part by State Auto,  the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC), and the Discovery District Civic Association.