Holiday Shopping in Columbus

German Village

Located just south of downtown, Columbus’ German Village neighborhood is known for its architecture dating back to the 1800s. The neighborhood prides itself on its historic character and charm as well as longtime businesses that are beloved local landmarks. 

Offering the feel of a small village just outside the bustle of downtown, the cobblestone streets, historic buildings and well-cared-for homes make the neighborhood a delight to explore. Book lovers will lose themselves in The Book Loft, one of the nation’s largest independent bookstores, where shoppers can roam 32 rooms as they browse the wonderfully curated selection. Helen Winnemore’s, part of the neighborhood since 1938, focuses on works by American artisans, and the Red Stableoffers souvenirs and gifts.

Favorite spots to grab a bite to eat in the neighborhood include Schmidt’s Restaurant Und Sausage Haus, known for German favorites and pillowy cream puffs, as well as Katzinger’s Delicatessen, a New York-style deli that offers a wide selection of sandwiches, many named after notable people who have stopped in over the years. For more information about these and other businesses in the German Village neighborhood, visit germanvillage.com.

Polaris Fashion Place

Located on the north side of the city just off Interstate 71, Polaris Fashion Place is one of the first shopping destinations many travelers encounter as they reach Columbus. With more than 170 retail, entertainment and dining options, Polaris Fashion Place offers a blend of both national names and local businesses. Favorites such as Apple, Lululemon and Barnes & Noble are here, as well as newer additions such as Public Lands, an offshoot of Dick’s Sporting Goods that focuses on outdoor apparel and equipment.

Polaris Fashion Place also has the benefit of a majority of its stores being located within the central mall, so shoppers don’t have to brave the elements while knocking gifts off their holiday shopping list. Starting Nov. 12, Santa’s Village opens within the mall, featuring a 22-foot-tall Christmas tree in the center court.

Dining options in and around the mall include BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Brio Tuscan Grille, The Cheesecake Factory and Mitchell’s Steakhouse, as well as a variety of fast and casual chains, including Chick-Fil-A and Potbelly Sandwich Shop. 1500 Polaris Pkwy., Columbus 43240, 614/846-1500, polarisfashionplace.com




Easton Town Center

With nearly 250 retail, entertainment and dining options, Easton Town Center is the largest shopping destination in Columbus. It draws more than 30 million visitors a year and its lineup of sought-after national retailers span Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and Nordstrom. Easton Town Center also consistently ranks among the top 30 highest-performing retail centers in the United States.

Entertainment includes the AMC Dine-In Easton Town Center 30 movie theater and dining options range from Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant to Shake Shack to Columbus’ own Northstar Cafe. For those who want to make a weekend of it, the Hilton Columbus at Easton, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott and Aloft Hotels are all located on-site.

The holiday season kicks off at Easton Town Center with the Grand Illumination on Nov. 19. Enjoy walking among more than 2 million holiday lights and take in the 50-foot-tall tree. Check out the Easton Express Railway model train or opt for a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride. 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus 43219, 614/337-2200, eastontowncenter.com

 
Grandview Heights

Those looking for a city shopping experience near downtown can head over to Grandview Heights, a compact and walkable area filled with small boutiques, a diverse mix of restaurants and independent businesses.

Find foodie gifts at Krema Nut Co., one of the oldest peanut-butter-makers in the nation, and Winans Chocolates + Coffees, a chocolatier, coffee shop and wine retailer. The district’s restaurants offer a wide range, from Aab India Restaurant to Z Cucina modern Italian cuisine.

When it comes to shopping, creativity abounds. Pick up a gift at artisan candle company Penn & Beech or browse the jewelry at Red Giraffe Designs. Choose from a curated selection of yarns at Yarn It & Haberdashery, or make something to take home with you at the paint-your-own pottery studio Clay Cafe.

Stop by Created Hardwood to browse live-edge wood furniture, or work with one of the shop’s designers to collaborate on a unique piece. For information about these and other businesses in Grandview Heights, visit destinationgrandview.org.




Short North Arts District

The Short North Arts District is a thriving center for art, fashion and dining in the heart of our capital city. Galleries abound in the Short North, including favorites such as Sharon Weiss Gallery, Sherrie Gallerie and Brandt-Roberts Galleries. 

A good way to sample what the district has to offer is by checking out the Holiday Hop on Dec. 4 from 1 to 8 p.m., where you can visit galleries and shops and enjoy special holiday performances.

Fashion retailers in the district range from national names such as Anthropologie and Bonobos to independent boutiques such as Ladybird and Happy Go Lucky. Homage, known for its hip and vintage-inspired T-shirts and sweatshirts inspired by pop-culture moments and memories, has a shop here, too.

When it’s time a grab a bite, the district has options that range from white-tablecloth dining to casual eats. The Guild House, located next to Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph hotel, features creative American cuisine in a beautifully appointed dining room, while The Eagle Food & Beer Hall serves fried chicken and Southern sides alongside a deep selection of craft beer options. For more information about these and other businesses in the Short North Arts District, visit shortnorth.org.

Visit experiencecolumbus.com/shopping for more information about shopping in Columbus.