Central Ohioans will once again be able to enjoy German Village in its holiday splendor during the annual Village Lights celebration from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 6.
The German Village Business Community hosts the annual event that features 11,500 luminaries, carolers and other live holiday music, horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from BalletMet’s Nutcracker.
Additionally, German Village businesses will have special offers, giveaways and treats for patrons, including free Gluwein and cookies at Juergen’s Bakery, wine samples at HausFrau Haven, seasonal mini cupcakes at Bakery Gingham and a picture of yourself as a Santa Pickle taken at Katzinger’s.
“Most people don’t realize that German Village is home to more than 50 shops, boutiques and restaurants and Village Lights allows us to showcase these one-of-a-kind businesses,” says Rob Wilson, owner of Metroscap and German Village Business Community president. “Village Lights is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the malls and actually enjoy the season by shopping, dining and strolling through our wonderful corner of the world.”
A map detailing the luminary route and all businesses participating with special events and entertainment will be available after Dec. 1 at The German Village Society Meeting Haus, 588 S. Third St. The map also will be available online at www.germanvillagebusinesses.com and at all participating businesses throughout the neighborhood.
Below is a partial listing of special offerings throughout the evening on Dec. 6:
Helen Winnemore Craft: Volksgang Liederstafel will sing carols in German and English outside the shop. Stroll by for free hot drinks and a sweet treat.
Katzinger’s: Have your picture taken as a Santa Pickle.
Giant Eagle: Market District coffee, along with its signature white almond cake.
Kight Studios: Raffling a handmade “necktiesilk” purse, and a one-hour massage at Focused Fitness Pilates Studio.
MARS Creations: Hot cider, cookies and wine as long as it lasts.
Brown Bag Deli: Free mulled cider.
Bakery Gingham: Holiday mini cupcakes.
Bierberg’s Pastries: Every hour a box of cookies will be given away.
Juergen’s: Free Gluwein and cookies.
Barcelona Restaurant and Bar: Free hot chocolate and Christmas cookies, jazz Christmas music and a holiday gift certificate for everyone that comes through the door.
Book Loft: Free Holiday gift book with any book purchase and holiday cookies.
Caterina Ltd.: Free hot mulled cider and Lebkuchen (a German gingerbread) and buy one, get a second item at half price on European Christmas tree ornaments.
Cup O’ Joe/MoJoe Lounge: Free 8 oz. coffee for visitors and a $5 brandy eggnog cocktail special. A jazz trio performance is from 6 to 9 p.m.
The Dog works/cats 2: Bring your Pooch by for festive Christmas Cookies and some Trick
Training with Dawn Pribble of Positive Pups Dog Training.
Edward Jones Investments/David Cunningham: A chocolate fountain and brass band playing carols.
Golden Hobby Shop: The quilters are making ornaments and giving them away with each sale until they are gone.
Hey Hey Bar & Grill: Free treats, including sour kraut balls.
Metroscap: Free fried wonton Christmas cookies filled with Nutella.
Pistacia Vera: Live holiday music and free coffee.
St. Mary School and Church: At 7 p.m., there will be a bell choir performance inside the church. Additionally, stop by at 2 p.m. for German concerts.
Starbucks: There will be live music and samples of many holiday beverages and treats.
T. David Collection: There will be 15 percent off select furniture and chocolate dipped treats.
Trinity Lutheran Church: Homemade Christmas cookies and punch, live music from 7 to 9 p.m., church tours and free parking.
Yosick’s: Hot chocolate and a violinist.
Schmidt’s Restaurant and Fudge Haus: The Hilliard Davidson High School Singers Group will be performing and free chocolate samples will be available.
German Village Society Meeting Haus: Maps, free videos and restrooms.