by Nicki Campbell

One of my favorite events in Columbus is the annual Holiday Open House in Old Worthingon.  Held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, it is the way I get myself in the "Christmas Spirit" every year. 

All the charming shops in Old Worthington are open for browsing and most are serving holiday drinks and/or snacks.  Santa holds court in a big sleigh on the front porch of the historic Worthington Inn, where children can make their Christmas requests and have their pictures taken.  Elves will be wandering around collecting donations for the 2010 charity fund raiser.  Carolers will be singing, the Worthington High School Bands and drill teams will be performing and there will be old-fashioned carriage rides around the village. 

Hungry shoppers can enjoy a meal or a snack at one of several Old Worthington dining establishments including La Chatelaine French Bakery, the Old Bag of Nails Pub, Scotties Coffee and Tea House, The Worthington Inn, P.K. O'Ryan's Irish Pub and Restaurant, Graeter's Ice Cream and the Wine Bistro.  A few blocks down High Street (on the southeast corner of South St.) is the new Bruegger's Bagels, which features sandwiches, salads, soups and more.

This family-oriented event will be held on Sunday, November 28 from noon to 5:30 p.m.  Immediately following the event, the Christmas Tree Lighting Program will be held on the Village Green.

Free parking will be available in the city parking lots and behind the Worthington Methodist Church on High Street just south of New England Avenue.