Grandview Heights hosts its free Holiday in the Heights festival Dec. 1 at Pierce Field.

The annual event at 1175 Hilo Lane begins at 5 p.m. and features food trucks, a train ride and an iceless skate rink, according to CityScene Magazine. A tree lighting follows at 7 p.m.

Grandview Heights City Strategy and Engagement Manager Christy Clark told CityScene the events are meant to draw out residents of all ages.

Upper Arlington holds its annual Winter Fest on Dec. 4 at Mallway Park, 2096 Arlington Ave. The festival runs 6-8:30 p.m. and opens with a tree lighting. Santa, an ice carver, a student choir, an iceless skate rink and vendors round out the evening.

Upper Arlington City Recreation Supervisor Geoff Dew told CityScene the festival is about giving kids a fun environment.

Both events are free.

Also in December

Grandview Heights hosts a holiday-themed Murder Mystery Show & Dinner on Dec. 3 at McKinley Field, 1661 Goodale Blvd. The 21-and-older event runs 6:30-9 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents and $40 for couples. Registration is open at grandviewheights.recdesk.com.

Upper Arlington's Breakfast & Brunch with Santa is Dec. 5 at the Amelita Mirolo Barn, 4395 Carriage Hill Lane. The catered event runs 9 a.m.-2 p.m. across four one-hour time slots. Registration opens Nov. 5 at 6 a.m. at upperarlingtonoh.gov, with fees varying by age group.

The Upper Arlington Civic Association (UACA) hosts its annual Christmas in the Park at Thompson Park on Dec. 6 from noon-9 p.m. and Dec. 7-10 from 6-9 p.m. Families move through the park in groups of six per time slot for crafts, snacks and a Santa meet-and-greet. Registration opens Nov. 7 at uaca.org for UACA members. Residents can join UACA on the same site.

Lights around the Heights

Grandview Heights' second annual Lights around the Heights competition runs Dec. 14-17. Residents can register for free by emailing [email protected] with their home address by Dec. 13. Judges visit each registered home, and winners will be announced Dec. 18.

Upcoming holiday dates:

  • Dec. 1 — Holiday in the Heights, Pierce Field, 5 p.m.
  • Dec. 3 — Murder Mystery Dinner, McKinley Field, 6:30 p.m.
  • Dec. 4 — Winter Fest, Mallway Park, 6 p.m.
  • Dec. 5 — Breakfast & Brunch with Santa, Amelita Mirolo Barn, 9 a.m.
  • Dec. 6-10 — Christmas in the Park, Thompson Park
  • Dec. 14-17 — Lights around the Heights judging