Holiday Happenings in Dublin

Culture Corner

The Multicultural Committee and the Dublin Community Recreation Center would like to recognize the following holidays observed this time of year. You can visit the DCRC to view a special Culture Corner table set up in honor of these celebrations.

Winter Solstice

When: Begins at 5:02 a.m. on Dec. 21 in the Northern Hemisphere

From Dublin, Ohio to Dublin, Ireland, the Winter Solstice has a long history with many fascinating traditions. According to Celtic myth, the solstice marked a great battle each year between the Oak King who represented the light, and the Holly King who represented the dark. Each year the Oak King would finish victorious at the winter solstice, and daylight would slowly return to the island, until it was time to do battle again at the Summer Solstice. The City of Dublin invites residents to place luminaries outside their homes and businesses starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 21.

Hanukkah

When: Begins the evening of Thursday, Dec. 10 and ends in the evening of Friday, Dec. 18.
Hanukkah, which means “dedication” in Hebrew, begins on the 25th of Kislev on the Hebrew calendar and usually falls in November or December. Often called the Festival of Lights, the holiday is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, traditional foods, games and gifts.

Christmas

When: Friday, Dec. 25

Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God. The name ‘Christmas’ comes from the Mass of Christ (or Jesus). A mass service (which is sometimes called Communion or Eucharist) is where Christians remember that Jesus died for us and then came back to life.

Kwanzaa

When: Begins on Saturday, Dec. 26 and ends on Friday, Jan. 1

Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration of life. Dr. Maulana Karenga introduced the festival in 1966 to the United States as a ritual to welcome the first harvests to the home and as a response to the commercialism of Christmas. While many celebrations may differ from one society to another, they all have a few principles in common. These principles include people gathering together to celebrate and acknowledge the creator and thank him for his blessings, a commemoration of the past and re-commitment to African cultural thought, and a time to celebrate community.

Other Activities

Sledding

Weather permitting, Dublin’s sledding hill is available from 7:30 a.m. to dusk at Scioto Park, 7377 Riverside Drive. Safety regulations are posted at the park and restrooms are available. Parents should supervise small children and adults are encouraged to hop on a sled and enjoy the ride themselves! Find out if the sledding hill is open

Ice Skating

When temperatures dip below freezing for several days in a row, the City opens the ice-skating rink at Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Parkway. Find out if the ice rink is open

Holiday Helpers – Dublin Cares

Consider giving back to your community this holiday season! Local non-profits are in need of support due to the hardships caused by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Help these community groups and spread some good cheer! #DublinCares

• The Dublin Community Foundation
• Dublin Food Pantry
• Forever Dublin
• Neighborhood Bridges
• One Dublin
• Syntero

Support Your Local Dublin Businesses

You can find unique gifts and delicious eats this holiday season here in Dublin! Several Dublin establishments offer curbside pickup or delivery for a safe shopping or dining experience. Be sure to check store hours before your visit.

Check out Visit Dublin Ohio for shopping and dining recommendations.