Winter Fun in Dublin
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Let’s celebrate together with the following events, activities and experiences all around Dublin.
Tree Lighting
Thanks to everyone who visited Coffman Park to watch Santa and Mrs. Claus light the tree Thursday, Dec. 2. Visit the Park anytime between now and Jan. 3, 2022 to see the 30-foot tall Christmas tree all aglow.
Fill A Cruiser
Thank you to everyone who attended the Dublin Police Department’s Fill A Cruiser Holiday Toy Drive. This is in partnership with the Get Behind The Badge initiative aimed at supporting families of first responders in need.
The Land of Forgotten Toys
Thank you to everyone who attended the multi-generational Central Ohio premiere of this play! All three performances sold out. If you’d like to attend a show at the Abbey Theater, please check our website as 2022 performances are added.
Wreaths Across America
The Dec. 18 Wreaths Across America ceremony endured some rain. But we appreciated all who attended to show their support for our nation’s military. This initiative helps place wreaths on the graves of veterans interred in all 50 states and in U.S. cemeteries abroad. Dublin’s former Grand Leprechauns assisted with the wreath placement in all of Dublin’s cemeteries and organized the public ceremony.
Try Something NEW with the Dublin Community Recreation Center
Hike for Hope
Jan. 10-28
Twenty signs of Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech line the walking path in Thaddeus Kosciuszko Park. Free to participate (w/ advanced registration), visit the park anytime Jan. 10–28 to complete your hike, enjoy the beauty of the park while learning and reflecting on his speech in its entirety.
Polar Hikes
Jan. 15, Feb. 19, March 19
Ready to get outdoors this winter and explore your Dublin parks? Join us each month for fun, fitness and fellowship during a 2-3 mile hike at one of Dublin’s community area parks (weather permitting). Each month provides families with the opportunity to explore, learn and actively engage in nature at a different Dublin park.
Hike for Your Heart Challenge
Feb. 1-28
February is American Heart Health month and to celebrate, we challenge you to take a heart-healthy hike through your Dublin parks. Those who register receive a list of parks and trail hikes to complete. At the end of the month, submit your challenge log for a shot at a great heart-healthy prize.
Leapin’ Leprechaun Park Hunt
Feb. 21-March 12
The search is on to find the Leprechaun who has escaped in our Dublin parks! Families participate together in a nature park hunt to find the leprechaun and his pot of gold before the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Registration is required.
Fitness Classes
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution to get fit? Let the DCRC help you succeed! Check out all the fitness offerings and sign up today.
View Complete Fitness Calendar
More Fun Around Town
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
Coffman Park
When temperatures dip below freezing for several days in a row, the City opens the ice skating rink at Coffman Park, 5200 Emerald Pkwy. You’ll need to bring your own skates!
Find out if the ice rink is open
ALL NEW! Riverside Crossing Park
The Riverside Crossing Park is home to a brand new, temporary ice rink this winter. The 3,200-square-foot rink is situated at 6635 Riverside Dr. in the lower plaza on the east side of The Dublin Link pedestrian bridge. Tickets are $10 per person and skate rental is included.
Winter Biking
As weather permits, Dublin Bicycle Ambassadors will continue to be out on paths and roadways advocating for safe winter biking, monitoring safety and reporting maintenance issues.
View the Bike Map and Parks Guide
Heated Restrooms
Those who take a walk through one of Dublin’s parks will find the following restrooms are open and heated in the winter.
- Scioto Park
- Skate Park/Pickleball Courts
- Ferris-Wright Park
- Riverside Crossing Park
- Coffman Park Pavilion (only when the ice rink is open)
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.
Hanukkah
When: Begins the evening of Sunday, Nov. 28 and ends in the evening of Monday, Dec. 6.
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.
The Dublin Link will be lit blue and white from Nov. 28-Dec. 5 in celebration of Hanukkah!
Winter Solstice
When: Begins at 10:59 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 Tuesday, Dec. 21.
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.
The Dublin Link will be lit green, red and white from Dec. 19-26 in celebration of Christmas!
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.
The Dublin Link will be lit red, white and green from Dec. 27-30 in celebration of Kwanzaa!
Other Activities
Holiday Helpers – Dublin Cares
Consider giving back to your community this holiday season! Local nonprofits 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
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Lend a hand to your neighbors in need–join the Yard Squad. This is the time of year when neighbors, especially our elders, can’t get to their snow shoveling or leaf/branch gathering. If you’d like to be matched with a neighbor in need, we’d love to add you to the “call list.” Email volunteer@dublin.oh.us to sign up!
Our Senior Neighbors
Our residents in senior living facilities need to feel a part of their neighborhood and entire community, now during the COVID-19 pandemic more than ever.
Join “Our Senior Neighbors,” a neighborhood matching effort to inspire residential neighborhoods to embrace a nearby senior living facility.
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.
