​WHAT IS A DORA?
A Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) allows patrons ages 21 and older to purchase an alcoholic beverage from an approved, liquor-permitted establishment, then sip, stroll, shop and explore within the designated boundaries.

Urbana City Council has approved a DORA for Downtown Urbana. See map for boundaries. The State of Ohio approved the DORA concept in 2015. Regionally and throughout the State of Ohio, DORAs have proven to be generally popular and have been well received in the vast majority of communities where they have been established. Furthermore, communities with DORAs already in place and operational have  reported minimal issues as a result of the operation of their DORAs.

Lastly, the overall purpose of establishing a DORA for Downtown Urbana will continue to build upon increased economic activity, investment, and
development within the downtown. Furthermore, the establishment of a DORA in Downtown Urbana will assist with the continued revitalization of Downtown Urbana by furthering patronage of new and existing dining and shopping options by the local community, region, and tourists.

DORA Frequently Asked Questions
​Q: What are the days/times of the DORA?
A: 7 Days/Week 11:00AM - 10:00PM

Q: Can I bring my own drink into the DORA?
A: No - you can purchase your favorite drink in a marked DORA cup from a participating establishment.

Q: Can I take my DORA beverage from one liquor establishment to another?
A: No - you cannot take a full or partially-filled cup back into the liquor establishment where you purchased it after exiting, and you can't take a full or partially-filled cup into another liquor establishment.

Q: Can I take my DORA beverage into my favorite shop?
A: Yes, if that establishment indicates that they allow DORA beverages by displaying a green DORA sign.

​Q: How will the DORA be enforced?
A: Urbana Police Division will monitor the DORA area during routine patrols. All liquor regulations apply to establishments and patrons within the DORA, including overserving and drunk driving laws. Please drink responsibly.

Q: Can I walk anywhere with my DORA cup?
A: No. Patrons can only carry DORA beverages within the defined area; see map for further details. Retail and private establishments may or may not allow DORA beverages.

Q: Can I pour my own alcohol into a DORA cup and carry it?
A: No. Beverages must be purchased from participating vendors.

Q: How much is a DORA cup?
A: Each DORA cup will cost $1 and a portion of the proceeds goes to support the continued revitalization of Downtown Urbana!

In 2022, Monument Square District and The Gloria Theatre will be joining together to present a Holiday Jazz Concert, replacing the annual Gala fundraiser. The MSD felt showcasing The Gloria this year, while keeping some of our annual holiday event traditions, would be a nice change for our community.

On Thursday, December 1st at 8:00pm, we will host a Christmas Motown Jazz Concert featuring the Divas Sass & Song at The Gloria Theatre.

In addition, we will have several silent auction items and will be raffling a beautiful Christmas tree, along with traditional holiday photo opportunities.

Pre-sale tickets are $30.00 and can be purchased online on The Gloria Theatre's website or at The Gloria on weekends. VIP tickets are $125 and available for purchase here.

We hope you will join us and let us know how you like the change.

Children, and the young at heart, can visit with Santa Claus at Legacy Place (formerly the Douglas Inn) on the Square in Downtown Urbana on the following dates:

• Friday, November 25th – immediately following the Holiday Horse Parade
• Saturday, November 26th – 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Saturday, December 3rd – 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Saturday, December 10th – 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Saturday, December 17th – 1:00pm-3:00pm
• Wednesday, December 21st – 4:00pm-6:00pm
• Thursday, December 22nd – 4:00pm-6:00pm
• Friday, December 23rd – 4:00pm-6:00pm
  
  

Following his visit on December 23rd, Santa will be returning to the North Pole to finalize his lists and prepare for his Christmas travels.  Santa’s mailbox will be available anytime leading up to the big day in front of Legacy Place – be sure to include a return address because Santa may be able to write little ones back if he has time!

​PRESS RELEASE
 
“Jingle All the Way” is the theme for the upcoming holiday season in Downtown Urbana, highlighted by the annual Holiday Horse Parade, beautifully decorated storefront windows and local shopping and dining options.  Join in the festivities on Friday, November 25, 2022, from 4pm-8:00pm.  Many of our area establishments will have extended business hours, so be sure to support local.  There will be food trucks and street vendors in and around the Square as well.
 
Monument Square District, along with local sponsors, have planned for Christmas music and carriage rides both beginning at 4:00pm.  The tree lighting ceremony will take place at 5:30pm at Legacy Park on the Square, followed by the lighted horse parade heralding Santa’s arrival to town at 6:30pm.  Santa will be welcoming children, young and old, at Legacy Place on the Square this year.
 
There will be no public parking in the Square on Friday, November 25, 2022, 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., to allow for set-up of vendors and food trucks. There will also be “No Parking” on Scioto Street from 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
 
The horses and their owners will be parking in a lot off Patrick Avenue and will begin lining up on Patrick Avenue at 6:00 p.m. Traffic will be stopped and re-routed. The parade will turn West onto Scioto Street and continue to downtown Urbana and around the Monument and back, all side streets to/from Scioto Street will be blocked. There will be no through traffic in the Square beginning at 6:00 p.m. until the last parade participant has cleared downtown.  All traffic will be blocked and re-routed.  Please keep in mind that the parade begins and ends at the same location, so it is very important not to attempt to drive on Scioto Street until the last participant has turned back onto Patrick Avenue as horses can be easily spooked by vehicles.
 
A special thank you to all our sponsors, including: Bundy Baking Solutions, Urbana Dental Smiles, Orbis, RE/MAX Alliance – The V. Patrick Hamilton Group, Park National Bank, Decode Zone, and Martin, Browne, Hull & Harper, PLL, Legacy Place, Wallace & Turner, Streamline Design and Print and The Peoples Savings Bank. We could not host a successful event without our many volunteers and the support from the City of Urbana Administration, Police Department, Fire Department and Street Department.
 
Santa Land at Legacy Place will be open for visitors after the parade, as well as Saturdays through December 17th from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., as well as for evening hours before Christmas on December 21st through 23rd from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Letters to Santa can be placed in his mailbox in front of Legacy Place at anytime.
 
For more information and/or to become involved: Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on Facebook.