“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” is the theme for the upcoming holiday season in Downtown Urbana, presented by Monument Square District. The festivities are highlighted by the annual Holiday Horse Parade, beautifully decorated storefront windows and local shopping and dining options. Join in the festivities on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Many of our area establishments will have extended business hours, so be sure to support locals. There will be food trucks, Candi’s Concessions and Doogs Concessions, Fork in the Road, The Forking Pierogi, Frazier’s Smoked Meats, Guelaguetza Mexican Food & Ice Cream and Schmidt’s Sausage Truck along with street vendors in and around the Square as well.

​Monument Square District, along with local sponsors, have planned for Christmas music beginning at 4:30 p.m. with free carriage rides after the parade until 9:00 p.m.. There will be caroling at 5:15 p.m. before our tree lighting at 5:30 p.m. in Legacy Park on the Square, followed by the lighted horse parade heralding Santa’s arrival to town at 6:30 p.m. Santa will be welcoming children, young and old, at Legacy Place (the Old Douglas Hotel) on the Square.

There will be no public parking in the Square on Friday, November 24, 2023, 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 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: Urbana Dental Smiles, Orbis, The Peoples Savings Bank, The V. Patrick Hamilton Group- RE-Max Alliance, Park National Bank, Legacy Place, Wallace & Turner Insurance, Boldman Printing, Farmers and Merchants Bank, Koerner Realty, Kat’s Kauldron Vintage and Steve’s Market & Deli. 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 (the old Douglas Hotel) will be open for visitors after the parade, as well as Saturday, November 25th from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and the following Saturdays until December 16th from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.. Make sure you drop your letters to Santa in his mailbox in front of Legacy Place at any time and don’t forget to include your address.

For more information and/or to become involved: Email us at [email protected]; connect with us on Facebook; or Contact Us through our website.

​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!