Winter nights in Columbus: movie and food pairings to keep you cozy
By: Jessica Naidrich
As the temperature drops in Columbus, the winter season is approaching faster than ever, and there’s nothing better than a cozy night in with good food and entertainment. My favorite way to spend these chilly evenings is snuggling under a blanket with friends or family, watching movies and enjoying delicious food together. Unfortunately one constant problem I face on these nights is deciding what to watch or eat. Whether I’m alone or with others, we often end up scrolling endlessly, only to settle on the same old snacks and movies. Does this happen to you too? If you also face this problem, I’ve put together my top 3 favorite movie and food experiences for a cozy winter night in Columbus that will keep you warm, comfortable and entertained all season long.
The Holiday + Hot Chocolate
Amazon Prime Video
Let’s start with my personal favorite, a movie that’s guaranteed to warm both your heart and your mug. Released in 2006, “The Holiday” is a fun winter film and the perfect place to kick off your ultimate cozy night in. I didn’t watch it until 2022, but it quickly became a staple in my winter movie rotation. The story follows Iris and Amanda, two women from opposite sides of the world who swap homes for the holidays and technically swap lives as well. The film unfolds a story of unexpected romance and personal growth while showing what winter looks like in very different corners of the world. It's a film that delivers laughter and comfort in equal measure. To make this night perfect head over to Fox and the Snow, one of Columbus’s most beloved cafés, and grab a hot chocolate paired with giant marshmallow. and you’ve got a recipe for seasonal bliss. Head home, wrap yourself in a blanket, and queue up “The Holiday” which is available to stream on Hulu or can be rented on Amazon Prime Video.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone + Butterbeer & Snacks
Amazon Prime Video
On a night when you’re feeling creative and ready to channel your inner child, there’s nothing better than watching “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” paired with a frothy glass of homemade butterbeer. It’s a simple way to take the magic to the next level, crafting this classic Hogwarts drink turns your evening into a fully immersive winter experience. Released in 2001, the film introduces us to Harry as he discovers he’s a wizard and begins his first year at Hogwarts. From enchanted lives to cozy Christmas scenes, it captures the festive magic of the season with spellbinding charm. To turn movie night to make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into the wizarding world start your day with a trip to the grocery store. Pick up cream soda, butterscotch syrup, butter extract, whipped cream for homemade butterbeer and follow this recipe HERE to make it frothy and magical! While you’re there, grab some microwave popcorn or a gingerbread house kit to make things even more festive.
Elf + Pizza from Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Amazon Prime Video
Even if you’ve seen it a hundred times, “Elf” will always remain a classic holiday comedy guaranteeing a night full of laughter with friends or family. Released in 2003, available to stream on HBO MAX or rent on Amazon Prime Video, the film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, who travels from the North Pole to New York City after learning Santa isn’t his biological father. Determined to find his real dad, Buddy sets off on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through the Big Apple. I make it a tradition to watch “Elf” at least once every holiday season. To make the night even better, call Mikey’s Late Night Slice here in Columbus and grab a pie with any of your favorite toppings. A Columbus go-to for pizza, Mikey’s also offers a cinnamon dessert pie, so you can indulge in sugar like Buddy with no guilt. Ordering a pizza, gathering your friends or family, and watching this movie guarantees a night of fun, laughter and cozy comfort you won’t want to leave.
With winter around the corner here in Columbus, I’m most looking forward to spending the season with my favorite movies and foods. I love curling up with friends or family, putting on something entertaining and grabbing the best comfort foods. Too often, nights at home turn into endless scrolling, unsure of what to watch or even eat. Having a go to list of pairings that never fail to lift my mood is the best way to get through the season. Whether it’s getting creative and making homemade butterbeer or simply enjoying a slice of pizza while watching “Elf”, these combinations are guaranteed to make you feel content. Hopefully, they bring you as much joy as they’ve brought me.
