13 Ways to Make This Holiday Season in Columbus a Little Brighter
The holiday season is upon us, which usually means the anticipation to create magical moments is real. This year is looking extremely different from years past and finding enjoyable and safe ways to celebrate the season is important. I have gone through previous holiday lists and picked out the activities that are still happening and feel like safe bets. I then added some simple ways to celebrate at home.
Find an alternative way to Visit with Santa.
- Sonja Lynn Photography is offering socially distanced Santa photos and the end result is seriously the cutest! Pick out a template from one of the 4 choices she is offering, email her at sonja@sonjalynnphotography.com with your template number and a photo of your kids, and you will receive a photo of your kids with Santa. Email her for all the details!
- Santa’s gone virtual at Easton Town Center. Although Santa won’t be able to say hello face-to-face, he is connecting with all the boys and girls who normally visit him at Easton with a 30-60 second personalized video.
- Drop your Santa letter in one of the Santa boxes around town. So many of the Santa boxes are offering a reply if received by a certain date.
Take in the Holiday Lights at the Columbus Commons. The holiday lights will be twinkling at the Columbus Commons from November 20th through January 3rd from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. A 50 ft tall holiday tree has been installed along with more than 400,000 lights throughout the park. There will be no Friday events this year, but I think a lovely time can be had if you bundle up, mask up, and stream some holiday music while you stroll through the park to take in the sights.
Experience WonderLight’s Christmas at National Trail Raceway in Hebron Ohio.
- This dazzling 2-mile display of Christmas lights is synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking music, played through your car stereo.
- Come see shooting stars, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, giant Christmas trees, and THREE drive-through tunnels of lights!
- The lights are open nightly now through January 5 – rain, shine, or snow. Plus, a portion of proceeds benefit The Salvation Army in Central Ohio.
Walk through Grinchville. Grinchville is presented by CRT, Realtors, North Pole Trading Company and is located at 415 W. Schrock Rd, Westerville. It is open daily. Visit magical fairytale friends and be sure to drop a letter to Grinchy Clause. (Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope, if you would like a reply. Beginning November 21st, the Grinchville lights will be lit every evening from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Visit The Nutcracker Ballet virtually this year. Even though The Nutcracker will not be performed at the Ohio Theatre, the show must go on! BalletMet presents A Nutcracker Holiday from December 5th through December 27th. The virtual experience will feature:
- Clara’s Nutcracker Prince, an all-new abbreviated presentation of the stage ballet combining your favorite scenes, characters and dances and made especially for the screen
- A behind-the-scenes peek at our Nutcracker costumes, rehearsal process and more
- Nutcracker-themed adventures, including a self-guided scavenger hunt for the whole family
- Merry music playlists to soundtrack your holiday
- Our Creative Corner, with access to themed coloring pages, puzzles, dances and crafts
- Nutcracker mascot appearances
- Our favorite holiday recipes
- And more…
Whip up a Gingerbread House. Whether you pick up a Gingerbread House Kit or make one from scratch, the whole family can get it on the action of building.
Take a drive around town to look at Neighborhood Lights. A lot of lights will be up early this holiday season and columbuslights.com is currently curating a list to share of houses and neighborhoods to drive thru.
Pick up a holiday themed Craft Kit from Piccadilly. Let Piccadilly do all the work with putting all the materials needed for multiple crafts in one kit.
Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow for the annual Conservatory Aglow November 14th through January 10th. New this year is a Candyland scene complete with a life-size gingerbread house and the magical train display, Paul Busse Garden Railway. Accompanying the lights are familiar holiday favorites – such as the rainbow tunnel, ornament trees and more! Note that the Conservatory is working with municipalities and the state to comply with all the guidelines and requirements related to COVID-19. Guests are asked to visit only with members of their immediate households, wear a facial covering during the entire visit, reserve tickets online, and maintain a 6 ft distance with other guests at all times.
Celebrate the season safely from your car with Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, Ohio. The 3 mile drive thru light show runs from November 20th through January 3rd. Bring your Santa Mail from November 27th through December 23rd, so Mrs Claus can deliver them to the North Pole. Santa’s Elves will scan the letters back so you know what you little ones wished for this holiday season (just include your email).
Create and send Holiday Cards to all your loved ones to let them know you are thinking of them this year.
Support a local baker by picking up a Cookie Decorating Kit.
Give Back this Holiday Season. Participate in local toy drives, donate to local food pantries, or make a donation. If looking for more ways to spread kindness, check out “Ideas for Giving Back and Spreading Kindness.”
Please use your discretion as to what feels safe for you and your family. We have been focusing on activities outdoors and at off peak times all while wearing our masks and keeping our distance. Wishing you and yours a holiday season filled with love, joy, and laughter. Please stay safe and healthy!