65+ Magical Things to Do in Columbus This Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and the anticipation to create magical moments is real. I have compiled a list of ideas that include some of our favorite holiday traditions and some that we have been waiting to try out.

One Time Holiday Events

A Christmas Carol returns to the Ohio Theatre from Friday, November 28th through Sunday, November 30th. This production blends classic storytelling with vibrant music, dance, and heartfelt performances. Pick up your tickets now!

Holiday Open House at the Main Library returns on Wednesday, December 3rd from 6 to 8 pm at the Columbus Public Library – Main Branch. Celebrate the launch of the Huntington Holiday Train with an evening full of seasonal fun. Enjoy hands-on crafts, hot chocolate, holiday music, and live performances. Meet real reindeer, snap a free photo with Santa, and browse festive book displays.

Columbus Metro Parks Winter Hike Kick-Off at Blacklick Woods Metro Park on December 1st, from 5 to 7 pm. Enjoy a cozy cup of hot chocolate, then take a magical evening walk along trails glowing with twinkling lights.

Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at The Ohio Statehouse. Join the celebration at the Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on December 4th from 530 to 730 pm in the Atrium. The evening begins with the official tree lighting, led by Governor DeWine, First Lady Fran, and Santa. Afterward, enjoy complimentary cookies and drinks, activity tables, and festive entertainment featuring dancers, choirs, mascots, and K9 demonstrations. You can even snap a photo with Santa in front of the beautifully lit Statehouse tree.

Union Bank’s Annual Holiday Event will take place on Saturday, December 6th, from 10 am to 12 pm at the Lewis Center branch (30 Coal Bend, Delaware, Ohio). This cheerful, family-friendly celebration will include free professional photos with Santa, a chance to see live reindeer, cozy holiday treats, and festive activities for kids—such as a “Letters to Santa” station and a coloring table. Union Bank will also be collecting donations for People In Need of Delaware County (PIN). Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food, new or gently used coats, or unwrapped toys to help support local families this season.

Winterfest Columbus is on December 6th from 11 am to 4 pm at Bicentennial Park. Presented by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, this free annual event offers live music, seasonal craft beer and cocktails, delicious bites from local food trucks, and plenty of outdoor winter activities.

Columbus Metro Parks Evening Lantern Walks. Visit Chestnut Ridge Metro Park for evening lantern walks and hot chocolate on Friday, December 5th, and Saturday, December 6th, from 5 to 630 pm. Enjoy a magical stroll through the park lit by lanterns, followed by a warm cup of hot chocolate.

Holiday Hop on December 6th, from 12 to 8 PM in the Short North Arts District. High Street transforms into the Short North Pole, a pedestrian-only winter wonderland filled with free holiday fun. Explore a vibrant market with 100+ artisan vendors, enjoy specials and discounts at local shops, take in live performances, and join hands-on arts activities.

Sounds of the Season at the Holiday Pops Concert. Celebrate the holidays with the Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops at the Ohio Theatre from December 5th – 7th. Enjoy festive music, Christmas carols, and dazzling lights. Families can join pre-concert crafts at 2 PM on the weekend matinees and visit Santaland afterward for letters to Santa and photos with Santa and Bee-thoven.

Holiday Histories at The Ohio History Center. Take a break from the holiday rush at Holiday Histories on December 13th, from 6 to 9 pm. Stroll through the museum at your own pace, explore holiday traditions from around the world, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. The evening features hands-on crafts, community partners sharing traditions, a roving barbershop quartet filling the galleries with festive music, and unique gifts from local vendors and the Ohio History Store.

Village Lights in German Village. Kick off the holiday season on Sunday, December 7th, from 5 to 8 pm. Enjoy an evening stroll through the streets of German Village while exploring special offers from local businesses staying open late for the event.

Easton’s Holiday Drone Show. Experience a dazzling night at Easton’s Holiday Drone Show, presented by Calpine Energy Solutions, on Thursday, December 11th, from 6 to 9 pm at The Yard. Enjoy festive treats, music, and costumed characters for the whole family before the grand finale: two breathtaking holiday-themed drone shows lighting up the sky in a spectacular display you won’t want to miss.

Throughout the Season Events

The Nutcracker with BalletMet. Experience the magic of the holidays with BalletMet’s The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theatre. Opening on Thursday, December 11th, this beloved production features professional dancers alongside students from the BalletMet Academy.

The ballet runs approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission, and continues through December 28th, with multiple performances each week. BalletMet also offers sensory-friendly performances for families who benefit from a more relaxed theater environment, making this holiday classic accessible to everyone.

Grove City Nutcracker Hunt Grab a sheet and get to hunting. Nutcrackers will be inside local businesses with their own number. Write the business name next to their number and turn in your sheet for a prize! The hunt will be from December 6, 2024 through January 3, 2025. Sheets can be turned into the Grove City Library, the Grove City Museum, and the Kingston Center.

Holidays in Worthington Experience the magic of the season this year in Worthington through shopping, dining, and one of a kind events. The Holiday Open House is on December 1st from noon to 5 and illuminated shopping is on December 6th from 6 pm to 9 pm. Worthington is a magical place to visit throughout the season with twinkly lights, Christmas trees, and holiday themed window displays.

Holidays in the Short North Arts District.

Holiday Trail: Make a purchase at five participating businesses from November 28th – December 31st, and check in using your digital trail pass to earn a free sweet treat Participating businesses include: Dublin Cleaners, Milkshake Factory, Red Giraffe Designs, SAMSON Men’s Emporium, Tertulia Bakery & Cafe…with more to be announced!
Kids Scavenger Hunt: From November 28th – December 31st, kids under 12 are invited to explore the district to find festive items from our list of participating businesses. Track down three holiday items to receive a free prize from our Scavenger Hunt Partner. Participating businesses include: Dublin Cleaners, Milkshake Factory, Red Giraffe Designs, Tertulia Bakery & Cafe…with more to be announced!
Lil’ Shops: From November 28th – December 31st, little ones are invited to discover a curated selection of items under $20 from participating businesses, perfect for children to pick out gifts for family and friends. Participating businesses include: Dublin Cleaners, Milkshake Factory, Red Giraffe Designs, Tertulia Bakery & Cafe…with more to be announced!

Wander Nights at Wanderlights. Celebrate the season with Wander Nights on December 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, and 19th & 20th from 5 to 8 pm as you explore all three Wanderlights stops in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Enjoy free hot chocolate and carousel rides at Columbus Commons, holiday movie screenings at the Scioto Mile Fountain, and special visits from Santa inside the Lazarus Building galleria. Hop aboard the free covered trolley, running each Wander Night from 5 to 8 PM, to visit Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s beautiful butterfly-themed light show, with pick-up and drop-off at Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Park.

*Note: On December 5th & 6th, Wander Nights activities will not take place at the Scioto Mile Fountain due to WinterFest.

Holidays at Easton Town Center Visit Easton Town Center to complete your holiday shopping and find some holiday cheer. Easton’s Grand Illumination takes place on Friday, November 22nd starting at 6 p.m. In addition to shopping, Easton has plenty of family-friendly holiday activities to enjoy, including the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and fun activities with Santa to carriage rides and more.

Experience the Season at Oakland Park Nurseries. From late November through mid-December, each site transforms into a festive wonderland featuring Santa visits, horse-drawn carriage rides, seasonal décor, and family-friendly events. Highlights include:

A Holiday Open House Sale, from November 6th – 23rd, save 25% off in-store merchandise.
Holiday events at each center from November 29th – December 14th with Santa every Saturday & Sunday from 12 to 330 pm, and special weekend extras like carriage rides (weather permitting) and a reindeer appearance on December 6th (Columbus Garden Center).

Season of Celebration at COSI returns on Saturday, November 22nd, transforming the museum into a festive winter wonderland where science and holiday magic come together. Visitors can explore a Forest of Community Trees decorated by local schools and nonprofits, discover new themed zones such as a life-size yeti and the cozy Winter Chill Speakeasy, and enjoy exhibit-inspired trees featuring favorites like Pixar, Cracker Jack, and Wild Kratts. Historic holiday scenes come to life in the Progress exhibit with actors portraying daily life in 1898 and 1962, and hands-on science activities and demos add an educational spark to the season.

Mr. Scrooge: A Musical Holiday Classic. Running December 5th –23rd. Enjoy a lively, 60-minute musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, filled with catchy songs, colorful characters, and festive holiday spirit. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as three playful ghosts lead him on a heartwarming journey of joy, kindness, and Christmas magic. Perfect for families and kids 5+, this fun, fast-paced show features performances by actors of all ages and offers a delightful way to celebrate the season!

The Nativity Scene at Cathedral Square Formerly known as the State Auto Christmas Corner, the historic display has been gifted to the Museum of Catholic Art and History. This display can now be viewed at the St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 East Broad Street.

All Aboard the Huntington Holiday Train. The Huntington Holiday Train has been a holiday tradition since 1992 and is on display at the Columbus Metropolitan Main Library. The Holiday Train features trains, tracks, a waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and a castle. All of these pieces and parts make for a fantastic game of eye spy!

Walk Through Light Shows

Wanderlights.Wanderlights brings a warm, joyful glow to Downtown Columbus, offering a relaxing escape from the holiday rush. More than a simple light display, it’s a full seasonal destination filled with sparkle, atmosphere, and memorable experiences. Stroll through beautifully illuminated spaces, enjoy unique holiday activities set against the downtown skyline, and take in the magic, all free to experience every day.

Columbus Commons. Start your Wanderlights experience at Columbus Commons, and make your way through a kaleidoscope of color to check out the 40-foot lit tree, over 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds and an illuminated tunnel made up of glowing archways, complete with a snow globe photo-op. Plus, find new illuminations on the Columbus Commons stage and Main Garage as well as the Nationwide Children’s Hospital butterfly charitable light display near the carousel. See Wander Nights experiences below.
Town Street. Town Street will be twinkling with lights and decorations. Follow the illuminated penguins and lights down the Wanderlights path from Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile. Stop by the Lazarus Building galleria for an elaborate holiday display, open on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. through Dec. 31. See Wander Nights experiences below.
Scioto Mile. The Downtown riverfront will be decked out in an elevated glow, centered around the Scioto Mile Fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights and 75 wrapped trees, providing passersby with the ultimate winter photo backdrop. See Wander Nights experiences below.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. Experience the Columbus Zoo completely transformed into a winter wonderland covered in millions of LED lights from November 21st through January 4th. Experience animated light shows, meet and greets with some of your favorite characters, and seasonal treats.

Holiday Lights at the Columbus Metro Parks The Columbus Metro Parks will be illuminated again this holiday season during the month of December and remain lit every evening from dark until 8 pm. The following Metro Parks will be participating:

Battle Darby Creek
Blacklick Woods
Highbanks
Homestead Metro Parks
Inniswoods Metro Gardens

Holiday Lights at Creekside in Gahanna. Stroll through Creekside Park in Gahanna this holiday season and take in more than 300,000 lights illuminating the park. The display is lit nightly from 5 to 9 pm Sunday–Thursday and 5 to 10 pm Friday & Saturday, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the festive glow at your own pace.

Winter Wonder Walks at Dawes Arboretum. Experience the beauty of nature during the Winter Wonders Walk at Dawes Arboretum. Stroll the paved Parkwoods Trail, illuminated by hundreds of ground-placed LED lights that highlight the trees in a nature-friendly way. This year’s walks take place from 6 to 9 pm on December 5th & 6th and December 11th & 12th. Along the way, enjoy live music, food trucks, hot chocolate and coffee, a nightly visit from Santa, and browsing in the Arboretum gift shop. Tickets must be purchased in advance at dawesarb.org.

Easton Town Center shines bright all season long with its festive holiday light displays. The Town Center comes alive with millions of twinkling lights, towering trees, and beautifully decorated streets.

Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow. Conservatory Aglow lights up Franklin Park Conservatory from November 22nd to January 4th, with thousands of sparkling lights indoors and out. Enjoy whimsical scenes like a penguin village, a glowing boxwood house, a life-size Candyland path, winter projections, and an expanded Arctic Terrace with games like curling. New this year are private igloos in the Bonsai Courtyard, available to reserve with food and drinks. Returning favorites include the 100-foot light tunnel, the dazzling ornament tree, a lively Dance Party, and eight glowing igloos full of festive fun.

Light Up the Lawn, Light Up a Life. Beginning in November and shining throughout the holiday season, the lawn along Livingston Avenue at Nationwide Children’s Hospital will transform into a beautiful butterfly-themed light display. Dozens of colorful, glowing butterflies will light up the lawn—each one activated by a community donation. The Light Up the Lawn, Light Up a Life display is designed to bring joy and comfort to pediatric patients and their families, who can watch the lights from the hospital tower. Every donation creates a unique, uplifting light show, brightening the season for the children, families, and staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The McCoy Cabin presents Holly Jolly Lights 2025. Located in Pataskala, Ohio, the McCoy Cabin is a walk through light show that features lights synchronized to music, light tunnels, inflatables, and photo ops. The trail is a combination of gravel and grass and is approximately 1/4 of a mile long.

Drive-Through Light Shows

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights Make this 3-mile drive through light show part of your holiday tradition. The light show is located at the Alum Creek Campgrounds in Delaware, Ohio and will run from November 21st through January 4th. Tune in to the radio channel that synchronizes to the light displays and take in the light displays featuring light displays and familiar characters.

Lights of Glenross Over 300 houses in the Glenross neighborhood have holiday lights choreographed to holiday music. The show begins Thanksgiving Day and runs Sunday – Thurdays from 5 pm to 9 pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm. For the best light show experience, begin at the entrances of Ballater Dr, Eagle Walk Road, Sycamore Lane, or Braumiller Crossing Drive.

Lucy Depp Park Light Show 9 houses in Powell have joined together to put on a free, drive-through light show on 13 acres of land. The show runs from Black Friday through January 5th, dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday. Because the roads are so narrow and traffic is a concern, there is a loop around the show. There are signs directing traffic, but to find the lights put 9360 Frabell Dr, Powell OH 43065 into the GPS.

Wonderlight’s Christmas Experience WonderLight’s Christmas, a drive thru holiday light show, at the Hartford Fairgrounds in Hartford, Ohio, from November 15th through December 31st – rain, shine, or snow. The show features over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music played through your own car stereo.