This post is written by Sandi Combs, Marketing Coordinator for Experience Columbus. You can follow Sandi on Twitter @Sandi_ExpCols .

Part of what makes the holidays so magical to me is that the whole city seems to be shining with glittering decorations and twinkling lights. There’s just something about all of the glitz and sparkle that puts me in a good mood. So, it’s no surprise that one of my favorite things to do at this time of year is pick up some hot cocoa and head out to see holiday lights. Here are just a few of the best in Columbus:

1. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Nearly everything (except the animals) is decked out for the season during Wildlights, a favorite event of locals and visitors alike. You can check out the all new animated light show, take a ride on the Polar Bear Express or see Santa’s reindeer. I even hear Santa himself may make an appearance or two… A full schedule of activities and events is here .

2. The Holiday Lights! at Olde Gahanna and Creekside – ‘Tis the season in Gahanna! From one of the most dazzling holiday evening parades to photo opportunities with favorite holiday characters, there’s no shortage of things to do during this event. See the calendar here .

3. Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival – Now in its 96th year, the Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting & Holiday Festival is a family-friendly, one-night-only event taking place Weds., Nov. 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Entertainment includes carolers, refreshments, model trains and, of course, the lighting of the Statehouse’s two magnificent holiday trees.

Need more ideas for places to enjoy the season? Check out: Merry & Bright: Holidays at the Conservatory or Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park .

What do you think? What other must-see places are your favorite spots to see holiday lights?

I moved several months ago to Gahanna and I must say, I’ve really been enjoying my new neighborhood.

My favorite so far is Creekside, which is filled with shops, restaurants and a park along the creek.

If you’re a wine person, I highly recommend giving Mezzo Italian Kitchen and Wine a try. My boyfriend and I have been there several times now and we love it! We first went during Dine Originals Week and the atmosphere was very warm and we had the seat right by the window overlooking the outdoor patio. Definitely made for a nice romantic dinner.

And during the next couple of months, Creekside is the place to be! Check out some fun things happening: (more…)

Photo: Wexner Center for the Arts

For many people, outdoor movies carry a sense of nostalgia: childhood memories of visiting the local park—popcorn and blanket in tow—to watch a movie with friends, family and neighbors. Well, outdoor movies are back, and in a big way.

Sure, you may be familiar with the free movie screenings in NYC’s Central Park or the Screen on the Green series at the National Mall in D.C., but did you know that Columbus has plenty of its own outdoor movie options? With unique venues such as Creekside Plaza and Easton Town Center, and movie options ranging from black and white classics to animated flicks, it’s an experience that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

To get you started, I’ve put together a list of outdoor movie series throughout Columbus. All are completely free, family-friendly events that are certain to get you out of a summer rut. Pick you favorite flick, pop some popcorn and do something different this summer! (more…)

Columbus Arts Festival
Photo: Randall Lee Schieber

At Experience Columbus, we hear a variety of reasons why people love Columbus. One that comes up time and time again? This city’s festivals and events. Art, music, food, games, ethnic culture, sports…we’ve got ‘em all, and then some.

If you’re one of the many who love Columbus festivals, you’re in luck because you have the chance to win some pretty sweet prize packages. The members of the Greater Columbus Events Council are celebrating the festivals and events season by offering up several giveaways over the next several months. And the first two start now.

Here’s the first set of prize packages to be won by two lucky readers: (more…)

I work with a variety of groups visiting Columbus – girlfriend getaways, family reunions, church groups, school groups, book clubs…the list goes on. And they almost always ask for “something different” to do.

In response to these requests, Experience Columbus has worked with a number of partners to develop a variety of options for people looking to do something fun and hands-on. We now have 57 different “experiential” activities that include everything from interacting with exotic zoo animals to learning about herbs to tasting and toasting with Irish beers .

If you’re part of a group looking to plan something unique in Columbus, check out some of what’s available:

• Be a Columbus Clippers baseball player . Attend a press conference announcing your signing with the team, dress in the clubhouse, warm up in the cages and then take the field.

 

• Go behind the scenes of the renowned BalletMet and discover what it takes to bring a production to life. Learn secrets the audience never sees, enjoy an interactive meeting with dancers and take an exclusive backstage tour

 

• Participate in a one-of-a-kind sensory experience in Worthington . Blend and pour a scented candle, then sniff and sample among two-dozen distinctive wines.

 

• Learn what’s in fashion from the experts , create scrapbook memories , and learn to cook with top chefs – all at Easton Town Center.

 

• Cook with spicy foods master CaJohn , sample an array of amazing tastes and learn how artisan ice cream is made from farm-to-table at Columbus’ lively and historic North Market

 

• Tour a 13,000 year-old cranberry bog where only a rare few are permitted to travel, create a blown glass ornament and make teas when you explore Licking County

 

• Pamper yourself at a spa , enjoy an evening of adventurous dining , and become a winemaker in the lively Short North Arts District

 

• Be a horse trainer for a day , learn about saddles, bits and more or discover some betting secrets of the pros with a behind-the-scenes thoroughbred racing experience

 

A complete list of current tours can be found here . For more details or to set up an experience for your group, feel free to call me at 614-222-6136 or send me an email .