COLUMBUS, Ohio— The holidays in Columbus feel like coming home, even for first-time visitors. Named one of the Best Midwest Cities to Visit in Winter by Thrillist, the city transforms into a festive wonderland with sparkling light displays, holiday markets and seasonal events in historic neighborhoods filled with storybook charm.  

“From cozy corners to vibrant streets, Columbus offers experiences that make the season feel uniquely local,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “Visitors are often surprised by how welcoming and lively the city feels during the holidays. Winter reveals a side of Columbus that’s both magical and unforgettable.” 


Enjoy Festive Holiday Experiences 

  • COSI’s Season of Celebrations: Experience the magic for yourself this holiday season, starting Nov. 22 with exciting new themed zones and festive décor. Meet a life-sized yeti in the Traveling Exhibitions Gallery, cozy up in the Winter Chill Speakeasy with seasonal food and drinks and explore exhibit-inspired trees celebrating Pixar, Cracker Jack and Wild Kratts. Take advantage of expanded photo opportunities, including dazzling displays at COSI’s main entrance and enhanced décor throughout public spaces. Named the best science museum in the country five times by USA Today 10Best, COSI offers a hands-on holiday experience for visitors of all ages. 

  • The Short North Pole: Celebrate the holidays in the Short North Arts District with dazzling lights, festive window displays and the holiday trail or kids’ scavenger hunt from Nov. 28–Dec. 31. Collect exclusive treats and holiday candles while supplies last, and shop Lil’ Shops for locally made items under $20. Don’t miss Holiday Hop on Dec. 6, featuring 100+ artisans, ice skating, a holiday tree lot, live performances and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

  • Village Lights in German Village: Experience the charm of Columbus German Village neighborhood on Dec. 7 from 5-9 p.m., as luminary-lit brick streets and the German-inspired Striezlemarkt featuring local vendors transports visitors back in time. Enjoy seasonal treats, unique gifts, carolers and even reindeer, all in a historic neighborhood that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

  • Holiday Performances: This season, festive performances will bring classic and contemporary holiday stories to life across Columbus stages. BalletMet’s The Nutcracker (Dec. 11–28) and the Columbus Symphony’s Holiday Pops (Dec. 5–7) return to the historic Ohio Theatre. Nationwide Arena hosts Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour on Nov. 29, while A Christmas Carol (Nov. 28–30) also takes the Ohio Theatre stage. At the Palace Theatre, audiences can enjoy A Magical Cirque Christmas on Dec. 4 and RAIN – A Beatles Christmas Tribute on Dec. 6. 


Take In Dazzling Light Displays  

  • Wanderlights: From Nov. 21, 2025, through Feb. 15, 2026, Wanderlights returns to Downtown Columbus, transforming the area into a winter wonderland. New this year is Wander Nights, with special Friday and Saturday evening programming. Visitors can stroll through more than half a million twinkling lights from Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park, enjoy projection shows, spot 32 hidden penguins between High Street and Civic Center Drive and take photos at the Scioto Mile Fountain surrounded by more than 40 sculptural lights. Adults can also enjoy a boozy beverage to-go, thanks to the Center City DORA, and on Festive Fridays (Dec. 6, 13 and 20), free hot chocolate is available at Columbus Commons. 

  • Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: From Nov. 21, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026, experience this beloved holiday tradition featuring millions of dazzling LED lights, animated displays and unique attractions, including the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, the Rudolph and Friends Character Experience and meetings with Santa in the Polar Frontier. Wildlights, powered by AEP Ohio, has enchanted families for over 35 years and now includes new immersive light displays, Holiday Magic shows and the debut of the North America Trek region. 

  • Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: From Nov. 22, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, the Conservatory transforms into a dazzling holiday wonderland with new indoor and outdoor displays. Stroll among thousands of lights, including a whimsical penguin village, a glowing boxwood house, a life-sized Candyland board game and projected winter scenes. The Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace expands with more games, like curling, and new rentable igloos in the Bonsai Courtyard offer cozy spots with food and drinks to enjoy the season in style. 


Shop Local with the Columbus Gift Guide  

Experience Columbus' Columbus Gift Guide, presented by Santa 95, returns for its sixth year on Nov. 13, featuring 100 curated items across categories like apparel, beauty and wellness, experiences, home goods, food and beverage, and toys, books, and pets. New this year, the Columbus Slay Belles, a group of local influencers, will engage on Experience Columbus’ social media as holiday experts, sharing gift ideas and recommendations. 


Experience Festive Holiday Shopping  

  • Santa’s Wonderland at Tanger Columbus: Kick off the holiday season on Nov. 7 from 5–7 p.m. at Tanger Columbus’ 8th annual Santa’s Wonderland. Meet live reindeer, enjoy festive treats and get creative with holiday crafts. Start your seasonal shopping early with savings at Tanger’s brand-name and designer outlet stores. 

  • Holiday Happenings at Easton: Named a Top 10 Shopping Center in the U.S. by USA Today 10Best, Easton lights up the season with festive events, including its Grand Illumination on Nov. 14 from 5–9 p.m. Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, live music from Whirlybirds at 6 p.m., surprise costumed character appearances and a special visit from Santa around 7 p.m. to light the 56-foot tree and two million lights throughout Easton. Home to more than 250 retailers, Easton also celebrates Hanukkah with its annual menorah lighting, when a massive menorah will be lit on the second night of Hanukkah, Monday, Dec. 15. 

  • Holidays at Polaris Fashion Place: Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, Polaris Fashion Place offers families festive holiday activities, including Santa’s grand arrival on Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. New this year, a special day celebrates Baby’s First Christmas on Nov. 23. Visitors can also enjoy Sounds of the Season musical performances beginning in December, along with more than 170 national and local shops, dining options, and entertainment experiences. 


For more information on how to celebrate the holidays in Columbus, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/Holidays. Share your experiences online by tagging Experience Columbus on social media and using #yesColumbus.  
 
About Columbus 
Columbus is a city unlike any other. Vibrant and alive, Ohio’s capital is known for its open attitude, smart style and entrepreneurial spirit. Columbus' blend of neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, noteworthy music scene, arts and culinary experiences, events, attractions and accommodations are all made unforgettable by the diversity of its outgoing locals who eagerly await and warmly welcome visitors. Free travel guides, maps, online booking and detailed information are available at ExperienceColumbus.com. Visitor information is also available on Instagram: @ExperienceColumbus, Facebook: @ExperienceColumbus, Threads: @ExperienceColumbus and  TikTok: @ExperienceColumbus.  
 

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Media Contacts:
Leah Berger, APR, ECI: lberger@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6145
Cameron Walker, ECI: cwalker@experiencecolumbus.com | 614-222-6146