The holidays are the perfect time for festive outings and memory-making with family and friends. To help you celebrate, we've rounded up some of the can't-miss holiday events in Columbus this season.
If you're looking for information on all our fantastic light displays, find our list here. Or if holiday performances are what you're looking for, find that list, here.
Easton Town Center's holiday lights
Easton's Grand Illumination
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 6 p.m.
Where: Easton Town Center
What: Kick off the holiday season at the top retail destination in the country with Easton's Grand Illumination. If there's one destination that goes all out for the holidays, it's Easton. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. around the center and continue throughout the evening with live music, fun for the family, costumed characters and more bringing all the holiday cheer! No matter where you are, take your eyes to the sky at 7 pm and watch as over two million lights simultaneously illuminate Easton for the season. Learn more.
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Conservatory Aglow
When: Nov. 23 - Jan. 5
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
What: Marvel at the thousands of twinkling lights at Franklin Park Conservatory this season in Columbus. Walk through the iconic rainbow tunnel, take in the magic of the decorated halls and listen to roaming music. Get tickets.
Season of Celebrations
When: Nov. 23 - Jan. 5
Where: COSI
What: This brand new seasonal celebration will transform the museum into a winter wonderland featuring a grand 40-ft tree and 60+ other trees decorated by the Columbus community for visitors to enjoy. Season of Celebrations is included with COSI's general admission. Get tickets.
Columbus Winterfair at the Ohio Expo Center
Columbus Winterfair
When: Dec. 6-8
Where: Ohio Expo Center
What: A marquee arts event in Columbus, Winterfair showcasing artists since 1963. Experience artful shopping and meet the people behind the beautiful works this season in Columbus. Purchase tickets.
Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Ohio Statehouse
When: Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Ohio Statehouse
What: 'Tis the season at the Ohio Statehouse, as the annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting are here to kick off the holidays. Historical characters and modern dignitaries will be present to spread the holiday cheer, including Santa Claus. Guests will enjoy complimentary cookies, music, activity tables, dance performances and demonstrations. Even get your photo taken in front of the Ohio Statehouse holiday tree with the jolly man himself. Learn more.
Enjoy free carousel rides at Columbus Commons during Festive Fridays.
Festive Fridays
When: Fridays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 5 - 9 pm
Where: Columbus Commons
What: On the first three Fridays in December, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides and a bar offering hot, boozy beverages while wandering among the lights.
Winterfest in Downtown Columbus
WinterFest
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 am - 4 pm
Where: Bicentennial Park
What: Head to the green for some winter fun! This free, family-friendly event features live music, a diverse offering of food trucks, seasonal sips and plenty of photo opportunities. Learn more about WinterFest, here.
Holiday Extravaganza
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 4 - 9 pm
Where: Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Park
What: From a Santa Claus visit to free hot chocolate and jolly local shopping, there will be endless holiday cheer at the Holiday Extravaganza. Pak at the Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E Rich St.) or Underground Garage (191 S Third St) and explore happenings along the free Wanderlights path. See more information here.
Yuletide on Gay
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 from 3 - 8 pm
Where: High & Gay Streets
What: This one-day-only free street festival transforms Gay & High into a pedestrian-only winter wonderland. Find an iceless rink with complimentary skate rentals, live ice sculpture carving, music, DORA beverages and more all happening under "Current". It's sure to be a merry and gay time.
High Street Holiday Market and Holiday Hop
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, from 12 - 8 p.m,
Where: Short North Arts District
What: The High Street Holiday Market offers an immersive holiday atmosphere featuring an impressive array of 150 creative and diverse vendors curated in partnership with Matchmakers Marketplace, holiday programming, music, and more. Then, celebrate the art + soul of the holiday season during the biggest Gallery Hop of the year! Shop from your favorite Short North Arts District stores and galleries, grab a bite and a drink, enjoy special holiday street performances, and see Santa! Learn more.
Village Lights in German Village
Village Lights
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 5 - 9 p.m.
Where: German Village
What: Head to German Village for the return of Village Lights. Stroll through the luminary-lined streets to kick off your holiday shopping in the most scenic surroundings. Explore the traditional StrietzelMarkt, shop the vendors and find holiday magic around every corner. Learn more here.
New! Holiday Drone Show
When: Thursday, Dec. 12, 6 - 8 p.m.
Where: Easton Town Center, The Yard
What: Watch the sky light up in a whole new way this year at Easton. The evening will include festive treats, music, and fun for all ages, concluding with a holiday-themed drone show, celebrating 25 years of Easton. Learn more here.
Get out there and enjoy the season this year in Columbus. Find more holiday inspiration here and share your memories with us using #yesColumbus.
