Even when the temperature drops, Columbus’ flurry of events makes for the perfect start to the new year. Winter events in Columbus offer a new way to explore the city. Say "yes" to these events this season in Columbus.
Keep reading for some of the can’t-miss winter events to add to your calendar in the new year.
Join in the fun at The Fury's second season in Columbus.
Columbus Fury’s Second Season
When: Starting Jan. 11 through April
Where: Nationwide Arena
What: Columbus has proven already that it's a volleyball city after breaking the NCAA women's volleyball national championship game attendance record in 2021, but now our city has its own professional volleyball team. The Fury will compete at Nationwide Arena and will host its home opener on Jan. 11, 2025.
Winter Ice Festival
When: Jan. 17-18
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
What: Get ready for winter fun with the first-ever Winter Ice Festival at Franklin Park Conservatory. Watch the Fire & Ice sculpture competition and cheer on your favorite carver. Guests can also ice skate each night from 5-9 p.m. on our Super Games synthetic ice rink—skates are provided, or you can bring your own! They can also take their picture inside a sculpted ice frame, warm up with hot beverages and food from the on-site food trucks, grab some adult beverages at the Watershed bar, or be very daring and opt for a Kona Ice! Learn more and get tickets.
Washington Gladden Social Justice Park
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
When: Jan. 19 and 20
Where: Various locations around Columbus
What: Join our local organizations, cultural institutions and educational establishments to honor the ideals and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. See our full list of MLK Day celebrations.
SoCal Kitchen + Bar, participating in (614) Restaurant Week
(614) Restaurant Week
When: Jan. 20-25
Where: Participating restaurants around Columbus
What: Get ready to grub! Visit participating restaurants all around the city and enjoy a three-course meal for a flat rate during (614) Restaurant Week. Prices vary from $15-$50. Stay tuned for a list of our favorite menus!
The Columbus Museum of Art hosts Wonderball annually in January.
Wonderball at the Columbus Museum of Art
When: Jan. 25
Where: Columbus Museum of Art
What: Wear your most imaginative outfit to the Columbus Museum of Art's celebration of creativity and wonder. This fashionable evening of local food, music, and performance will support Central Ohio's vibrant arts community.
Sweet Treats Dessert Festival
When: Jan. 26
Where: The Kee
What: Ready your sweet tooth—the Sweet Treats Dessert Festival returns for its ninth year. Sample desserts from 17 bakeries and sweet shops. With other activities like shopping from local vendors and a build-your-own bouquet bar, this makes for the perfect pre-Valentine's Day outing. Get tickets.
Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto
When: Jan. 30 - Feb. 2
Where: Nationwide Arena
What: See Anna, Elsa, Mirabel and the Madrigal family live at Nationwide Arena this winter! The kids will love watching their favorite characters take the ice with magical performances and singalongs. There are plenty of opportunities to join in the fun with nine shows. Get tickets.
Experience the action of the Arena District this winter.
Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena
When: Throughout January and February
Where: Nationwide Arena
What: Columbus' NHL team will be at home nine times during the first two months of 2024, where you'll have the chance to experience the action of the Arena District. The 5th Line Fan Zone will celebrate one year in January, and if you haven't experienced this state-of-the-art area, grab tickets and get ready to visually immerse yourself in eSports, a goalie experience and more. See the full schedule.
KidX Daddy Daughter Dance
When: Feb. 15
Where: Polaris Fashion Place
What: Join in the fun at Polaris Fashion Place as they celebrate their first annual KidX Daddy Daughter Dance. This free, Valentine's Day-themed event will feature an open dance floor, light snacks, strolling Princesses and more. Learn more.
The Columbus Crew, 2023 MLS Cup Champions
Columbus Crew Home Opener
When: February 22
Where: Lower.com Field
What: Experience the excitement as we welcome back the 2023 MLS Cup Champions for their 29th season. Join the Columbus Crew as they take on Chicago at Lower.com Field. Get tickets.
NHL Stadium Series at Ohio Stadium
When: March 1
Where: Ohio Stadium (The Horseshoe)
What: Hockey is coming to The 'Shoe! Watch as the Columbus Blue Jackets take on the Detroit Red Wings at one of the most famous college football venues in the U.S. Learn more and get tickets.
Top concerts and tours are coming to Columbus this winter.
Experience Top Concerts and Tours
When: Throughout January and February
Where: Nationwide Arena, The Schottenstein Center, and more music venues around Columbus
What: The music scene in Columbus gets off to a great start in 2025. Winter Jam '25 comes to The Schottenstein Center in January, with Kelsea Ballerini also playing there on Feb. 1. Justin Timberlake has rescheduled his Oct. show to Feb. 27 at Nationwide Arena and Rascal Flatts plays there on March 6. See more shows in Columbus by viewing our events calendar.
The best thing about Columbus is that you'll find an event for every person and style throughout the year. Check out our events page for a full list of everything going on in Columbus, or subscribe to our Insider’s Club email to stay engaged and learn about upcoming events.
Share your Columbus adventures on social media this winter using #yesColumbus.
