Light Displays
Columbus' top attractions deck their halls each year to help the residents and visitor get in the holiday spirit. Don't miss these awesome displays of Christmas lights in Columbus. The options include light shows, drive-through experiences and more.
Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Nov. 17 – Jan. 7 | 5 p.m. – close
Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition is Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Originally just a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies, the show has grown to millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and other holiday festivities, offering a whole new way to experience Jungle Jack Hanna’s home zoo. Don’t miss what MSN calls one of the most magical Christmas light displays in the country. Get your tickets.
Conservatory Aglow
Nov. 18 – January 7 | 5-9 p.m. weeknights, 5-10 p.m. weekends
The annual Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features thousands of lights twinkling and glowing in stunning displays, and new this year is a completely reimagined Topiary Collection. Accompanying the lights are familiar holiday favorites – such as the rainbow tunnel, ornament trees, gingerbread competition and more! Plus, the whole Conservatory is open during Conservatory Aglow so guests can check out the seasonal displays of Holiday Blooms as well. Get tickets.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Nov. 17 – Jan. 1 | 5:30 - 9 (Sun.-Thurs.)/ 10 (Fri.-Sat.)
Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights is the perfect activity if you want to see holiday lights and stay warm. The three-mile drive-through experience at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds takes about 30 minutes, featuring twinkling holiday displays and dazzling tunnels, with the perfect holiday music pairing piped through the radio. Learn more here.
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights, presented by American Electric Power Foundation
Nov. 17 - Jan. 1 | 5 - 11 p.m.
Come celebrate 13 years of festive lights at the Columbus Commons! See more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle as you walk through the scenic park. Be sure to visit Fridays in December (1, 8, 15 & 22) for complimentary hot cocoa and carousel rides from 5-9 p.m.
Winter Wonder Walks
Dec. 1 - 16 (Thurs.-Sun.) | 6 - 9 p.m.
Head to Dawes Arboretum for the sixth annual Winter Wonders Walks. Guests will experience a guided walk through the paved Parkwoods Trail surrounded by illuminated trees and then get to enjoy music, coffee, food trucks and an appearance from Santa afterwards. With three time slots available nightly, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the wonder and wilderness at Dawes Arboretum. Get tickets.
Holiday Light Tours
Overwhelmed with all the great options for holiday light displays? Explore all the decor downtown has to offer this holiday season, accompanied by your favorite Christmas carols, with one of these curated tours!
SegAway Tours of Columbus
Nov. 23 – Dec. 23 | 6 & 8:15 p.m.
Enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of the holiday season as you glide downtown on a Segway during this delightful SegAway Holiday Lights Tour. Listen to your favorite holiday music through a wireless sound system while seeing holiday displays through the Scioto Mile, Arena District and Columbus Commons and more. The beautiful Columbus skyline at night is not to be missed! Tours are 1.5 hours each, including training, and cost $49 per person. Get tickets.
Trolley Pub Columbus Holiday Lights Tour
Nov. 25 - Jan. 1 | 6 p.m. Daily
Embark on Columbus's most cost-effective and enchanting holiday lights tour with Trolley Pub Columbus, available from 11/25 to 1/1, every evening at 6 pm. This 3-hour tour offers both private and public options for up to 15 guests, featuring BYOB convenience for beer, wine, cider, or seltzers. With family-friendly outings available, our enclosed and heated electric-assisted trolleys ensure an easy ride for all as you explore festive locales like The Short North Pole, Arena District, and Downtown, including stops at Bicentennial Park & Columbus Commons. Don't miss the brightest ride of the season! Get tickets.
Holiday Trolley Hop
Dec. 2 | 12 - 4 p.m.
Take a ride on an old-fashioned looking trolley and tour several stops around the Discovery District on Saturday, December 2, 2023. This free event is a great opportunity to explore the Discovery District neighborhood, participate in family-friendly activities and get a head start on holiday shopping at locally-owned businesses in downtown Columbus. Learn more.
