Holiday Lights Displays
Columbus' top attractions deck their halls each year to help the residents and visitors 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 and Aquarium
Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Nov. 22 – Jan. 5 | 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 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 the zoo you know and love. Don’t miss what MSN calls one of the most magical Christmas light displays in the country. Get your tickets.
Conservatory Aglow
Nov. 23 – January 5 | 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 their Holiday Blooms exhibit as well. Get tickets.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Nov. 22 – Jan. 1 | 5:30 - 9 p.m. (weeknights)/ 5:30 - 10 p.m.(weekends)
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.
NEW! Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
Nov. 22 - March 2 | 5 - 11 p.m.
Wander on foot through over half a million glowing lights from Columbus Commons down Town Street to Bicentennial Park through March 2. Stroll the path with a boozy beverage to go thanks to the new Center City DORA, or warm up with a free hot chocolate on Festive Fridays in December at Columbus Commons.
Winter Wonder Walks
Dec. 6 - 21 (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 afterward. With three time slots available nightly, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the wonder and wilderness at Dawes Arboretum. Get tickets.
Easton Town Center
Beginning Nov. 22
The holidays are the best time of year at Easton Town Center as millions of lights are sprinkled throughout the property. Get your holiday shopping done and be dazzled by the beauty that surrounds you at Easton, kicking off with their Grand Illumination event happening on Nov. 22.
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. 30 – Dec. 23 | 6 & 8:30 p.m. (daily)
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. 22 - Jan. 4 | 6 p.m. (daily)
Embark on Columbus' enchanting holiday lights tour with Trolley Pub Columbus, available 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.
Wanderlights Trolley Tour
Dec. 6, 13, 20 | 5 - 9 p.m.
Hop on and explore all the Wanderlights destinations, plus an extra-special stop at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to see the light show on their front lawn. This tour is free but donations to Nationwide Children’s Hospital are encouraged. Learn more.
Free Trolley Hop
Dec. 7 | 1 - 6 p.m.
The Trolley Hop will offer a festive journey through the heart of Columbus. Celebrate the season with shopping, holiday-themed activities, and programming for the whole family. Learn more.
