The Columbus Holiday Edit is your seasonal sidekick, giving you everything you need to maximize the holidays in the city. The Holidays in Columbus deserve more than a checklist—instead of checking boxes, it's time to curate your Columbus lifestyle.
Be intentional this holiday season in Columbus, and use this guide to start making your plans.
What to Expect:
- What’s New and Next
- The Agenda: Trending Things to Do
- The Shortlist
- Insider Tips
What’s New and What’s Next
The Holidays in Columbus are sprinkled with new and upcoming experiences.
The new Columbus Clippers Holiday Lights experience debuts on Nov. 14, featuring one million lights, interactive experiences, seasonal menu items and even a holiday train. Get tickets.
Christkindlmarkt is a new European-style Christmas market setting up shop at Dublin’s Riverside Crossing Park. Enjoy festive shopping, holiday treats and charming seasonal activities beginning Nov. 21 through Christmas Eve.
Park Service Coffee made its return with a pop-up daytime experience at Metsi’s in the Short North Arts District. Swing by Wednesday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The non-profit Service Relief opened The Line in the Discovery District, a fully operating restaurant, bar and café that doubles as a training facility for hospitality workers.
From the team behind The Olde Towne Tavern and Osteria Pizza comes Ochoa Mexican Grill, featuring classic Mexican fare and a creative cocktail menu. Ochoa has two patios and a fire pit, making it a solid choice for your seasonal outings.
Ebenezer's Pop-Up Experience. Source: Cordial.
The Agenda: Trending Things to Do in Columbus
Build your holiday outings around these themes.
Have a Hallmark Holiday in Columbus
Maximize the magic this holiday season and read our guide on How to Have a Hallmark-Inspired Holiday Season in Columbus. Find decorating tips featuring our small business partners like THREAD and Vernacular, host a Columbus-themed holiday party using made-local products and plan your idyllic visit to the cobblestone streets of German Village.
Whimsy-Maxxing in Columbus
The holidays in Columbus are enchanting and the perfect reminder to add a little whimsy to your life. These low-key, high-fun things to do in Columbus are guaranteed to add a little joy to your everyday.
Channel your inner child at Big Fun, a vintage toy store in the Short North Arts District, to uncover your new favorite collectible. After you browse, stop at One Line Coffee for a seasonal drink before heading out.
Cozy up with a new read at The Whispering Page in Old Worthington, a woman-owned bookstore full of picture-perfect seating. Then meet your friends at The Nine, an underground cocktail bar featuring inventive drinks and small plates.
Flip the script on girls' night out and host a PJ Party at your favorite happy hour spot. We recommend Cobra, Law Bird or Forno Kitchen and Bar.
Pop-Up Experiences
Holiday pop-up experiences are taking over the city during November and December and make for a festive night out. Be sure to visit Tracksuit Taproom at Columbus Brewing Company, a season-long celebration of the brewery’s Tracksuit Santa Spiced Ale. Don’t miss Ebenezer’s, located inside Cordial, a tasteful pop-up that aims to provide a little respite from the holiday hustle.
Read our full list of Holiday Pop-Ups. These pop-up experiences are here for a good time, not a long time, so make your reservations and plan your trips today.
Village Lights. Source Experience Columbus.
The Shortlist
Must-dos this holiday season in Columbus.
- Elevated Event: Mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 6, when Village Lights returns to German Village. Read our ultimate guide to the event in advance for everything you need to know.
- Rave-worthy Retail: Give the gift of style this season with Wardrobe Therapy. This full-service fashion consulting firm offers everything from custom outfitting to personal shopping.
- Recommended Reservation: Book a table at Veritas, featuring a prix fixe menu that is guaranteed to blow your mind.
- Stylish Staycation: There’s nothing quite like the holidays at The Junto. With their curated holiday pop-ups, including the Santa Baby Bar and Winter Haus located on the rooftop, The Junto is the perfect place to get away this season.
2026 Columbus Gift Guide
Insider Tip: Shop Local with The Columbus Gift Guide
Each year, Experience Columbus drops a huge list of locally sourced gift ideas, making it that much easier for residents to support small businesses while checking off their holiday lists. This year’s guide features 60+ gifts divided into categories like apparel, food and beverage, experiences and more, guaranteeing that you’ll find something for even that hard-to-buy-for person on your list.
