I’ve partnered with Ohio. Find it Here. to share this list of holiday fun in Central Ohio. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
It’s the most wonderful season of all! From sparkling lights and tree lighting ceremonies to visits with Santa and ballet performances, Central Ohio is filled with many opportunities to celebrate and create memories with your loved ones.
Easton’s Grand Illumination (Free)
November 18 | 6pm – 9pm
Kick off the holiday season… the Easton way! Festivities will begin at 6PM around the Center and continue throughout the evening with live music, fun for the family, costumed characters and more bringing holiday cheer! No matter where you are, take your eyes to the sky at 7PM and watch as over two-million lights simultaneously illuminate Easton for the season. Don’t miss the special holiday trees on Town Square, at the Central Park Fountain, and in The Yard in the New District! More Information.
Conservatory Aglow
November 19 – January 8 | 5 – 9PM
Franklin Park Conservatory
The outdoor Conservatory experience glows with stunning, themed light displays. See new displays such as the light show in the rainbow tunnel, a disco dance party and a musical light show in the Grand Mallway. These fun new additions are featured alongside returning favorites, including ornament trees, the Whirly Tree by Tork Inc. and a larger-than-life gingerbread house. More Information.
Shadowbox Live Holiday Hoopla
November 17 – December 23
Brewery District
Shadowbox Live’s most popular sketch comedy & music show celebrates the hustle, bustle, and fun of the season with an evening of unforgettable live entertainment that has become a Columbus holiday tradition! More Information.
Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library (Free)
Nov. 21 through Jan. 8
Downtown Columbus
The Huntington Holiday Train has delighted people of all ages since 1992. This downtown holiday treasure was generously loaned to Columbus Metropolitan Library by Huntington in 2009 and is displayed in Main Library’s Grand Atrium. Bring your entire family to see the display with its trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle. FYI: Free one hour parking in the garage attached to the library. More Information.
Uptown Scrooge
Saturday & Sunday Nov. 27 – Dec. 18 | 12:30, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, & 3pm
Westerville
Experience Dickens’ classic holiday tale like never before in this immersive walking tour performance of A Christmas Carol. Uptown Scrooge is a theatrical performance spectacle that utilizes innovative storytelling, improvisation, music, and audience interaction to share the story of Charles Dickens‘ The Christmas Carol. Guided through the streets and shops of historic Uptown Westerville by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future, audience members go on Scrooge’s journey, experiencing the magic and wonder of his holiday adventure first-hand. A unique holiday experience for the whole family. More Information.
12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt
December 1 – December 24
Dublin
Make your way to 12 Historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get your card signed! When your kiddo finds the elf at each stop, they will get a little prize. Collect them all and return your completed card at any participating business before December 23rd to be entered to win the grand prize basket. This is such a fun activity for the kids, plus a great way to support our local businesses. More Information.
DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS
Sat., Dec. 3, 10 & 17, 2022 • 5:30 – 9:30 pm
Sun., Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 2022 • 1 – 5 pm
Ohio Village
Bring your family to our 19th century holiday celebration and see Charles Dickens’ festive vision of Christmas come to life. Meet and interact with Ohio Village residents to learn how they celebrate the holiday season. Have some chance encounters with holiday characters including Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Krampus and others. Enjoy music and dance of the period and partake in various activities in the village buildings, and look for gift ideas in our local artisan market! More Information.
WinterFest (Free)
December 3 | 11am – 4pm
BICENTENNIAL PARK
Kick off the holiday season on Sat., Dec. 3 in Columbus with live music, seasonal craft beers, and some of the best fare from local food trucks. Live music kicks off at 11 a.m. on the Bicentennial Stage, along with activities for all ages including a snow globe photo opportunity and mechanical reindeer. 21 and older patrons can enjoy a seasonal craft beer truck along with the return of the hot bourbon cider, which sold out during last year’s festivities. More Information.
Village Lights (Free)
December 4 | 5pm – 9pm
German Village
Follow the luminaries from shop to shop as you begin checking off your holiday gift list. Our German Village businesses are open late with holiday specials and you’ll find festive surprises around every corner. Kick off your shopping at StrietzelMarkt just outside the German Village Society Meeting Haus. You’ll find vendors, music and more. Don’t miss greeting Santa and his elves at the Actors’ Theatre Schiller Amphitheater stage! Santa will be on hand for storytelling and photos. More Information.
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons (Free)
December 2, 9, 16, 23
Downtown Columbus
Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5 pm to 9 pm. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians in the park. You can find that extra bit of holiday cheer on the dates listed above. More Information.
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
December 7 – January 3
Downtown Columbus
A downtown Columbus holiday tradition since 1931, State Auto’s Christmas Corner is home to a life sized nativity scene, as well as choir performances on Friday evenings. More Information.
Unwrap Ohio’s holiday season with THESE ideas from Ohio.FinditHere. Make sure you share your Ohio holiday memories on social media using #HolidaysinOhio.
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
- November 18 – January 1, Every night from 5 pm to 11 pm
- Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5 pm to 9 pm. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians in the park. You can find that extra bit of holiday cheer on these (Friday) dates: December 2, 9, 16 and 23.
- 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- More Information
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
- November 18 – January 1, Sunday-Thursday 5pm – 9pm, Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm
- 4850 West Powell Rd. Powell OH 43065
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
- November 19 – January 8, Every night, 5 – 9PM
- 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
- More Information
The Scioto Mile Holiday Lights
- November 23 – January 2, Lights are visible from dusk until dawn each day.
- 233 Civic Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43215
- More Information
Easton Town Center
- Starts November 22
- Other Fun Holiday Events at Easton Town Center
- November 22 – 21st Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Santa Arrival Parade (6:30 PM)
- The Christmas Tree Show | November 22-The Holiday Season
- Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | November 23-December 29 (Friday – Sunday)
- Photos with Santa | November 22-December 24
- Letters to Santa Mailbox | November 22-December 24
- Holiday Entertainers | November 22-December 24
- Menorah Celebration | December 28
- 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
Bask in the glow of holiday cheer with the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail! 55 stops take you around Ohio to the best light shows in the state. Download the trail map and visit these dazzling displays for an unforgettable holiday experience!
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Drive-Thru)
- November 18 – January 1, Sunday-Thursday, 5:30pm-9:00pm and Friday + Saturday, 5:30pm-10:00pm
- 3311 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
- Check out their Instagram OR Facebook for live updates.
- More Information
WonderLight’s Christmas
- November 11 – January 1, 5:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
- Hartford Fairgrounds – 14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013
- More Information
Magic of Lights at Historic Crew Stadium {NEW}
- November 23 – January 1, 5:30pm-10:00pm, Closed on December 2nd
- Historic Crew Stadium – 717 East 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
- More Information
Flying Horse Farms LIGHT UP CAMP (Free, Suggested Donation)
- November 25 – December 24, Friday and Saturday from 6pm – 10pm
- 5260 OH-95, Mt Gilecad, OH 43338
- More Information
Lights of Glenross (Neighborhood Show, Free)
- Starts November 24, Sunday-Thursday: 5pm-9pm, Friday & Saturday: 5pm-11pm
- Located in a neighborhood in Delaware. Check out this part of their website for directions and best places to enter at.
- More Information, Follow along on Facebook for updates
Lucy Depp Lights (Neighborhood Show, Free)
- Starts November 25, Dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday.
- 9360 Frabell Dr, Powell OH 43065 – Because the roads are so narrow and traffic is a concern, they have a loop around the show. There are signs directing traffic.
- More Information
Ohio Theatre
December 2-4. Columbus Symphony – Holiday Pops with Tony DeSare
December 8-24. BalletMet – The Nutcracker
December 22. My First Nuctracker
Columbus Children’s Theatre
December 10-23. The Happy Elf
Palace Theatre
November 27 – A Charlie Brown Christmas
December 1-2 Cirque Dreams Holidaze
December 4 – Hip Hop Nutcracker
December 13-18. Elf The Musical
Southern Theatre
November 5. Chamber Music Columbus – Bridget Kibbey, Harpist and Alexi Kenney, Violinist
November 30 – December 4. Jazz Arts Group (feat. Stacie Boord) – Home for the Holidays
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market (Free Admission)
- November 20 | The Exchange | Bridge Park | 11am – 4pm
- November 27 | BrewDog Brewery | Canal Winchester | 11 AM – 4 PM
- December 4 | German Village Lights | Schiller Park | 3 PM – 8 PM
- December 11 | BrewDogBrewery | Canal Winchester | 11 AM – 4 PM
Columbus Winterfair
Experience artful shopping this holiday season. At Columbus Winterfair, you can shop the work of 375 artists, perfect for finding that unique holiday gift while supporting our local artists.
- December 2-4
- Friday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Ohio Expo Center – 716 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
- More Information
Ohio Made Holiday Market
The Holiday Market features 80+ one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty small businesses from right here in Ohio. The Hollywood Casino Columbus makes the event a unique destination with endless activities available. Make sure to snap a selfie with Santa as he walks around greeting shoppers. The Ohio Made Holiday Market is not just a craft event, it’s a shopping party.
- November 18 & 19
- General Admission is $5 online and $6 at the door
- More Information
Winter MarketTHREADS + MADE Market – Holiday Edition at BrewDog USA
This holiday edition show is a fun popup featuring amazing vendors of boutique clothing + accessories, modern makers + designers, small batch apothecary, fiber artists, artisan jewelry. live plants, hand poured candles, gorgeous pottery, and more.
- December 3 – 10am – 4pm
- Admission is FREE from 11am – 4pm., $5 for first hour
- BrewDog DogTap Columbus – 96 Gender Road Canal Winchester, OH
- More Information
- This summer, we took a lovely trip up north to Lakeside. It was beautiful. A few shop owners shared stores of the past summers and their favorite memories but said there’s no place like Lakeside for the holidays! It reminded me of a Hallmark movie, so I have no doubt. December 2-3 and 9-10, take a drive up to experience “Lakeside Christmas.” Visit Santa, attend a cookie decorating workshop, see a family movie in Orchestra Hall, and enjoy live entertainment with Chip Richter. More Information. Drive Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes from Columbus
- Did you know our Ohio State Park lodges are decked out with holiday cheer? Beyond the beautifully decorated lodges, the unique ambiance, and the tranquil winter view outside the windows, each location offers a special warmth when visiting with family during the holidays. Read more about the holiday magic happening at our Ohio State Park lodges here. Drive Time: Depends on which lodge you choose. We have nine to choose from.
- Every evening from November 25th – December 24th , Landoll Castle becomes the most magical, jolly place to be! troll the grounds and soak up the Holiday Spirit with over 150,000 lights, outdoor Christmas trees and, of course, your favorite Holiday tunes! If you’ve been nice, you might even meet the man himself—Jolly Old Saint Nick drops down the chimney at The Pavilion to meet children of all ages every Friday and Saturday from 5pm to 8pm November 25th – December 24th. More Information. Drive Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes from Columbus
- Take a trip back in time and experience old world England as historic downtown Cambridge, Ohio is charmingly transformed into a Dickens Victorian Village each holiday season. From November through December each year, visitors are invited to stroll amidst over 92 scenes of 180 lifelike figures representing classic scenes from the Victorian era. More Information. Drive Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes from Columbus
- Hop on board the North Pole Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation for a magical trip through a Winter Wonderland in Findlay. More Information. Drive Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes from Columbus.
For more Holiday Getaways in Ohio, check out this list from Ohio.Find it Here.
XOXO, Megan
