Looking to have a jolly good time this holiday season? You’ve come to the right place! Central Ohio is full of delightful events that are sure to fill you with holiday cheer. From dazzling light displays to enchanting performances and family-friendly activities, there’s plenty of festive fun for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to dive into the spirit of the season with our handpicked selection of top holiday events happening in and around Central Ohio!
1. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Cost: Admission to Wildlights is included with your Zoo admission or with your Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Membership.
Location: Columbus Zoo – 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Immerse yourself in the magic of the season at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with the breathtaking Wildlights display. Millions of LED lights transform the zoo into a sparkling wonderland, accompanied by festive sounds and activities for the whole family.
- Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll
- November 14, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
- Wildlights Member Night
- November 16, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Facebook Event
- Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience
- December 10, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2. BalletMet The Nutcracker
Dates: December 7-23, 2023
Cost: Starts at $38.50, purchase tickets here
Location: Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved classic, “The Nutcracker,” performed by BalletMet at the historic Ohio Theatre. Don’t miss the opportunity to be enchanted by this holiday tradition that brings joy to audiences of all ages.
3. Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village
Dates: Dec 2, 9, 16, 2023 (5:30–9:00 p.m.) & Dec 3, 10, 17, 2023 (1–5 p.m.)
Cost: $18/Adult; $14 Youth (ages 4-12); Free/Child (age 3 & under), Member Pricing – $13/Adult Member; $9/Youth Member. Purchase tickets here.
Location: Ohio Village, 800 E 17th Ave, Columbus, OH 43211
Step back in time at Ohio Village and experience the enchanting Victorian Christmas celebration inspired by Charles Dickens’ timeless stories. Join in the merriment with various activities, including cooking demonstrations, crafts, caroling, and much more. Advanced registration is required for this heartwarming journey into the past.
4. Easton Holiday Carriage Rides
Dates: Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays beginning November 18. Fridays & Saturdays: 5-9PM, Sundays: 3-7PM
Cost: $10 per person, cash only. Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult.
Location: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh! Experience the magic of the season from a horse-drawn carriage throughout Easton’s North District and Fenlon Square. Carriages pick up and drop off outside of Zara on Gramercy Street.
5. Shadowbox Live – Holiday Hoopla 2023: Same Holiday. New Hoopla
Dates: November 16 – December 23, 2023
Cost: Tickets start at $40, Purchase tickets here.
Location: Shadow Box, 503 S Front St #260, Columbus, OH 43215
Holiday Hoopla 2023. Same Holiday. New Hoopla. is one of Shadowbox’s most beloved and iconic productions! Can you believe it – this will be its 31st year!? Holiday Hoopla is a sketch comedy and live music experience celebrating the fun and dysFUNction of the holidays. Shadowbox Live is a complete night out with a food menu and full bar (created by the artists themselves) available for purchase during the pre-show.
6. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Dates: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024
Cost:The rates for Cars, Minivans, SUVs, and Pickup Trucks are $20 from Monday to Thursday as part of the weekday discount, and $30 for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Additionally, special pricing is available for military personnel, assisted living homes, buses, and RVs. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here. For those intending to attend the event multiple times during the season, a Season Pass for 2023 is offered at a fixed rate of $80.
Location: 3311 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Drive through the spectacular light show at Alum Creek and let the magical twinkling displays create an enchanting experience for the whole family.
7. Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library
Dates: On display at Main Library during regular library hours Nov. 22 through Jan. 7, 2024.
Cost: Free. Free one-hour parking in Main Library’s attached garage.
Location: Downtown Library, 96 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Delight in the intricate details of the holiday train display at the Main Library, a beloved tradition since 1992. Lose yourself in the enchanting replicas of historic German homes and castles, bringing joy to visitors of all ages.
Holiday Open House | Wednesday, Nov. 29 | 6-8 p.m. – Join in for festive family fun with activities, crafts, refreshments and live reindeer outside! Enjoy music from Columbus Rings, performances from Momentum-Excellence, plus the official launch of the Huntington Holiday Train with a little help from special guests.
8. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Dates: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Cost: $26.00 for adults (13 and up), $22.00 for seniors (60+), and $15.50 for children aged 3-12 years.
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Immerse yourself in a world of mesmerizing lights, captivating displays, and fun celebrations at the Franklin Park Conservatory. You will LOVE exploring festive igloos, the Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., and the magical Paul Busse Garden Railway. Plus, new this year — ice skating! Glide under the stars at the Ahlum & Arbor Ice Rink!From live entertainment to gingerbread contests, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this festive wonderland.
9. Ohio Statehouse Holiday Choir Performances
Dates: December 5-19, 2023 (Weekdays at Noon)
Cost: Free
Location: Museum Gallery, The Ohio Statehouse – 1 Capitol Square Columbus, OH 43215
Join in the holiday spirit with free lunchtime choir performances at the Ohio Statehouse. Let the captivating melodies of Ohio’s musical groups fill your heart with joy as you celebrate the season with the community. You can find the schedule here.
10. Twelve Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt
Dates: December 4-23, 2023
Cost: Free
Location: Historic Dublin, Dublin, OH 43017
Embark on a delightful scavenger hunt through the charming shops of Historic Dublin. Pick up your 12 elves card and explore the area as you search for the 12 elves, adding an extra layer of excitement to your holiday season. You can learn more here.
11. Santa’s Wonderland with Free Pictures with Santa
Dates: Nov 4 – Dec 24, 2023
Cost: Free
Location: Cabela’s – 1650 Gemini Pl, Columbus, OH 43240
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at Santa’s Wonderland, located at Cabela’s. Enjoy a delightful meet and greet with Santa, complete with a complimentary printed picture. Additional photo orders are available for purchase. Don’t forget to take home a special ‘take and make’ ornament and write your letter to Santa!
12. Snowflake Castle
Dates: Nov 27 – Dec 4, 2023
Cost: $15 per child includes toy & photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus, purchase tickets here.
Location: Everal Barn and Homestead – 60 N. Cleveland Ave., Westerville, OH
Join Santa and his elves at Snowflake Castle for a delightful holiday experience. Make your very own wooden toy, visit Santa’s workshop, and explore the holiday craft area, all while soaking in the festive spirit. Ages 10 and under suggested. Note: They offer a Sensory Friendly Snowflake experience on Sunday, Nov. 26.
13. Easton Holiday Lighting Grand Illumination
Date: November 17th, 6pm – 9pm
Cost: Free
Location: Easton Town Center – 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
Facebook Event
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 around 7PM and watch as over two-million lights simultaneously illuminate Easton for the season. In lieu of a parade, they will be spreading the cheer throughout all of Easton! Visit the Town Square, Central Park Fountain, Fenlon Square, and The Yard for festive fun.
14. WinterFest
Date: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Admission is Free
Location: Dorrian Green – 50 S. Belle St., Columbus, OH 43215
Facebook Event
WinterFest Columbus, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is a free annual celebration of the winter season in downtown Columbus. This free event features local seasonal craft beer and cocktails, live music, some of Columbus’ best food trucks, and lots of outdoor winter fun! You can learn more here.
15. Not Your Mama’s Craft Markets
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market is kicking off the holiday season with their 1st of 5 holiday shopping experiences! Join 90+ Makers, Vintage Shops and Boutiques at Dublin Bridge Park’s The Exchange from 11am-4pm on Sunday, November 19th! NYMCM is known for showcasing the BEST of the BEST Makers making you an even better gifter than the big jolly man himself! So, grab your pals and make a plan.
- Date: Sunday, November 19
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM - Location: The Exchange at Dublin’s Bridge Park – 6520 Riverside Drive, Dublin, Ohio
- Cost: For your shopping convenience, this Dublin market is a ticketed event. Tickets will be sold in time blocks and can be bought in advance for a discount HERE. Admission is FREE from 3pm-4pm.
- Facebook Event
BrewDog Brewery and Taproom Event
This market at BrewDog Brewery is proud to highlight over 50 local makers, vintage resellers and boutique curators.
- Date: Saturday, November 26
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: BrewDog Brewery and Taproom
- Facebook Event
The Kee in Downtown Columbus Event
This is their NEW indoor HOLIDAY MARKET. DISCOVER and support over 100 of the Midwest’s best brands and local artists while having a blast!
- Date: Saturday, November 26,
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: The Kee in Downtown Columbus
- Cost: Free
- Facebook Event
Inside Schiller Park Rec. Center in German Village
Over 100 handpicked and curated Makers, Vintage Shops and Boutiques will be filling TWO gymnasiums at Schiller Park’s Recreation Center to create a unique one stop shopping experience for you and your friends!
- Date: Saturday, December 3
- Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Location: Inside Schiller Park Rec. Center in German Village
- Cost: Free
- Facebook Event
BrewDog Brewery and Taproom Event (During Santa Brunch)
Promoting slow-made, creatively conscious shopping, their December 10th market at BrewDog Brewery and coincides with BrewDog’s famous Santa Brunch! Their market is proud to highlight over 50 local makers, vintage resellers and boutique curators. With a drink in hand, mix and mingle with the designers and small business owners themselves while checking every name off your gift list. After your shopping, grab some brunch with Santa in the taproom (reservation recommended) and visit Santa’s favorite real live reindeer outside!
- Date: Saturday, December 10
- Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Location: BrewDog Brewery and Taproom
- Facebook Event
16. Jingle Mingle at Shops on Lane
Date: Saturday, December 9
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Cost: Free
Location: 1675 W Lane Ave, Upper Arlington, OH
Facebook Event
Celebrate the holidays with friends and family at The Shops on Lane Avenue. This event is completely free for everyone to enjoy. Activities include a Polar Bear Slide, Giant Snow Globe, Gingerbread Playland, Snow Axe Throwing, Mechanical Snowboard, Costume Characters, and complimentary Hot Chocolate (while supplies last). Enjoy the festive atmosphere with cheerful music for all to relish.
17. MARCUS THEATRES RETRO SERIES
Date: November 26 to December 21
Time: Times Vary per Movie
Cost: $6/ticket, $20/passport for four movies
Location: Marcus Crosswoods Cinema: 200 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH 43235, Marcus Pickerington Cinema: 1776 Hill Rd N, Pickerington, OH 43147
More Information Here
Looking for even more holiday excitement? These events are just the tip of the iceberg! There’s a sleigh-load of activities and festivities waiting for you in Central Ohio. If you need more ideas or have any questions, feel free to shoot me a message. Get ready to make this holiday season the most magical one yet! 🎄🎅
Discover more from Eat Play CBUS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
