Inspiring Spots Within Your Reach - A Guide to Columbus Ohio
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Experience the Magic of Holiday Lights in Columbus 2024
Itโs the most wonderful time of year, and there is a ton of magic to be found! One of my favorite traditions this time of year is looking at all the twinkling, sparkling beautiful holiday lights. Few things can warm up a winter night and raise the holiday cheer level quite like a dazzling Christmas lights display.
Dive into Columbusโ ultimate holiday experience! Wanderlights kicks off on November 22, lighting up downtown with over 500,000 glowing lights. Stroll from Columbus Commons down West Town Street to Bicentennial Park and soak in the festive magic!
Columbus Commons – 160 S High St : Start your adventure here! Marvel at the 40-foot Christmas tree, explore 16 decorated beds, and wander through a dazzling illuminated tunnel with six glowing archways. Donโt forget to snap a pic in the snow globe photo-op!
Town Street, 50 W Town St : The street will sparkle with expanded lights and a seasonal mural. See if you can find all 32 penguins hidden along your walk! Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr : The riverfront will glow beautifully, especially around the Scioto Mile Fountain, adorned with 40+ sculptural lightsโperfect for photos!
๐ฝโ๐ผ๐ผ ๐ฝ๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฝ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ช๐ค ๐๐ฅ โ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ฆ๐ค โ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ค – Join in for free hot chocolate, live music, a photo booth, carousel rides, and hot boozy beveragesโall while surrounded by twinkling lights!
Fridays, Dec. 6, 13, and 20
5 p.m. โ 9 p.m.
๐ฝโ๐ผ๐ผ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ค ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐๐๐ช ๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฃ – Hop aboard a classic holiday trolley to see the sights! Starting from Columbus Commons, weโll visit the Lazarus Building, Scioto Mile, and end at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the butterfly light show. Donations are encouraged to support our local heroes! Departure times: 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 8 p.m. (30 people max per tour, first-come, first-served).
If you don’t have a membership to the Columbus Zoo, but have a Columbus Library card – you can check out a Short Term Membership Pass. The pass includes 6 guests, expires 2 days after receiving the pass, and does not include $10 parking. Available at select libraries. More details here.
Step into a holiday wonderland as the gardens and interior biomes come alive with dazzling lights and captivating experiences. Wander through mesmerizing light displays, dance the night away at our nostalgic 90s-themed party, or unwind in cozy festive igloos at the all-new Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace. Inside, the magic continues as lights adorn the Conservatoryโs lush biome spaces.
These exciting new features join returning favorites including the iconic ornament trees, the whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., the life-size gingerbread house, the enchanting Paul Busse Garden Railway and Through the Vines: A Seasonal Journey.
Creekside Gahanna District Lights
November 24 –
123 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230
Parking: Garage and On-street
Don’t miss the annual 2024 Holiday Lights Celebration in Gahanna Creekside District on Sunday, November 24th from 3PM – 6:30PM. Free for everyone holiday activities start at 3 PM, and include live performances on the Holiday Stage, Snow Plow Display, arts and crafts, storytime with the library, fun photo opportunities in our โGiant Snow Globe,โ and so much more fun! Santa arrives by fire truck at 6:00 PM to light the tree and set off the holiday fireworks!
Easton Town Center
November 19, 2023 – Holiday Season
160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
Easton is one of our favorite places to visit during the holidays. Inside, you’ll find Christmas trees and holiday decor everywhere you look, and outside you’ll experience a one-of-a-kind light display that will have your whole family “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing.” with a 56-foot Christmas tree that has a show beginning every 15 from the top of the hour.
Mark your calendars for the Grand Illumination on Friday, November 22 from 6 PM – 9PM. 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!
Carriage Rides take place Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays beginning November 23. Fridays & Saturdays: 5-9PM and Sundays: 3-7PMย in North District. The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh! Experience the magic of the season from a horse-drawn carriage throughout Eastonโs North District and Fenlon Street. Rides are $10 per person; cash preferred. Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult. Carriages pick up and drop off outside of Zara on Gramercy Street.
Photos with Santa take place November 23 โ December 24. Santa is making his list and checking it twice! Visit Santa on Level 2, across from BIBIBOP. You can make reservations ahead of time!
Menorah Lighting takes place December 30th from 6PM – 8:30PM.
The Dawes Arboretum Winter Wonders Walk
This spectacular display of our grounds will take place on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 6 โ 9pm. Plan your visit to explore the paved Parkwoods Trail, surrounded by illuminated trees and enjoy the beauty of nature in winter. Enjoy music, coffee and food trucks and a special appearance from Santa Claus each night! Make sure to mark your calendars for the last night as Santaโs reindeer arrive to take him home to prepare for this holiday season. You wonโt want to miss it! Registration is required. Stay up-to-date via our social media channels or check out our website at dawesarb.org.
7770 Jacksontown Rd Newark, OH 43056
6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5 (for members only), and Dec. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21.
There will also be a special sensory sensitivity night on Thursday, Dec. 12 featuring a quiet, dimly lit walk through the Arboretumโs winter wonderland
If you’re like my husband, your way of viewing the lights is enjoying the show from the warmth of your own vehicle; we have plenty of drive-thru experiences in Central Ohio.
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.
Their story goes back 184 yearsโfrom a stop on the Underground Railroad to an African-American resort community where boxer Joe Louis was known to stay, Lucy Depp Park has quite the history! Read more about it here.
Get ready to soak up the holiday spirit and make unforgettable memories! Whether you’re strolling through the magical lights at Columbus Commons, soaking in the festive vibes at Easton Town Center, or enjoying the cozy charm of Lucy Depp Lights, thereโs tons of fun waiting for you. Donโt miss out on these sparkling adventuresโletโs make this season one to remember!
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