The holiday season is all about joy, togetherness, and making special memories, and honestly, there’s no better place to celebrate than Downtown Columbus! Every year, we get swept up in the festive vibe that lights up the streets. Whether we’re sipping hot chocolate under the twinkling lights at Columbus Commons or enjoying fun events with friends and family, we’ve created so many awesome memories here. This year, the holiday magic is going to be even brighter, so let’s check out all the exciting things happening in Downtown Columbus!
Wanderlights: A Dazzling Daily Experience
When: Daily Nov. 22 – Feb. 16, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Starting at Columbus Commons and winding through Town Street to Bicentennial Park.
Wander through this enchanting display at your own pace! The route begins at Columbus Commons, where you’ll find a 40-foot Christmas tree, 16 decorated beds, and a charming illuminated tunnel made of six glowing archways. Don’t miss the snow globe photo op—perfect for capturing family memories!
Path Highlights:
- Columbus Commons, 160 S High St: Start your journey amidst the twinkling lights and vibrant decorations.
- Town Street, 50 W Town St: Spot all 32 penguins along the path as you stroll toward The Scioto Mile.
- Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr: Enjoy the riverfront illuminated by over 40 sculptural lights, creating the perfect backdrop for your holiday photos.
Special Events Not to Miss
Festive Fridays
When: Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Join in for free hot chocolate, live music, carousel rides, and even a photo booth—all while surrounded by dazzling lights!
FREE Wanderlights Trolley Tour
When: Fridays, December 6, 13, and 20 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
See the Wanderlights sights aboard a classic holiday trolley including Columbus Commons, the Lazarus Building and Scioto Mile before heading to Nationwide Children’s Hospital to see the butterfly light show on the front lawn along Livingston Avenue, bringing light to pediatric patients, their families and healthcare heroes alike. This tour is free, but donations are encouraged to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Tours start and end at Columbus Commons near the Rich Street entrance to the park. Departure times are 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 30 people per tour available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Saturday, December 7th Events
FREE Downtown Holiday Extravaganza
Locations Below | Saturday, Dec. 7 | Starts at 4 p.m.
From a Santa Claus visit to free hot chocolate to jolly local shopping, there will be endless holiday cheer at this festival on Saturday, December 7. Park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E Rich St) or Underground Garage (191 S Third St) and explore happenings along the Wanderlights path:
Lazarus Building, 50 W Town St, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Stop by the historic home of holiday shopping for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. While you wait, enjoy strolling characters, balloon artists, facepainting, arts and crafts, and write your letter to Santa. Plus, kids can shop for someone special at the Secret Santa shopping area. At 7 p.m., Santa will process across High Street to Columbus Commons to continue the celebration.
Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
With free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy beverages for purchase, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some extra merriment before ending the night. Start your holiday shopping with a market featuring nearly 40 local vendors and get your gifts wrapped at the station supporting Nationwide Children’s Hospital (donations encouraged).
Common Thread, 249 – 275 S Third St, 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Get ready to sleigh the holiday season and shop five local boutiques while enjoying an ultra-festive atmosphere including a DJ, light bites, decorations and more. Boutiques include:
- Pop-up shop experience
- Kuma Vida x Delana Muse
- T.Bears Florals
- Ludie Senatus Gallery
- Muse Med Spa – coming soon!
- VitaliTea Juice Lounge– coming soon!
Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop
When: Saturday, December 7 | 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
This festive trolley hop includes holiday crafts, treats, and stops at major attractions, including the holiday lights display!
Yuletide on Gay Festival
When: Saturday, December 7 | 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Transforming Gay & High Streets into a pedestrian winter wonderland, this festival features an iceless ice rink, live ice sculpture carving, and great food from local trucks. Fun for the whole family!
Support Local and Share Joy
You are encouraged to park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage to support free programming throughout the year. Plus, Nationwide Children’s Hospital is partnering to spread joy to pediatric patients and their families this holiday season.
So grab your family and friends, bundle up, and head to Downtown Columbus for a season filled with lights, laughter, and lasting memories. For more information on events and details, visit downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights.
Happy holidays and see you downtown! 🎄✨
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