If you’re looking for that holiday sparkle moment — where the lights twinkle just right, the cocoa’s warm, and downtown feels like a Hallmark movie — Wanderlights is your spot.
Downtown Columbus’ free holiday lights program is back starting Friday, November 21, and it’s going all out this year. Stretching from Columbus Commons down Town Street to Bicentennial Park, this immersive light experience features more than half a million glowing lights — and this year, it’s even more interactive and festive than before.
Wanderlights at a Glance
📅 When: November 21 – February 15
🕔 Time: 5 PM – 10 PM nightly
💵 Cost: FREE
📍 Where: Columbus Commons → Town Street → Bicentennial Park
It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll, date night downtown, or a holiday photo adventure with the kids. Every corner is glowing — from the 40-foot tree and snow globe photo-op at Columbus Commons to the penguin path on Town Street and the sparkling Scioto Mile fountain.
What’s New This Year
Columbus Commons is being completely reimagined with aurora borealis–inspired light installations and projection mapping by ReMix, a Columbus-based digital arts collective. Think glowing tunnels, light shows, and vibrant displays that make you feel like you’re walking through the northern lights — right in the middle of downtown.
You’ll also want to check out the windowscapes on High and Town Streets, where local digital artists are showing off some seriously stunning work.
Introducing Wander Nights!
This year brings something extra special — Wander Nights, happening on Fridays and Saturdays, December 5–6, 12–13, and 19–20 from 5–8 PM.
Expect a full-on downtown holiday celebration with:
- 🍫 Free hot chocolate
- 🎅 Visits with Santa in the Lazarus Building Galleria
- 🎁 Local holiday shopping at the Good Market near the Ohio Theatre
- 🚋 Free trolley rides between Columbus Commons and Bicentennial Park
- 🎠 Free carousel rides
- 🔥 Fire pits, food trucks, and cocktails at Bicentennial Park
- 🎬 Holiday movie nights starting at 6 PM
Wander Nights Movie Lineup
- Fri, Dec. 12: Frozen
- Sat, Dec. 13: Frozen 2
- Fri, Dec. 19: Miracle
- Sat, Dec. 20: Cool Runnings
And if you’re stopping by early December, note that Wander Nights won’t take place at Bicentennial Park on Dec. 5–6 due to WinterFest Columbus (which is worth checking out too!).
Wanderlight Highlights by Location
Columbus Commons
- 40-foot tree, 150+ lighted trees, and 16+ decorated garden beds
- Illuminated tunnel & snow globe photo spot
- Aurora-inspired displays by ReMix
- Nationwide Children’s butterfly light display
Town Street
- Lighted penguin pathway leading toward the Scioto Mile
- Holiday displays inside the Lazarus Building Galleria (open Fridays & Saturdays through Dec. 31)
Bicentennial Park / Scioto Mile
- 40 sculptural light installations and 75 wrapped trees
- Stunning riverfront glow and photo ops galore
Giving Back
This year, Nationwide Children’s Hospital joins as the official charitable partner, helping bring joy to pediatric patients, their families, and healthcare heroes all season long.
Parking
Paid parking is available at the Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E. Rich St.) — and bonus: proceeds help fund free programming at the Commons year-round.
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