Get ready to embrace the holiday spirit! November is bursting with festive events across Columbus, perfect for families, couples, and friends alike. From Santa’s arrival at Tanger Outlets to the dazzling displays of Wanderlights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to shop for the perfect gift, make cherished memories with loved ones, or simply soak in the seasonal magic, this guide will help you navigate the holiday festivities. Let’s dive into the exciting events that will make this holiday season unforgettable!
As always, be sure to check social media and websites before attending. Plans can change, and I wouldn’t want you to go somewhere and be disappointed!
November 15
- Santa’s Wonderland at Tanger Outlets
- Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM
- Location: Tanger Outlets
- Kick off the holiday season during the 7th annual holiday event, Santa’s Wonderland, in Center Courtyard. Enjoy Starbucks hot cocoa, snap a photo with Santa, and make memories starting your holiday shopping. Santa will arrive at approximately 5:15 PM by horse-drawn carriage parade.
- Toy and Coat Drive for People In Need – Bring (or shop for!) a new toy or coat for a child in Delaware County. People In Need provides relief to our neighbors in their time of need.
- More Information
November 22
- Easton’s Grand Illumination
- 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Easton Town Center – 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
- 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!
- More Information | Facebook Event
November 18
- Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library
- On display Nov. 18-Jan. 18
- Main Library Downtown – 96 S. Grant Ave.
- Visit during regular library hours, with free one-hour parking in Main Library’s attached garage.
- 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 National Bank in 2009 and is displayed in Main Library’s Grand Atrium.
- Mark your calendars for the FREE Holiday Open House on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 6-8 p.m. They will have festive family fun with activities, crafts, hot chocolate and live reindeer outside! Enjoy music from Columbus Rings, performances from Columbus Modern Dance Company, plus the official launch of the Huntington Holiday Train with a little help from a special guest. All activities are free; parking for the event will be free in Main Library’s parking garage.
- More Information
November 22
- Wanderlights Kick-off for the Season
- 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Daily
- November 22 – February 16
- Downtown Columbus
- Winter magic abounds at Wanderlights, where over a half a million lights and special experiences will brighten the Downtown Columbus landscape. Wanderlights is more than a light display; it’s Columbus’ ultimate holiday destination. Families, couples, and solo adventurers will find joy in the holiday glow that’s totally FREE, plus one-of-a-kind holiday experiences against the backdrop of Downtown Columbus.
- Columbus Commons: 160 S High Street – Start your Wanderlights experience at Columbus Commons and see the park shining brighter than ever with new twists on this holiday tradition (easy parking is a plus). Experience a kaleidoscope of color as you stroll through the Commons and get ready to make the season BRIGHT. Magical memories are waiting to be made daily, but check out special events through the holiday season for an extra-festive atmosphere.
- Town Street: 50 West Town Street- New this year, Town Street will be twinkling with expanded lights and decorations, projection shows and a seasonal mural. As you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, see if you can spot all the penguins hidden between High Street and Civic Center Drive.
- Scioto Mile: 233 S Civic Center Drive – The Downtown riverfront will be decked out in an elevated glow, centered around the Scioto Mile Fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights that will provide passersby and Milestone 229 patrons the ultimate photo-worthy experience.
- More Information
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights Kick-off for the Season
- Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:00pm
- Friday + Saturday 5:30pm-10:00pm
- Open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
- Open rain, snow, shine or wind!
- November 22 – January 1, 2025
- Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds – 3311 South Old State Road Delaware, OH 43015
- This is one of our favorite holiday traditions with the girls A magical 3 mile light show! One of the best parts? It is a drive-thru experience! This means you get to enjoy the beautiful lights from the warmth of your car!!
- More Information | Facebook
- Sunday-Thursday 5:30pm-9:00pm
- Wildlights Kick-off for the Season
- Sunday – Thursday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Friday – Saturday: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Columbus Zoo – 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
- Experience the magic of the holiday season in Central Ohio with millions of dazzling LED zoo lights, animated musical light shows, and festive activities at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium! Admission to Wildlights is included with your regular Zoo admission or Columbus Zoo membership. To catch a glimpse of the animals before they retreat for the evening, be sure to arrive early and enjoy the Zoo lights afterward!
- More Information
November 23
- Season of Celebrations at COSI
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM during COSI Hours
- COSI – 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Season of Celebrations is a magical exhibit where the museum will be transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring a stunning 40-foot tree in the Atrium, 50 community-decorated trees, and 10 themed trees inspired by classic COSI exhibits. Local organizations, schools, and nonprofits have adorned the trees, each sharing a unique story that reflects the Columbus community. You can explore this enchanting space, learn about the featured organizations, and enjoy the festive decor throughout the museum. The classic Progress exhibit will also be transformed, showcasing holiday life in 1898 and 1962. Plus, enjoy roving actors adding festive cheer daily from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
- 5-9 PM nightly and 5-10 PM Fridays and Saturdays in December
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Prepare to immerse yourself in a holiday wonderland where gardens and indoor biomes come alive with dazzling lights and enchanting experiences. Stroll through breathtaking light displays that are sure to leave you in awe, and if you’re feeling nostalgic, you can join in on a lively 90s-themed party where you can dance the night away!
- Looking for a cozy spot to relax? Check out the brand-new Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace, featuring festive igloos that provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding with friends and family. Inside, the magic continues as the Conservatory glimmers with lights that beautifully illuminate its lush biome spaces. This year also brings back some beloved favorites, including the iconic ornament trees and the whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc. Don’t miss the life-size gingerbread house and the enchanting Paul Busse Garden Railway, where a magical train display winds through a captivating landscape. It’s the perfect setting to create unforgettable holiday memories!
- More Information
November 24
- Holiday Lights Celebration in Gahanna
- Time: 3:00PM – 6:30PM
- Location: Creekside District in Gahanna
- 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 a ‘Giant Snow Globe,’ and so much more fun! Santa arrives by fire truck at 6:00 PM to light the tree and set off the holiday fireworks!
- More Information
- Hip Hop Nutcracker
- Time: 7:00 PM
- The Palace Theatre – 34 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- A holiday mash-up for the entire family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a re-mixed and re-imagined contemporary dance spectacle that transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Set to Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, this unique and joyful production is performed by a supercharged cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, an electric violinist, and one of hip hop’s founding fathers, MC Kurtis Blow, who opens the show with a short set.
- More Information
November 29
- A Christmas Carol
- Friday, November 29 at 7:30 PM, Saturday, November at 7:30 PM, and Sunday, December 1 at 2:00 PM.
- Ohio Theatre – 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215
- More Information
- Lucy Depp Light Show Kicks-off for the Season
- 2024 show runs from Black Friday until January 5th, dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday.
- Lucy Depp Light Show, There are signs directing traffic, but to find them on Google use the “address” 9360 Frabell Dr, Powell OH 43065.
- Over 13 acres is transformed into a winter wonderland. A free, drive-through light show like you’ve never seen.
- More Information | Facebook
- The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill Kicks-off for the Season
- Time:
- Historic Clifton Mill – 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316
- Over 3.5 million lights create a breathtaking display set against the historic mill backdrop.
- More Information
- Dazzling Christmas Lights in Westerville Kicks-off for the Season
- Sun-Thurs: 6 PM to 10 PM and Fri-Sat: 6 PM to 11 PM
- November 29 – January 5, 2025
- 649 Old Coach Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
- A charming light display throughout the community celebrating the holiday season.
- More Information | Instagram
November 30
- Cirque Christmas
- 8:00 PM
- The Palace Theatre – 34 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Embrace the holiday spirit with A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS.
- More Information
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