Excited about the holidays in Columbus? Our guide will lead you to all the festive activities! Whether you're deeply connected to Columbus or just making connections, this guide illuminates your holiday path.
Popular Events: Experience the enchanting sounds and sights as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra takes the stage with their unique holiday rock concert, a must-see for music lovers. Also, join in the festive spirit at Easton's Grand Illumination, where dazzling lights and seasonal cheer create a breathtaking spectacle for the whole family. And definitely don't forget A Christmas Carol, a delightful adaptation that brings Charles Dickens' classic tale to life in a charming local setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Columbus
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra
- A Christmas Carol
- Easton's Grand Illumination
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dickens of a Christmas
- Conservatory Aglow
- Holiday Pops from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
- A Magical Cirque Christmas
- High Street Holiday Market and Holiday Hop
- Columbus Winterfair
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbus Holiday Light Displays
Easton's Grand Illumination
What to Expect:
Spectacular light display with live music and family activities.
Description:
Easton's Grand Illumination features over 2 million twinkling lights, live music, and family-friendly activities around the Center, creating a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Easton's Grand Illumination
Holiday Season Opener at Columbus Commons
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light display with festive activities.
Description:
Over 400,000 LED lights illuminate Columbus Commons, creating a dazzling display of color and light. The event features free hot chocolate, carousel rides, and live music, making it a delightful evening for all.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Holiday Season Opener at Columbus Commons
Conservatory Aglow
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Step into a holiday celebration at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where 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, and unwind in cozy festive igloos at the Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace. Enjoy iconic ornament trees, the whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., a life-size gingerbread house, and the enchanting Paul Busse Garden Railway with its magical train display.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Conservatory Aglow
Village Lights
What to Expect:
German-inspired market with local vendors and food trucks.
Description:
Village Lights in German Village features over 5,000 luminarias casting a warm glow on historic streets. The event includes a German-inspired Striezlemarkt with local vendors and food trucks, offering special offers, discounts, and holiday treats. Local shops, businesses, and restaurants are open late to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Village Lights
Columbus Holiday Markets and Shopping
Columbus Winterfair
What to Expect:
Unique handcrafted items and gourmet market offerings.
Description:
Columbus Winterfair is an annual arts fair featuring unique handcrafted items from 375 artists, including jewelry, glass, paintings, and ceramics. The event also includes a Gourmet Marketplace with finely crafted soaps, lotions, chocolates, and dips.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Winterfair
High Street Holiday Market and Holiday Hop
What to Expect:
Pedestrian-only winter celebration with street vendors and live music.
Description:
High Street Holiday Market and Holiday Hop transform High Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-only winter celebration. Shop from dozens of street vendors and artisans, enjoy live music, hot drinks, and holiday fashion, and participate in special events like tree sales and Santa visits.
Where: Columbus | More Info: High Street Holiday Market and Holiday Hop
Columbus Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Season of Celebrations
What to Expect:
World-class orchestral performances with renowned guest artists.
Description:
The Columbus Symphony's Season of Celebrations features a diverse array of musical performances, including classical masterworks and contemporary pieces, showcasing the orchestra's exceptional talent and Rossen Milanov's leadership.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Season of Celebrations
Dickens of a Christmas
What to Expect:
19th-century holiday celebration with Victorian-era activities.
Description:
Dickens of a Christmas at the Ohio History Connection offers a 19th-century holiday celebration with Victorian-era crafts, decorations, caroling, cooking demonstrations, and character interactions. Meet Santa Claus and other characters while exploring vendors and crafts around town. The event includes music, food demonstrations, and character interactions, providing a perfect opportunity for families to create lasting memories.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Dickens of a Christmas
A Christmas Carol
What to Expect:
Unique blend of traditional elements and contemporary music.
Description:
A reimagined production of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" by CAPA and Short North Stage, featuring expanded dance and music sequences, ideal for family audiences.
Where: Columbus | More Info: A Christmas Carol
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday musical with iconic Dr. Seuss characters.
Description:
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical brings the beloved holiday tale to life with hit songs like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." The show features magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original illustrations, transporting audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.
Where: Columbus | More Info: How The Grinch Stole Christmas
A Magical Cirque Christmas
What to Expect:
Dazzling acrobatic feats and high-flying aerial artists.
Description:
A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing your favorite holiday music.
Where: Columbus | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas
Handel's Messiah
What to Expect:
Iconic 'Hallelujah' chorus performance by the Columbus Symphony Chorus.
Description:
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Rossen Milanov, presents Handel's Messiah, featuring the Columbus Symphony Chorus. This iconic oratorio is renowned for its grandeur and tradition, with the iconic 'Hallelujah' chorus being a highlight.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Handel's Messiah
Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
What to Expect:
Soaring a cappella harmonies celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour features a 10-piece a cappella group delivering pop classics and modern chart hits with soaring vocals and pitch-perfect harmonies, celebrating the holiday season with festive favorites.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Straight No Chaser's Holiday Tour
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
What to Expect:
All-new, dazzling spectacle with pyrotechnics and lasers.
Description:
Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents an all-new version of "The Lost Christmas Eve," the final chapter of their Christmas trilogy, featuring pyrotechnics, lasers, and incredible storytelling.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Holiday Pops from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Classical holiday music with a chorus and children's choir.
Description:
The Columbus Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Pops at the Ohio Theatre, featuring the Columbus Symphony Chorus and Columbus Children's Choir performing beloved holiday songs and carols.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Holiday Pops from the Columbus Symphony Orchestra
Columbus Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival Celebration
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activities with live reindeer and an iceless ice rink.
Description:
The Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival Celebration in Grandview Heights features an iceless ice rink, trackless train rides, live reindeer, and a snow globe for photo opportunities. Enjoy holiday treats, crafts, and festive cocktails while shopping from various vendors selling candles, permanent jewelry, and holiday-themed baked goods.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Holiday Tree Lighting & Santa Arrival Celebration
WinterFest
What to Expect:
Family-friendly event with mechanical reindeer and giant snowglobe photo opportunities.
Description:
WinterFest Columbus is a free annual celebration in downtown Columbus featuring local seasonal craft beer, cocktails, live music, and some of Columbus' best food trucks, along with various outdoor winter activities for all ages.
Where: Columbus | More Info: WinterFest
Menorah Lighting at Easton Town Center
What to Expect:
Family-friendly Hanukkah celebration with traditional foods and activities.
Description:
Join Easton and Chabad of Columbus for a special menorah lighting at the Town Square. The event features sufganiot, dreidels, raffle prizes, music, dancing, and refreshments.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Menorah Lighting at Easton Town Center
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Starkville (23 miles)