Gear up for an amazing holiday season in Columbus with our ultimate festive guide! Whether Columbus is your permanent address or your temporary haven, this guide is your holiday companion.
Popular events in Columbus this season include the Columbus Zoo Wildlights, where millions of twinkling lights illuminate the zoo, creating a dazzling experience for all ages. Another highlight is the Short North Holiday Hop, which features galleries, shops, and restaurants adorned with seasonal flair. And the Conservatory Aglow showcases stunning light displays amidst lush greenery, offering a serene escape. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Columbus
- Columbus Zoo Wildlights
- Short North Holiday Hop
- Conservatory Aglow
- Holiday Pops with the Columbus Symphony
- Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
- Upper Arlington Tree Lighting and Winter Festival (Upper Arlington)
- Elf Trail in the Short North
- Cirque De Christmas
- Christmas in the Village (Canal Winchester)
- Zoo Year’s Eve
See these and even more events listed below!
Columbus Holiday Light Displays
Columbus Zoo Wildlights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium presents Wildlights, a spectacular holiday event featuring millions of dazzling LED lights, animated musical light shows, and festive activities. Guests can see animals before they retreat for the evening and enjoy various food and beverage options throughout the zoo.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Conservatory Aglow
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a botanical garden setting.
Description:
Step into a holiday celebration at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, where dazzling lights and captivating experiences transform the gardens and interior biomes. 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
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
What to Expect:
Holiday lights and live music in a downtown park setting.
Description:
On Fridays in December, Columbus Commons transforms into a vibrant holiday scene with over 400,000 LED lights, free hot chocolate, carousel rides, live music, and a roaming photo booth.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
Columbus Holiday Markets and Shopping
Short North Holiday Hop
What to Expect:
Pedestrian-only holiday market with live music and street performances.
Description:
The Short North Holiday Hop transforms High Street into a vibrant pedestrian-only experience, featuring street vendors, live music, hot chocolate, and special events. Visitors can shop the High Street Holiday Market, enjoy holiday fashion, and participate in activities like ice carving and toy drives.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Short North Holiday Hop
Columbus Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Pops with the Columbus Symphony
What to Expect:
Seasonal music celebration with a renowned orchestra and chorus.
Description:
The Columbus Symphony 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 with the Columbus Symphony
Cirque De Christmas
What to Expect:
World-class acrobatic and aerial performances celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
A variety show featuring world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music, with awe-inspiring acrobatics, contortion, and aerial arts.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Cirque De Christmas
Columbus Other Holiday Activities
Upper Arlington Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with ice sculpting and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Description:
Join us for an evening of ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and visits with Santa at the Upper Arlington Tree Lighting and Winter Festival. The event features a live reindeer display, a bonfire with s'mores, and the official lighting of the city's holiday tree.
Where: Upper Arlington | More Info: Upper Arlington Tree Lighting and Winter Festival
Elf Trail in the Short North
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday activity for kids.
Description:
In the Short North, kids under 12 can embark on the Elf Trail, finding hidden "Elf on the Shelf" dolls at participating businesses to earn stickers. Accumulating three stickers will earn them a free hot beverage at participating shops.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Elf Trail in the Short North
Christmas in the Village
What to Expect:
Unique blend of holiday activities and local business participation.
Description:
Canal Winchester's annual storybook Christmas celebration features activities inside businesses and on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester. Highlights include tree lighting, visits with Santa, an iceless skating rink, and various holiday crafts and food options.
Where: Canal Winchester | More Info: Christmas in the Village
Zoo Year’s Eve
What to Expect:
Family-friendly New Year's Eve countdown in a zoo setting.
Description:
Celebrate the New Year with your family at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Zoo Year’s Eve, featuring a family-friendly countdown to noon, character meet-and-greets, music, and activities.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Zoo Year’s Eve
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Norfolk (41 miles)