COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – From holiday events and festivals including WinterFest and the Short North Holiday Hop, to tree lighting ceremonies and visits with Santa, here are things to see and do this weekend in central Ohio.

GalaxyCon Columbus

Greater Columbus Convention Center, Dec. 6-8

• The three-day “festival of fandom” will feature celebrities, artists, writers, voice actors and more joining fans from across the galaxy while celebrating comic books, pop culture, sci-fi and more.

75th Buckeye Model Trains & RR Artifacts Show

Lausche Building at Ohio Expo Center, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Over 150 dealers of model railroad items and artifacts will be showing off more than 300 tables of items. This is Ohio’s largest combination show, displaying both “modeler” and “rail buff” under one roof.

Jingle Bell Run

COSI/Genoa Park, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m.

• The annual race is back for its 40th year to help raise funds for the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your holiday gear and jingle all the way toward a cure. Races included are a 5K, Warrior Mile, Kids Fun Run and even a virtual option as well.

WinterFest Columbus

Bicentennial Park, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Kick off the winter season in Columbus with live music, seasonal craft beers and local food trucks. Admission is free and the event is held through the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department.

Ohio State men’s basketball

Value City Arena, Dec. 7 at noon

• The Ohio State Buckeyes face Rutgers Scarlett Knights in a home matchup.

Merry Market at Bridge Park

Longshore St. in Bridge Park, Dec. 7 from noon to 3 p.m.

• Get in the holiday spirit and check a few items off your shopping list. Longshore Street will be lined with vendors to keep you merry and bright.

Short North Holiday Hop 2024

North High Street, Dec. 7 from noon to 8 p.m.

• Check out several galleries, holiday and elf trails, free gift wrapping, markets, visits with Santa and much more through the Short North.

Christmas Under the Clock

Uptown Plain City, Dec. 7 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

• Enjoy several holiday events leading up to the tree lighting ceremony and Santa’s Parade in Plain City.

Downtown Holiday Extravaganza

Columbus Commons, Dec. 7 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• From a Santa Claus visit to free hot chocolate to jolly local shopping, there will be endless holiday cheer at the downtown festival.

Ohio State women’s basketball

Schottenstein Center, Dec. 8 at 4 p.m.

• Ohio State will face Illinois in a home matchup.

Village Lights 2024

German Village, Dec. 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• Follow the luminaria and immerse yourself in a world of lights and holiday magic on the historic streets. The event will feature local vendors, food trucks and much more.