COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — With the holiday season approaching, central Ohio is home to several activities and events that everyone can enjoy from November through February. Below is a list of holiday-themed events.
Wanderlights
Columbus Commons, Nov. 22 – Feb. 16, 2025 from 5 to 10 p.m.
- Explore the free holiday light experience featuring over half a million lights at the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street. During this time, a trolley tour will also be available to explore all of the Wanderlights destinations. The tour is free, but donations will be accepted for Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Nov. 22 – Jan. 5, 2025
- View millions of LED zoo lights, animated musical light shows, holiday activities and much more at the Columbus Zoo. The annual Wildlights is included in regular zoo admission. Patrons can go Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Easton’s Grand Illumination
Easton Town Center, Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.
- The annual illumination event starts with live music, activities and much more for the family to enjoy. Around 7 p.m., watch as over two million lights will illuminate Easton to kick off the holiday season.
Conservatory Aglow
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Nov. 23 – Jan. 5, 2025
- Walk through a holiday wonderland as the gardens will dazzle patrons with light displays and experiences. Along with lights, patrons can enjoy a ’90s-themed party, or hang out in a festive igloo at the new Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace.
The Christmas Carol
Ohio Theatre, Nov. 29 – Dec. 1
- CAPA, along with the Short North Stage, brings the holiday classic A Christmas Carol to the Ohio Theatre. Tickets are on sale now.
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons, Dec. 6, 13, and 20 from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering boozy beverages while looking through holiday lights downtown.
Holiday Pops with Columbus Symphony
Ohio Theatre, Dec. 6 – 8
- The Columbus Symphony brings magic to the Ohio Theatre while transforming it with a show of lights, festive music, heavenly voices, and seasonal cheer. Enjoy performances from the Columbus Symphony Chorus, Columbus Children’s Choir and special guests.
Holiday Hop 2024
Short North Arts District, Dec. 7 from noon to 8 p.m.
- The special holiday hop in the Short North will feature a variety of local vendors, elf trails, markets, musical performances and free gift wrapping.
Downtown Holiday Extravaganza
Downtown Columbus, Dec. 7
- Come to Downtown Columbus for an array of holiday festivities. Several areas will host events including the Lazarus Building, Columbus Commons, Common Thread and more.
Yuletide on Gay Festival
Gay and High Streets, Dec. 7 from 3 – 8 p.m.
- The street festival transforms the area into a winter wonderland for all to enjoy. Patrons can enjoy an iceless ice rink, live ice sculpture carving, music, DORA beverages and more. The festival is also part of the Downtown Holiday Extravaganza.
Village Lights
German Village, Dec. 8 from 5 to 9 p.m.
- Enjoy several holiday lights while enjoying all that the German Village neighborhood has to offer. This year, the event will feature food trucks, local vendors, holiday treats and more.
BalletMet’s Nutcracker
Ohio Theatre, Dec. 12 – 28
- Watch a holiday performance as “Clara” goes on a journey through the Land of Snow and the courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy. According to the BalletMet, the sounds of Tchaikovky will fill the Ohio Theatre as visions of dancers make memories in this classic story.
