The holidays in Columbus are nothing short of magical. From dazzling light displays to live performances and community celebrations, there’s no shortage of ways to soak in the season. Whether you’re looking to start a new family tradition or revisit a few familiar favorites, here are some of the best holiday happenings around Central Ohio.
Special Tree Lightings
Easton’s Grand Illumination
When: Friday, November 14 | 5 pm – 9pm
Where: Easton Town Square
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at Easton’s Grand Illumination. Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with live music, family fun, and costumed characters, leading up to the moment two million lights brighten the entire district at 7 p.m.
Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Ohio Statehouse
When: Thursday, December 4 | 5:30 pm
Where: Ohio Statehouse
Join the annual Statehouse Holiday Festival for an evening of cookies, carols, and classic holiday fun. Enjoy live performances, family activities, and a visit from Santa before the tree lighting. Learn more.
Light Displays We Love
Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
When: November 21 – January 4 | 5 pm – close
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Central Ohio’s favorite family holiday tradition is Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Originally just a few strands of lights and trays of cookies, the show has grown to millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and other holiday festivities, offering a whole new way to experience the zoo you know and love. Get your tickets.
Insider tip: Admission to Wildlights is included with your regular Zoo admission or Columbus Zoo membership.
Conservatory Aglow
When: November 22 – January 4 | 5 pm – 9 pm weeknights, 5-10 pm weekends
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
The annual Conservatory Aglow returns to Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, brighter than ever with new displays joining the favorites you know and love – like the iconic rainbow tunnel. This is a perfect event for the whole family, offering kid-friendly attractions like a penguin village and a life-sized Candyland board game. The entire property will be open during Conservatory Aglow, giving guests the chance to explore the festive Holiday Blooms exhibit, too. Get tickets here!
Insider Tip: Rent a private Igloo in the Bonsai Courtyard and enjoy comfortable seating, festive decor, and food and drinks served by a private bartender.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
When: November 21 – January 4 | 5:30 pm – 9 pm (weeknights)/ 5:30 pm – 10 pm (weekends)
Where: Alum Creek State Park
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is the perfect activity if you want to see holiday lights and stay warm. The three-mile drive-through experience at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds takes about 30 minutes, featuring twinkling holiday displays and dazzling tunnels, with the perfect holiday music pairing through the radio. Purchase tickets here.
Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
When: November 21 – February 15 | 5 pm – 10 pm daily
Where: Columbus Commons
This free event invites visitors to experience over half a million glowing lights that span the Columbus Commons, Town Street, Bicentennial Park, and the Scioto Mile.
Insider Tip: Stroll the path with a boozy beverage to go, thanks to the Center City DORA!
Holiday Performances You Won’t Want to Miss
Holiday Pops
When: December 5 – 7
Where: Ohio Theatre
Hear your most loved holiday songs and carols at this year’s annual Holiday Pops show! Put on by The Columbus Symphony Chorus and Columbus Children’s Choir, this event features everything you need to get into the merry season – seasonal decor, festive music, and a visit from Santa!
Trans-Siberian Orchestra “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve”
When: December 23 | 3 pm & 7 pm shows available
Where: Nationwide Arena
Celebrate Christmas Eve Eve at Nationwide Area with a can’t-miss performance of TSO’s “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” – a holiday themed rock opera show.
The Nutcracker
When: December 11-28
Where: Ohio Theatre
This holiday favorite is back at the Ohio Theatre! Perfect for the whole family or a romantic date night, come see the timeless classic performed by the BalletMet.
Discover more Holiday performances here.
Other Holiday Happenings
Season of Celebrations
When: November 22 – January 4
Where: COSI
This seasonal celebration will transform the museum into a winter wonderland featuring a grand 40-foot tree and 60+ other trees decorated by the Columbus community for visitors to enjoy. New this year is a cozy Winter Chill Speakeasy featuring seasonal food and themed drinks, expanded photo opportunities and a life-size Yeti greeting guests in the Traveling Exhibitions Gallery. Season of Celebrations is included with COSI’s general admission. Get tickets.
Insider tip: Don’t forget to stop by the museum’s signature Progress Exhibit, where live actors bring the holiday seasons of 1898 and 1962 to life.
Short North Holiday Hop
When: Saturday, December 6 | 12 pm – 8 pm
Where: Short North Arts District
This all-day open streets event transforms the Short North into the North Pole, bringing 100+ artisan vendors, live music, hands-on art experiences and more to High Street.