This weekend, Columbus will come alive with holiday cheer as the city hosts a range of Christmas festivities for all ages. From dazzling light displays to bustling holiday markets, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the seasonal magic throughout the city. Families can look forward to classic events like tree lightings, festive performances, and chances to meet Santa, making it the perfect kickoff to the holiday season in Columbus.
Light up the Lawn
“Light Up the Lawn, Light Up a Life” returns to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the third year, offering new opportunities to spread warmth and cheer to patients, families and healthcare heroes. With each donation, the front lawn of the hospital sparkles with over 100 multicolored butterflies, bringing joy to children who are hospitalized this holiday season.
Lighting up for Kid's Lives: Nationwide Children's Light Up the Lawn
Nov. 12 to Dec. 31
This is the third year of Nationwide Children's Hospital's world-class holiday light show, but with a new twist. Each time a donation is made to the hospital, more than 100 butterflies will light up the night, showing the patients above, and those below, community-wide holiday spirit. If you're unable to make it to hospital grounds to see this presentation of hope and goodwill, stream it live on your TV through YouTube.
A Once in a Lifetime Spectacle: Capitol Christmas Tree at COSI
Dec. 17
Santa isn't the only one making a trip across the country to bring holiday cheer this year. From 1-3 p.m., COSI will host the official U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree as it makes it's way east to Washington D.C. from the start of its journey all the way west in Alaska. A welcome ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. with COSI President & CEO, Dr. Frederic Bertley, and political personnel at English Plaza. The first 250 attendees receive complimentary America 250 COSI kits, and annual family memberships will be raffled off.
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Nov. 22-Jan. 5
4850 Powell Rd., Powell
Experience holiday lights alongside your favorite furry friends with the 35th Anniversary of Wildlights! Get your cheer on with light shows, train rides, reindeer encounters and numerous Christmas attractions throughout the zoo.
Conservatory Aglow
Nov. 23-Jan. 5
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St.
Franklin Park Conservatory's scenic walkways come to life this season with thousands of eye-catching light displays. Catch a winter wonderland full of festive lights, music, ice skating, live entertainment and more.
Festive Fridays
Dec. 6, 13, 20, 5-9 p.m.
Columbus Commons
Enjoy free hot chocolate and carousel rides each Friday of December at Columbus Commons. While you sip on cocoa or your favorite holiday cocktail, delight in Christmas carols and classic holiday tunes throughout the park.
Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop
Dec. 7, 1-6 p.m.
Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch, 96 S. Grant Ave. & Warehouse District, 256 E Neilston St.
Hop over to Downtown Columbus and explore local merchants in a festive fashion. Enjoy free trolley rides to small businesses and local attractions around the area, such as the the Columbus Metropolitan Library, The Santa Extravaganza in the Lazarus Building and more!
Columbus Santa Sightings
It’s time to break out your holiday gear – Santa is here! Santa and his sleigh may be hard to spot on his big day, but there are plenty of opportunities to sneak in some photos with him this season. Grab your kiddos and head over to these spots to snap a picture with the season's headliner.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s Polaris:
Nov. 4-Dec. 24
1650 Gemini Pl.
Stop by Cabela’s and snap a free photo with Santa this year. Kids can also mail their letters to Santa while they enjoy the festivities. Make sure you book an appointment before you come, which can be done seven days in advance online. www.cabelas.com
Polaris Fashion Place:
Nov. 14- Dec. 24
1500 Polaris Pkwy.
Head to Center Court for a chance to see Santa, presented by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. You can even skip the mall traffic by buying photo packages and reserving photo slots in advance. On Dec. 3 and 10, Sensitive Santa at Polaris Mall will also provide a relaxed environment for children with autism or other sensory needs to enjoy a visit with Santa. www.polarisfashionplace.com
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium:
Nov. 22- Jan. 5
4850 Powell Rd.
Experience bright lights and jolly sights at the Columbus Zoo’s 35th Wildlights. Take a detour from the millions of lights and visit The Santa Experience, where you can take a photo with Santa and give him your wish list. www.columbuszoo.org
Easton Town Center:
Nov. 22- Dec. 24
160 Easton Town Ctr.
On Friday, Nov. 22, Easton’s Grand Illumination will light up the season and set the stage for an array of holiday festivities. Santa will make his debut on Friday, and in the days following. Shoppers can stop by the North Pole in Easton’s North District for photos. www.eastontowncenter.com
Megan Brokamp is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.
