Christmas in Columbus, OH

Named one of the nation’s best cities for holiday lights by Best Life, Columbus is the winter getaway everyone needs for the festive season.

Experience Columbus invites all to discover a city of historic neighborhoods, landmark venues, one-of-a-kind shopping, and a host of family-friendly attractions.

In fact, there is no better holiday experience than shopping in the Short North Pole or experiencing a Striezlemarkt in the historic German Village.

“Columbus brings together everything you want in a holiday destination,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus.

“Here, you’ll find a top 10 best big city in the country that celebrates big while keeping that warm, welcoming spirit. When visitors experience our creative energy, nationally recognized restaurants and vibrant neighborhoods, they can’t help but ask, ‘Really, that’s in Columbus? ”

Festive Holiday Experiences 

COSI’s Season of Celebrations: Kicking off on Nov. 17 with a special visit from the Capitol Christmas Tree on its way to Washington, D.C., COSI’s holiday happenings take place Nov. 23, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025. Named the best science museum in the country for four consecutive years by USA Today 10Best, COSI will transform into a winter wonderland this holiday season with a 40-foot atrium tree, 50 community-focused trees, 10 COSI exhibit-themed trees and new interactive winter activities like “Build a Snowman” and “Frozen Chess.” Visitors can enjoy festive décor throughout, including a vintage holiday look at life in 1898 and 1962 in the Progress exhibit.

The Short North Pole: Experience the Short North Arts District this holiday season with light displays, festive window decor and special holiday promotions. From Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, follow the Short North Holiday Trail or bring the kids along for the Elf Trail to collect festive gifts, including exclusive treats and holiday candles. There is kid-friendly shopping with Lil’ Shops, offering affordable, locally crafted items under $20. Holiday Hop on December 7, features 100+ local artisans, an ice skating rink, a holiday tree lot and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Yuletide on Gay: This new one-day-only free street festival on Dec. 7 from 3-8 p.m. transforms Gay & High to a pedestrian-only winter wonderland experience. Enjoy an iceless ice rink, live ice sculpture carving, DJ entertainment and complimentary skate rentals all happening under “Current.” Down the street, the cheer continues at Downtown’s Holiday Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building from 4-7 p.m. featuring Santa and at Columbus Commons and Common Thread.

Holiday Histories at the Ohio History Center: This new holiday event on Dec. 7 and 14 celebrates cultural traditions like Christmas, Kwanzaa and more through hands-on activities, live performances and local shopping. Visitors can explore holiday history from Ice Age Ohio, 18th-century traditions as well as 1950s and 1960s holiday celebrations.

Historic German Village’s Village Lights: Experience the charm of Columbus’ German Village neighborhood on Dec. 8 from 5-9 p.m., as luminary-lit brick streets and the German-inspired Striezlemarkt featuring local vendors transports visitors back in time. Enjoy seasonal treats, gifts, carolers and even reindeer.

Holiday Performances in Columbus: Columbus will host a variety of performances and seasonal shows. Highlights include BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” (Dec. 12–18) and the Columbus Symphony’s “Holiday Pops” (Dec. 6–8), both at the Ohio Theatre. Other must-see performances include “A Christmas Carol” (Nov. 29–Dec. 1 at Ohio Theatre), “A Drag Queen Christmas” hosted by Columbus’ very own Nina West (Nov. 27 at Palace Theatre), “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” (Nov. 24 at Palace Theatre), “A Magical Cirque Christmas” (Nov. 30 at Palace Theatre), “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” (Dec. 3–8 at Palace Theatre) and “The Magical Polar Experience” (Dec. 21 at Palace Theatre).

Dazzling Light Displays  

Wanderlights — A New Holiday Light Experience Downtown: Happening Nov. 22, 2024 through Feb. 16, 2025, this free Downtown light display invites visitors to wander through more than half a million twinkling lights along a path from Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park. Immerse in projection shows, spot 32 penguins hidden between High Street and Civic Center Drive and take a photo at the Scioto Mile where more than 40 sculptural lights will be illuminated around the Scioto Mile Fountain. On Festive Fridays (Dec, 6, 13, and 20), visitors can enjoy free hot chocolate at Columbus Commons and hop on the Wanderlights Trolley Tour.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium: From Nov. 22, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025, join this holiday tradition featuring millions of dazzling LED lights, animated displays and unique attractions, including the 12 Days of Wildlights Train Ride, the Rudolph and Friends Character Experience and meetings with Santa in the Polar Frontier.

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: From Nov. 23, 2024 through Jan. 5, 2025, the Conservatory transforms into a magical holiday display. New this year, visitors can enjoy cozy festive igloos at the Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace, dance at their nostalgic 90s-themed party, and enjoy the life-sized gingerbread house and Whirly Tree.

Shop Local with the Columbus Gift Guide  

The Columbus Gift Guide, presented by Sunny (Santa) 95, returns for its fifth year on Nov. 14. Experience Columbus’ curated guide features a range of ideas from experiences to apparel and toys to home goods. More than 75 items are included in this year’s guide.

Festive Holiday Shopping  

Holiday Happenings at Easton: With more than 250 retailers, Easton lights up with events including its Grand Illumination on Nov. 22, horse-drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa and a Holiday Drone Show on Dec. 12. On Dec. 30 take part in a special family-friendly Menorah Lighting event at the Town Square featuring dreidels, music, dancing and more.

Short North Arts District Holiday Hop: On Dec. 7 from 12-8 p.m., enjoy a pedestrian-only experience for Holiday Hop. The High Street Holiday Market features 100+ vendors offering art and locally curated gifts, plus visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. There is live music, festive fashion parades and a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus too.

Holiday Market by The Good Market: Join Downtown Columbus and Good Land at Columbus Commons Dec. 7 from 4-9 p.m. 2 for a European-inspired market with handcrafted goods from local artisans.

Holidays at Polaris Fashion Place: Just 20 minutes from downtown Columbus, Polaris Fashion Place offers families festive holiday activities, including Photos with Santa, Sounds of the Season musical performances and the KidX Cookies & Claus event, along with over 170 national and local retail, dining and entertainment options.

Santa’s Wonderland at Tanger Columbus: On Nov. 15 from 5-7 p.m., kick off the holiday season at Tanger Columbus’ 7th annual holiday event, Santa’s Wonderland. Enjoy Starbucks hot cocoa, photos with Santa and shop a range of brand-name and designer outlet stores.

For more information: ExperienceColumbus.com/Holidays 

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