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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Colunbus Ohio is inviting visitors to take a journey to discover its iconic candy.   What is a Buckeye? The Buckeye is a native nut in Ohio, which are typically roasted and eaten and are often used in candy and desserts among other treats. The City of Columbus has launched the Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail. This is a delicious adventure to discover the best Buckeye treats across the city. The Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail features a curated list of participating local businesses. Each offers their own unique take on the classic Buckeye. You will find anything from traditional peanut butter fudge centers dipped in rich chocolate to exclusive ice cream sundaes where the Buckeye is the main attraction. "At Experience Columbus, we love creating trails that give visitors a true taste of our city while promoting the amazing small businesses that call Columbus home," said Michelle Wilson, ECI, Senior Director of Destination Services at Experience Columbus. The trail features interactive elements, such as a digital map, a passport program, and social media challenges. Participants on the trail can collect stamps or check-ins at participating restaurants. The Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail is a year-round adventure that can be enjoyed any time. Columbus is the state capital of Ohio with vibrant neighborhoods, dynamic nightlife, music, arts and culinary experiences. Visit www.experiencecolumbus.com

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  In a recent interview, Tony DeRubertis from Gatto's Pizza discussed the Columbus Pizza Trail and the distinct characteristics of Columbus-style pizza. The trail, a collaborative effort involving local pizza enthusiasts and Experience Columbus, showcases around 15-20 independent pizzerias. Columbus-style pizza is known for its square slices, thin cracker crust, and a blend of mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Tony emphasized the variety among local pizzerias, with each offering unique twists on the classic style. Additionally, incentives like T-shirts and pizza cutters are available for trail participants. October’s National Pizza Month and football games significantly boost local pizza sales.  

  Experience Columbus, the destination marketing organization for Columbus, is thrilled to announce that Columbus has been named one of the best beer cities in the country for 2024 according to the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Ohio’s capital ranked third in the country following Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Grand Rapids, Michigan.   Columbus was one of 20 cities from across the country nominated for the award by a panel of beer experts. Nominees were recognized for hosting the best beer scenes in the nation—ones with stellar collections of established and up-and-coming breweries, beer bars, brewpubs, beer festivals and even thriving homebrewing communities where novice brewers can get their foot in the door. After four weeks of public voting, USA Today 10Best announced the top 10 winners today. Rounding out the top five after Columbus were Fort Collins, Colorado, in fourth and Richmond, Virginia in fifth.  

“With an impressive selection of more than 30 craft breweries in Central Ohio and more than 50 breweries across Greater Columbus, we knew our beer scene was top tier, but we’re excited that the word is out even more now thanks to this new accolade,” said Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer for Experience Columbus. “Columbus has a truly unique beer scene, from craft breweries that were introducing IPAs to the market before the style gained popularity to ones that focus on sour and wild beers to the newest one that uses AI to generate beer recipes.”

  Columbus’ breweries are innovative and award-winning. At the 2023 World Beer Cup, three Columbus breweries won four awards. Species X Beer Project, which utilizes artificial intelligence to craft beer recipes, is the city’s newest brewery. At Land-Grant Brewing Company, lauded by Men's Journal for its one-of-a-kind entertainment options like brewery curling and ice bumper cars, the team continues to push the boundaries. This month they will launch Land-Grant Extension, a new taproom dedicated to innovation where taps will be filled with small-batch unique, experimental beers, wine-beer hybrids, hard cider, ready-to-drink draft cocktails and more.   Beer lovers visiting Columbus can enjoy a variety of brewery tours as well as festivals and special events. Columbus Food Adventures offers a walking tour of the Brewery District, where beer began in Columbus. The Columbus Brew Festival, takes place March 9 at the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) downtown and features more than 50 breweries and 150 beers. The Columbus Beerfest, which took place in January, offers another chance to experience a wide variety of brews alongside delicious food and live music. In September, Schmidt’s Columbus Oktoberfest invites visitors to raise a stein while enjoying Bavarian food, music and dancing.

  The votes are in, and six Columbus tours, attractions, restaurants and races are among the best in the country according to the prestigious USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards announced this month. The rankings further solidify Ohio’s capital as a must-visit destination for 2024 home to unique attractions and experiences, a vibrant waterfront and some of the best culinary offerings in the country.   Columbus Food Adventures, which offers a dozen unique tours throughout Columbus’ neighborhoods, earned the No. 1 spot in the Best Food Tours for 2024 category. “From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene," the article reads.   Also landing in the top spot nationwide is the Worthington Farmers Market in the Best Farmers Market for 2024 category. The article highlights the market’s nearly 100 vendors and how they provide year-round fresh, local produce and artisanal goods.   Columbus has been recognized as a must-visit food destination for 2024 according to Essence, and USA Today 10Best readers agree with two more national rankings that point to the city’s unique culinary offerings. Budd Dairy Food Hall was named the third Best Food Hall for 2024 nationwide while North Market was named the #8 Best Public Market for 2024.  

“The word is getting out that Columbus is an ideal place to visit, whether you’re coming with friends or family, for a special event or for business travel,” said Sarah Townes, ECI, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Experience Columbus. “While you’re here you can immerse yourself in our award-winning, chef-driven food scene, spend time outdoors along our expansive riverwalk and abundant green spaces or explore our unique and walkable neighborhoods.”

  On top of those four accolades, earlier this month USA Today 10Best also recognized the Scioto Mile as one of the Best Riverwalks in the country, while the OhioHealth Capital City Half Marathon was named the nation’s #2 Best Half Marathon in 2024. A panel of experts selects the nominees for each award. Then, after four weeks of public voting, the top 10 winners in each category are announced.   Columbus' winning streak extends beyond USA Today's accolades. AFAR magazine recently named the city one of its favorite family destinations for 2024, while Midwest Living recognized The Junto for Best of the Midwest Lodging. Food & Wine also highlighted Columbus as a haven for bakery lovers, acknowledging the culinary prowess of local favorites like Dan the Baker and Belle's Bread.