Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Plan your holiday fun! Browse these blog posts for the best family-friendly holiday events in Columbus!
- 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do in Columbus This Holiday Season
- 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions
- 16 Drive Through Christmas Lights Displays Near Columbus, Ohio
- 5 Best Membership Gifts for Columbus Kids
- Christmas Tree Farms in Columbus and Beyond
- 5 Holiday Trains in Columbus, Ohio
- 25 Things to do in Columbus in December
- 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio
Family-Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
As you read through this list, make note that many events are ongoing throughout the whole weekend (or entire week)! This list begins with events you can do any time and then transitions to one time events in chronological order. Have a great weekend!
1. Final week! Give JOY with Seeds of Caring
Kind kids ages 2-12 can help spread joy this holiday season by purchasing a new gift for children supported by The Open Shelter. This Anywhere Project from Seeds of Caring teaches children about the importance of kindness through age-appropriate discussion and a read-aloud. Participate any time, anywhere through Dec. 8!
2. Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Book your visit with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place beginning Thursday November 14 through December 24. Walk-ups are also welcome.
3. Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
See the Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library from November 18, 2024 – January 18, 2025. This model train display is a sight to see! The train is running during all library business hours.
4. Think Outside the Brick at Columbus Museum of Art
Visit Think Outside The Brick, the annual LEGO display at the Columbus Museum of Art by Ohio LEGO Users’s Group. There will be a museum-wide scavenger hunt, a LEGO brick-building zone and more! This exhibit is included in admission. Don’t forget Sundays are free!
5. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights begins November 22 through January 5 at the Columbus Zoo! This event includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, Rudloph in 4D, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
6. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
New this year in Downtown Columbus is Wanderlights! Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights, a mural and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit from November 22 – February 16 from 5 – 10 pm, daily.
7. Holly Jolly Lights at The McCoy Cabin
Walk through this outdoor lights display on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM through December 24. Hot chocolate and cookies will be available for purchase. Tickets are $7/person. Tickets are available online.
8. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights opens Friday, November 22th, and will be open nightly through January 1, 2025. This drive-through light show is open every day including holidays. Sunday through Thursday hours are: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday hours are: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
9. Season of Celebrations at COSI
Visit COSI to see a grand, 40-foot tree in the COSI Atrium and 50 trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays including in the Progress and Ocean exhibits. There will be interactive activities like Frozen Chess and Build a Snowman as well as special demonstrations and hands-on activities. This celebration will go on from November 23, 2024 to January 5, 2025 during regular COSI hours and is included in admission.
10. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Get photos with Santa from November 23rd-December 24th on Level 2 across from Bibibop. Check the link for times and the option to register in advance. Walk up appointments are available but reservations are recommended. You can take your own photo or purchase a 5X7 for $10.
11. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow runs through January 5, 2025. Hours are 5-9pm nightly and 5-10pm Fridays and Saturdays in December. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, a life-size gingerbread house, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged.
12. Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center
Carriage rides will be available at Easton Town Center on Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays. Hours are Fridays & Saturdays: 5-9 PM and Sundays: 3-7 PM. Rides are first come, first served and are $10/person. Children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Board the carriage outside of Zara in the North District.
13. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
See this musical at the Palace Theatre December 3-8. Weekend shows include Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Tickets are available online. They will be selling Mean Green Vanilla custard at the show which is 1 hour and 25 minutes long and recommended for all ages.
14. Festive Friday at Columbus Commons
On the first three Fridays in December from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy beverages while enjoying the lights at Columbus Commons.
15. Winter Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park
Take a half-mile hike under the twinkling lights and enjoy hot cocoa afterwards at the Nature Center. The Canopy Walk and Nature Center will stay open late for this event on Friday from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM.
16. Winter Wonder Walks At The Dawes Arboretum
On December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 6 – 9pm., The Dawes Arboretum will open its doors to the public for Winter Wonder Walks! This 1-mile walk will highlight all of nature’s splendor this time of year with the bonus of having beautiful lights filling the trees. This event requires pre registration. See link for tickets, times and pricing.
17. Grove City Christmas Parade
The Grove City Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting takes place beginning at 7:00 PM on Friday. Following the parade, the annual tree lighting will take place at Park Street and Broadway. Check the link for a full list of events during Grove City’s Christmas Celebration Weekend!
18. Holiday Pops at Ohio Theatre
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday enjoy a live performance by the Columbus Symphony with lights and holiday songs and carols. There will be family-friendly activities beginning at 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday including crafts, holiday tattoos, tree ornament making and more! Afterward, visit Santaland to write letters to Santa and take photos with Santa Claus and Bee-thoven.
19. Meet Santa at Union Bank
This event includes free, professional photos with Santa, a chance to meet Santa’s live reindeer, hot cocoa, holiday treats, and music from Sunny 95! The event will support People in Need in Delaware County with a food drive for non-perishable items. This event takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
20. Pajama Storytime with the Grinch at Canal Winchester Library
Wear your pajamas to this story time featuring the Grinch! The Grinch will appear and pose for pictures on Saturday from 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
21. Winterfest Columbus
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at Bicentennial Park there will be live music, food trucks, and a seasonal beer tasting. Free family-friendly activities include a mechanical reindeer, a giant snowglobe photo opportunity, cornhole and more.
22. Short North Arts District Holiday Hop
Holiday Hop takes place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 8:00 PM. High Street will become pedestrian-only featuring 100+ local artisans as part of the High Street Holiday Market, curated in partnership with Matchmakers Market. Special activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, free gift wrapping, an ice skating rink, a holiday tree lot, and live performances.
23. Merry Market at Bridge Park
This holiday market on Saturday from 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM features holiday shopping options, photos with Santa, live music and more in Bridge Park.
24. Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop
Enjoy free trolley rides to select merchants and cultural institutions in Downtown Columbus on Saturday from 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Highlights include Columbus Commons, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Kelton House, Winterfest, Columbus Museum of Art and more!
25. Santa’s Greenhouse Gathering at Dutch Mill Greenhouse
Visit with Santa and Friends in the Greenhouse on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This is a free event but online RSVP is requested.
26. Not So Silent Night at Shadowbox Live
This family-friendly performance features the story of a DJ taking requests and dedications on Christmas Eve. The show is filled with heartwarming, holiday songs. The show will be performed on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM through December 22, 22024. Tickets are available online.
27. Winter Holiday Fest at Hilltop Library
Enjoy crafts, games and winter treats to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and winter time joys. All ages are welcome. This event takes place on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
28. Holiday Extravaganza in Downtown Columbus
On Saturday from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Lazarus Building, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music and more at Columbus Commons and do some holiday shopping at five local boutiques at Common Thread.
29. Chestnut Ridge Luminary Night
Take a walk through the woods with luminaries and lanterns lighting the way. Hot chocolate will be provided on Saturday from 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
30. Holiday LEGO Ornament Build at Nocterra Brewing
Join BAM Powell for a holiday ornament build at Nocterra Brwing on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Your registration includes 2 LEGO ornaments, 1 drink ticket and unlimited hot chocolate. Tickets are available online.
31. Christmas is Coming at Slate Run Farm
Help decorate the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm. String popcorn and make an ornament you can take home between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM on Sunday.
*Please be aware, information is gathered from multiple community sources. Times, dates and locations are subject to change. There may be a fee to participate in a featured activity. Please call ahead or check links to confirm activities. Inclusion of an event on this list is not considered an endorsement. Please use your best judgement when attending public events and consult your doctor if you have questions regarding the safety level of a public event. Read my disclaimer here. Enjoy what you do today!*