Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!
1. Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Get your kids photo with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place. The visit is free, there is a charge if you want to purchase photos. You can also schedule a time in advance. Visit times will be available November 12 – December 23, 2021.
Related: 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do This Holiday Season in Columbus
2. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights runs from November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022 and begins at 5:00 PM. Walk through the zoo and enjoy millions of LED lights, animated light shows, Rudolph and Friends, Santa, a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4-D theater short and much more! This event is included in regular admission and free for members!
3. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3 mile drive thru light show, with over 140 LED brilliant light displays you can see in the comfort of your own car. The show runs November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Read More: 13 Drive Through Christmas Light Displays Near Columbus
4. WonderLight’s Christmas at Hartford Fairgrounds
This holiday lights drive through features over 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music. The show runs November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022 and is open every night of the week beginning at 5:30 PM. Reservations required.
Related: WonderLight’s Christmas Glows with Over One Million LED Lights!
5. The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre
See this holiday classic performed by BalletMet at Ohio Theatre December 10-26, 2021. Several performance times are available each week.
I’m excited to share an exclusive discount code for 2021 with my readers! This discount is for $7 off each ticket! To purchase tickets, go to https://secure.balletmet.org/nutcracker2021, and enter the promo code SNOW in the box at the top right to see available tickets with your discount. Discount is good for all performances. Not valid on previously purchased tickets or in conjunction with other offers. Taxes and fees still apply.
6. Show Seniors Some Love This Holiday Season with Seeds of Caring!
This month, our friends at National Church Residences have challenged us to find caring kids to provide handmade art for ALL senior residents at ALL 108 of their sites across Ohio—and we know our Seeds of Caring community is up for the challenge! We are looking for 100+ caring classrooms, groups or families to help us spread cheer to seniors through December 31. Sign up today!
7. The 12 Elves of Dublin
From December 1-23, 2021 you can visit participating businesses in Historic Dublin to look for 12 hidden elves! When you find an elf, have your card signed and return it for a chance to win a Grand Prize Basket!
8. Model Trains on Display at Westerville Public Library
Model trains will be on display December 4-12 at Westerville Public Library! 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday.
9. Santa In The Park at Alley Park
Walk through the winter wonderland and visit Santa’s workshop in Alley Park. There will be free hot chocolate and hot dogs for roasting. This event will take place on Thursday through Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Related: 13 Fun Things to do with Kids in Lancaster, Ohio
10. Twinkling Lights at Select Columbus Metro Parks
In December there will be twinkling lights at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood Metro Parks when it gets dark. On Sundays from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at these parks there will be hot chocolate served.
11. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Photos with Santa will take place on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday in Easton’s North District. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Take your own photo or purchase a 5×7 for $5.
12. Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center
Holiday carriage rides at Easton begin on November 20 and will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 19th. Rides are $10/person. Children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Cash only.
13. Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
Columbus Commons is lit with Holiday Lights every day from dusk until 11:00 PM. On Fridays in December (3, 10 and 17) there will be free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM as well as roaming musicians.
14. Winter Wonder Walks at The Dawes Arboretum
Winter Wonder Walks take place on December 3, 4, 10, 11, 17 and 18 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and include illuminated trees, live music, decorated trees and the BH Coffee Trailer! The trail is 1 mile long. Register in advance. Tickets will not be sold at the gate.
15. State Auto’s Christmas Corner Live Performances
Three live performances will happen on Friday night at the Nativity at State Auto, the first beginning at 6:00 PM.
Related: 10 of our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions
16. A Christmas Story: The Musical! at Lincoln Theatre
The Christmas Story Musical will be presented by Columbus Children’s Theatre December 10-23 at Lincoln Theatre. Suggested for audiences age 8 and up. Tickets are available online.
17. St. John Dublin Christmas Walk 2021
This is a free, live-action performance where you can walk through the scenes of the Nativity. Two nights are available to choose from this weekend: Friday and Saturday. They will be accepting non-perishable food items for the Dublin Food Pantry.
18. Annual Grove City Lions Club Pancake Breakfast with Santa
Enjoy a pancake breakfast with Santa and photos for $10. 100% of the proceeds go to Pilot Dogs, Inc. The event will also include raffles and vision screenings. The breakfast begins at 7:00 AM on Saturday.
19. Santa Breakfast and Craft Fair at Dublin Scioto High
This event includes kids’ games and crafts, shopping, raffles, breakfast and Santa! Event starts at 8:30 AM on Saturday.
20. Christmas in the Gardens at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center
Each weekend in December on Saturday and Sunday through the 19th there will be children’s activities, hot chocolate and cookies, ornament painting and visiting with the Grinch! Hours are 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
21. Breakfast With Santa at Crosslink Community Church
This event on Saturday at 9:00 AM includes a pancake breakfast, letter drop off for Santa and photos with Santa. Each family will receive a free photo. Register online.
22. PBJ & Jazz: Songs of the Season
PB&J Concerts are family-friendly jazz concerts that take place at the Lincoln Theatre Ballroom. These concerts will take place at 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on Saturday and will feature songs of the season. Price is $5/person or $20/family. Tickets are available online.
23. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Fam Jam: Holidays
Rock around the Christmas tree and your family computer for free with this virtual program by the Rock Hall EDU team on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Columbus-based kindeROCKen invites you to continue the winter fun Mon., Dec. 13th at Recreations Outlet for a “Learn & Play” snowman & strings session w/ Music Royale.
24. Seasonal Krafts on Saturday with Kreation’s Play Kafé
Reserve your spot to make a yarn snowball ornament on Saturday. Reservations are required.
25. Cookie Walk at CHA Animal Shelter
Make a $20 donation to the CHA Animal Shelter and participate in their annual cookie walk! Choose between 3 options to receive your cookies! You will pick up your cookies on December 11th.
26. Wagnalls Annual Christmas Open House at The Wagnalls Memorial Library
On Saturday from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM visit the library for their annual Open House featuring photos with Santa and the Grinch, a live performance of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, crafts, Christmas stories and games, VR demos and more!
27. Merry on Main – Ice Skating at Partners Park
Head to Marysville for iceless ice skating December 11-January 2. Hours are 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM this weekend. This is a free activity. Rink capacity is 80 skaters at a time.
28. Historic Dublin “HOLLY DAYS”
This year, Dublin Holly Days will take place each Saturday in Historic Dublin with different, family friendly events each week. Hours are 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
29. Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village
This event features roaming Dickens characters, food trucks, and music, dance and activities from the 19th century! Preregistration is required for times on Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon.
30. Holiday Complimentary Photos at Easton Town Center
Free photos will be taken in the Central Park Fountain area at Easton on Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
31. Not Your Mama’s Craft Market Holiday Market at BrewDog’s Santa Brunch and Live Reindeer Experience
On Sunday Santa will visit the market that takes place from 11:00 aM – 4:00 PM. There will be a Santa Brunch (reservations recommended) and live reindeer! And of course you can shop local vendors for unique gifts!
*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!*