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
- 13 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio
1. Spread Smiles to Seniors with Holiday Cards with Seeds of Caring
Grab your crayons and get ready to spread some kindness this through December 19! Because everyone deserves to feel loved and connected this time of year, Seeds of Caring invites kids 2-12 to make and mail holiday crafts and cards for neighbors at local senior living communities. This quick, creative activity is the perfect way for families and groups to get artistic – and share warm winter wishes – from anywhere!
2. Holiday Lights At Columbus Commons
November 18th through January 1st visit Columbus Commons from 5pm-11pm for Holiday Lights! This dazzling display of holiday lights is a must see for the season! See link for special events at Columbus Commons during the holiday season.
3. Butch Bando’s Fantasy Of Lights
November 18th through January 1st take a ride through Butch Bando’s Fantasy Of Lights! This locally owned and family operated drive through light show has it all! Beautiful lights, radio station to tune into while enjoying the lights and the comfort of your vehicle while enjoying the display. Perfect for those cold winter days! See link for tickets and pricing!
4. WonderLight’s Christmas In Ohio At Hartford Fairgrounds
November 11th through January 1st load up the car and head out for a majestic ride through WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio! 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music and open every night including holidays! See link for tickets and pricing!
5. Wildlights At Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
November 18th through January 1st visit Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for one of Central Ohio’s favorite holiday traditions. Millions of lights, holiday music and some of your favorite holiday characters are all here! See link for tickets, times and pricing.
6. Photos With Santa At Easton Town Center
November 19th through December 24th visit with Santa at Easton Town Center. Take a photo with your own camera or purchase one on the spot. See link for tickets times and pricing of event.
7. Holiday Carriage Rides At Easton Town Center
Beginning November 19th through December 23rd visit Easton Town Center for holiday carriage rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the season. See link for times and pricing.
8. Photos With Santa 2022 At Polaris Fashion Place
November 11th through December 23rd visit with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place. Take your own photo or purchase an optional photo. See link for times and reservations.
9. Scioto Mile Holiday Lights
November 23rd through January 2nd take in the festive lights and holiday merriment at Scioto Mile Holiday Lights. The lights will be on from dusk to dawn each day!
10. Huntington Holiday Train Display In Downtown Main Columbus Metropolitan Library
November 21st through January 8th visit the main library in downtown Columbus to see the Huntington Holiday Train Display. This is a must see for all train lovers during the holiday season!
11. The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre
Watch The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre December 8-24. Multiple performance times are available throughout the weekend. See link for tickets (and coloring pages!).
12. Dickens Of A Christmas At Ohio Village
Starting Saturday December 3rd visit Ohio Village for Dickens Of A Christmas! This event features a Charles Dickens vision of Christmas coming to life! There will be 19th century celebrations and activities. Meet characters from this time period too! See link for tickets, times and pricing.
13. Winter Wonder Walks At The Dawes Arboretum
On December 16 and 17 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.
14. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow offers special holiday decorations, performances and evening hours at Franklin Park Conservatory. Throughout the season live music and special events are scheduled and the Conservatory is decorated for the holidays. Also, make sure not to miss the gingerbread competition beginning December 1 and the Paul Busse Garden Railway! Hours are 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM each night and advanced reservations are recommended.
15. State Auto’s Christmas Corner
Visit this larger than life nativity scene on E. Broad St. The scene will be lit December 7 through January 3 from 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the link for live performance times on Fridays and Saturdays.
16. Meet The GRINCH! At The Village Medicine Shoppe
Friday December 16th starting at 3pm visit the Village Medicine Shoppe as the Grinch makes his appearance!
17. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides At Strand Theatre
Friday December 16th starting at 6pm visit the Strand Theatre for a horse drawn carriage ride through downtown Delaware. Rides are $2.00 per person, no registration required.
18. PBJ & Jazz Songs Of The Season At Lincoln Theatre Ballroom
Saturday December 17th at 10am and 11:30am visit The Lincoln Theatre Ballroom for a morning with PBJ & Jazz as they feature songs of the season! This big band performance will have kids and families swinging into the holiday in no time! See link for tickets, times and pricing.
19. Audubon Christmas Bird Count At Sharon Woods Metro Park
Saturday December 17th at 10am visit Sharon Woods Metro Park for a Christmas Bird Count event. Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from the park!
20. Celebrate The Season Workshop At Young Chefs Academy
Saturday December 17th at 11am visit Young Chefs Academy in Gahanna for their celebrate the season workshop. This event will feature holidays celebrated around the world. This hands-on seasonal workshop will have foods and customs celebrated around the globe. See link for tickets and pricing.
21. Santa In The Park At Bridge Park
Saturday December 17th at Noon visit Bridge Park for Santa In The Park. This event will have the big guy himself for photo opportunities, hot cocoa truck and live music.
22. Holiday Open House at Central Ohio Model Railroad Club
Each Saturday and Sunday in December from 12:00-4:00 PM The COMRC will open for visitors to view the model train displays. There are holiday trains and a Thomas train that kids can operate!
23. ‘Tis The Season At Slate Run Metro Park
Saturday December 17th at 1pm visit Slate Run Metro Park as you celebrate the season with taking a stroll around the farm and taking a moment to string popcorn for a take home decoration.
24. Holiday Open Farm At Harrison Farm
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th starting at 1pm visit Harrison Farm for Holiday Open Farm. Visit with Santa and see the goats with their Santa hats on!
25. Christmas On The Farm! At Horse-N-Round Fun
Saturday December 17th and Sunday December 18th starting at Noon visit Horse-N-Round Fun for Christmas On The Farm! This event will have a petting zoo, carriage rides, Santa and the Grinch. See link for tickets and pricing.
26. Hot Cocoa & Twinkling Lights At Highbanks Metro Park
Saturday December 17th starting at 5pm visit Highbanks Metro Park for hiking, cocoa and activities in the nature center.
27. Lantern Hike At Blendon Woods Metro Park
Saturday December 17th at 5:30pm visit Blendon Woods Metro Park for an evening of hiking by lantern light.
28. A Holiday Evening At Carriage HIll Farm
Saturday December 17th at 6pm visit Carriage Hill MetroPark for a candlelit Christmas evening. There will be historical demos, crafts, cooking and exploring the barn.
29. Happy Tails-N-Trails At Sharon Woods Metro Park
Sunday December 18th at 1pm visit Sharon Woods Metro Park for Happy Tails-N-Trails as you take a 2-mile hike with your canine companion.
30. Craft Day At Blendon Woods Metro Park
Sunday December 18th at 1pm visit Blendon Woods Metro Park for an afternoon of crafting. Create a make and take craft for yourself or for the birds.
31. Orange Johnson Christmas Open House
Visit the Orange Johnson House in Worthington while it is decorated for the Christmas season! There will be live music from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
32. Menorah Lighting At Easton Town Center
Sunday December 18th at 5pm visit Easton Town Center for a special Menorah lighting in Town Square. This family friendly event will have games, raffles, dancing and music!
*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!*