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
1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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!
10. Spread Cheer, Volunteer! New and Gently Used Toy Drive with Seeds of Caring
Help bring joy to children served by CRP and The Open Shelter by donating 5+ gently used or new toys and making holiday cheer cards. Then join our drive-thru Toy Drive Parade Dec. 17 in Worthington, where Seeds of Caring volunteers will greet your family with holiday signs, collect your donations curbside, and give you a special holiday gift!
11. Winterfest at Scioto Mile
On Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Scioto Mile enjoy live music, seasonal craft beers, food trucks and activities for all ages!
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
Friday December 2nd 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. A StoryBook Christmas-CW Polar Express
Friday December 2nd and Saturday December 3rd starting at 6pm visit Canal Winchester Area Historical Society for dancing, magical hot chocolate bar, crafts in the schoolhouse and more! See link for times and details.
15. PCT Presents: Disney Frozen Jr. At The Wigwam
Starting Friday December 2nd Pickerington Community Theatre will be performing Disney Frozen Jr. See link for tickets, various times and pricing.
16. Heart Of Grove City Mistletoe Market In Historic Grove City
Friday December 2nd starting at 5pm visit historic Grove City for Mistletoe Market! A family friendly event featuring ice sculptures, reindeer, food trucks, shopping and more! Heart Of Grove City will also be collecting toys for their toy drive if you would like to make a donation.
17. Winter Festival With Author Andra Gillum At Cover To Cover Books For Young Readers
Friday December 2nd Starting at 6pm visit Cover To Cover Books For Young Readers as they host Author Andra Gillum who will be presenting her book Doghouse Drama. This event takes place during the UA Winter Festival where you can also enjoy carriage rides, caroling, ice sculpting, city tree lighting, Santa and more!
- Related: 5 Magical Bookstores in Central Ohio
18. 2022 Heart Of Grove City Christmas Parade
Friday December 2nd at 7pm the parade kicks off, followed by tree lighting, visit from Santa and the mayor of Grove City. See link for parade route.
19. Children’s Christmas Shop At Pataskala United Methodist Church
Saturday December 3rd at 10am visit Pataskala United Methodist Church for a morning of letting your little ones shop for everyone on their list. Entrance to the Christmas shop is $1.00 per child. Santa will also be available for photo opportunities.
20. Wild Things Are Happening Community Day At Columbus Museum Of Art
Saturday December 3rd at 11am visit Columbus Museum Of Art for a wild time featuring Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are! Where The Wild Things Are inspired Open Studio, interactive storytime, Where The Wild Things Are Theatre performances and more! See link for complete list of times, tickets and pricing. This event is included with admission to the museum.
21. Santa Extravaganza At The Lazarus Building In Downtown Columbus
Saturday December 3rd starting at 1pm visit the Lazarus building in downtown Columbus for Santa Extravaganza! This free event is filled with festive fun for all! Face painting, balloon animals, crafts, holiday music and more! See link for full list of details.
22. Plain City Christmas Under The Clock
Saturday December 3rd starting at 4pm visit Plain City for Christmas Under The Clock. This event features a visit from Santa, holiday tree lighting, food trucks, carriage rides and more!
23. Winter Hike Kick-Off At Inniswood Metro Gardens
Saturday December 3rd at 5pm visit Inniswood Metro Gardens for hot chocolate and a walk through the twinkling lights.
24. All Ages Event! Christmas Trees At Wine And Canvas Columbus
Sunday December 4th at 1pm visit Wine and Canvas Columbus for an all ages painting event! See link for tickets and pricing.
25. Hilliard Tree Lighting In Downtown Hilliard
Sunday December 4th at 4pm visit Downtown Hilliard for a family friendly event of tree lighting and festivities leading up to the tree lighting. See link for complete list of fun!
26. Orange Township Holiday Event At North Orange Park
Sunday December 4th starting at 4pm visit North Orange Park for a celebration of the holiday season featuring Santa and Mrs.Claus, live music, hot chocolate, train rides and more! This event will also be accepting new and unwrapped toys for Delaware people in need.
27. GVBC Presents Village Lights At German Village Society
Sunday December 4th at 5pm visit German Village for an evening of lights, live music, visits from Santa and his elves, shopping, storytelling and more!
28. The Hip Hop Nutcracker At The Palace Theatre
Sunday December 4th at 7pm visit the Palace Theatre for a performance of The Hip Hop Nutcracker. A holiday mash-up that the whole family will love! See link for tickets times and pricing.
*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!*