Looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend? Here are over 85 family-friendly events happening in Columbus, and Central Ohio this weekend!
As we head into the upcoming holidays, take a look at our 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions to start marking your calendar for holiday fun!
- Also, make sure to check out Winter Break in Columbus Part 1: December 23-29, 2019 if you’re looking for things to do with your kids over Winter Break!
Family Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
FRIDAY:
9:00 AM – Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – get your photo taken with Santa during mall hours. (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday).
9:45 AM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
10:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get a family photo with Santa for $5 or take your own photo!
10:00 AM – The 12 Elves of Dublin – pick up your Elf Hunt Card at a participating location and hunt for elves at local stores and businesses. Receive a prize when you find each elf!
10:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – build a gingerbread house together! All supplies will be included. Reservations are required.
10:00 AM – Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Center Columbus – from December 7 – January 5 when you visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center you can take part in special activities like meeting LEGO Santa, creating holiday builds, special additions to MINILAND and more! All special actives are included in admission.
10:00 AM – Jennifer Ellis Holiday Sing-a-long Kids Concert at Fresh Thyme Westerville – this event is free and features a sing-a-long with your favorite holiday songs, fresh snacks, instruments, bubbles and more!
10:00 AM – Christmas for the Critters at Sharon Woods Metro Park – stop in to the Spring Hollow Lodge (located at 1069 W. Main St.) to create a treat for the wildlife in the park.
10:00 AM – Toddler Open Gym at Thompson Recreation Center – drop in for a free Open Gym time at the rec center!
10:30 AM – Holiday Party! at piccadilly – this party will include crafts, snacks, games, a sing-a-long with Captain Captain from The Shazzbots and specials in the store. Kids under 1 are free.
11:00 AM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
11:30 AM – Jennifer Ellis Holiday Sing-a-long Kids Concert at Fresh Thyme Worthington – this event is free and features a sing-a-long with your favorite holiday songs, fresh snacks, instruments, bubbles and more!
12:00 PM – Elf Scavenger Hunt at Homestead Metro Park – search for the mischievous elves throughout the Nature Center and win a holiday-themed prize! There will be hot chocolate and crafts available, too!
1:00 PM – Toddler Time with Fine Motor Friday at We Rock the Spectrum – Columbus – during this time there will be fine-motor activities on display for your toddler to play! Puzzles, sorting, pre-handwriting activities and more!
2:00 PM – FREE KRAFT-N-PLAY PARTY! at Dublin Toy Emporium – call to reserve your spot at this free kraft-n-play day!
4:00 PM – Family Night Fridays at Tree of Life Play + Cafe – for $30 enjoy a family pass to the play area and a large 1 tipping pizza and a drink pitcher.
4:30 PM – KidX: Cookies & Claus at Polaris Fashion Place – decorate cookies with frosting and sprinkles with Santa Claus in Center Court.
5:00 PM – Uptown Holiday Ice Sculpture Tour in Westerville, Ohio – tour Uptown Westerville to see the holiday-themed ice sculptures!
5:00 PM – Christmas Corner at State Auto – State Auto’s Christmas Corner is lighted each night from 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Each Friday and Saturday night there are live performances from local choirs and musicians. Free hot chocolate is available (donations accepted)!
5:00 PM – Free Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons – Fridays in December will include free hot chocolate and carousel rides. Check out the over 400,000 LED lights in the park!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Wildlights takes place at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM to close and features millions of LED lights, animated light shows, Rudolph and Friends, Santa, a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4-D theater short and much more!
5:00 PM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory decorated for the holidays! This year is the biggest show yet and extends into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway! Visit The Pool in the Grand Mallway for an interactive art display! This nightly event runs from November 15, 2019 to January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off.
5:30 PM – WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio at National Trail Raceway – this new event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! The show happens rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 15 to January 5 from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
5:30 PM – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights is celebrating 20 years with 30 new displays this year! This drive through light show is 3 miles long and features 160 light displays! The show runs rain or shine, November 15, 2019 – January 1, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday.
6:00 PM – Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides at Strand Theatre – every Friday in December you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around downtown Delaware! $1 donation for persons 5 and up.
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – take a ride through Town Center in a horse drawn carriage. Cost is $10/person, children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Beginning today, these rides will be available Fridays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
7:00 PM – Visits with Santa! at Strand Theatre – visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a treat! Visits are free but professional photographs will be available.
7:00 PM – Friday Nights Unlimited Pizza Skate at Skate Zone 71 – family skate is available from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM for $10/person. That includes admission, skate rental and unlimited cheese pizza!
7:00 PM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
7:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – watch a traditional performance of The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre. There are several performances throughout the season. This performances has two acts with a 20 minute intermission.
A BIG thank you to WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio for sponsoring this post!
Santa’s not the only one coming to town!! “WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio”, a drive-through Christmas light show, will be coming to National Trail Raceway in Hebron this holiday season!
This family-friendly event will feature a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! Giant Christmas trees, floating snowflakes, shooting stars, dancing candy canes, and (a favorite of children of all ages) three enchanting tunnels of light will illuminate the night! Guests will be able to watch the lights dance around them to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music from the warmth of their own vehicle.
This dazzling Christmas display will be offered rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 15 to January 5! The cost of admission is affordable at $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are FREE! You can also purchase a “Carload Pass” for vehicles with up to seven passengers for just $30!
Learn more at www.christmasinohio.com!
SATURDAY:
9:00 AM – Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt at Blendon Woods Metro Park – through January 5th, search for winter creatures hidden around the Nature Center. All ages welcome.
- Related: Exploring Blendon Woods Metro Park
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa at The Barn at Blystone Farm – this events will include pictures with Santa, face painting and a buffet. There are two seatings.
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa at Union County Family YMCA – have breakfast with Santa, take your pictures with him and crate a holiday craft!
9:00 AM – Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – get your photo taken with Santa during mall hours. (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday).
10:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get a family photo with Santa for $5 or take your own photo!
10:00 AM – The 12 Elves of Dublin – pick up your Elf Hunt Card at a participating location and hunt for elves at local stores and businesses. Receive a prize when you find each elf!
10:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – build a gingerbread house together! All supplies will be included. Reservations are required.
10:00 AM – Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Center Columbus – from December 7 – January 5 when you visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center you can take part in special activities like meeting LEGO Santa, creating holiday builds, special additions to MINILAND and more! All special actives are included in admission.
10:00 AM – Mom & me Christmas Tree Bulb class at Aprons and Easels – make a duo of Christmas trees with your child. $45 for a mom and child.
10:00 AM – Santa Brunch & Skate at Skate Zone 71 – enjoy skating and a bunch with Santa, Rudolph and Frosty. Ages 2 and under are free.
11:00 AM – Jingle Mingle Event at The Shops on Lane Avenue – this free event includes photos with Santa, a giant snow globe, hot chocolate bar, cookies and carolers!
11:30 AM – Santa and the Symphony: Sensory Friendly at Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts – this sensory friendly performance is no more than an hour long and will offer a more relaxed environment. Tickets available online.
11:30 AM – Christmas Party with Mrs. Claus at peapod play cafe – this party will include free play time, dancing, cookie decorating, crafts, lunch and more! Tickets available online.
11:30 AM – Free MEALS for KIDS! at Hilltop YMCA – free meals will be available for kids until 12:30 PM.
11:30 AM – Visits with Santa! at Strand Theatre – visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a treat! Visits are free but professional photographs will be available.
12:00 PM – Elf Scavenger Hunt at Homestead Metro Park – search for the mischievous elves throughout the Nature Center and win a holiday-themed prize! There will be hot chocolate and crafts available, too!
12:00 PM – Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon 10 at The Bluestone – Sgt. Peppercorn’s Lonely Hearts Club Band will perform every Beatles song in chronological order for 12 hours! Tickets available online or at various locations.
12:30 PM – Santa & Friends Meet & Greet & Roller Skating at Skate Zone 71 – meet Santa, Rudolph and Frosty and enjoy a holly jolly skate!
1:00 PM- A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
1:00 PM – Holiday Crafts at Battelle Darby Nature Center – stop into the Nature Center to make seasonal crafts with items found in nature! All ages welcome.
1:00 PM- Visits with Santa! at Strand Theatre – visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive a treat! Visits are free but professional photographs will be available.
2:00 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – watch a traditional performance of The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre. There are several performances throughout the season. This performances has two acts with a 20 minute intermission.
2:00 PM – Santa in the Park at Bridge Park – drop off a letter to Santa and take your picture with him!
2:30 PM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
4:30 PM – Winter Solstice Hike at Clear Creek Metro Park – take a 2 mile, family-friendly hike on the shortest day of the year. There will be hot chocolate and holiday treats after the hike.
5:00 PM – Christmas Corner at State Auto – State Auto’s Christmas Corner is lighted each night from 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Each Friday and Saturday night there are live performances from local choirs and musicians. Free hot chocolate is available (donations accepted)!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Wildlights takes place at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM to close and features millions of LED lights, animated light shows, Rudolph and Friends, Santa, a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4-D theater short and much more!
5:00 PM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory decorated for the holidays! This year is the biggest show yet and extends into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway! Visit The Pool in the Grand Mallway for an interactive art display! This nightly event runs from November 15, 2019 to January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off.
5:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – watch a traditional performance of The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre. There are several performances throughout the season. This performances has two acts with a 20 minute intermission.
5:30 PM – WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio at National Trail Raceway – this new event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! The show happens rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 15 to January 5 from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
5:30 PM – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights is celebrating 20 years with 30 new displays this year! This drive through light show is 3 miles long and features 160 light displays! The show runs rain or shine, November 15, 2019 – January 1, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday.
5:30 PM – Lantern Stroll at Sharon Woods Metro Park – take a one mile stroll through the woods with a candle lantern.
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – take a ride through Town Center in a horse drawn carriage. Cost is $10/person, children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Beginning today, these rides will be available Fridays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
7:00 PM – Somali Culture Festival at Northland Performing Arts Center – this festival features live performances by poets, singers, dancers and more! There will be various Somali cultural artifacts on display and free food and drinks. Tickets available online.
SUNDAY
9:00 AM – Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt at Blendon Woods Metro Park – through January 5th, search for winter creatures hidden around the Nature Center. All ages welcome.
9:00 AM – Toddler Time! at Get Air Pickerington – kids under 46 inches are welcome to jump during these special hours (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM).
9:00 AM – Kids Yoga & Storytime at Cover to Cover Bookstore – join GoYoga for games, storytelling and physical activities. $10/child, ages 5-8.
9:00 AM – Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – get your photo taken with Santa during mall hours.
10:00 AM – The 12 Elves of Dublin – pick up your Elf Hunt Card at a participating location and hunt for elves at local stores and businesses. Receive a prize when you find each elf!
10:00 AM – Holiday Bricktacular at Legoland Discovery Center Columbus – from December 7 – January 5 when you visit LEGOLAND Discovery Center you can take part in special activities like meeting LEGO Santa, creating holiday builds, special additions to MINILAND and more! All special actives are included in admission.
10:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – build a gingerbread house together! All supplies will be included. Reservations are required.
11:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get a family photo with Santa for $5 or take your own photo! You can reserve your spot online!
12:00 PM – Elf Scavenger Hunt at Homestead Metro Park – search for the mischievous elves throughout the Nature Center and win a holiday-themed prize! There will be hot chocolate and crafts available, too!
12:00 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – watch a traditional performance of The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre. There are several performances throughout the season. This performances has two acts with a 20 minute intermission.
12:00 PM – Ugly Christmas Sweater Skate Party with the Grinch at Skate Zone 71 – skate with the Grinch! Wear your “ugly holiday sweater” to receive a discount on admission!
1:00 PM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
1:00 PM – Holiday Crafts at Battelle Darby Nature Center – stop into the Nature Center to make seasonal crafts with items found in nature! All ages welcome.
2:30 PM – A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail at Columbus Performing Arts Center – watch a Christmas-themed tale of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet! There are 7 shows this weekend!
3:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – take a ride through Town Center in a horse drawn carriage. Cost is $10/person, children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Beginning today, these rides will be available Fridays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturdays 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
3:30 PM – Cookies with Santa! at Coffee Connections of Hilliard – decorate cookies and visit with Santa. Cookies are $1.50.
5:00 PM – Christmas Corner at State Auto – State Auto’s Christmas Corner is lighted each night from 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM and until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Each Friday and Saturday night there are live performances from local choirs and musicians. Free hot chocolate is available (donations accepted)!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – Wildlights takes place at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium from November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM to close and features millions of LED lights, animated light shows, Rudolph and Friends, Santa, a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4-D theater short and much more!
5:00 PM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory decorated for the holidays! This year is the biggest show yet and extends into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway! Visit The Pool in the Grand Mallway for an interactive art display! This nightly event runs from November 15, 2019 to January 5, 2020 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off.
- Related: Holiday Trains in Columbus
5:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – watch a traditional performance of The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre. There are several performances throughout the season. This performances has two acts with a 20 minute intermission.
5:30 PM – WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio at National Trail Raceway – this new event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! The show happens rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 15 to January 5 from 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM.
5:30 PM – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds – Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights is celebrating 20 years with 30 new displays this year! This drive through light show is 3 miles long and features 160 light displays! The show runs rain or shine, November 15, 2019 – January 1, 2020 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM Friday and Saturday.
7:30 PM – The Hip Hop Nutcracker at Palace Theatre – watch a performance of The Nutcracker hip hop style!
*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. Enjoy what you do today!*