Looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio this weekend? Here are over 100 family-friendly events happening in Columbus, and Central Ohio this weekend!
Family Friendly Events in Columbus Ohio This Weekend:
FRIDAY
9:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – families can decorate a gingerbread house together! Everything you need will be provided in the cost.
10:00 AM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory while it’s decked out for the season! Enjoy special performances and activities and this year the event extends into the Children’s Garden!
10:00 AM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
10:00 AM – Forest Fridays at Sunbury Urban Farm – kids can make holiday decorations out of items found in nature! Recommended for ages 2-5. $5 suggested donation.
10:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get your family’s picture with Santa between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM (with 2 break periods (see link)). Get a professional 5×7 for $5 or take a photo with your own camera. Reservations are available!
10:30 AM – Our Village Playdate & Craft: Letters for Santa with FIT4MOM Upper Arlington – enjoy an exercise class with your kids and stay after for a playdate where kids can write and mail a letter to Santa. The playdate is free. (Bring a stamp!)
10:30 AM – Christmas Lights Chalk Stencil with FIT4MOM Dublin – kids can make stencil Christmas lights with chalk!
11:30 AM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
5:00 PM – Olde Village Holiday Gathering in Olde Village Pickerington – this event includes a tree lighting ceremony at 7:00 PM, games, carriage rides, luminaries, carolers, shopping and a visit from Santa!
5:00 PM – Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons – Friday nights at Columbus Commons include free hot chocolate and carousel rides! There will also be live music! Share your pictures with #CCHolidayLights!
5:00 PM – Pickerington Holiday Gathering – this annual event includes a tree lighting, pictures with Santa, ice carving, a reindeer petting area, cookie decorating, strolling carolers and much, much more!
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more!
5:00 PM – 12 Days of KidX at Polaris Fashion Place – 12 Days of KidX includes activities and crafts for kids and today there will be carolers near the Santa set!
5:30 PM – Dragon Lights Columbus – walk through amazing Chinese light sculptures and interactive light displays, enjoy cultural performances, food and shopping.
5:30 PM – Holiday Market at Aladdin Temple – this holiday market will include a story time for the kids, photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar and a build your own pancake bar on Saturday morning.
6:00 PM – Christmas in the Village 2018 in the City of Canal Winchester – this event takes place on Friday and Saturday nights and includes activities on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester. There will be a tree lighting, visits with Santa, a Christmas Trolley, ice sculptures, popcorn, hayrides, games, crafts and more! See the link for events that will happen only on Friday or Saturday.
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
6:00 PM – Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Main Street Delaware, Inc. – free horse drawn carriage rides will be given around downtown Delaware.
6:00 PM – Whitehall Wonderland in City of Whitehall City Hall – this event includes a tree lighting, crafts for kids, letters to Santa, cooking decorating and a showing of The Polar Express!
6:30 PM – Family Night Out at Goldfish Swim School – enjoy an open swim in 90 degree water at all Goldfish Swim School locations! Cost for non-members is $5/person or $15/family. First come first served!
6:30 PM – Owl Prowl in Gallant Woods Park – take a night hike to look for owls! Recommended for ages 7 and up.
6:30 PM – Kids Night Out! at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – drop your kids off for a hands on cooking experience! For ages 5 and up.
6:30 PM – Friday! Parents Night Out at Picassos – drop your kids off for a night of making art! Ages 5 and up.
7:00 PM – CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at the McConnell Arts Center – take a trip to the land of Narnia in this performance by Worthington Community Theatre.
7:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – enjoy a festive performance of this holiday classic with BalletMet. This is a two act performance with an intermission.
7:30 PM – The Polar Express Movie Weekends at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – watch The Polar Express on the Giant Screen Theater and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and other surprises! The Polar Express Live Science Show will start 30 minutes before each showtime.
SATURDAY
8:00 AM – Holiday Character Breakfast sponsored by Meijer at New Life Church – this annual event includes a catch-a-flying pancake breakfast, a performance by Columbus Children’s Theatre, face painting, crafts, a story time and breakfast with characters! Tickets are required.
8:00 AM – Holiday Market at Aladdin Temple – this holiday market will include a story time for the kids, photos with Santa, a hot chocolate bar and a build your own pancake bar on Saturday morning.
8:30 AM – Breakfast with Santa at Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern – enjoy a special breakfast with Santa. $5/person and proceeds benefit local causes. Make you reservation online.
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – have breakfast with Santa catered by California Pizza Kitchen! Register at the Mall Management Office.
9:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – families can decorate a gingerbread house together! Everything you need will be provided in the cost.
9:00 AM – Hilliard YMCA Annual Breakfast With Santa – this event includes breakfast and photos with Santa! Register in advance.
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa at North YMCA – this breakfast includes pancakes, a hot chocolate bar, making cookies with the Grinch, pictures with santa, crafts and games! Register in advance.
9:00 AM – Kids Clay Saturdays – Coil Winter Holiday Trees at Picktown Arts with Ellie Mescher-Miller – kids can learn how to make a holiday tree out of clay! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Register online.
9:00 AM – Christmas In The Garden at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center – each weekend in December you can shop for a Christmas tree and other gifts while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. There will also be ornament painting!
9:00 AM – Breakfast & Santa Visit at Nutcracker Family Restaurant – enjoy breakfast with Santa and a kids activity!
9:00 AM – Cookies with Santa! at Mrs. Goodman’s Baking Co. – visit with Santa at Mrs. Goodman’s Baking Co!
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa at Chick-Fil-A Sawmill – Santa will be coming for breakfast and complimentary pictures will be provided! Reservations required.
9:00 AM – Breakfast with Santa and Santa Cow at Chick-fil-A at Grandview Yard – meet Santa and Santa Cow at this special event! There will be hot chocolate provided and you can purchase breakfast until 10:30 AM.
9:00 AM – Visit with Santa at Ohio Herb Education Center – visit with Santa, write a letter to Santa, make and take gifts in Mrs. Claus’ parlor. $5/craft or photo.
9:30 AM – Project SKD with See Kids Dream – families can work together to make a blanket that will be donated to families in need. Register in advance to receive a discussion activity to complete before you arrive. This is a free event. Register in advance.
9:30 AM – The Polar Express Movie Weekends at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – watch The Polar Express on the Giant Screen Theater and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and other surprises! The Polar Express Live Science Show will start 30 minutes before each showtime.
9:30 AM – Saturday Studio Art: Cuddly Snowman Painting at Art with Anna – drop off your kids to make a snowman painting. Ages 4 and up. $20/student.
10:00 AM – Car Seat Safety Check with Columbus Public Health at Germain Toyota of Columbus – get your car seat checked or installed for free during this safety check. No appointment necessary.
10:00 AM – The Polar Express – PJ Party & Hot Cocoa at Drexel Theatre – wear your PJ’s and watch The Polar Express! this event includes a hot cocoa bar!
10:00 AM – Storytime at Grange Insurance Audubon Center – enjoy a nature themed story time for preschoolers!
10:00 AM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory while it’s decked out for the season! Enjoy special performances and activities and this year the event extends into the Children’s Garden!
10:00 AM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
10:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get your family’s picture with Santa between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM (with 2 break periods (see link)). Get a professional 5×7 for $5 or take a photo with your own camera. Reservations are available!
10:00 AM – Nature Playdates at Sunbury Urban Farm – kids can make a holiday craft out of materials found in nature.
10:30 AM – Our Village Playdate & Craft: Letters for Santa with FIT4MOM Upper Arlington – enjoy an exercise class with your kids and stay after for a playdate where kids can write and mail a letter to Santa. The playdate is free. (Bring a stamp!)
10:30 AM – December Grown-Up & Me Art: Holiday Wreath at Art with Anna – make a holiday wreath with your child. $15/couple.
11:00 AM – Santa Claus at Third Way Cafe! – visit with Santa and grab a cup of coffee or a baked good!
11:00 AM – Paint A Gingerbread House-Kid Friendly Workshop at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center – kids can paint a wooden gingerbread house! $20 includes supplies, snacks and beverages. Reservations recommended.
11:30 AM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
12:00 PM – Christmas Story time with Elsa & Anna! at Barnes & Noble Polaris – meet and greet Elsa and Anna and enjoy a story time!
12:00 PM – Visit with Santa at The Shops at Worthington Place – get your picture taken with Santa!
12:00 PM – Kids Christmas at the Market at Lynd Fruit Farm – meet Santa, do a take home craft, enjoy food trucks and lots of Christmas goodies to purchase in the shop.
1:00 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – enjoy a festive performance of this holiday classic with BalletMet. This is a two act performance with an intermission.
1:00 PM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
2:00 PM – Christmas Ornaments. $5.00 Each at AR Workshop Grove City – drop in to make a Christmas ornament! $5/each.
2:00 PM – CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at the McConnell Arts Center – take a trip to the land of Narnia in this performance by Worthington Community Theatre.
2:00 PM – Coloring and Cookies! at at the Sycamore Plaza Library – all ages welcome to color and enjoy cookies!
3:30 PM – The Polar Express Movie Weekends at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – watch The Polar Express on the Giant Screen Theater and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and other surprises! The Polar Express Live Science Show will start 30 minutes before each showtime.
4:00 PM – Santa & Painting at Aprons and Easels – meet Santa and take photos! Get a signed ornament by Santa and make a holiday craft with the family.
5:00 PM – Complimentary Holiday Photos at Easton Town Center – get a complimentary professional photo at the Central Park Fountain.
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more!
5:00 PM – Christmas in the Village 2018 in the City of Canal Winchester – this event takes place on Friday and Saturday nights and includes activities on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester. There will be a tree lighting, visits with Santa, a Christmas Trolley, ice sculptures, popcorn, hayrides, games, crafts and more! See the link for events that will happen only on Friday or Saturday.
5:30 PM – Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village – enjoy a 19th century holiday celebration in the spirit of Charles Dickens. There will be characters from A Christmas Carol, Santa Claus, holiday crafts, carolers, and more!
5:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – enjoy a festive performance of this holiday classic with BalletMet. This is a two act performance with an intermission.
5:30 PM – Dragon Lights Columbus – walk through amazing Chinese light sculptures and interactive light displays, enjoy cultural performances, food and shopping.
6:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
6:30 PM – Holiday Family Paint Night at New Beginnings Church – families can work together to paint a holiday-themed masterpiece! Snacks and drinks are included. Ages 5 and up. Register in advance.
7:00 PM – CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at the McConnell Arts Center – take a trip to the land of Narnia in this performance by Worthington Community Theatre.
SUNDAY
9:00 AM – Family Gingerbread House Decorating at Young Chefs Academy of Gahanna – families can decorate a gingerbread house together! Everything you need will be provided in the cost.
9:00 AM – Sensitive Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – visit Santa in a sensory-friendly environment. Registration is recommended but not required.
9:30 AM – The Polar Express Movie Weekends at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – watch The Polar Express on the Giant Screen Theater and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and other surprises! The Polar Express Live Science Show will start 30 minutes before each showtime.
10:00 AM – Christmas In The Garden at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center – each weekend in December you can shop for a Christmas tree and other gifts while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. There will also be ornament painting!
10:00 AM – Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory – visit the Conservatory while it’s decked out for the season! Enjoy special performances and activities and this year the event extends into the Children’s Garden!
11:00 AM – Pictures with Santa Claus at Tractor Supply Co., Pickerington – your family and your pet can have your picture taken with Santa! $!0/picture. Frame included.
11:00 AM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – get your family’s picture with Santa between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM (with 2 break periods (see link)). Get a professional 5×7 for $5 or take a photo with your own camera. Reservations are available!
12:00 PM – 2nd Sundays at Ohio Wildlife Center – visit Ohio Wildlife Center to meet the animals and do an animal enrichment activity! $5/person. Kids 5 and under are free.
12:00 PM – Visit with Santa at The Shops at Worthington Place – get your picture taken with Santa!
12:00 PM – Dickens of a Christmas at Ohio Village – enjoy a 19th century holiday celebration in the spirit of Charles Dickens. There will be characters from A Christmas Carol, Santa Claus, holiday crafts, carolers, and more!
12:00 PM – Big Bang Family Holiday Show with Santa! at Big Bang Columbus – this event includes dueling pianos, face painting, cookie decorating, holiday crafts and a visit from Santa. Admission is free with a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for Nationwide Children’s Foundation or $10/adult or $6/child. Kids under 3 are free.
1:00 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – enjoy a festive performance of this holiday classic with BalletMet. This is a two act performance with an intermission.
1:00 PM – One Stop Santa Shop at The Farm Table on 62 – kids can participate in a Santa’s Secret Workshop to pick out a gift for special people in their lives. Adults will enjoy drinks and refreshments in the main shop while kids shop in the workshop.
1:00 PM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
1:00 PM – Santa & Painting at Aprons and Easels – meet Santa and take photos! Get a signed ornament by Santa and make a holiday craft with the family.
2:00 PM – CS Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe at the McConnell Arts Center – take a trip to the land of Narnia in this performance by Worthington Community Theatre.
2:00 PM – The Polar Express – PJ Party & Hot Cocoa at Drexel Theatre – wear your PJ’s and watch The Polar Express! this event includes a hot cocoa bar!
2:30 PM – Snow Day – Theatre for the Very Young at Columbus Children’s Theatre – this is a one act musical play about a young girl’s first snow day recommended for ages 2-6 performed at Park Street Theatre.
3:00 PM – Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center – carriage rides are available every weekend through December 23 for $10/person. Children under 15 are free with a paying adult. Get on the carriage outside of Zara on Gramercy Street. Hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Sundays from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
3:00 PM – Santa in the Red Caboose at Weaver Park – visit with Santa and enjoy free treats!
3:30 PM – December Family Paint: Snowy Swing at Art with Anna – families can come together to paint a snowy swing! $15/artist. Ages 6 and up.
3:30 PM – The Polar Express Movie Weekends at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – watch The Polar Express on the Giant Screen Theater and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and other surprises! The Polar Express Live Science Show will start 30 minutes before each showtime.
5:00 PM – Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Wildlights is included in your admission (or membership) to the Zoo and features special activities, amazing lights, light shows, Rudolph and friends in Asia Quest, Santa’s Holiday Home in the Battelle Ice Bear Outpost, Jingle Ball light display and much more!
5:30 PM – Dragon Lights Columbus – walk through amazing Chinese light sculptures and interactive light displays, enjoy cultural performances, food and shopping.
5:30 PM – The Nutcracker at Ohio Theatre – enjoy a festive performance of this holiday classic with BalletMet. This is a two act performance with an intermission.
6:00 PM – 2018 Christmas Tree Lighting at Whetstone Recreation & Parks – this event includes visits with Santa, games, crafts, music and caroling!
Want to sponsor What Should We Do This Weekend? Click here.
Use the share buttons to share this post with your friends!
*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!*
