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. A Simple Way to Help Neighbors in Need with Seeds of Caring
Help your kids build empathy for our unhoused neighbors right here in central Ohio: Through Nov. 29, families can assemble Compassion Kits with much-needed supplies like socks, wet wipes, a snack and a cheer card for those served by the Community Shelter Board. Plus, keep one in your car for when you see someone who needs help!
2. 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 18, 2022 – January 1, 2023. Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
3. Third Fridays On The Green: Community Harvest At Village Green Park
Friday November 18th starting at 5pm visit Village Green Park in Powell for Community Harvest, during their third Fridays on the green event! This event will celebrate all things fall! Complete with s’mores, hayrides and more!
4. Holiday Carriage Rides At Easton Town Center
This Friday November 18th at 5pm kicks off carriage ride season at Easton Town Center! Enjoy the magic of the season with a carriage ride through Fenlon Square and Easton’s North district.
5. Canal Winchester Winterfest & Pet Expo At X Church
Friday November 18th at 5pm visit X Church for Canal Winchester’s Winterfest and Pet Expo! A visit from Santa, sleigh rides, carnival games, bounce house and lots of four legged friends to see in the cutest pet contest. See link for tickets, times and pricing of event.
6. Holiday Lights Opening Night at Columbus Commons
Holiday Lights begin on Friday, November 18 at Columbus Commons and opening night will include FREE hot chocolate, carousel rides and entertainment from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM. The lights will be lit daily from then on from 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
7. Easton’s Grand Illumination
Friday November 18th at 6pm head over to Easton to kick off the holiday season with their grand illumination! A visit from Santa, live music, caroling, DJ Grinch and acrobatic performers will all be there! See link for list of times for each event.
8. Holiday Tree Lighting in Westerville
The holiday tree lighting ceremony in the City Hall Courtyard will begin Friday at 7:00 PM. Uptown shops and restaurants will be open and there will be live performances, a production of Uptown Scrooge and visits with Santa and his elves!
9. PBJ & Jazz At The Lincoln Theatre Ballroom
Saturday November 19th at 10am and 11:30am visit The Lincoln Theatre Ballroom for a fun filled morning of jazz! This Saturday will feature George Delancey and special guest Bobby Floyd for some fascinating rhythms. See link for tickets and times.
10. The Happy Elf Storytime At Cover To Cover Books For Young Readers
Saturday November 19th at 10am visit Cover To Cover Books For Young Readers for The Happy Elf Storytime! This special storytime is in partnership with Columbus Children’s Theatre.
11. Hike With Your Dog! At Infirmary Mound Park
Saturday November 19th at 10am visit Infirmary Mound Park with your four legged friend to enjoy a 1-mile morning hike!
12. Winter Wonderland Parade At Fairfield County Fairgrounds
Saturday November 19th at 10am visit Fairfield County Fairgrounds to see the Winter Wonderland Parade! This parade will feature all of your favorite holiday characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus!
13. Turkey-lurkey Storytime At Beanbag Books
Saturday November 19th at 10:30am visit Beanbag Books for a storytime to put you in the Thanksgiving Spirit! This event is intended for ages 3-7 years old, but all are welcome!
14. Hike Around The Lake At Blendon Woods Metro Park
Saturday November 19th at 1pm visit Blendon Woods Metro Park for an afternoon of hiking around the lake! This off trail hike will be muddy and is not stroller friendly.
15. Coyotes At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Saturday November 19th at 1pm visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park to learn all about these predators and go on a 1-mile hike to communicate with them!
16. Music 4U! At Granville Public Library
Saturday November 19th at 1pm visit the Granville Public Library for a fun filled afternoon featuring musicians from the Newark-Granville Symphony as they bring children’s books to life with their art of music!
17. Conservatory Aglow At Franklin Park Conservatory
This Saturday November 19th at 5pm kicks off Conservatory Aglow! The wonderland of festive outdoor lights in the gardens of the conservatory. Musicians and entertainers will perform in the gardens. See link for tickets, times and pricing.
18. Santa On The Farm At Mink Street Market
Sunday November 20th at 11am visit Mink Street Market for Santa On The Farm! This event will feature pictures with santa, baked goods, local artisans and local police officers with therapy dogs. With your donation this event supports local first responders.
19. The Rock And Roll Playhouse At Woodlands Tavern
Sunday November 20th at 11am visit Woodlands Tavern for The Rock And Roll Playhouse where they will be featuring the music of Phish For Kids! This fun filled introductory concert for kids will instill a generation of new music lovers! See link for tickets, times and pricing.
20. Holiday Lights Celebration At Creekside Gahanna
Sunday November 20th starting at 3pm visit the Creekside District for a family friendly event to kick off the holiday season! This event will feature live entertainment, tree lighting and a visit from Santa!
21. Sunset Walk At Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park
Sunday November 20th at 4:30pm visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park for a 2-mile walk into the wetlands. On this walk you will enjoy the sunset and take in the sights of the animals that call this environment home.
*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!*