Looking for something fun to do this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these family-friendly Columbus and Ohio–based events and activities!
Please double check the link and/or call to make sure events are still happening! Lots of things are changing during this time and this information may change after it is published!
1. Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Get your kids photo with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place. The visit is free, there is a charge if you want to purchase photos. You can also schedule a time in advance. Visit times will be available November 12 – December 23, 2021.
Related: 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do This Holiday Season in Columbus
2. Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights runs from November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022 and begins at 5:00 PM. Walk through the zoo and enjoy millions of LED lights, animated light shows, Rudolph and Friends, Santa, a Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer 4-D theater short and much more! This event is included in regular admission and free for members!
3. 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 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Read More: 13 Drive Through Christmas Light Displays Near Columbus
4. WonderLight’s Christmas at Hartford Fairgrounds
This holiday lights drive through features over 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music. The show runs November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2022 and is open every night of the week beginning at 5:30 PM. Reservations required.
Related: WonderLight’s Christmas Glows with Over One Million LED Lights!
5. Show Kindness to Parents and Babies with Seeds of Caring
Do you have baby items in your house that you don’t need anymore? Host your own donation drive for families supported by Bundled with Love. Through 12/5 collect new or gently used clothes in the 0-18 months size range as well as other baby items like blankets, board books, sensory toys, shoes and socks. Choose kindness and sign up today!
6. Full Moon Hike at Homestead Metro Park
Take a 1 hour 15 min hike to look for the full moon. All ages welcome. Meet the Naturalist at 4:45 PM on Friday.
7. Come Meet Santa! at HTH Farm Market
Bring your own camera for photos with Santa on Friday from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
8. Easton’s Grand Illumination at Easton Town Center
This event includes live music, costumed characters and more beginning at 6:00 PM on Friday. At 7:00 PM Easton will be lit with over 2 million lights!
Related: 10 of our Favorite Christmas Traditions in Columbus, Ohio
9. Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Photos with Santa will take place on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday in Easton’s North District. Reservations are strongly encouraged. Take your own photo or purchase a 5×7 for $5.
10. Tommy Turkey: Kids Only Canvas Class at Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio
This kids-only class begins at 6:00 PM on Friday. Kids will paint a silly turkey canvas! Register online.
11. The 2021 Harvest Market at Bridge Park
This special market will feature fall-themed treats, live music, and lots of farmers, artisans and craftsman on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM!
12. Westgate Farmer’s Market Holiday Market
Shop for your holiday celebrations at this special farmers market on Saturday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
13. Brian Wray and Shiloh Penfield – Virtual Storytime with Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers
This virtual story time on Saturday at 10:00 AM will feature author Brian Wray and illustrator Shiloh Penfiend. Brian will read his new book Fen’s Drop of Gray. Register in advance.
Related: 5 Magical Children’s Bookstores in Central Ohio You Must Visit!
14. Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center
Holiday carriage rides at Easton begin on November 20 and will take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through December 19th. Rides are $10/person. Children under 15 ride for free with a paying adult. Cash only.
15. Buckeye Comic Con at Courtyard Columbus West
Buckeye Comic Con Takes place on Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM and will feature comics and related merchandise. There will be guest Comic Creators and prizes! Admission is $5, age 6 and under are free.
16. Celebrate Local Authors: SRD Harris & Marcy Bursac at Beanbag Books
This celebration of local authors takes place on Sunday from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM and includes book readings and signings featuring Future Miss President by SRD Harris and The Forgotten Adoption Option by Marcy Bursac.
17. Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at New Albany Market Square
Register online for New Albany’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony which will feature pictures with Santa, horse and carriage rides, live entertainment, face painters, balloon twisters, strolling carolers, food trucks and more! The celebration takes place on Sunday from 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM.
18. Holiday Lights at Creekside Gahanna
Gahanna’s Holiday Lights Celebration takes place on Sunday from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM and features live entertainment, the tree lighting, a parade and Santa arriving by fire truck!
Related: 5 Super Fun Playgrounds in Gahanna
*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!*