Looking for things to do in Columbus, Ohio this Weekend? Here are over 70 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! Planning ahead? Check out 93 Things to Do Thanksgiving Week in Columbus!
Family Friendly Events in Columbus, Ohio This Weekend:
FRIDAY:
12:00 AM – Santa’s Mailbox in Upper Arlington – beginning Friday through December 15, drop a letter in this mailbox for santa to get a letter back!
7:00 AM – Letters To Santa in Grandview Heights – drop a letter in the mail to Santa and he will send you a letter back! Check the link for locations in Grandview.
9:00 AM – Play with Purpose at Tree of Life Play + Cafe – bring in a donation of new hats, gloves or scarves for the Good Tidings Winter Wear store at SON Ministries through December 6 and get 50% off regular priced admission to Tree of Life Play + Cafe.
9:00 AM – It’s a Wonderful Window Contest in Old Worthington – visit the retailers of Old Worthington to view the holiday-themed store windows that will be on display through the new year!
9:00 AM – Bubbles the Elf at Grandview Heights Public Library – drop into the library for a free activity each day!
10:00 AM – The Bake Sale at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio – buy delicious baked goods and their famous pumpkin rolls at this fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House of Central Ohio! There will also be food for sale as well including sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers and more!
10:00 AM – Tots on the Trails at Blacklick Woods Metro Park – take a half mile walk with your child to discover nature! Ages 1-4.
10:00 AM – Model Railroad Days at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – see several model train displays at COSI throughout the weekend! This display is included with membership or regular admission.
10:00 AM – Toddler Open Gym at Thompson Recreation Center – drop in for a free Open Gym time at the rec center!
10:00 AM – Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – get your photo taken with Santa during mall hours from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday).
11:00 AM – Preschoolers: Oh Deer! at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – kids ages 3-5 can learn about white-tailed deer! (A second time is available at 1:00 PM.)
1:00 PM- Preschoolers: Oh Deer! at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park – kids ages 3-5 can learn about white-tailed deer!
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!
3:30 PM – Open Gaming at Bexley Public Library – kids ages 8-18 can drop in for video games on the big screen, Minecraft, board games, card games and more!
- Related: Two Fun Libraries for Columbus Kids
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.
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 – Night at the Nature Center at Battelle Darby Metro Park – this special event is open to kids of all ability levels. There will be nature activities, hot horologe, live animals, cookie decorating and more. This is a free event, register online.
6:30 PM – 21st Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at Easton Town Center – this holiday event will feature the official lighting of the 56 digital Christmas tree, Santa’s arrival and more!
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 – Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. at Abbey Theater – join CATCO is Kids for a local performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. There are 5 performances throughout the weekend and tickets are available online.
7:45 PM – Santa Photos at Easton Town Center – after Santa’s arrival earlier in the eventing, you can get a family photo with Santa for $5 or take your own photo! You can reserve your spot online!
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 – Play with Purpose at Tree of Life Play + Cafe – bring in a donation of new hats, gloves or scarves for the Good Tidings Winter Wear store at SON Ministries through December 6 and get 50% off regular priced admission to Tree of Life Play + Cafe.
9:00 AM – The Thanksgiving Market at Bridge Park – this outdoor market will have a Thanksgiving theme!
9:00 AM – Inclusion Saturdays! at Get Air Pickerington – private hours are available on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month for children with special needs to play!
9:00 AM – Christmas Open House at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center – this open house will include hot chocolate and cookies, visits with the Grinch, ornament painting, and Christmas trees!
9:00 AM – Bubbles the Elf at Grandview Heights Public Library – drop into the library for a free activity each day!
9:30 AM – Friendsgiving Pancake Party at piccadilly – this fun morning will include a pancake breakfast, a selfie station, crafts for the kids, card making and more! Pancakes will be gluten free. Register online.
10:00 AM – Lancaster Christmas Parade – the theme of this year’s parade is “The Magic of a Homespun Holiday”. There will be vehicles, floats, marching bands, animals and more!
10:00 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!
10:00 AM – Model Railroad Days at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – see several model train displays at COSI throughout the weekend! This display is included with membership or regular admission.
10:00 AM – Buckeye TRAIL-gate Party! at Blendon Woods Metro Park – take a 1.5 mile nature hike, enjoy hot dogs over the fire and play yard games!
10:00 AM – Step-by-Step Painting at The Ashford on Broad – paint a 9X12 canvas for $5/person. All ages and skill levels are welcome. You must pre-register.
10:00 AM – Photos with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place – get your photo taken with Santa during mall hours from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (1:30 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday).
10:45 AM – Kid-Fun-Club at Worthington Farmers Market – drop your child off at Paulettes Palace and Production during the Worthington Indoor Farmer’s Market for an hour of singing, dancing, crafts, story time and more! There will be visits from your favorite characters. You must register in advance.
11:00 AM – Brunch with the Famous Snowman at Dave & Busters Polaris – enjoy a brunch buffet and meet and greet with your favorite snowman! There will also be crafts, arcade games, a hot cocoa station, face painting and more! Tickets are available online. Kids 2 and under are free.
11:00 AM – Saturday Storytime at Barnes & Noble – enjoy a free Frozen 2 story time featuring two books about the new movie!
11:30 AM – Free MEALS for KIDS! at Hilltop YMCA – free meals will be available for kids until 12:30 PM.
1:00 PM – Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. at Abbey Theater – join CATCO is Kids for a local performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. There are 5 performances throughout the weekend and tickets are available online.
1:00 PM – Santa and Grinch Pictures at HTH Farm Market – pictures with Santa and the Grinch is an annual fundraiser benefiting Hope Thru Housing! There will be hot cider and hot chocolate and the game will be aired in the market.
2:00 PM – LEGO Frozen 2 Build Event at Barnes & Noble – sign up for this event where kids can build a castle from Frozen 2 to take home! Ages 8-12.
3:00 PM – Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. at Abbey Theater – join CATCO is Kids for a local performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. There are 5 performances throughout the weekend and tickets are available online.
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 – 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.
SUNDAY:
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 – Play with Purpose at Tree of Life Play + Cafe – bring in a donation of new hats, gloves or scarves for the Good Tidings Winter Wear store at SON Ministries through December 6 and get 50% off regular priced admission to Tree of Life Play + Cafe.
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 – Bubbles the Elf at Grandview Heights Public Library – drop into the library for a free activity each day!
10:00 AM – Snow Queen Brunch& Roller Skating at Skate Zone 71 – enjoy a breakfast buffet with your favorite princesses and characters! Tickets required.
10:00 AM – Christmas Open House at Hoover Gardens & Gift Center – this open house will include hot chocolate and cookies, visits with the Grinch, ornament painting, and Christmas trees!
10:00 AM – Model Railroad Days at COSI Columbus’ Dynamic Hands-On Science Center! – see several model train displays at COSI throughout the weekend! This display is included with membership or regular admission.
11:00 AM – Baby & Me Storytime at Barnes & Noble (Dublin) – enjoy a story time for children 0-24 months old. There will be a story and sensory activities. This week’s book features Big Bird!
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 – Sparkle Night at The Shops at Worthington Place – this holiday event features the arrival of Santa led by a marching band, a mall-wide elf hunt (complete the search and get a prize!), mini family photo sessions, gingerbread house making (register in advance), holiday crafts, letters to Santa, cookie decorating, a performance by Mr. Grinchy, hot cocoa bar, free photos with Santa, meet and greet with The Snow Queen and more!
1:00 PM – Kids Holiday Gift Shop at Healthy New Albany – kids can shop for family and friends with the help of volunteers! No registration required.
1:00 PM – Wild Kratts Live 2.0 – Activate Creature Power! at the Palace Theatre – join CAPA for this family friendly performance by the Kratt Brothers! Tickets available online.
1:00 PM – Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. at Abbey Theater – join CATCO is Kids for a local performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. There are 5 performances throughout the weekend and tickets are available online.
2:00 PM – Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at New Albany Market Square – Santa will arrive at 2:00 PM, there will be free holiday treats, food trucks, live entertainment and performances, kids’ crafts, horse and carriage rides, bounce houses, balloon twisting and an official lighting of the tree around 5:30 PM.
2:00 PM – Holiday Lights Open House at Art Garden Academy – drop in during Gahanna’s Holiday Lights to paint a Winter Penguin for $5.
3:00 PM – Holiday Lights Celebration in Gahanna – – this family friendly holiday celebration includes a reindeer petting zoo, pony rides, story times, tree lighting, the arrival of Santa by firetruck, strolling mascots, a market, giant snow glob, live performances and much more!
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. 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.
3:00 PM – Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. at Abbey Theater – join CATCO is Kids for a local performance of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. There are 5 performances throughout the weekend and tickets are available online.
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.
*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!*