Hi Everyone! Each week in December I’ll be extending my weekend posts to include more holiday events going on throughout the week! There are so many fun things going on, why limit it to the weekend? 🙂
**Please also don’t forget to enter my giveaway for a family play pass to Recreations Outlet by telling me 3 Places You Love to take Your Kids in Columbus ➡️ click HERE to enter! I’m giving away 2 passes each week!**
Ongoing
12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt in Historic Dublin – pick up a 12 Elves Card at a participating location then find all 12 elves. Each time you find an elf you will get a special treat! Turn your card in to enter the Grand Prize drawing!
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – see the amazing light shows, special performances and holiday festivities!
Tribute to the Nutcracker at Grove City City Hall – see the animated window display Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival at Ohio Expo Center and State Fairgrounds – a 5 week celebration of Chinese culture with amazing silk lanterns, traditional performances and food!
For more ongoing ideas like the Huntington Holiday Train, Think Outside the Brick Lego Exhibit, Merry and Bright and more, click here for 10 of Our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions!
Thursday, December 1, 2016
5:00 PM – Hilliard Holiday Hop – carolers, hot chocolate, trolley rides, Santa, cookie decorating and the official Tree Lighting!
5:30 PM – Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at The Ohio Statehouse – this indoor ceremony features a short program, welcomes Santa and Mrs. Claus and continues with snacks, crafts, games and live performances! Pictures with Santa are free!
6:00 PM – Illuminating Shopping in Old Worthington – luminaries will line the streets and retailers will stay open late for special shopping hours. Horse drawn carriage rides will take you around the neighborhood!
Friday, December 2, 2016
2:00 PM – Sip & Shop at piccadilly – enjoy personal shoppers, free hot cocoa and complimentary gift wrapping while searching for the perfect toy!
5:00 PM – First Friday Film Series at Ohio History Connection – watch A Christmas Story and enjoy special First Friday activities before the movie which starts at 7:00.
5:00 PM – Grand Illumination at the Scioto Mile – lots of live entertainment including BalletMet, Comedy Jugglers, OSU Urban Art Space, Santa and the official lighting of the Scioto Mile. You can also support the Empty Bowls Project and Mid-Ohio Food Bank by purchasing a hand made bowl filled with soup!
6:00 PM – Winter Festival in Upper Arlington – the city’s tree lighting ceremony also includes horse-drawn carriage rides, ice carving, carols and a visit from Santa!
6:30 PM – Mama & Me Handprint Ornament Class hosted by Mini Market – make a keepsake clay ornament of your child’s hand!
Saturday, December 3, 2016
9:00 AM – Lionel Train Day at Moody Street Trains – enjoy door prizes, face painting, a visit from Santa and operating train displays!
9:00 AM – Christmas Prelude at The Grand of Dublin – enjoy breakfast with Santa, a coloring contest, gingerbread house decorating, and ornament contest, craft fair, bake sale, hot chocolate bar, musical performances and more!
CANCELLED due to illness . . . 10:00 AM – Make a Christmas Ornament at Lowe’s Build and Grow – register online to receive an apron, goggles and a patch along with your ornament project!
10:00 AM – Cheryl’s Annual Holiday Party in Westerville – free pictures with Santa from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, frost a cookie with Mrs. Claus, free samples, special prices and a Secret Santa Shop!
10:00 AM – Christmas Celebration in Grove City Town Center – a full day celebration includes visits with santa, live entertainment, a parade, the Mistletoe Market and much more!
11:00 AM – Holiday Gift Making at Franklin Park Conservatory – children can make and take their own gifts! $2 per gift!
11:00 AM – Made Local Marketplace at Brookshire – Ohio made products by local vendors for your shopping enjoyment!
12:00 PM – Bexley Holiday Hop in Bexley – Bexley merchants will offer special promotions, entertainment and samples! There will be princesses and Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Fill your snowman card to enter the drawing for prizes!
12:00 PM – Holiday Hop in the Short North Arts District – the biggest Gallery Hop of the year includes a visit with Santa, decorated windows, and lots of holiday cheer!
12:00 PM – Christmastime Open House at the Central Ohio Model Railroad Club – visit the club during these special open house days (Saturdays and Sundays throughout December) to view large model railroads and try out the interactive Thomas the Tank Engine lay out!
12:30 PM – Secret Gift Shoppe at Cruz Candy and Studio J – Spin the wheel for free candy at Cruz Candy, taste free chocolate and kids can create surprise gifts for family members at Studio J upstairs!
2:00 PM – Holidays in Powell – event includes a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, activities in downtown Powell, and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree in Village Green Park!
6:00 PM – A Holiday Evening on the Farm at Gallant Farm Preserve – live Christmas music, roast chestnuts, eat cookies and make holiday decorations at this celebration of the holidays set in the 1930’s!
Sunday
11:00 AM – Made Local Vintage Marketplace at Brookshire – Ohio made market that features 60 local vintage vendors and makers!
12:00 PM – HolidayVille in Clintonville – take the Jolly Trolley throughout Clintonville to visit with santa, decorate cookies, make crafts and much more!
5:00 PM – Village Lights in German Village – stroll the streets of German Village to visit business who will stay open late to offer holiday specials and free treats. There will be live music and lots of holiday festivities throughout German Village!
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ICYMI: November in Review: Amy’s Donuts, Louisville, Toddler Theater and More!
*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!*