Looking for something to do with the kids this weekend in Columbus? Try out one of these 21 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
Reservations are strongly encouraged to visit Santa at Polaris Fashion Place. You can also reserve a Digital Santa Experience. Hours are Monday – Saturday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM with a break from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM and Sunday from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM with a break from 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM.
2. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Enjoy the amazing decorations at Franklin Park Conservatory that extend into the Children’s Garden and the Grand Mallway. There is a special Candy Land exhibit with a life-sized gingerbread house! There is a special engagement rate for this event and members receive 50% off. You must have a pre-purchased ticket for this event. This event takes place each evening from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
3. WILDLIGHTS at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights happens at the Columbus Zoo from November 20, 2020 to January 3, 2021 and includes animated light displays, socially distant visits with Santa, and more! Hours are Sunday-Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Timed tickets are required. Members do not need timed tickets before 3:00 PM.
4. Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons!
Visit Columbus Commons for a festive light display. The lights will be lit every night from 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM until January 3.
5. WonderLight’s Christmas at National Trail Raceway
This family-friendly event features a 2-mile car ride through more than a million LED lights, all synchronized to music! This drive-through Christmas display is open rain or shine every evening beginning at 5:30 PM, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are free. A Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers is available for $30.
A BIG thanks to WonderLight’s Christmas for sponsoring this post!
Santa’s not the only one coming to town!! “WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio”, a drive-through Christmas light show, is back this year at National Trail Raceway in Hebron, Ohio! This family-friendly event features 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 crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights 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 is open rain or shine every evening, including holidays, from November 13 to January 3! The cost of admission is super affordable at $7 per person and children 3 years old and under are FREE! OR, you can purchase a Carload Pass for vehicles with up to seven passengers for just $30! Learn more at www.wonderlightschristmas.com!
6. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek Campground
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! Hours are Sunday-Thursday 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Cost is $20/car during the week and $30/car on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
7. Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center
Carriage rides will take place through Easton Town Center on Saturdays from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Sundays from from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM throughout the season. Rides are $10/person. Cash only. Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult. There will be a virtual line this year. Click the link for all the details.
8. VIRTUAL Tree Lighting in Dublin
This Virtual Tree Lighting in Coffman Park will start at 7:00 PM on Friday night. You can watch the tree lighting on the City’s website, Facebook page or YouTube channel. Take a drive down Coffman Park Drive beginning December 4 through January 3 to enjoy a display of 40,000 LED lights and a 30-foot illuminated tree!
9. North Market Holiday Market
North Marekt’s Holiday Market includes trees and holiday decor, vendors selling baked goods and gifts, live music, a DJ, a roaming Santa and Rudolph, kids crafts to go and specials from the permanent merchants. The market takes place on Saturday from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
10. Handmade Holiday Market at The Design Refinery
Shop for local and handmade goods at this holiday market that takes place on Saturday from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
11. Virtual Storytime with Cover to Cover Books for Young Readers
Author and illustrator Jacob Grant will join participant for a virtual story time on Saturday at 10:00 AM. Register online.
12. First Annual Christmas on the Farm at Van Buren Acres
On Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM you can shop for handcrafted items from local vendors, purchase holiday treats and visit with Santa. Admission is free and socially distant Santa photos are available from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM for a small fee.
13. Take & Make Kit: Color with Peace and Joy at Southwest Public Libraries
Pick up a selection of coloring pages at either the Grove City Library or the Westland Area Library beginning at 10:00 AM on Saturday while supplies last.
14. Kindermusik FREE Demo Class
Try out a free demo class on Saturday at 11:15 AM where kids 6 months to 4 years can move, sing, jump and dance with Miss Emily! Register online.
15. Santa and More at Kuhlwein’s Farm Market & Deli
On Saturday from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM enjoy carriage rides, reindeer/pony rides, and visits with Santa. Click the link for the cost of each event. There will be a petting zoo with 11 types of animals and visits from The Grinch!
16. DIY Hot Chocolate Bomb at Dublin Toy Emporium
Kids can create their own mini hot chocolate bombs with Kreation’s Play Kafé. Text or call to register.
17. Drive-By LIVE NATIVITY at Mount Sterling First Church of the Nazarene
Drive through this live nativity on Saturday night from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
18. Village of Obetz Trail of Lights
Drive through Recreation Trail to see 1 mile of lighted Christmas displays, giant inflatables and live reindeer! Santa will also make an appearance! This event is taking place Saturday from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
19. Meet Santa at the Christmas Tree Farm at Needle & Pine Christmas Tree Farm
Meet Santa on Sunday from 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM. You can also build your own Christmas tree and mail a Christmas list to the North Pole!
20. Santa on the Farm at Mink Street Market
Get your child’s photo taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy baked goods, hot chocolate and more! This is a donation based event for Get Behind the Badge.
21. Hilliard Virtual Tree Lighting
Watch the Hilliard tree lighting live on Facebook on Sunday at 8:00 PM.
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. 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!*