Whether you have kids off of school, extra vacation days, family in town or just want to squeeze in as much holiday festivity as possible, this list will keep you busy over Winter Break!
This list begins with holiday events and things you can do any time during Winter Break and then ends with one-time events and family-friendly New Year’s Eve parties in Columbus! There will not be a separate weekend event list until the weekend of January 9-11, 2026.
Happy Holidays and thank YOU so much for reading and following my blog! I’m so grateful for my readers and the opportunity to share about the things that make Columbus great! I wish you all a Happy New Year!
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
- 14 Free Holiday Attractions in Columbus, Ohio
Things to do in Columbus Any Time During Winter Break:
Drive Through Holiday Lights Displays Around Columbus
Click the link above for a list of 13 drive-through holiday light displays within driving distance of Columbus! Pick one or ten and have a festive night out!
Kids’ Scavenger Hunt in the Short North
Kids under 12 are invited to explore the district to find festive items from a list of participating businesses. Track down three holiday items to receive a free prize from a Scavenger Hunt Partner! This activity is going on through December 31st.
Related: 7 of the Most Festive Things You Can Do This Holiday Season in Columbus
The Nutcracker by BalletMet
BalletMet presents The Nutcracker at the Ohio Theater beginning December 11-28. Use my code WSWDTNUT for 25% off any performance of BalletMet’s The Nutcracker!
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
This event at the Columbus Zoo includes millions of LED lights, musical light shows, Rudloph in 4D, meet and greet with characters, reindeer and more! Hours are Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM through January 5th.
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights will be open nightly through January 4, 2026. This drive-through light show is open every day, including holidays. Sunday through Thursday hours are: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM and Friday and Saturday hours are: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Holiday Hours (Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day): 5:30pm-9:00pm. Tickets are available online and at the gate.
Read More: 16 Drive Through Christmas Light Displays Near Columbus
WonderLight’s Christmas
Now through January 4th, load up the car and head out for a majestic ride through WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio! 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music and open every night including holidays! See link for tickets and pricing! In order to reduce wait times, reservations are recommended.
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Conservatory Aglow runs through January 4, 2026. Hours are 5-9 pm nightly and 5-10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy holiday light displays, outdoor games, dancing, festive igloos, a life-size gingerbread house, the Paul Busse Garden Railway and more! Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Huntington Holiday Train Display In Downtown Main Columbus Metropolitan Library
See the Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library in Downtown Columbus through January 8, 2026. This model train display is a sight to see! The train is running during all library business hours.
Related: 25 Things to do in December in Columbus, Ohio
Twinkling Lights at Select Metro Parks
Enjoy the twinkling lights displays at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood Metro Gardens during the month of December from dark – 8:00 PM each night.
Season of Celebrations at COSI
Visit COSI to see a grand, 40-foot tree in the COSI Atrium and trees decorated by community organizations. COSI will be decorated for the holidays, including in the Progress exhibit, where there will be live actors at designated times. This year, they even have a hot cocoa bar! This celebration will go on through January 4, 2026, during regular COSI hours and is included in admission.
Photos with Santa at Easton Town Center
Get photos with Santa until December 24th in the South District next to Levi. Check the link for times and the option to register in advance.
Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place
Visits with Santa at Polaris Fashion Place are available through December 24th. This year’s set theme is The Polaris Express, including a train display in Center Court. All kids who visit with Santa receive a Santa coloring book, special Santa glasses, and a Polaris Express golden train ticket. Kids 12 and under – bring your golden ticket to Pure Imagination Chocolatier and get a free hot cocoa (valid through 12/31/2025). They will also receive a ‘BELIEVE’ Santa Sleigh Bell that also serves as a Christmas tree ornament while supplies last.
Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
Follow this festive path beginning at Columbus Commons down Town Street and ending at Bicentennial Park! Enjoy holiday lights, a mural and special displays along the way! Lights will be lit from through February 15, 2026, from 5 – 10 pm, daily.
Holiday Lights at Creekside Gahanna
Walk through Creekside Gahanna to enjoy a dazzling light display featuring more than 300,000 lights! Lights will be on nightly at dark through early January.
Riverside Crossing Park Ice Rink
This temporary ice rink is right near the Dublin Link pedestrian bridge and will be open for skating on Friday nights and on Saturday and Sunday! Check the link for extended holiday hours.
Natvity at Cathedral Square
In 2023, this larger-than-life nativity was donated by State Auto to The Museum of Catholic Art and History and is now located at St. Joseph’s Cathedral at 212 E. Broad St. in downtown Columbus, OH. The nativity will be lit nightly through January 6, 2026. There is a parking lot behind the St. Joseph Cathedral. The link above will take you to their Facebook page so you can stay in the know about upcoming events!
Related: 10 of our Favorite Columbus Christmas Traditions
Merry on Main – Ice Skating at Partners Park
Head to Marysville for iceless ice skating through January 4, 2026. Skating and skates are free! Check the link for specific times.
The Science Behind Pixar at COSI
Enjoy an interactive exhibit that explores the science and technology behind the animated films of Pixar. This exhibit is open during regular business hours (generally Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.)and requires an additional charge. Plan your trip to COSI with this blog post.
Holidays at Ohio History Center
Visit this holiday train display at Ohio History Center that features a Polar Express Train and various holiday scenes. The rest of the building is decorated for the holidays, especially the Lustron House!
Winter Art Breaks at Columbus Museum of Art
The Columbus Museum of Art will offer Winter Art Breaks on December 23, 26, 30 & January 2, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM. This is a drop-in event where there will be creative activities for families and teens. These are included with admission!
Kwanzaa 614 Celebration
This is a 7-day celebration of family, community and culture hosted by Ohio History Connection and TAWI Family Village. Celebrations occur on December 27th and December 28th at Ohio History Center. This is part of a larger Kwanzaa series that also takes place on other dates at various locations around Columbus! See the link for all the details.
Winter Break Roller Skating at Skate Zone 71
The are skating options for every day of Winter Break including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Click the link for the daily schedule.
Winter Break Roller Skating at United Skates of America
There are skating options nearly every day of December. Check the link for what’s happening on each day!
Family-Friendly New Year’s Celebrations that are NOT on December 31st:
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Hilliard Library
Celebrate the New Year on Tuesday, December 30th from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM with activities and a countdown at noon!
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Dublin Library
Celebrate the New Year early with crafts and activities from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30th. There will be a countdown at 12:00 noon.
New Year’s at Noon at The Works
This family-friendly celebration takes place on Tuesday, December 30th from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM and includes confetti cannons, music, resolution cards, New Year’s Punch, Chinese Lanterns, a midday ball drop and more!
“Noon” Year’s Eve Dance Party with The Caravan at Main Library
Enjoy a dance party and countdown at Main Library! The party starts at 11:00 AM and then a countdown to 12:00 noon.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Whetstone Library
Celebrate the new year with crafts and activities beginning at 11:15 AM on Tuesday, December 30th. There will be a countdown at 12:00 noon.
Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Columbus (December 31, 2025):
New Years Kids’ Party at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop
There are two time slots for this party at Family Room Coffee & Bake Shop on Wednesday, December 31st: 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Your ticket includes a kid’s drink, cookie, games, party hat, crafts, balloon drop and more. Get your tickets early!
Noon Year’s Eve Celebration At COSI
On Wednesday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at COSI there will be a dance party, special activities, science demonstrations and a celebratory countdown at noon. Included in general admission.
Kid’s Noon Year’s Eve Skate at Skate Zone 71
On Wednesday, December 31st from 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM kids can enjoy a countdown to the new year. $15 Admission includes admission, 20 credit game card, noise makers, dancing, DJ games, special characters and a countdown at 12:30 PM.
NOON YEAR’S EVE Family Celebration at KSM Sports and Fitness
Register online for this event featuring The Best of 2025 featuring Moana, Stitch, Rumi & more on Wednesday, December 31st at 10:30 AM. The party includes a dance party, crafts, active games, a noon countdown, balloon drop and more.
Noon Year’s Eve At Franklin Park Conservatory
On Wednesday from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM make a party hat, play games and do a final countdown to 2024 at 12:00 Noon and then again at 1:00 PM! Included in admission.
Zoo Year’s Eve Celebration At Columbus Zoo And Aquarium
Wednesday, December 31st, starting at 11:00 AM is the Columbus Zoo’s Zoo Year’s Eve Celebration! This event will feature character ambassadors, music, activities and a countdown to New Year’s at noon! This event is included in general admission.
Noon Year’s Eve at Hilliard’s Station Park
This event includes a family-friendly DJ, balloon hats and wands, noisemakers, photo ops and an appearance from the Fire Department. The event takes place on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Surrounding local businesses will have additional activities.
Kids’ New Years Eve Noon Countdown at IKEA
Register online for New Year’s Countdown at IKEA Columbus beginning Wednesday, December 31st from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM. There will be non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, crafts and party favors. This event is booked but there is a waiting list.
Noon Year’s Eve at Delaware County District Library
Enjoy a countdown to noon on Wednesday, December 31, from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM! There will be crafts, activities and a countdown to noon!
Noon Year’s Eve at Little Town
Celebrate Noon Year’s Eve at Little Town. This celebration includes a balloon drop at noon plus open play. To attend this party, register online for open play.
Noon Year’s Eve Party at Rule (3)
There are three packages available at Rule3 for New Year’s Eve, including a Noon Year’s Eve from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM on December 31st. The event includes 2.5 hours of bowling, pizza, sparkling cider, a mock countdown, party favors and more.
New Year’s Eve Skating and Mock Countdown at United Skates of America
On Wednesday, December 31st, beginning at 6:00 PM at United Skates of America, there will be a New Year’s Eve skate session that will include a mock countdown.
*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!*