20 Holiday Events in Columbus to Mark on Your Calendar This Season
Looking for events during the 2018 holiday season? Check out our most up-to-date guide 21 Essential Columbus Holiday Events You Should Mark on Your Calendar.
The seasonal jingles, festive displays and overall jolly atmosphere in Columbus can only mean one thing — the holidays are upon us! This time of year the city is buzzing with countless events, all engineered to make your days merry and bright.
From lantern festivals to craft fairs, and musicals to workshops, we rounded up the holiday events we are most looking forward to this year. So grab your ugly sweater, and get ready to make this season one to remember.
Train-loving children will love this fun holiday event! Come write your own letter to Santa, make Christmas crafts, ride on a train and enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus herself.
Holiday Hoopla
When: November 16-December 30, Showtimes Vary Where: Shadowbox Live Nicknamed the "granddaddy of all holiday shows," Holiday Hoopla mixes sketch comedy, seasonal music and dancing to make a hilarious, entertaining and energetic show. The show has become a Columbus tradition after nearly a quarter century on the Shadowbox Live stage. This season, also look for Cratchit (an original holiday musical), and Holiday Lunchbox.Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
When: November 17-January 7, 5:30-10 pm Where: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair See holiday displays in a whole new light at the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival. Wander through the State Fairground to witness larger-than-life light sculptures crafted by Chinese artisans, enjoy exciting performances and more!Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
When: November 17-Jan 1, 3-7 pm Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo will light up this season with a wide assortment of holiday decorations. Witness them all after hours, seek out animals in their natural outdoor habitats, and interact with a number of familiar characters — we hear Rudolph will make an appearance!Gardens Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
When: November 18-January 3, 10am-5pm daily; 10am-9pm in December. Exceptions are Dec. 24 (open 10am-5pm) and Dec. 25 (closed). Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jones via Franklin Park Conservatory
It's the most wonderful time of the year at Franklin Park Conservatory! View elegant displays of poinsettias, seasonal foliage and twinkling lights, compete in the annual gingerbread competition, and enjoy a wide array of family activities, special entertainment and workshops.Holiday Lights, Presented by American Electric Power
When: November 21-January 2, After Sunset Where: Columbus Commons Make your way to the Columbus Commons this season to witness a brilliant display of more than 320,000 lights! It's the perfect destination for a stroll after sunset.The Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops Concert
When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: The Ohio Theatre
Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via The Columbus Symphony
Ronald J. Jenkins will lead the Columbus Symphony in the wildly popular Holiday Pops concert, featuring the season's most loved songs and carols. Santa himself is rumored to attend!Columbus Winterfair
When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: Bricker Building At Columbus Winterfair, artists from across the nation come together to showcase contemporary crafts from woodwork to jewelry. It's the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift for that special someone, or simply find unique decorations for your home!WinterFest
When: December 2, noon-4 pm Where: Bicentennial Park Kick off the holiday season in style with this festive event! As the Scioto Mile is lit up from end to end with thousands of spectacular lights, you and the whole family can enjoy a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.Holiday Lights Tour with Columbus City Adventures
When: December 2-18, Select Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30 pm Where: Columbus City Adventures Jaunt through Central Ohio's twinkling winter landscape with Columbus City Adventures. You'll board a bus and journey through downtown, along the Scioto Mile and Christmas Corner. Along the way, listen to historical holiday stories!The Jingle Bell Run
When: December 3, 10 am Where: Genoa Park Running a 5K has never been so merry! Don your most festive holiday costume, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces, and bring loads of good cheer to this charitable race. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts will benefit the Arthritis Foundation — so signing up is guaranteed to get you on Santa's "nice" list.Short North Holiday Hop
When: December 2, noon-10 pm Where: The Short North Arts District
Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus
On the first Saturday of every month, Short North welcomes residents and visitors alike for a gallery hop, during which the art galleries open their doors wide and showcase new exhibitions, street performers, special events, food and drinks. The first Saturday in December is no exception, but you can expect the festivities to be even merrier than usual with special events and displays!Village Lights Presented by Schmidt's
When: December 3, 5-9 pm Where: German Village Kick off the holiday season at German Village as the streets light up with fun displays. Shops, businesses and restaurants will be open late with holiday treats and special offers, and carolers will serenade you from every corner!Workshop: Silhouette Ornaments
When: December 3, 1-4 pm Where: The Smithery: Artist Made Goods Hand-made ornaments are the best ornaments — especially when they look this good! Stop by the Smithery for this three-hour artist's workshop, where you will learn to make your own copper disc ornament with a cutout. All materials and tools will be provided.The Hip Hop Nutcracker
When: December 5, 7:30 pm Where: The Palace Theatre
Photo courtesy of the United Palace of Cultural Arts via the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts
A large cast of all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist will come together for this contemporary reimagining of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, which stands apart as one of the most anticipated performances of the season.Christmas in Columbus: Return of the Elf
When: December 7-17, Times Vary Where: The Short North Stage at the Garden Theater The Short North Stage will come alive this season with the traditional holiday spectacle. This year's show will feature Gideon the Elf as he returns to the city to save it from the clutches of his evil cousin, Simeon. Expect to hear some of your favorite seasonal songs performed by a large cast of singers and dancers!Festivus 2017
When: December 8-10, Times Vary Where: 400 West Rich Join 400 West Rich and the 400 Market for their annual holiday celebration of art and handmade goods. There will be plenty of local vendors to shop from, live music, and open studios for exploring!The Nutcracker at Balletmet Columbus
When: December 8-24, Times Vary Where: BalletMet Columbus
Photo courtesy of Jennifer Zmuda via BalletMet Columbus
Whether this is your first time witnessing the Nutcracker or if you have made it an annual tradition, the BalletMet rendition is not to be missed. The world-class dance theatre welcomes its best and brightest stars to the stage to present a holiday classic — a performance sure to enchant fans old and young.Learn to Make A Festive Holiday Wreath at the Franklin Park Conservatory
When: December 9, 1-3 pm Where: The Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens Your holiday decor isn't complete without a festive wreath on the door! Come learn to make your own at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens using a selection of fresh greenery, cones, berries and other plants. All materials are included in the cost of the class, and you'll be able to take your creation home with you. This is one of many holiday-themed workshops and events at the Franklin Park Conservatory. See the full calendar here.Dine with Santa
When: December 10, 8-10 am Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's going to be hungry after the long journey! Join him and a series of holiday characters for a merry brunch at the zoo. Your children can get a photo with Saint Nick, enjoy up-close animal encounters and more.Trans-Siberian Orchestra
When: December 30, 3 pm AND 8 pm Where: The Nationwide Arena You may have attended a holiday concert or two, but you've never heard the classics like this. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is known for their dazzling performances, pyrotechnics, and rock and roll you can feel in your chest. They will stop in Columbus on their Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Grab 'em while you can!Letters to Santa and a Christmas-Themed Train Ride
When: December 9, 10, 16 and 17, noon-4 pm Where: The Ohio Railway Museum
Train-loving children will love this fun holiday event! Come write your own letter to Santa, make Christmas crafts, ride on a train and enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus herself.
