Columbus, Ohio is a fantastic place to spend the holiday season, with a wide range of Christmas activities and events that cater to all ages and interests. From festive light displays to fun-filled family activities, there's something for everyone in Columbus during the Christmas season.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, you'll find that Columbus offers a unique blend of traditional and modern holiday celebrations that are sure to get you in the mood for Christmas. In this article, we'll take a closer look at 10 Christmas activities in Columbus, Ohio that you won't want to miss.
1. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights
One of Columbus' most beloved holiday traditions is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights. This annual event features over a million LED lights, animated displays, and festive decorations throughout the zoo. Visitors can enjoy the stunning light displays, as well as live music, animal encounters, and a variety of holiday activities.
When to Visit:
Wildlights takes place from late November to early January, with extended hours during the holiday season.What to Expect:
* Over a million LED lights and animated displays * Live music and animal encounters * Holiday activities and crafts * Festive food and drinks2. Columbus Christmas Parade
Get into the holiday spirit with the Columbus Christmas Parade, a fun and festive event that takes place in downtown Columbus. The parade features floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus himself. It's a great way to kick off the holiday season with family and friends.
When to Visit:
The Columbus Christmas Parade typically takes place on the first Saturday of December.What to Expect:
* Floats, marching bands, and festive performances * Appearance by Santa Claus * Holiday cheer and excitement3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' Holiday Display
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a stunning destination any time of year, but during the holiday season, it's especially magical. The conservatory's holiday display features intricate glass artwork, festive decorations, and a stunning light display.
When to Visit:
The holiday display takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Intricate glass artwork and festive decorations * Stunning light display * Beautiful botanical gardens4. Ohio Theatre's Holiday Shows
The Ohio Theatre is a historic landmark in Columbus, and during the holiday season, it hosts a variety of festive shows and performances. From classic Christmas tales to modern holiday musicals, there's something for everyone at the Ohio Theatre.
When to Visit:
Holiday shows take place throughout December.What to Expect:
* Classic Christmas tales and modern holiday musicals * Festive performances and decorations * Historic theatre with ornate decorations5. Scioto Mile's Holiday Lights
The Scioto Mile is a scenic destination in downtown Columbus, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and decorations. Visitors can stroll along the Scioto River and enjoy the stunning views and holiday cheer.
When to Visit:
The holiday lights display takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Festive lights and decorations * Scenic views of the Scioto River * Holiday cheer and atmosphere6. Columbus Children's Theatre's Holiday Shows
The Columbus Children's Theatre is a beloved destination for families, and during the holiday season, it hosts a variety of festive shows and performances designed for kids. From classic Christmas tales to modern holiday musicals, there's something for every age and interest.
When to Visit:
Holiday shows take place throughout December.What to Expect:
* Festive shows and performances for kids * Classic Christmas tales and modern holiday musicals * Family-friendly atmosphere and activities7. German Village's Holiday Lights
German Village is a charming neighborhood in Columbus, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and decorations. Visitors can stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy the stunning views and holiday cheer.
When to Visit:
The holiday lights display takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Festive lights and decorations * Charming neighborhood with historic homes * Holiday cheer and atmosphere8. Columbus Museum of Art's Holiday Exhibit
The Columbus Museum of Art is a world-class destination, and during the holiday season, it hosts a special exhibit featuring festive artwork and decorations. Visitors can enjoy the stunning artwork and learn about the history and significance of holiday traditions.
When to Visit:
The holiday exhibit takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Festive artwork and decorations * Historic and cultural significance of holiday traditions * World-class museum with stunning artwork9. Easton Town Center's Holiday Display
Easton Town Center is a popular shopping and dining destination in Columbus, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views and holiday cheer while shopping and dining.
When to Visit:
The holiday display takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Festive lights and decorations * Shopping and dining options * Holiday cheer and atmosphere10. Huntington Park's Holiday Lights
Huntington Park is a scenic destination in downtown Columbus, and during the holiday season, it's transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights and decorations. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views and holiday cheer while strolling through the park.
When to Visit:
The holiday lights display takes place from late November to early January.What to Expect:
* Festive lights and decorations * Scenic views of the park * Holiday cheer and atmosphereWe hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide to the best Christmas activities in Columbus, Ohio. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city during the holiday season. So why not get into the holiday spirit and start planning your Christmas activities in Columbus today?
Don't forget to share your holiday experiences with us in the comments below, and we'd love to hear about your favorite Christmas activities in Columbus!