Christmas in Columbus, Ohio [2023]

Christmas in Columbus, Ohio, is a magical time, full of Christmas light displays, shopping, holiday concerts, and so much more. Whether you’re local to central Ohio or visiting Columbus at Christmastime, these fun and festive activities will surely please your whole family.

This post is divided into sections so you can quickly jump to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Christmas Lights in Columbus
Christmas Activities in Columbus
Columbus Christmas Shopping
Christmas Concerts and Shows

Check back regularly because this post will be updated throughout the Christmas season as new events and activities are added.

Christmas Lights in Columbus

Columbus Zoo Wildlights

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo is one of the most popular Christmas activities in Columbus, Ohio. The zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland every night (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day) throughout the season. Grab the family and bundle up to explore the zoo under the glow of millions of lights.

Wildlights 2023: Daily from November 17, 2023 through January 7, 2024
Sensory Friendly Lights Stroll and Santa Experience: November 14, 2023
Sensory Friendly Santa Experience: November 14, 2023 and December 10, 2023

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo is one of my favorite Christmas activities in Columbus, Ohio.

Easton’s Grand Illumination

For a fun holiday event, head to Easton Town Center to see over 2 million lights illuminate at once to kick off the Christmas season. This fun, family-friendly event includes music, characters, and plenty of holiday cheer.

When: November 17, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Easton Town Center

Easton Town Square Holiday Tree Show

Enjoy a light show on Easton’s 56-foot Christmas tree every 5 minutes from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily

When: November 18, 2023, through December 31, 2023
Where: Easton Town Center

Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow

One of the most iconic Columbus Christmas activities is Conservatory Aglow at the Franklin Park Conservatory. This Columbus holiday tradition includes festive lights, poinsettia trees, the gingerbread competition, and more.

When: December 2023
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory

Segway Holiday Lights Tour

For a unique way to celebrate Christmas in Columbus, take a tour of holiday lights in downtown Columbus on a segway, complete with holiday music.

When: November 25 to December 23, 2023
Where: 400 North High Street, Columbus
Tickets

Christmas Activities in Columbus, Ohio

There are so many fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio in December that are full of Christmas fun for the whole family.

Meet Santa at Easton

Bring the kids to take photos with Santa at Easton. Reservations open on November 1, 2023, but walk-ups are also accepted.

When: November 18, 2023, to December 24, 2023
Where: Easton’s North District near Kendra Scott

Columbus Metropolitan Library Christmas Open House

This family-friendly Christmas event will have crafts, live music, refreshments, and a live reindeer. This night also marks the official launch of the Huntington Holiday Train.

When: November 29, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Columbus Main Library | 96 S. Grant Avenue

Home Alone Movie Screening

When: November 21, 2023, at 7 p.m.
Where: McCoy Center for the Arts | New Albany

Succulent Christmas Tree Class

These festive Christmas-themed classes at the Franklin Park Conservatory are perfect for a unique date night or fun friends’ activity.

Needle Felted Ornament: December 2, 2023 | Tickets
Succulent Christmas Tree Class: December 10, 2023 | Tickets
The Communal Garden – Winter Interest: December 5, 2023 | Tickets
Winter Wreath Workshop: December 5 and 6, 2023 | Tic kets

Cocktails at the Conservatory

This fun Christmas event combines holiday-themed cocktails with the fantastic lights displays at the Franklin Park Conservatory. There will also be live music, food trucks, and trivia.

When: December 7, 2023
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
Tickets

Short North Holiday Hop

The Short North Gallery Hop is an iconic Columbus activity that happens on the first Saturday of every month. In December, the Gallery Hop celebrates the holidays with gallery exhibitions, performers, music, food, and drinks.

When: December 2, 2023
Where: High Street in The Short North Arts District

Columbus Christmas Shopping Events

These annual shopping events are a fun part of Christmas in Columbus.

Ohio-Made Holiday Market

This fun holiday shopping event features over 80 independent makers and businesses that are all based in Ohio. You’ll find home decor, clothing, crafts, and gifts.

When: November 17 to 18, 2023
Where: Hollywood Casino, 200 Georgesville Road
Tickets

Columbus Winterfair

For a great way to get some Christmas shopping done, check out Winterfair! This fun event features artists from all over the country selling jewelry, crafts, art, food, gifts, and more.

When: December 1 to 3, 2023
Where: Multipurpose Building | Ohio State Fairgrounds

Best Card for Everyday Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 on ALL purchases with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Holiday Trolley Hop

Enjoy free trolley rides through Downtown Columbus to visit local merchants. This event includes live music, holiday treats, crafts for kids, and holiday characters.

When: December 2, 2023, from 1 pm. to 6 p.m.
Where: There are 2 starting points — Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch at 96 S. Grant Ave. and the Warehouse District at 256 E Neilston St.

Columbus Christmas Concerts and Shows

There are many festive Christmas concerts and shows in Columbus starting in late November to keep you busy throughout the holidays.

A Christmas Carol

When: November 24 to 26, 2023
Where: Ohio Theater | 39 E. State Street
Tickets

Pentatonix

When: December 2, 2023
Where: Nationwide Arena | 200 W. Nationwide Blvd
Tickets

Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops

When: December 1 to 3, 2023
Where: Ohio Theater | 39 E. State Street
Tickets

Ballet Met’s The Nutcracker

When: December 7, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Where: Ohio Theater | 39 E. State Street
Tickets

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

When: December 7, 2023
Where: Palace Theater | 34 W. Broad Street
Tickets

A Christmas Concert with Quan Howell

When: December 8, 2023
Where: Lincoln Theater Ballroom
Tickets

Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour

When: December 8, 2023
Where: Palace Theater | 34 W. Broad Street
Tickets

Elf in Concert

When: December 9 to 10, 2023
Where: Palace Theater | 34 W. Broad Street
Tickets

Straight No Chaser Christmas

When: December 16, 2023
Where: Palace Theater | 34 W. Broad Street
Tickets

Santa and the Symphony – Sensory Friendly Performance

When: December 16, 2023
Where: McCoy Center for the Arts | New Albany
Tickets

New Albany Orchestra Holiday Spectacular

When: December 17, 2023
Where: McCoy Center for the Arts | New Albany
Tickets

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

When: December 22 to 23, 2023
Where: Palace Theater | 34 W. Broad Street
Tickets

Trans-Siberian Orchestra – The Ghosts of Christmas Eve

When: December 30, 2023
Where: Nationwide Arena | 200 W. Nationwide Blvd
Tickets

Final Thoughts

With plenty of holiday activities, including Christmas light displays, Christmas events, Christmas concerts, and more, December is a wonderful time in Columbus.

For more things to do in Columbus, Ohio throughout the year, check out these posts:

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