Christmas in Columbus: 2024 Family Events & Activities

The audience steps into the action with this walking tour performance of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, reenacting Scrooge's journey using the streets and shops of Uptown Westerville. Expect engaging storytelling including music, puppetry, improv, and audience interaction. The experience lasts about 90 minutes.

The sights and sounds of the season come alive on stage with this Sensory Friendly Series concert. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with special guest vocalist, Joan Ellison, promise a holly-jolly good time featuring all of the season’s favorite tunes, such as Sleigh Ride, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. There’s even more fun to be had in the lobby with pre-concert activities and the popular Gift Basket Fundraiser!

A limited quantity of FREE tickets are available by using the promo code AMGEN (limit four per family, additional tickets $10).

Columbus families have been enjoying the Holiday Train at the Main Library since 1992. The train display can't be missed as you enter the Grand Atrium of the library. Bring your entire family to see the display with its trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle. Guests will receive free one-hour parking in the main library's garage.

Katie G.:  The Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a magical place during the holiday season. Their annual display, Conservatory Aglow, includes thousands of sparkling lights displayed throughout the exhibits at the park and an impressive display of seasonal poinsettias. There will be a life-size gingerbread house and train display that's not to be missed.

Chandra Fredrick:  A long-standing holiday tradition for Columbus area families, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an impressive light display that is sure to please the entire family. With millions of LED lights spread throughout the zoo, Wildlights also includes animated musical light shows, reindeer and of course, Santa. Enjoy seasonal holiday treats and character meet and greets, like Rudolph.

Katie G.:  Make your way to 12 Historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get your card signed! Collect them all and return your completed card at any participating business to be entered to win the grand prize basket.

Katie G.:  Take a visit to the Columbus Commons this holiday season for an impressive display of lights. There will be over 400,000 lights throughout the park. Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians roaming around the park.