Christmas in Columbus: 2024 Family Events & Activities

Christmas in Columbus is a special time of year, with lots of festive activities & events all month long to get you into the holiday spirit!

Whether you are looking to start new family Christmas traditions or partake in old ones, browse our interactive map & calendar for Columbus Christmas events, holiday light displays and kid-friendly Christmas shows near you. Find out where you can go ice skating or cut your own Christmas tree, too, for even more seasonal family fun.

What are your family's favorite things to do for Christmas in Columbus? Like & review your picks below, and add any that are still missing!


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    Good Medicine Productions - Uptown Scrooge
    Pin

     (384.2 mi)

    Date

    12/01/2024, 12/07/2024, 12/08/2024

    Time

    Tours 12:30, 1:00, 1:45, 2:30, & 3pm

    Price

    $30/adult, $15/child

    Ages

    Age 4+

    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.

    Santa & the Symphony (The New Albany Symphony Orchestra & Chorus)
    Pin

     (375.2 mi)

    Date

    12/21/2024

    Time

    11:30am

    Price

    $10

    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 RideSanta 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 Metropolitan Main Library - Huntington Holiday Train
    Pin

     (386.3 mi)

    Price

    Free

    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.

    Conservatory Aglow
    Pin

     (383.8 mi)

    Price

    $26/adult, $15.50/child

    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.

    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium - Wildlights
    Pin

     (396.9 mi)

    Price

    Included with admission

    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.

    12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt
    Pin

     (396.4 mi)

    Price

    Free

    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.

    Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
    Pin

     (386.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    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.

Primary photo:   Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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