2023 is here! Wow, that feels crazy to say! Last year seemed to fly by, especially the month of December! We are hopeful that January and the rest of 2023 brings lots of happiness and joy to you and your family. As you finish out Christmas Break, be sure to check out fun things to do in Columbus in our guide this month! In addition to our events, see the links below to find ways to stay entertained this winter. We hope you find lots to do by using our Guide to the Month of January!
- 35 Ways to Spend Quality Time Together
- Winter Bucket List
- 20 Things to Do Inside
- Cookie Recipes
- 15 Stay at Home Crafts
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights will be on until January 1, 2023 as well as The Columbus Zoo, Columbus Commons Magic Lights at the Old Crew Stadium and WonderLights’s Christmas Display if you are looking for a New Year’s Day idea or something to do at the end of break. The Conservatory Aglow will be running until January 8, 2023.
In addition, we also have a list of 75 Ideas to do this Winter Break!
Perhaps there will be a snowy day and you will be ready to hit the hills! Check out our list of sledding hills for many options.
Additional Entertainment Ideas
- Check out the new ice rink at Riverside Crossing Park (located near Bridge Park, Dublin). There is also a location at Coffman Park!
- Go Tubing at Snow Trails– reservations are still required in 2023!
- Make Hot Chocolate Bombs
- Attend a Seeds of Caring event
- Try out the Winter Hike Series: Bundle up and put on your hiking boots – it’s time for Metro Parks annual winter hikes! This year, the winter hike series takes on a new look as your ticket to travel through 18 different parks and hike miles and miles of trails. Visitors can hike in six different parks per month and have their ticket to travel booklet stamped.
January 1- 7
January 1: Kids Skate at Skate Zone 71: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Come celebrate the New Year with family and friends during their Holiday skating sessions! They have many events going on all month long.
January 1: Teens Connect at Hilliard Library: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Come talk about books and connect!
January 1-2: Merry on Main: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Marysville | Simulated ice rink will be open on New Year’s Day and beyond. Free! Begins on December 10, 2022. Check the website for exact times each day.
January 1-January 8: Conservatory Aglow: Enjoy the lights even after the New Year!
January 1: Community Days at Franklin Park Conservatory: Free admission for Franklin County Residents.
January 1: Free Day at Columbus Museum of Art: See website for hours | Sundays are free at the museum!
January 1: First Hike of 2023: 7:30 a.m. – Come to the lake at Blendon Woods at dawn to welcome in the New Year!
January -March: Royce Winter Park Dining Experience at Polaris: 11:00 a.m. at Polaris Fashion Place | Winter Park will feature 9 heated igloo-style pods for outdoor dining, brought to guests in partnership with The Royce gastropub. See website for rules on times and reservations. Check out other igloo options as well!
January 2: Recharge with Games and Crafts: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Westerville Library | Kick off the new year with open play! Drop by for an afternoon of fun with a variety of games and crafts. All supplies provided. Located in the Activity Center. For ages 4-11.
January 3: Hilliard Story Hour: 10:30-11:00 | Learn how you can use books, rhymes, and songs to help your child be ready for kindergarten.
January 5: Columbus Blue Jackets: Game at Nationwide Arena! Family Value pack available!
January 5: Cookie Decorating with Plenty O’ Cookies New Year’s Edition: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | Drag performer Plenty O’Smiles of Plenty O’ Cookies bakery will guide you through the art of cookie decorating.
January 6-7: Winter Festival: Put on by the Columbus Symphony!
January 7: Kids Sugar Cookie Class: 11:00 a.m. at Canvas Creations for You in Delaware: In this class, they will talk about and practice various royal icing techniques. They will also learn to roll dough and how to check icing consistency. Each child will ice 4-6 cookies, and take them home (if they make it that far!) Register in advance!
January 7: Experience more Saturdays at The Works: 11:30 a.m .- 12:00 p.m. | Join us for even MORE in the museum on Saturdays! With a rotating selection of Science, History, and Art programs you will always find something new to explore.
January 7: New Albany Farmer’s Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in New Albany | Enjoy their seasonal offerings as well as local fresh baked goods and so much more! One Saturday per month.
January 8-15
January 9: Winter-Themed Scavenger Hunt: Drop by the Lane Road Library’s youth department anytime during the month of January to participate in their winter-themed scavenger hunt.
January 9-15: Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Tremont Library | Listen to Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” speech, take a virtual tour of the National Civil Rights Museum, and check out books about civil rights activists and stories by Black authors and illustrators. Think about what is important to you, and write your own pledge to stand up for equality and against racism!
January 11: Literary Libations: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Old Worthington Library | Join Worthington Libraries staff for a “spirit”ed discussion of some great books. Selected title: “Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus.
January 11-16: CATS: Showing at Ohio Theater!
January 12: COSI After Dark Party: 7:00 p.m. at COSI |This par-tay will be da bomb with trivia, karaoke, 90’s themed drinks and snacks to take you back to the best decade. See you there, home skillet. Featuring DJ Dayna & 90’s Retro Video Games Presented by Game Arena!
January 13: Kids Dream Winter Film Series: This event features a line up of family films and an opportunity for free tickets when you redeem vouchers through American Family Insurance.
January 13: Friday Storytime at Blendon Woods Metro Park: 10:00 a.m. | Storytime in the nature Center for ages 2 and up.
January 13: Mini Makers at The Works: 10:00 a.m. | Mini Makers Design and create STEM themed projects.
January 14: Worthington Indoor Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Come to the shoppes to stay warm and shop local!
January 14: Annual Tapping of Trees at Camp Lazarus: 9:00 a.m. at Camp Lazarus | Spend some time in the woods as you learn about maple trees and how the process of tapping the trees is done.
January 14: Kids Storage Craft at Ikea Polaris: 10:30 a.m. | Storage Craft event at IKEA where kids can decorate a storage cube at the Swedish restaurant. It is free but you must register.
January 14: Teen Open Studio at Columbus Museum of Art: 11:00 a.m. | Free drop in studio for kids ages 12-19 to learn from local artists.
January 14: Read with Horses: 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. | Sign up to read with horses at Stockhands for Healing. Therapeutic for all! Three one hour sessions will take place.
January 14: I love the 90’s Tour: A Live Concert performance featuring SWV, Tony! Toni! Tone! and the soulful sound of Dave Hollister.
January 14-15: Brick Fest Live at Great Columbus Convention Center: Over a million bricks on display and plenty to play with! Life sized models and more!
January 14: Mandala Rock Painting: 1:00 p.m. at Pickerington Public Library | Come visit for an afternoon of rock painting at the library! All ages.
January 15: Author Visit at Dublin Toy Emporium: 1:00 p.m. | Julie Dinges and her book The Search for the Sceptor. The afternoon will feature a scavenger hunt and author meet and greet.
January 15: Sunday Swim in Upper Arlington: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register required, for the entire session or by day at parks.uaoh.net. Two and under free. Participants will enter through the Natatorium vestibule on the south side of the High School.
January 16-23
January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day at National Veterans Memorial and Museum: $1 admission from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
January 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Worthington United Methodist Church: 11:00 a.m. | Keynote speaker, musical performances, and a light luncheon.
January 16: Kid’s MLK Day Art Camp at Busy Bees Pottery and Arts Studio: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Includes art projects and games.
January 16: MLK Day Open House at Ohio History Center: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Attend the MLK Day Open House to enjoy music, live performances and learn about the civil rights movement.
January 16: MLK Day Skate at Skate Zone 71: 3 different options for skating with Free Dinner at the 6 p.m. skate.
January 17: 10 wines for $10 Dollar Wine Tasting: Located in Clintonville- sign up today! At Savor Pint!
January 20-January 22: Jurassic Quest: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Ohio Expo Center | Largest exhibition of moving life-size dinosaurs!
January 20: Mini Makers at The Works: 10:00 a.m. | Friday January 20th starting at 10am visit The Works for Mini Makers. Build and create STEM activities for ages 2-6. See link for tickets and pricing. Event included with admission.
January 21: Worthington Indoor Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Come to the shoppes to stay warm and shop local!
January 21: PBJ and Jazz Family Concert: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Theater | One-hour interactive concert for kids and families to introduce them to Jazz music.
January 21: Columbus Beer Fest: 11:30-3:30 p.m.. | Over 130 breweries to choose from!
January 21: Orchids Opening at Franklin Park Conservatory: Thousands of vibrant orchids blanket the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse! The orchids are presented in striking color combinations and creative displays, creating a colorful and uplifting tropical escape.
January 21: Ohio Reptile Show: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Franklin County Fairgrounds | See your favorite reptiles!
January 21: Stuff a Plush: 10:00 a.m. at Wyman Woods | Visit Wyman Woods to stuff a plush and make your very own stuffed animal with your grandparents. There will also be breakfast available. See link for tickets and pricing.
January 22: Bake and Take 1st Birthday Cake: Noon at Our Cupcakery | Visit Our Cupcakery for a hands on bake and decorate cake class. This event is recommended for ages 13 and up, it is also recommended to bring your apron. See link for tickets and pricing.
January 22: Sunday Swim in Upper Arlington: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register required, for the entire session or by day at parks.uaoh.net. Two and under free. Participants will enter through the Natatorium vestibule on the south side of the High School.
Make a Child’s Birthday Extra Happy with Seeds of Caring
Through Feb. 19, kids can learn about the power of kindness and bring birthday cheer to those served by Columbus Early Learning Centers. Your family, team, or youth group will pack Birthday Bags with cake mix, frosting, candles, a cheer card – everything a child needs to celebrate their special day! Drop donations on a Seeds of Caring volunteer’s porch for a fun, touch-free service opportunity.
January 24-31
January 23-28: Restaurant Week: This is a great opportunity to try new restaurants or visit one of your favorites. The participating restaurants have certain menu items that are available for this special pricing. There are 150 restaurants and it’s a perfect way to support local!
January 24-29: SIX: Get your tickets for this musical touring at The Ohio Theater!
January 25-29: Disney on Ice: Various show times!
January 27: Tie Dyed Teens at Tremont Road Library: 3:30 p.m. | Visit for a fun afternoon filled with tie dye. Your choice to tie dye a scrunchie or a tote bag!
January 28: Worthington Indoor Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Come to the shoppes to stay warm and shop local!
January 28: Winter Fest: WINTERFEST at Horvath’s Harbor! 4 entertainers are scheduled for non-stop entertainment all day. Hawaiian food, decor, and drinks. Coffee, cappuccinos, lattes, pastries, and breakfast
January 28: Sensory Friendly Saturday at the Works: 9 a.m. | This event features programming for children and families with sensory processing disorders.
January 28: Winterfest at Buckeye Lake: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. | Benny the Bass determines the fate of spring on the lake for 2023! Groundhogs just aren’t trustworthy with this monumental task. Live music and lots of fun! Here from one of our writers about the experience her family had watching Buckeye Benny!
January 28: School of Rock Winter Rock Show: 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at The King of Clubs, 6252 Busch Blvd, Columbus, OH 43229 | All are welcome to this family-friendly event to rock out with 8-17 year olds playing rock/pop hits from throughout the decades. Expect to hear tributes to AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac, Nirvana, The Beatles and many more. Tickets are $7 through Eventbrite. Venue offers food & drink.
January 28: S’more Nature at Blendon Woods Metro Park: 2:00 p.m. | Smores treat and conversation about wildlife as you gather around the campfire.
January 28: Winter Jam: 6:00 p.m. at Schottenstein Center | Get ready for We The Kingdom, Jeremy Camp, Andy Mineo, Disciple, Austin French, Francesca Battistelli & more.
January 28: Columbus Chocolate, Wine and Whiskey Festival: 7:00 p.m – 11:00 p.m. | COSI – Columbus’s Most Foodie Event Venue. 21+ and Over Event, No Exceptions
Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations – from sweet hand-rolled truffles to oooey goooey marshmallowey crunchy S’mores and an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates!
January 29: Sunday Swim in Upper Arlington: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Register required, for the entire session or by day at parks.uaoh.net. Two and under free. Participants will enter through the Natatorium vestibule on the south side of the High School.
January 29: Ohio Princess Ball: 2:00 p.m. at Greek Orthodox Cathedral | A Magical Experience like no other !!!! A musical and dance performance and Ball with all your favorite Princesses !! Also another performance at 5 p.m.
We hope you and your family stay safe and well. We are hopeful for a happy 2023!
