Columbus Mom Guide to the Month of December

November 23, 2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This guide is full of December events to choose from! In addition to these daily events, be sure to check out our numerous guides listed below to help you decide which activities to attend. There is something for everyone!

Events in December

Throughout December

The Month of December: Twinkling lights at Metro Parks: Walk under the twinkling lights at Batelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood. On Sundays, they will also have hot chocolate. Consider donating to the food bank!

Month of December: Paw Patrol at COSI: at COSI | Special event until January 7, 2024.

Month of December: 12 Elves of Dublin: Make your way to 12 Historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get your card signed! When your kiddo finds the elf at each stop, they will get a little prize. Collect them all and return your completed card at any participating business before December 23rd to be entered to win the grand prize basket.

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December (until December 22): Holiday Carriage Rides at Easton: Experience the magic of the season from a horse-drawn carriage throughout Easton’s North District. Rides are $10 per adult and children 15 and under are free with an adult. Begins November 23.

December 1-5

December 1: Think Outside the Brick: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Come to the Columbus Museum of Art to participate in a museum wide scavenger hunt, a LEGO brick building zone and more!

December 1: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.| Come tour the decorated cars, write a letter to Santa Claus, and visit with Mrs. Claus. Continue into the passenger car where the little ones will enjoy crafts, and take a ride down the line in the trolley. Saturdays 5pm to 9 pm and Sundays noon – 4pm. Cost is $15.

December 1: Holiday Hop in Hilliard and Tree Lighting: 4:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in Hilliard | Visits from Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves; holiday train rides, live reindeer, ice carving, petting zoo and so much more! Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m.

December 1: The Christmas Carol: Get ready for the magic of the holiday season like never before with a unique retelling of the classic holiday tale “A Christmas Carol.” This one-woman show brings the story to life in a virtuosic performance that will leave you spellbound.

December 1: Elf Trail in the Short North: Kids 12 and under can look for elves on the shelves of participating businesses. Then they can turn their Elf Trail card in to receive a free hot drink at Northstar Cafe or Roaming Goat Coffee. Goes through December 31.

December 1: Winter Hike Off at Highbanks Nature Center: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Visit the nature center at Highbanks Metro Park for hot cocoa, activities, and a holiday themed scavenger hunt. Take a 1/4 mile hike through the twinkling lights around the nature center.

December 1: Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory | Must register! Free with Columbus or Franklin County ID.

December 1-23: Santa’s Workshop: Showing at the Lincoln Theater | Come out and see this show and tradition!

December 3: Holiday Tree Lighting and Festivities in Grandview: 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Enjoy carol singing sung by the Grandview Heights High School singers, refreshments and annual tree lighting. The iceless ice rink opens at 3:00 p.m.

December 3-8: How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater | This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic as you watch this musical.

December 4-8: Home for the Holidays: Various showtimes at the Southern Theatre | Experience the magic of the holidays like never before, as they deck the halls with soulful melodies and heartwarming tunes alongside vocalist extraordinaire, Denzal Sinclaire!

December 4: Wildlife Story Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Story time returns! 1st Wednesday of the month. Cost is $5 and preregistration is required.

December 4: Illuminated Shopping in Old Worthington: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Enjoy the start to your holiday shopping in Old Worthington!

December 5: Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Enjoy complimentary cookies, drinks, a photo with Santa and activity tables from multiple organizations to ring in the holiday season.

December 5-8: Capital University Christmas Festival: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday | Capital University Conservatory of Music will present its annual Christmas Festival with in-person concerts featuring the Chapel Choir, Choral Union, Cantabile, Consort, and a variety of instrumentalists.

December 6-12

December 6: McCoy Cabin: 5:30-9:00 p.m.| Outdoor walk-through light display! Now through December 24.

December 6: Winter Hike at Blacklick Woods Metro Park: 5:30 – 7:30 pm | Take a half-mile hike under the twinkling lights and enjoy hot cocoa afterwards at the Nature Center. The Canopy Walk and Nature Center will stay open late for this event on Friday.

December 6:Winter Wonder Walks At The Dawes Arboretum: On December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 6 – 9pm., The Dawes Arboretum will open its doors to the public for Winter Wonder Walks! This 1-mile walk will highlight all of nature’s splendor this time of year with the bonus of having beautiful lights filling the trees. This event requires pre registration. See link for tickets, times and pricing.

December 6-8: Columbus Winterfair: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. | Experience artful shopping at Winterfair! Meet the artists who create unique jewelry, glass, paintings, photographs, ceramics and more.

December 6: Olde Village Holiday Gathering: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Old Pickerington | Free family-friendly event featuring lighting the City tree at the Gazebo at 7:00pm. Horse-drawn wagon rides, circulating hop-on/hop-off trolley, ice carving demonstrations, children’s games and activities, cookie decorating for kids, strolling carolers, live reindeer, complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate, shopping, live nativity, and more.

December 6: Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | To sweeten the deal, Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5 pm to 9 pm. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians roaming around the park while staring at the beautiful lights!

December 6: Upper Arlington Tree Lighting and Winter Festival: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | It’s an evening of ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa and his reindeer, and UA’s tree lighting ceremony.

December 6: Westerville Tree Lighting: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. in Uptown Westerville | Enjoy a night of holiday fun in uptown Westerville!

December 6-7: Christmas in the Village: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in downtown Canal | Activities will take place on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester as well as inside several business establishments around the city’s municipal office building at 36 S. High Street. Tree Lighting, visit with Santa, Popcorn stations and so much more!

December 6-8: Holiday Pops with the Columbus Symphony: Various Times at The Ohio Theater | Holiday magic transforms the historic Ohio Theater, filling it with beautiful decorations, wonderful music, and seasonal cheer! The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus present the season’s most-loved holiday songs and carols, and you can sing along! With four concerts offered, there is a time for everyone to join in the fun. Take your picture with Santa after the concerts!

December 6-8: How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater | This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic as you watch this musical.

December 6-8: Holiday Open House: in Delaware | The 9th annual Main Street Delaware Holiday Open House features Santa, local shop specials, and much more! Different events all weekend long. Tree Lighting is Friday, shops open Saturday, and Sunday is the parade.

December 6-7: Grove City Christmas Celebration: 7:00 p.m. in Grove City | The Grove City community is invited to celebrate Christmas in Grove City. The Grove City Christmas Parade is at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2 and the tree lighting follows promptly after the parade.

December 6-7: Winter Wonderland Walks at The Dawes Arboretum: 1-mile walk will highlight all of nature’s splendor this time of year with the bonus of having beautiful lights filling the trees!

December 6-8: The New Albany Nutcracker: Various showtimes at the McCoy Center in New Albany | Get your tickets today!

December 6-8: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians: Put on by Pickerington Community Theater!

December 7: Jingle Bell Run Columbus: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Genoa Park | Registration is open now!

December 7: The Merry Market in Dublin: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Shop your favorite local holiday vendors during this festive market. Santa at the market too!

December 7: Indoor Worthington Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | The outdoor market continues through December!

December 7:Meet Santa at Union Bank: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.| This event includes free, professional photos with Santa, a chance to meet Santa’s live reindeer, hot cocoa, holiday treats, and music from Sunny 95! The event will support People in Need in Delaware County with a food drive for non-perishable items.

December 7: Pajama Storytime with the Grinch at Canal Winchester Library: 10:30- 11:30 a.m. | Wear your pajamas to this story time featuring the Grinch! The Grinch will appear and pose for pictures!

December 7: Deck the Stalls: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Stockhand Horses for Healing | Sign up for your time slot! Admission is $5 per child, 2 years old and under free! There are four, one hour sessions, 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm. Photos with Santa are $5 (free to active military families). Pony rides (obstacle course) for children are $5. There will be face painting, Christmas bulb decorating and concessions for sale.

December 7: Downtown Lancaster Winterfest: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Free carriage rides, photos with Santa at the Santa House, visit with the businesses, holiday music, and much more! The downtown tree lighting is this night too!

December 7-8: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Come tour the decorated cars, write a letter to Santa Clause, and visit with Mrs. Clause. Continue into the passenger car where the little ones will enjoy crafts, and take a ride down the line in the trolley. Saturdays 5pm to 9 pm and Sundays noon – 4pm. NEW THIS YEAR SATURDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ! Cost is $15.

December 7: Holiday Trolley Hop: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. in the Discovery District | Hop on and off the trolley for free as you explore around this part of downtown. You can visit the main library, shop, eat and enjoy activities for kids. New this year is a route to the Santa Extravaganza at the Lazarus Building and Common Thread Shops on Third has been added. The route includes a stop at the Museum of Catholic Art & History, with State Auto’s nativity scene now displayed at St Joseph Cathedral at 212 E. Broad St.

December 7: Granville Candlelight Walking Tour: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Village of Granville | The day will feature activities, events, and performances to enjoy.

December 7: Santa’s Greenhouse Gathering at Dutch Mill Greenhouse | Visit with Santa and Friends in the Greenhouse on Saturday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM. This is a free event but online RSVP is requested.

December 7: Main Street Christmas Cookie Walk and Lighted Parade: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Downtown Pataskala | Tickets will be sold online this year on Saturday, November 30. Then you will do a walking tour of more than 50 local businesses collecting a cookie from each stop. There are tons of free activities, and entertainment experiences along the way! Parade at 6:00 p.m

December 7: Seeds of Caring’s Holiday Acts of Kindness: 3- 4:15 pm at Columbus Main Library Auditorium| Learn about ways to reduce your consumption and waste, express gratitude to mail carriers and garbage collectors, create gifts for New Americans at ETSS, support unhoused neighbors at Van Buren Center, and assemble meal kits for guests of the Worthington Resource Pantry. Families are encouraged to bring a new package of warm socks to donate to The Open Shelter during this holiday season.

December 7: Not So Silent Night at Shadowbox Live: This family-friendly performance features the story of a DJ taking requests and dedications on Christmas Eve. The show is filled with heartwarming, holiday songs. The show will be performed on Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00 PM through December 22, 22024. Tickets are available online.

December 7:Winter Holiday Fest at Hilltop Library: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Enjoy crafts, games and winter treats to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and winter time joys. All ages are welcome.

December 7:Holiday Extravaganza in Downtown Columbus: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM get photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Lazarus Building, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music and more at Columbus Commons and do some holiday shopping at five local boutiques at Common Thread.

December 7: Chestnut Ridge Luminary Night: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Take a walk through the woods with luminaries and lanterns lighting the way. Hot chocolate will be provided!

December 7: Holiday Hop: 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. | Stroll the streets in the Short North and look at the decorated window displays, watch street performers, shop at the businesses that stay open later. FREE

December 7: Christmas on the Square in Sunbury: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Watch a lighted parade at 5:30, participate in festivities such as craft making, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and much more!

December 7: Christmas Under the Clock: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Plain City | Tree Lighting Ceremony with entertainment at 5:00 p.m. After the tree lighting, activities include craft vendors, wagon rides to photos with Santa, live music, ice sculpting, drawings and prizes.

December 7-8: Luminary Walks at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park: Visit Chestnut Ridge Park for a twinkling night walk! Guided walk starts at 5.

December 8: Columbus Children’s Choir at Franklin Park Conservatory: All ages welcome and includes admission!

December 8: Holiday LEGO Ornament Build at Nocterra Brewing: Join BAM Powell for a holiday ornament build at Nocterra Brwing on Sunday between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM. Your registration includes 2 LEGO ornaments, 1 drink ticket and unlimited hot chocolate. Tickets are available online.

December 8: Christmas is Coming at Slate Run Farm:1:00- 3:00 p.m. | Help decorate the farmhouse at Slate Run Farm. String popcorn and make an ornament you can take home.

December 8-12: Christmas in the Park in Upper Arlington: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on weekends and 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. during the week | Must preregister for this amazing personalized visit with Santa!

December 8: Rudolph Run 5k: 2:00 p.m. in Westerville | Family-friendly way to be active together as you run in Uptown Westerville! Kids are encouraged.

December 8: German Village Lights: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Visit the historic streets of German Village to discover a world of lights and holiday magic. Follow the luminaries from shop to shop as you begin checking off your holiday gift list!

December 12: Celebrating YOU and Do-Re-Me: 11 am – 12 pm at Westerville Public Library| Join in for a music and community-building program with folk singer Joanie Calem and Life Builders. Children and their families will sing, dance, and connect with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The songs and activities have been chosen to promote the themes of friendship, inclusion, and the power to make a difference.

December 12-28: The Nutcracker: Various showtimes at The Ohio Theater | Get your tickets today for this holiday tradition!

December 12-January 2: Merry on Main: Skating Rink Grand Opening: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Partners Park in Marysville | Skating is free to residents and visitors of all ages. Skates are provided for free. The rink is 72′ x 40′ with perimeter fencing and outdoor heaters.

December 12: COSI After Dark: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at COSI | Grab your friends and start your weekend early with COSI After Dark, an evening event series exclusively for adults ages 21+.Y2k is the theme!

December 13-20

December 13-15: Ebony Nutcracker: Showing at the Lincoln Theater!

December 13: Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | To sweeten the deal, Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5 pm to 9 pm. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians roaming around the park while staring at the beautiful lights!

December 13: An Evening at the North Pole: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at The Westerville Community Center | Santa’s elves will serve a light meal with a special dessert and beverages. Santa will share great stories from the North Pole! Holiday crafts and a sing-a-long will get everyone in the holiday spirit! See page 31 for details.

December 13: Holiday Party: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Worthington Community Center | Bring your family to the Community Center for a family dance party, crafts, games, and a visit from Santa! See page 6 for details.

December 13-15: The New Albany Nutcracker: Various showtimes at the McCoy Center in New Albany | Get your tickets today!

December 14: Indoor Worthington Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | The market heads back to the Shops at Worthington Mall.

December 14: Holiday Celebration at North Market Downtown: 11:00 .m. – 2:00 p.m. | DJ, face painting, selfies with Santa, and of course shopping and food!

December 14-15 : Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Come tour the decorated cars, write a letter to Santa Clause, and visit with Mrs. Clause. Continue into the passenger car where the little ones will enjoy crafts, and take a ride down the line in the trolley. Saturdays 5pm to 9 pm and Sundays noon – 4pm. Cost is $15

December 14: Holiday Treat Making: 1 – 2:30 pm at Gahanna Community Congregational Church | Spread holiday cheer by making and decorating treats for those navigating food insecurity this holiday season. You can make Rice Krispies treats, decorate sugar cookies, and make cards for neighbors receiving food and other resources from The Broad St Food Pantry.

December 14: Ugly Sweater Crawl: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Things are about to get ugly at the annual Ugly Sweater Crawl on Saturday, December 10th from 6-9 PM! Throw on a festive sweater, enjoy Santa-approved drink specials, and cozy up at your favorite local bars and restaurants in Bridge Park and Historic Dublin.

December 17: Pre Hanukkah Celebration: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | The evening festivities will include a public lighting of the menorah at 7:00 pm. The rest of the activities will be available during the duration of the event, 5-7pm.

December 20: Uptown Westerville Ice Sculpture Tour: Visit Uptown Westerville to see over 30 holiday themed ice sculptures at 5:00 p.m. until they melt!

December 20 and December 26: My First Nutcracker: 11:00 a.m. | This 11 am performance is the perfect choice for our youngest fans and any child who may prefer a shorter, less crowded, and more casual environment. Please note that everyone attending the show will need a ticket, no matter the age.

December 20: Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | To sweeten the deal, Fridays in December will be a little extra festive, with free hot chocolate and carousel rides from 5 pm to 9 pm. Plus, you’ll hear the music of the season with musicians roaming around the park while staring at the beautiful lights!

December 20-21: Meet and Greet with Santa and his Reindeer: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. | Included in your conservatory aglow ticket- some see Santa and his reindeer!

December 20: Grinch and Friends Skate Party at Skate Zone 71: 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Skate with the Grinch and his freinds! Wear your holiday gear for a free glow stick!

December 21 : Santa and the Symphony: 7:30 p.m. at The Southern Theater | A sensory friendly performance!

December 21-28

December 21-22: Christmas on the Farm: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Prices vary based on activities. Options include: visit with Santa, pony rides, petting zoo, carriage ride and more.

December 21-22: Holiday Spectacular: 4:00 p.m |There’s No Place Like Home for the holidays, and they can’t wait to celebrate the season with you. They welcome back vocalist Joan Ellison and the New Albany Symphony Chorus for a Spectacular Holiday performance at the McCoy!

December 26: Magic Comedy with the Great Dean-O | 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | Performances will occur at 11 am and 2 pm and are included in admission. No registration is required.

December 26: Trans- Siberian Orchestra: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Nationwide Arena| A Holiday classic!

December 27: Comedy Juggler: 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | This international gold medalist juggler will thrill and captivate the audience with his one-man variety show of juggling, stunts, acrobatics, and comedy.

December 27: Harlem Globetrotters: 2:00 p.m. at The Schottenstein Center | Get your tickets today!

December 29-31

December 31: Countdown to 12..noon: Noon at Franklin Park Conservatory | Goodbye 2024, hello 2025! Make a party hat, play some games and get ready to dance as we do a celebratory countdown with a one-of-a-kind bubble stomp. So everyone can celebrate, we’ll do it all again with a countdown to 1 pm.

Remember many of the light displays stay up past Christmas. Check out the list: Holiday Light Displays.

Need other ideas on how to keep the kids entertained over break. Here are lots of suggestions: 75+ Free Winter Break Activities.

Wow! So much to do this holiday season! Be sure to check back often as we will continue to add events!

Don’t forget about The Columbus Zoo Lights, The Conservatory Aglow, and Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights!

Columbus Mom Guide to the Month of January