It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This guide is full of December events to choose from! In addition to our 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!

• Holiday Light Displays
• Tree Lighting Ceremonies
• Breakfast with Santa
• Where to Get Your Photo with Santa
• Columbus Holiday Performances
• FREE Holiday Activities

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 and consider donating to the food bank!

Month of December: Doc McStuffins at COSI: at COSI | Special event until January 3, 2023.

Month of December – January 8: Holiday Bricktacular: at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus | Meet fun holiday LEGO characters, check out MINILAND Ohio transformed with snow, build your own LEGO Dots holiday decoration, enjoy holiday themed activities and more!

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.

Weekends in December: Light Up Camp: Free seasonal drive-thru display! Camp buildings will be transformed into a twinkling, musical wonderland of family fun. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, November 25 through December 24, 2022.

Until December 24: Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt: Tanger Outlets | Find the Magic at Tanger this Holiday Season! From November 8th – December 24th, families can head to Tanger to take part in a Holiday Scavenger Hunt with the Elf on the Shelf, a Christmas Tradition!

Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in December (until December 23): 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.

December 1-7

December 1-4: Home for the Holidays: Various showtimes at the Southern Theatre | A holiday musical treat featuring Stacie Boord.

December 1: Dublin Tree Lighting: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Dublin | Residents will enjoy seasonal activities and entertainment at the new location in 2022. 6635 Riverside Drive.

December 1: Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | The holiday season opens in Ohio with the annual holiday Statehouse event. Attend the Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting to kick off the 2022 holiday season.  Historical characters and modern dignitaries will be on hand to greet guests, including Santa himself.

December 1-2 Cirque De Christmas: Showing at the Palace Theater | Come out and see this electrifying show!

December 1-4: 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. This festival is a long-standing holiday tradition enjoyed by the university, its friends and the greater Columbus community.

December 2-4: 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 2: 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 2: 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 2: 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 2: Westerville Tree Lighting: 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. in Uptown Westerville | Enjoy a night of holiday fun in uptown Westerville!

December 2-4: Holiday Pops with the Columbus Symphony: Various Times at The Ohio Theatre | Holiday magic transforms the historic Ohio Theatre, 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 2-4: Holiday Open House: in Delaware | 8th 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 2-3: 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 2-3: Grove City Mistletoe Market: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. | Find unique, creative, one-of-a-kind gift items, decorations, artwork and delicious treats to enjoy or share with others while strolling through the festive market.

December 2-3 The New Albany Nutcracker: Various showtimes at the McCoy Center in New Albany | Get your tickets today! Also showing December 9-11, 2022.

December 2-3: 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 3 Holidays in Powell: in Powell | Sign up to Santa when he makes a stop, tree lighting ceremony, carriage rides and ways to shop local this year!

December 3,4,10,11,17,18: Dickens of a Christmas: Select your time! | Bring your family to our 19th century holiday celebration and see Charles Dickens’ festive vision of Christmas come to life. Meet and interact with Ohio Village residents to learn how they celebrate the holiday season. Have some chance encounters with holiday characters including Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Jacob Marley, Ebenezer Scrooge, Krampus and others. Enjoy music and dance of the period and partake in various activities in the village buildings, and look for gift ideas in our local artisan market!

December 3: Jingle Bell Run Columbus: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Genoa Park | Registration is open now!

December 3: 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. Photo 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 3: Holiday Trolley Hop: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 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.

December 3: 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 3-4: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | See website for event updates!

December 3: 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 3: Main Street Christmas Cookie Walk and Lighted Parade: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Downtown Pataskala | Guests will be asked to make a minimum $10 donation per family, then 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 3: 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 3: 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 3: Christmas Under the Clock: 5:00 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 4: Community Day at Franklin Park Conservatory | Must register! Free with Columbus or Franklin County ID.

December 4-8: Christmas in the park in Upper Arlington: 12:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Must preregister for this amazing personalized visit with Santa!

December 4: 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 4: 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 4: 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 4: Hip Hop Nutcracker: 8:00 p.m. at The Palace Theatre | A holiday mashup for the entire family to enjoy!

December 6: 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 6: Dinner with Santa Cow: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Tuttle Chick-Fil-A | There will be activities, a free sundae bar, a gift and a visit from Santa Cow and Elf Cow.

December 7: 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 7: Dinner with Santa: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Sawmill Chick-Fil-A | There will be activities, a free sundae bar, a gift and a visit from Santa.

December 7: Illuminated Shopping in Old Worthington: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Enjoy the start to your holiday shopping in Old Worthington!

December 8-15

December 7-10: Kids Holiday Shop Pop Up: In Dublin | Let your kids do the shopping! The Kids Holiday Gift Shop at Pop-Up Dublin gives kids the opportunity to purchase and wrap gifts for their loved ones. Parents can drop kids off with cash or a credit card. Registration is encouraged!

December 8: 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+. Totally 80’s theme!

December 8-24: The Nutcracker: Various showtimes at The Ohio Theater | Get your tickets today for this holiday tradition!

December 9: 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 9: 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 9: 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 31 for details.

December 9-10: 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 9-11: The New Albany Nutcracker: Various showtimes at the McCoy Center in New Albany | Get your tickets today!

December 9-11: Disney Frozen at The Wigwam: Put on by Pickerington Commuinty theater!

December 10: Indoor Worthington Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | The outdoor market continues through December!

December 10-11: Luminary Walks at Chestnut Ridge Metro Park: Visit Chestnut Ridge park for a twinkling night walk! Guided walk starts at 5.

December 10: Swim with Santa: 11:30 a.m .| Take a dip in the pool with Santa in Gahanna!

December 10-11 and December 17-18: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | See website for event updates!

December 10-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 10: Dublin Holly Days: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Visit Historic Dublin for a day full of fun. The Grinch and his friends will be there from 3:00-5:00 pm to entertain and take pictures. Lots of character fun!

December 10: 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 10-23: The Happy Elf: Showing at the Lincoln Theater | Come out and see this adorable show!

December 10: Christine’s Christmas: The nineteenth and final show! All proceeds go to The Special Olympics!

December 10: Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Performance: 8:00 p.m. at the Palace Theater | Many special guests!

December 13-18: Elf The Musical: 7:30 p.m. at the Palace Theater | Based upon the hilarious movie!

December 16-23

December 16: 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 17: Indoor Worthington Farmers’ Market: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | The market heads back to the Shops at Worthington Mall.

December 17: Holiday Market in Dublin: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Shop your favorite local holiday vendors during this festive market.

December 17: Santa and the Symphony: 11:30 a.m. at McCoy Center in New Albany | The holidays are a special time to be shared with those we love. This popular sensory-friendly performance featuring the New Albany Symphony Chorus and soloist Kim Hopcraft will have you singing through the New Year!

December 17: Holly Days in Historic Dublin: There’s a different theme each week! Santa and his friends will be there from 3:00-5:00pm to entertain and take pictures.

December 17-18: Christmas on the Farm: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Prices vary based on activities. Options include: visit with Santa, pony rides, petting zoo, carriage ride and more.

December 18: Holiday Spectacular: 3:00 p.m | It’s the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and we can’t wait to see you at the McCoy for an afternoon of fun for the whole family!

December 19: 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 6:30pm. The rest of the activities will be available during the duration of the event, 5-7pm.

December 22: 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 23: Trans- Siberian Orchestra: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Nationwide Arena| A Holiday classic!

December 23: 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 24-31

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 27: Bug Man: 11:00 a.m. at Franklin Park Conservatory | Meet some cool bugs and learn some buggy facts during this interactive walk-up program. Mark Berman, a local bug celebrity, shares his love of all things creepy and crawly.

December 28:  Wonderful World of Bubbles Franklin Park Conservatory: 11:00 and 2:00 p.m. | Sue the Bubble Lady transports guests to a wonderful world of bubbles. See bubbles that change shape, turn square, walk a tightrope and more!

December 29: Ventriloquist at Franklin Park Conservatory: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m| Join comedy ventriloquist David Crone of I’m No Dummy Productions and his cast of quirky characters for a one-of-a-kind program that’s fun for the whole family! This show, a touch of comedy, magic and audience participation, will leave you doubled over in laughter.

December 28: Harlem Globetrotters: 2:00 p.m. at The Schottenstein Center | Get your tickets today!

December 30: Rocking Pirate Magic Show at FPC: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. | This show inspired Erica’s first children’s book Sedgie the Hedgie Finds the Treasure, which encourages children to build connections and make reading come alive. The new book will be available for sale and signing after the performance.

December 31: Countdown to 12..noon: Noon at Franklin Park Conservatory | Goodbye 2022, hello 2023! 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!