Holidays in Columbus Ohio

Celebrate the Holidays in Columbus Ohio 2023

Embrace the holidays in Columbus! From enchanting light displays to heartwarming performances and festive activities, there’s an array of exciting events to make your holiday season truly special. Here’s a curated list of diverse holiday happenings to mark on your calendar:

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

From November 17, 2023, to January 1, 2024, experience the magic at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds. Originally called Fantasy of Lights, this yearly holiday light driving trail spans 1.5 miles, showcasing over 1 million lights and 100 dazzling displays. For further details, visit their website.

SegAway Holiday Lights Tour

Explore the festive sights of downtown Columbus accompanied by joyful holiday tunes. Starting on November 24th, tours run every night at 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm until December 23rd. Perfect for teens and adults, each rider can join for $49. Get in touch with SegAway Tours via their website or call 614-222-3005.

Dickens of a Christmas
December 2 – December 17, 2023 | Recurring weekly on Saturdays and Sundays
Location: Ohio History Center, Columbus, OH 43211

Experience a 19th-century holiday extravaganza, where the spirit of Charles Dickens’s Christmas tale comes alive! Be transported back to a 1890s-style holiday celebration, engaging in heartwarming activities suitable for all ages. Meet Santa Claus and other delightful characters, explore various vendors and crafts, and enjoy enchanting music and stories. It’s the perfect occasion for families to create treasured memories and share the joy of the season. Food trucks will be on-site during Dickens of a Christmas. Pre-registration is required; no walk-in admission available.

Holiday Pops Concert by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra

From December 1-3, 2023, witness the magic of the holidays at the Ohio Theatre. The Columbus Symphony crafts a mesmerizing ambiance with exquisite decorations, delightful melodies, angelic voices, and a festive spirit!

Columbus Winterfair 2023
December 1-3, 2023 | Bricker Building
Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, OH 43211

Beautiful hand-crafted items from all over the world, perfect for holiday giving and decorating. See website for tickets.

Ohio Statehouse

December 4, 2023 – from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm in the Atrium, enjoy the opening of the season with the annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, with music and activities for kids, and gorgeous holiday lights!

December 5-19, 2023, from Noon to 1:00 pm at the Ohio Statehouse in the Museum Gallery, enjoy a FREE lunchtime Holiday choir performance.

ELF in Concert
December 9-10, 2023 | Palace Theatre
34 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Don’t miss “Elf in Concert!” Buddy, raised among Santa’s elves, embarks on a heartfelt journey to New York in search of his real father. Enjoy this heartwarming holiday classic with live music by John Debney.

BalletMet’s The Nutcracker
December 7-23, 2023 | Ohio Theater
55 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Catch BalletMet’s Nutcracker, a delightful family tradition! With stunning costumes, dazzling sets, and Tchaikovsky’s magical score, it’s the perfect holiday treat. This enchanting production has been a hallmark of world-class dance theater since 1978, ensuring a mesmerizing experience for the whole family this Christmas! Check the website for varying times and ticket prices.

COSI After Dark (Wizard School: Yule Ball)
December 14, 2023 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
333 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Get ready for COSI After Dark – a unique evening exclusively for adults aged 21+! Roam the building, catch a show, and savor COSI without kids while enjoying craft beer and themed cocktails. Remember, a state-issued photo ID verifying your age of 21+ is required to attend. Tickets: $20/person in advance, $30/person at the door.

Holidays at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Come and enjoy programs such as Breakfast with Santa, Frozen Sisters Ice Skate Performance, and crafts happening all during December. For prices, events, and more visit their website or go to 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203.

Ohio Craft Museum’s Gifts of the Craftsmen

Featuring beautiful jewelry, functional pottery, art glass, wood cutting boards, whimsical puppets and more, by over 200 fine craft artists. Stop in and shop this holiday season!

Celebrate the holidays in Columbus, Ohio! The Columbus Team extends warm wishes to all our friends and neighbors for a joyful and cozy holiday season!

The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but weather and unforeseen circumstances can affect scheduled events. For the most current updates, we recommend contacting the venue directly or visiting the provided links before finalizing your plans!

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