You won’t have to venture far outside of Downtown Columbus to get in the holiday spirit this year. From the Discovery District and RiverSouth to the Short North and German Village, the city will be twinkling with millions of holiday lights this season. Make your plans now and don’t miss out on any of the holiday fun.
Kick off the holiday season at 6 p.m. Nov. 17 with the Short North Tree Lighting. The arts district’s Christmas tree will light up at Poplar Park, with holiday carols from the Columbus Chorus of Sweet Adelines and a chance to see Santa.
Gardens Aglow will light up Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens from Nov. 18 through Jan. 3. The conservatory will be decorated with poinsettia displays, seasonal foliage and twinkling lights.
The Columbus Commons park will be illuminated with an incredible display of more than 300,000 LED lights as part of the Festival of Lights, running Nov. 23 through Jan. 2.
Columbus City Adventures is offering a new Holiday Lights Tour this year, exploring holiday light displays around downtown Columbus including the Scioto Mile, the Columbus Commons and more. Tours are offered at 6:30 p.m. each Thursday from Nov. 30 through Dec. 28.
Located just steps from 303, the fabulous Scioto Mile will be decked out for the holidays starting on Saturday, Dec. 2 for WinterFest. At the inaugural event, running 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bicentennial Park, check out live music from local and national bands, sample seasonal ales from Columbus breweries and enjoy favorite food trucks.
Short North’s annual Holiday Hop returns Dec. 2 in the Short North Arts District. Check out new gallery exhibition openings, grab a bite at your favorite local restaurant, and knock out a good chunk of holiday shopping at local and national boutiques and shops.
The brick streets of German Village will be aglow with twinkling luminaries during Village Lights, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Visit shops, businesses and restaurants, and enjoy carolers, live holiday music and horse-drawn carriages.
Join state officials for the Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Ohio Statehouse. Activities include carolers, refreshments, historical characters and a visit from Santa.