December Events in Columbus
Do the holidays bring about the jolly spirit of giving, receiving and just embracing the beauty of the season? If so, consider marking these best holiday-themed events in Columbus on your calendar as “not-to-miss” occasions.
Holiday Bazaar & Tree Lighting Short North Arts District
The Sunday Bazaar is back for the holiday season to help you celebrate Small Business Weekend and start your gift shopping! At the Holiday Bazaar, you can shop, eat, and explore pop-ups while enjoying holiday performers all along High Street, then end the day at the annual Deck the District Tree Lighting from 5:00pm to 6:00pm! https://shortnorth.org/holiday-bazaar-tree-lighting-2019/
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
A Central Ohio tradition not to be missed! This year marks the 29th Wildlight’s season with more holiday cheer than ever before. https://www.columbuszoo.org/
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
The holiday season opens in Ohio with the annual holiday Statehouse event. Attend the Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting to kick off the 2019 holiday season. Holiday activities include: performances, refreshments, crafts and much more. Historical characters and dignitaries will be on hand to greet guests, including Santa himself. ohiostatehouse.org
Winterfair
Experience artful shopping at the 43rd annual Winterfair, a juried fair of fine art and fine craft. Discover fine jewelry, blown glass, functional ceramics, photography, painting, fashion and more, all handcrafted by 400 artists from across the United States. http://ohiocraft.org/
Holiday Pops
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. https://columbussymphony.com/events/calendar/profile.dT/holiday-pops-6
Holiday Market
Join North Market merchants, farmers, and makers on the first Saturday in December for a festive holiday market! Guests can shop both inside the Market House and outside on the plaza. North Market merchants will be open with their usual offerings PLUS holiday specials and gifts. https://www.northmarket.com/portfolio-item/2019-holiday-market/
WinterFest
Join us for the third annual WinterFest, a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. https://www.sciotomile.com/winterfest/
Village Lights
German Village is already planning for the Village Lights! The German Village Business Community kicks off the holiday season with their annual holiday magic. Follow the luminaries from shop to shop as you begin checking off your holiday gift list. Our businesses are open late with holiday specials and you’ll find festive surprises around every corner. https://germanvillage.com/villagelights/
Festivus 2019
Celebrate this holiday season with three days of crafts, music, and local art! Visitors shop a diverse collection of handcrafted goods for their friends and family. Explore what Ohio has to offer! https://www.columbusunderground.com/event/festivus-2019/2019-12-13
BalletMet’s The Nutcracker
BalletMet’s annual production of The Nutcracker will continue to create everlasting holiday memories for guests. Sparkling snow, charming characters, and wonderful surprises come to life as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince travel through the luminous Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. https://www.columbus-theater.com/theaters/ohio-theater-columbus/balletmet-columbus-the-nutcracker.php
Holiday Lights Tour
Columbus City Adventures invites you to join us as we immerse ourselves in the holiday spirit with a drive through Central Ohio’s twinkling winter landscape. Downtown will be alive with festive energy of hundreds of thousands of lights, including the Grand Illumination along the Scioto Mile, the Festival of Lights at Columbus Commons, and the beloved tradition of Christmas Corner. Don’t miss it! https://www.columbuscityadventures.com/tours/holiday-lights/
Huntington Holiday Train Display
The impressive 600-square-foot Huntington Holiday Train includes multiple miniature trains running on more than 280 feet of track surrounded by more than 50 pounds of snowflakes. This marks the 28th year of the holiday attraction. https://www.columbuslibrary.org/come-see-huntington-holiday-train-main-library
Free Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
Enjoy the festive lights at Columbus Commons through January 5, EVERY DAY from dusk until to 11 pm. Stop by after a Downtown dinner to see more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle in the park. https://columbuscommons.org/events/holiday-lights/
Holiday Hoopla Shadow Box Live
Holiday Hoopla is “the granddaddy of all holiday shows” mixes sketch comedy with seasonal music and features the hilarious send-up The Santa Babies. Shadowbox Live’s longest running show, Holiday Hoopla has been entertaining audiences for a quarter of a century and has become a Columbus holiday tradition. https://www.shadowboxlive.org/
First Night Columbus
A spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Columbus with live entertainment, activities and fun for all ages! http://firstnightcolumbus.com/
