Christmas in Columbus: 2024 Family Events & Activities

BalletMet's Nutcracker is a popular Columbus Christmas tradition. Set to Tchaikovsky's famous score, the show's costumes, sets, and dancing will enthrall audience members.

Join hundreds of runners and walkers to fill the street with Santas on this flat 5K course. The start/finish will be in Crocker Parker.

It is time for the annual Grove City Nutcracker Hunt. Grab a sheet and get to hunting. Nutcrackers will be inside local businesses with their own number. Write the business name next to their number and turn in your sheet for a prize!

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill is one of the country’s finest light displays with over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges. There is even a 100-foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland that includes a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, a Toy Collection, and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge.

Make your way to 12 Historic Dublin spots to find each elf and get your card signed! Collect them all and return your completed card at any participating business to be entered to win the grand prize basket.

A dynamic cast—including Nephew Fred, the Ghosts of Christmas Present, Past, Future, and a precocious Tiny Tim—will guide you through the story at lightning speed. The twist? The audience plays Scrooge, controlling the narrative.

ohiorailway:  Come in and have the kids fill out their Christmas Wish List and Mrs Claus will deliver to Santa!! Get their picture taken with Mrs Claus, explore the train cars and even get a ride on a trolley car!

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh! Experience the magic of the season from a horse-drawn carriage throughout Easton’s North District and Fenlon Street.

The Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a magical place during the holiday season. Their annual display, Conservatory Aglow, includes thousands of sparkling lights displayed throughout the exhibits at the park and an impressive display of seasonal poinsettias. There will be a life-size gingerbread house and train display that's not to be missed.

Experience a kaleidoscope of color as you stroll through the Commons and get ready to make the season BRIGHT. Magical memories are waiting to be made daily, but check out special events through the holiday season for an extra-festive atmosphere. 

Columbus families have been enjoying the Holiday Train at the Main Library since 1992. The train display can't be missed as you enter the Grand Atrium of the library. Bring your entire family to see the display with its trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle. Guests will receive free one-hour parking in the main library's garage.

Chandra Fredrick:  A long-standing holiday tradition for Columbus area families, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an impressive light display that is sure to please the entire family. With millions of LED lights spread throughout the zoo, Wildlights also includes animated musical light shows, reindeer and of course, Santa. Enjoy seasonal holiday treats and character meet and greets, like Rudolph.

The sights and sounds of the season come alive on stage with this Sensory Friendly Series concert. The New Albany Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with special guest vocalist, Joan Ellison, promise a holly-jolly good time featuring all of the season’s favorite tunes, such as Sleigh Ride, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas. There’s even more fun to be had in the lobby with pre-concert activities and the popular Gift Basket Fundraiser!

A limited quantity of FREE tickets are available by using the promo code AMGEN (limit four per family, additional tickets $10).

Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, formerly known as Alum Creek's Fantasy of Lights, takes place at Alum Creek State Park Campground. Families stay in their cars as they drive around the campground viewing thousands of animated, LED light displays that are sure to amaze you.