A snow-covered lamp post with a red ribbon, surrounded by blue and white Christmas lights in the background.

Christmas in Columbus: 2024 Family Events & Activities

Christmas in Columbus is a special time of year, with lots of festive activities & events all month long to get you into the holiday spirit!

Whether you are looking to start new family Christmas traditions or partake in old ones, browse our interactive map & calendar for Columbus Christmas events, holiday light displays and kid-friendly Christmas shows near you. Find out where you can go ice skating or cut your own Christmas tree, too, for even more seasonal family fun.

What are your family's favorite things to do for Christmas in Columbus? Like & review your picks below, and add any that are still missing!


 

    Wanderlights

    Pin

     (0.3 mi)

    Price

    Free

    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. 

    Huntington Holiday Train at Main Library

    Pin

     (0.9 mi)

    Price

    Free

    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.

    Conservatory Aglow

    Pin

     (3.4 mi)

    Price

    $26.50/adult, $16/child

    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.

    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights

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     (15.6 mi)

    Price

    Included with admission

    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.

    Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights

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     (18.7 mi)

    Price

    $20-$30/car

    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.

Primary photo:   Aaron Burden on Unsplash

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