Christmas in Columbus: 2024 Family Events & Activities

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.

Kick off the holiday season… the Easton way! Festivities will begin around the Center and continue throughout the evening with live music, fun for the family, costumed characters, and more bringing holiday cheer! No matter where you are, take your eyes to the sky around 7pm and watch as over two-million lights simultaneously illuminate Easton for the season. 

A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Just like the original, in The Hip Hop Nutcracker, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets, and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th-century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City.

The New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration kicks off the holiday season. The festivities start with the arrival of Santa. Enjoy live entertainment on the big stage, live reindeer, ice sculpting demonstration, balloon twisters, face painters, caricature artists, photo stations, axe throwing, and horse-drawn carriage rides.

Free for everyone holiday activities start at 3 PM, and include live performances on the Holiday Stage, Snow Plow Display, arts and crafts, storytime with the library, fun photo opportunities in the ‘Giant Snow Globe,’ and so much more fun! Santa arrives by fire truck at 6:00 PM to light the tree and set off the holiday fireworks!

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.

This Downtown Hilliard celebration features fun and free festivities for all to enjoy at Hilliard’s Station Park and the Historical Village.

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!

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.

Bring the family to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season, including, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, and a photo opportunity with Santa. Local retailers will be offering special promotions and sidewalk sales.

Experience musical performances, dance troupes, costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, Holly's Jolly Scavenger Hunt, ornament making, and even Saint Nick himself at Santa's Village!

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.

The City of Dublin will mark the official start of the holiday season by hosting its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Guests can enjoy photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, a trackless train, food & beverages, stilt walkers, touch-a-truck, holiday characters, a petting zoo, dance performances, ice sculpting, letters to Santa, and games.

Santa Claus will come and assist in lighting the Christmas tree in the Atrium at the Ohio Statehouse. Enjoy complimentary cookies, drinks, and activity tables from multiple organizations to ring in the holiday season. You can even get your photo taken in front of the Ohio Statehouse holiday tree with the jolly man himself!

The Columbus Symphony continues its grand holiday tradition with a spectacular holiday show perfect for the entire family!