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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Shop the Heart of Grove City Mistletoe Market to find unique, creative, one-of-a-kind gift items, decorations, artwork, and delicious treats to enjoy or share with others while strolling through the festive market. 

Enjoy a night of holiday festivities in Uptown Westerville. Check out the Parade of Lights on State Street between Home and Plum Streets featuring City vehicles and entertainment decked out in dazzling lights. Following the parade, the big man in red will light the tree with a touch of holiday magic at City Hall. Uptown merchants and restaurants will be open for your holiday shopping needs. Head to Winter Street to enjoy free entertainment, cookies and hot chocolate, courtesy of the City of Westerville.

Join the City of Reynoldsburg for a night of cheer as they light up the night and celebrate the start of the holiday season!

Marcus Theaters will be hosting a Holiday Classics Movie Series in December. Different classic holiday movies will be played on the big screen for the whole family to enjoy. Movies include How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and Christmas Vacation.

Enjoy an evening of ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, visits with Santa, and UA’s tree lighting ceremony.