Search
Close this search box.
A downtown
Culture
Cuisine
Recreation
Events
Greenspaces
Inspiration
Living

for all.

Upcoming Events in Downtown Columbus

FREE Wanderlights

Wanderlights will be a completely FREE holiday light experience with over half a million lights at Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street. This year, immerse yourself in the expanded lights, holiday decor, projection shows, a seasonal mural, plus all kinds of special holiday events. Plus — when you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, you may even spot some glowing penguins 🐧

Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons

On the first three Fridays in December, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy beverages while wandering amongst the lights.

Wanderlights Trolley Tour

See the Wanderlights sights aboard a classic holiday trolley including Columbus Commons, the Lazarus Building and Scioto Mile before heading to Nationwide Children’s Hospital to see the butterfly light show on the front lawn along Livingston Avenue, bringing light to pediatric patients, their families and healthcare heroes alike.

This tour is free, but donations are encouraged to support Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Tours start and end at Columbus Commons near the Rich Street entrance to the park. Departure times are 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. with a maximum capacity of 30 people per tour available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Broadway in Columbus: Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Re discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Originally conceived by the three-time Tony Award®-winning director Jack O’Brien, the whimsical world of Whoville is beautifully realized by an A-list creative team in this delightful musical production.

Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

Don’t miss this record-breaking Broadway hit this holiday season.

 

More Info Here

Broadway in Columbus: Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Re discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Originally conceived by the three-time Tony Award®-winning director Jack O’Brien, the whimsical world of Whoville is beautifully realized by an A-list creative team in this delightful musical production.

Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos.

Don’t miss this record-breaking Broadway hit this holiday season.

 

More Info Here

Holiday Pops with the Columbus Symphony

Stuart Chafetz, conductor

Aubrey Logan, vocals

John Manzari, dancer

Columbus Symphony Chorus

Stephen Caracciolo, chorus director

Columbus Children’s Choir

Jeanne Wohlgamuth, CCC artistic director

The Columbus Symphony brings magic to the Ohio Theatre in December, transforming it with a show of lights, festive music, heavenly voices, and seasonal cheer!  The Columbus Symphony Chorus, Columbus Children’s Choir and special guests join to present the most-loved holiday songs and carols!

2024 Jingle Bell Run – Columbus, OH

Get ready to celebrate as we mark the 40th year of Jingle Bell Run, the original festive race for charity brought to you by the Arthritis Foundation. Wear your favorite holiday gear, and let’s jingle all the way toward a cure!

Your fundraising efforts are fueling the fight to conquer arthritis. With every step, we’re funding critical research for treatments and a cure, as well as supporting life-changing resources and programs. Don’t miss out on this special occasion to make a real difference while celebrating four decades of impact with the Jingle Bell Run. Let’s lace up, hit the pavement, and jingle our way toward victory over arthritis!

WinterFest Columbus

WinterFest Columbus, presented by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, is an annual celebration of the winter season in downtown Columbus. This free event features local seasonal craft beer and cocktails, live music, some of Columbus’ best food trucks, and lots of outdoor winter fun!

Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop

This Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop will offer participants unique holiday shopping options and fun activities for children. This year’s hop will include live music, children’s crafts, hot chocolate, treats, and appearances by holiday characters. The route will include stops at the Lazarus Building and the Columbus Commons holiday lights display.

Starting locations:
96 S Grant Ave
256 E Neilston St

Yuletide on Gay

Dec 7 @ 3:00  – 8:00 pm

Presented by:
Downtown Columbus, Inc.

This one-day-only free street festival transforms Gay & High to a pedestrian-only winter wonderland experience, complete with an iceless ice rink with complimentary skate rentals, live ice sculpture carving, and live DJ entertainment. Warm up with tea and hot chocolate options from Posh Tea Time and some grub from Fun’l Frenzy and Schmidt’s Sausage food trucks. It’s sure to be a merry and gay time!

DORA beverages available for purchase at these nearby establishments: Hank’s, “Miracle” at The Citizens Trust, Veritas, Chouette, and more.

French beer/wine at Chouette and specialty cocktails at Hank’s (including a boozy hot chocolate); Also, Chouette and Hank’s will have specialty holiday cocktails that benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital (there will be a butterfly on display outside of Hank’s) throughout December.

Aracri Pizza will have a street food special for the event – It’s meatballs, cheese, and marinara sauce in a cup to go and a 16 oz draft beer of choice for $17.

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck is featuring a Candy Cane flavored cream puff for the event

Saturday is the last chance for folks to enjoy Current and the Gay Street parklet for the season!

Presented by:
Downtown Columbus, Inc.

Blog Posts to Get You in the Know.

Your guide to Downtown Columbus, from happenings to happy hours.

Downtown

Your Downtown Columbus Gift Guide

Looking for impressive gifts or something special for that someone who has everything (or maybe…

Downtown

Cheap Eats in Downtown Columbus

Who doesn’t love a good deal?! From sandwiches, to pizzas, to pierogis — check out…

Dining

Your Complete Guide to Breakfast in Downtown Columbus

The most important meal of the day is covered: check out this full list of…

Downtown

Your Guide to Kayaking in Downtown Columbus

The best views of Columbus come from the seat of a kayak. Grab a friend…

Downtown

Date Nights Under $10 in Downtown Columbus

Looking for some fun and cheap dates in Columbus? Enjoy these 10 ideas that are…

Downtown

Where to Karaoke in Downtown Columbus

Come Downtown for some of the best karaoke in town. Slammers202 E Long StSundays…

Downtown Strategic Plan

Embark on the next stage of Downtown Columbus’ urban revival and transformation into a world class city by enhancing equity, expanding accessibility, creating connectivity, supporting local, and improving inclusion so that Downtown Columbus is a safe and welcoming destination where the prosperity of our city can be enjoyed by all.

Parking Information

Downtown Columbus has parking options abound. Garages, surface lots and on-street sites offer a wide variety of access, no matter your kind of ride, wherever your destination may be.

Downtown columbus' districts

Discover Downtown through the rich tapestry of its urban districts.

Take a stroll along Gay Street and you’ll discover a dense mélange of lively, street-level bars, galleries, restaurants, retail shops, and cafes.

From Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile, for an experience that’s equal parts urban flair and natural splendor, head to the RiverSouth District.

For fashion, food, fun, fabulous tunes, and fantastic retail, the eclectic Fourth and Main District is hard to beat.

Pro sports, world-renowned live entertainment, and vibrant restaurants and bars— the Arena District scores big every time.

The convergence of Downtown’s central business district and the historic Franklinton neighborhood, The Peninsula brings together the best of all worlds – just around the bend of the Scioto River.  

Historic buildings have been transformed into must-experience bars, venues and experiences in this up-and-coming District just east of the Scioto. 

Home to a vibrant array of landmark institutions, historic sites, progressive galleries, and contemporary culinary establishments, make your next Discovery in this signature Downtown district.

of Downtown Columbus through dozens of local events happening every week. 

Follow Us On Social Media

We are on Instagram
THINGS TO DO THIS DECEMBER ⛸️🎄

Season’s greetings! There’s a whole flurry of events and holiday hoopla this month 🍾 From free hot chocolate and live music at Columbus Commons to brunches with Santa at the Junto, Downtown is the place to be to keep spirits bright this month ☃️

Check out the link in our bio for a full calendar of Downtown events ❄️

FEATURED EVENTS ⬇️

☃️ YULETIDE ON GAY UNDERCURRENT
📍Gay & High Streets
📆Saturday, December 7 | 3 pm - 8 pm
➡️ Step into the pedestrian-only winter wonderland & enjoy complimentary iceless ice skating, live ice sculpture carving, live DJ, DORA drinks, food trucks and more!

🎁 HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
📍Columbus Commons (160 S High St), Lazarus Building (50 W Town St), Common Thread (237 S Third Street)
📆Saturday, December 7 | starting at 4 pm
➡️ Meet Santa Claus at the Lazarus Building (4-7 pm)
➡️ Sip on some free hot chocolate and shop 40 local vendors at Columbus Commons (4-9 pm)
➡️ Sleigh the holiday season with holly, jolly local shopping at Common Thread on Third Street (4-9 pm)

🎄FESTIVE FRIDAYS
📍Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
📆Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20 | 5 pm – 9 pm
➡️ Enjoy free hot chocolate,  live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy drinks while exploring Wanderlights

🚎 WANDERLIGHTS TROLLEY TOURS
📍 Downtown Wanderlights & Nationwide Children’s Hospital
📆Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20 | 5 pm – 9 pm
➡️ Hop on the enclosed trolley to check out all the Wanderlights stops and see the light show at @nationwidekids!
We’re shutting down the streets for a WINTER WONDERLAND ☃️❄️ 

On December 7, get ready to make the yuletide gay at the one-day-only FREE pedestrian street festival at Gay & High Streets. At Yuletide on Gay, you’ll experience an iceless ice rink with complimentary skate rentals, live ice sculpture carving, a live DJ, and food truck options. Plus, grab a festive DORA drink and sip and stroll your way through the winter wonderland ⛸️🧊

 Psst — if you’re looking for more holiday fun on Saturday, Dec 7, take a short stroll over to the Holiday Extravaganza at Columbus Commons, Lazarus Building, and Common Thread Shops from 4-9 pm for free hot chocolate, a visit from Santa, boutique shopping, and a holiday market featuring 40 local vendors 🎅 

✋ Who’s getting in the holiday spirit? 

❄️Yuletide on Gay
📍 Gay & High Streets 
📆 Saturday, December 7
🕐3-8 pm
It’s a miracle on Gay Street starting on 11/29 🎁✨ Every year, @thecitizenstrust, a cocktail bar in a historic bank building, transforms into “Miracle”, an elaborate holiday celebration complete with festive drinks, ornate decorations, and very merry spirit 🎄🍸

Cheers to fan-favorite craft cocktails AND sleighing your at-home bar game with their limited-time seasonal glassware for sale 🎅 But what really takes the sugar plum cake is the giant igloo in the center of the space 🧊❄️ It’s snow joke — this is one holiday hangout you won’t want to miss! 

🎁 “Miracle” at The Citizens Trust
📍 11 W Gay St
📆 November 29 — December 28 
🕐Tues- Thurs 4pm - 11pm, Fri - Sat 4pm - 12am
WANDERLIGHTS IS HERE🤩💡

The new, FREE holiday lights experience officially starts TONIGHT in Downtown Columbus ☃️❄️ Here’s what you need to know⬇️

🗓️ Wanderlights will be glowing every day from Nov 22 — February 16 from 5-10 pm
🚗Paid parking is available at the Main Garage at 55 E Rich Street, which supports year-long free programming at @columbuscommons 

LOCATIONS ⬇️
🎄Columbus Commons 
📍160 S High St
💡Start your Wanderlights experience at Columbus Commons and see the park shining brighter than ever with new twists on this holiday tradition, plus a perfect photo-op at the 40-foot tree! Wanderlights at Columbus Commons is possible thanks to generous support from the American Electric Power Foundation.

🎅Town Street
📍50 West Town St
💡Cross High Street and wander down the Town Street walkway, where you’ll spot 30 illuminated penguins and glow-in-the-dark murals. Peek into the Lazarus Building Galleria for a magical winter-esque scene and drop off your letter to Santa!

🎁Bicentennial Park
📍233 S Civic Center Drive
💡Keep walking down Town Street to Civic Center Drive and find a backdrop of 40 sculptural orbs surrounding the Scioto Mile Fountain.

TIPS AND TRICKS⬇️
🦋 Hop on the FREE Wanderlights Trolley Tour to each Wanderlights location PLUS @nationwidekids to see the butterfly light show on the front lawn during Festive Fridays (Dec 6, 13, 20) at Columbus Commons. Spots are limited and the trolley is first come, first serve! 

🍻 Make your holidays boozy and bright! Grab a DORA beverage to-go from a participating restaurant and sip and stroll your way through the lights 

🍽️Create a whole evening with friends and family and warm up at a local restaurant after your stroll through the lights!

🗓️ Save the date for FREE holiday events including an iceless ice rink, free hot chocolate, visits from Santa, holiday shopping and more at the link in our bio

🆕This is the first year for the holiday lights to expand outside of Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park and Town Street. The program came as a direct result of the 2022 Downtown Strategic Plan, where the community asked for more free happenings to embrace the winter season!
9 COZY RESTAURANTS FOR COLD NIGHTS ❄️🍷

Snow is in the forecast, so if you’re looking to slow down and cozy up, we’ve got just the line-up of homey bars and restaurants for a night Downtown ✨ Stop by Wanderlights before or after and make a whole night of it 🎄

Goodale Station @goodalestation 
📍77 E Nationwide Blvd
➡️ Sip on creative cocktails from the warm, covered rooftop with stunning views of Downtown 

Milestone 229 @milestone_229 
📍229 S Civic Center Dr
➡️Dine in to enjoy the elaborate holiday decor and welcoming atmosphere on the Mile 

Sidebar @sidebar_columbus 
📍122 E Main St
➡️ Settle in with the low-lighting and try the short rib and small plates 

Parable @parablecafe 
📍149 S High St 
➡️ Escape to the fireplace with a warm Mexican hot chocolate danish, hot latte, or craft cocktail 

Pat and Gracie’s @patandgracies 
📍121 S High St 
➡️ Indulge in warm, fresh food, like Gracie’s chicken sandwich next to one of two lit-up Christmas trees 

Jackie O’s @jackieoscolumbus 
📍 171 N 4th St 
➡️The Fourth Street bar has endless seating, but come early to claim your stake at an outdoor fire pit 

The Junto @thejuntohotel 
📍 77 Belle St 
➡️ Head to the rooftop at Brass Eye for a scenic experience or stay grounded with a coffee from Maudine’s or bites from Little West

Capri @capricolumbus 
📍39 E Gay St 
➡️ Cozy up with a drink and catch a football game in this brand-new Downtown bar. Dogs welcome! 

Speck Italian Eatery @speck_italian 
📍 89 N High St 
➡️ Stop in for a glass of red or watch the chefs make fresh pasta in a comfortable, dimly lit atmosphere
It’s getting dark earlier, but the sun isn’t setting on fun events around town 😉 From markets to theatre to races, there’s plenty of fall fun happening in Downtown. Here’s your weekend line-up ⬇️

COSI After Dark: COSI-Con
📍COSI, 333 W Broad St 
🗓️ Thursday, 11/14 7-10pm

Wife of A Salesman
📍Studio Two at Riffe Center, 77 S High St 
🗓️Thursday, 11/14 - Sunday, 11/17 | show times vary 

Columbus Blue Jackets
📍Nationwide Arena, 200 W Broad St 
🗓️Friday, 11/15 at 7pm 

Slammers Fall Market 
📍Slammers, 202 E Long St 
🗓️Saturday, 11/16 at 11am-2pm

Columbus Symphony Orchestra Handel’s Messiah 
📍Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St 
🗓️Friday, 11/15- Sunday, 11/17 Show times vary 

Hot Chocolate Run
📍 McFerson Commons, 218 West St 
🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 7:20am 

Not Your Mama’s Craft Market 
📍 The Kee, 225 Neilston St
🗓️Sunday, 11/17 at 11am - 4pm
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins
Error: Access Token is not valid or has expired. Feed will not update.