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Holidays in Downtown Columbus

Celebrate the season with Wanderlights

Wanderlights

Spark holiday joy, discover winter magic, and support a great cause.

November 22 – February 16
5 – 10 pm, daily

Experience the glow of the season

Winter magic abounds at Wanderlights, where over a half a million lights and special experiences will brighten the Downtown Columbus landscape.

Wanderlights is more than a light display; it’s Columbus’ ultimate holiday destination. Families, couples, and solo adventurers will find joy in the holiday glow that’s totally FREE, plus one-of-a-kind holiday experiences against the backdrop of Downtown Columbus.

Experience Wanderlights

Columbus Commons

160 S High Street MAP IT >>

Start your Wanderlights experience at Columbus Commons and see the park shining brighter than ever with new twists on this holiday tradition (easy parking is a plus). 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. 
 
Wanderlights at Columbus is possible thanks to generous support from the American Electric Power Foundation.      

Town Street

50 West Town Street MAP IT >>

New this year, Town Street will be twinkling with expanded lights and decorations, projection shows and a seasonal mural. As you waddle over to the Scioto Mile, see if you can spot all the penguins hidden between High Street and Civic Center Drive. 

Scioto Mile

233 S Civic Center Drive MAP IT >>

The Downtown riverfront will be decked out in an elevated glow, centered around the Scioto Mile Fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights that will provide passersby and Milestone 229 patrons the ultimate photo-worthy experience.  

Wanderlights Events

Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons

Columbus Commons, 160 S High Street
Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

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. 

Holiday Lights Downtown Columbus Lazarus Building

Wanderlights Trolley Tour

In partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital 
Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

Hop on and explore all the Wanderlights destinations, plus an extra-special stop at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to see the light show on their front lawn. This tour is free but donations to Nationwide Children’s Hospital are encouraged.  

December 7 Holiday Extravaganza

Come Downtown for a flurry of festive events are all happening Downtown on Saturday, December 7.

Convenient parking is available at 55 E Rich St.

Downtown Lazarus Santa's Workshop

Santa at Lazarus

50 W Town St
4 pm – 7 pm

Mr. Claus himself will be at the historic Lazarus Building galleria for photo ops along with holiday activities for the whole family including arts and crafts, face painting, letters to Santa, Secret Santa shopping, and more. At 7 p.m., Santa will lead the group to Festive Saturday at Columbus Commons. 

Columbus Commons Celebration feat. The Good Market

160 S High St
4 pm – 9 pm

Enjoy free hot chocolate,  live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, a bar offering hot boozy beverages, plus a shoppable holiday market by The Good Market while wandering amongst the lights. 

Common Thread

249 – 275 S Third St
4 pm – 9 pm

Sleigh the holiday season with holly, jolly local shopping! Check out the new juice lounge VitaliTEA along with other small businesses this season.

 

FREE Trolley Hop

Saturday, December 7
1 pm – 6 pm
Starting locations:
96 S Grant Ave
256 E Neilston St

The Trolley Hop will offer a festive journey through the heart of Columbus. Celebrate the season with shopping, holiday-themed activities, and programming for the whole family. 

FREE Yuletide on Gay

Saturday, December 7
3 pm – 8 pm
High & Gay Streets

This one-day-only free street festival transforms Gay & High to a pedestrian-only winter wonderland experience. Find an iceless ice rink with complimentary skate rentals, live ice sculpture carving, live DJ entertainment, DORA beverages, and food trucks, all happening under “Current”. It’s sure to be a merry and gay time!  

Other Holiday Happenings

Show your support

As the charitable partner of Wanderlights, Nationwide Children’s Hospital will have a special butterfly light sculpture at Columbus Commons and the Holiday Trolley will take visitors to the hospital lawn light display every Friday. Stop by their station at the Holiday Extravaganza to get your gifts wrapped. Donations are encouraged to benefit life-saving research and care for children.