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November 21, 2025 - February 15, 2026

FREE

Experience the glow of the season

Winter magic abounds at Wanderlights, where lights and special experiences brighten Downtown Columbus.

Columbus Shines Bright

Wanderlights is Columbus’ ultimate free holiday destination. Step away from the rush, and embrace the holiday magic amongst more than half a million lights glowing daily at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Scioto Mile Fountain.

During Wander Nights at Wanderlights, find an ultra-festive atmosphere on Fridays and Saturdays from December 5 – 20. See below for details.

Wander your way through the kaleidoscope of color in the heart of Downtown Columbus.

Wanderlights

November 21, 2025 - February 15, 2026
5 - 10 pm daily

Ready to make winter more wonderful? Experience a night of glowing lights Downtown in 3 easy steps:

Choose any day of the week from 5-10 pm

Map to Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E Rich St)

Stroll through all three spectacular stops!

160 S High Street

Columbus Commons

Start your Wanderlights experience at Columbus Commons, and make your way through a kaleidoscope of color to check out the 40-foot lit tree, over 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds and an illuminated tunnel made up of glowing archways, complete with a snow globe photo-op. Plus, find new illuminations on the Columbus Commons stage and Main Garage as well as the Nationwide Children’s Hospital butterfly charitable light display near the carousel. See Wander Nights experiences below.

160 S High Street

50 W Town Street

Town Street

Town Street will be twinkling with lights and decorations. Follow the illuminated penguins and lights down the Wanderlights path from Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile. Stop by the Lazarus Building galleria for an elaborate holiday display, open on Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m. through Dec. 31. New this year, enjoy the digital art windowscapes on your journey. See Wander Nights experiences below.

50 W Town Street

233 S Civic Center Drive

Scioto Mile FOUNTAIN

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 and 75 wrapped trees, providing passersby with the ultimate winter photo backdrop. See Wander Nights experiences below.

233 S Civic Center Drive

Wander Nights at Wanderlights

Fridays & Saturdays | December 5 - 20

December 5-6*, 12-13, 19-20 | 5 - 8 pm

Introducing Wander Nights! Take part in an ultra-festive holiday atmosphere and free activities while exploring all three Wanderlights stops. During Wander Nights, you’ll find complimentary hot chocolate and carousel rides at Columbus Commons, free holiday movie screenings at the Scioto Mile Fountain, special visits from Santa in the Lazarus Building galleria, and more!

In partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital, ride the free covered trolley over to view their butterfly-themed light show. The trolley runs from 5 -8 pm during all six Wander Nights. Hop on and off at Columbus Commons or Bicentennial Park.

*Please note that Wander Nights will not occur at the Scioto Mile Fountain on December 5 and 6, but check out WinterFest at Bicentennial Park on December 6!

Lazarus Building

Ho-ho-ho! Share your wishlist with Santa Claus at the Lazarus Building galleria amidst a magical holiday display. Enjoy live, festive music by Graves Piano. Restrooms and lounge seating are available at this stop during Wander Nights.

Columbus Commons

Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, free carousel rides,  live music, food trucks, and seasonal DORA beverages from the bar while exploring the lights. Plus, wander over to the market near the Ohio Theatre to shop for local holiday gifts! The free carousel will be open.

Scioto Mile Fountain

Unwind by a crackling firepit in the cozy atmosphere at Bicentennial Park. Enjoy a free holiday movie screening with a seasonal DORA beverage from the bar. Find free face painting, games, and food trucks on-site.

Movie Schedule:

Dec 12: Frozen

Dec 13: Frozen 2

Dec 19: Miracle

Dec 20: Cool Runnings

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