Harkening back to the days when holiday shoppers would take to City Center or Lazarus for Christmas gifting, Downtown has always been extra special this time of year. Now it’s known for something new – dazzling displays, sparkling scenes, and making memories. There’s a reason Columbus was included in Best Life’s recently published list of the 10 Cities with the Best Holiday Light Displays! Head to Downtown Columbus this holiday season and start a new yuletide tradition. Even better, these displays are all free!
While you’re out and about soaking up the holiday spirit, be sure to snap a photo and tag it with #DowntownColumbus and share the merriment with others.
Columbus Commons (pictured above)
160 S High Street
On display through January 1 | 5 pm – 11 pm
See Downtown’s Playground shining bright with over 400,000 lights, powered by the AEP Foundation. Get an extra dose of holiday cheer on Fridays in December (through 12/23) and enjoy roaming musicians, free hot chocolate and carousel rides.
Convenient parking is available in the Columbus Commons Main Garage at 55 E Rich Street.
Lazarus Building + Galleria
50 W Town Street (across from Columbus Commons)
On display through January 1 (windows all hours, galleria closed after 6 pm)
A holiday destination for multiple generations, the Lazarus Building is ready to delight passersby with iconic window displays and holiday scenery, including a massive tree and flower pots filled with presents. Don’t miss this display on your way between Columbus Commons and the Scioto Mile.
233 S Civic Center Drive
On display through January 2 | Dusk – Dawn
There’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a stroll along the Scioto Mile when it’s dressed to the nines in twinkling lights.
Park on the street on Civic Center or Rich Street, in the Lazarus Garage at 232 S Front Street, or at 55 E Rich St if combining a trip to the Commons.
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
518 E Broad Street
On display through January
Check out the life-size nativity display and catch some caroling at State Auto’s Christmas Corner, a perfect way to start or end the holiday season.
Park on Broad Street or in any of the State Auto lots nearby (564 Hutton Place).
Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library
96 S Grant Ave
On display through January 8 | Regular Library Hours
Complete with trains, tracks, waterfall, tunnels, bridges, mini homes and castle, the Huntington Holiday Train is sure to delight choo choo enthusiasts both young and old. Check their website for additional holiday programming for kiddos.
Park at 397 Library Park North (free for the first hour).
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