Even though the turkey and fixings (and a monstrous Buckeye win) are behind us, holiday fun continues downtown all season long. The city lights up during the holidays, and we don’t want you to miss the sparkle. A number of holiday light presentations flip the switch this week. Learn more about the shining happenings at Columbus Commons, Columbus Metropolitan Library, Topiary Park, State Auto Insurance and The Scioto Mile.



Columbus Commons is already alight with more than 320,000 LED lights bringing the dazzle. Swing by from dusk to 11 p.m. to take in the sight, and be sure to jaunt across the street to look at the window displays in the Lazarus Building.

The Columbus Library hosts their holiday Open House this Wednesday from 6 - 8 p.m. The event is free and offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy special activities, music, refreshments and Storytime with a special guest. If you haven’t seen the Library since it’s renovation, you will get a great sense of how the renovation connects the Library with the adjacent Topiary Park. The Topiary Park is beautiful all year long, but seeing it lit up for the holidays is something else. The evening features the official tree-lighting of Topiary Park, as well as the ceremonial switch flip for the ever-popular Huntington Holiday Train. If you miss the Open House or have a train-fanatic in the household, the Holiday Train will be on display through the end of the year. Though the event is free, you are encouraged to RSVP here.

Also on Wednesday, the wonderful State Auto Christmas Corner lighting takes place with a special performance by the Columbus Children’s Choir followed by a Christmas Party featuring fine food and beverages. The one-of-a-kind, life-size nativity scene is free and open to the public through January 2. Enjoy special choir performances on Friday and Saturday evenings through Christmas. And when you tag an Instagram photo with #StateAutoChristmas16, State Auto will donate $1 to Manna Cafe.

Then on Friday, December 2, head down to The Grand Illumination, where the Scioto Mile will shine with thousands of twinkling lights. The festivities run from 5 - 7 p.m. with holiday entertainment, activities and even a special appearance from Santa. Stop by the Nationwide Children’s Hospital/Justice tent to send a get well message to a patient. Or support the Empty Bowls project by purchasing a piece of handcrafted pottery filled with a delicious warm soup from Milestone 229 or Giant Eagle (proceeds benefit the Mid-Ohio Foodbank).