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Spark holiday joy, discover winter magic, and support a great cause.
November 22 – February 16
5 – 10 pm, daily
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Columbus Commons.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Ohio Theatre
November 29 - December 1, 2024
CAPA in collaboration with Short North Stage brings to life the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, on the Ohio Theatre stage for Thanksgiving weekend 2024!
Reimagined from our 2023 premiere, this original production is ideal for family audiences. Expanded dance and music sequences and even more of your favorite Christmas carols deepen the traditional elements that have made the Dickens tale a holiday favorite for generations, while remaining a distinctive take on the familiar story.
Palace Theatre
Wednesday, November 27, 2024
Murray & Peter Present “A Drag Queen Christmas” 10th Anniversary Tour hosted by Nina West. The longest running drag tour in America. Get ready for your favorite queens performing live on stage. We’ve got Winners, Fan Favorites, Legends, and Miss Congeniality, plus queens from Season 16 and All Stars 9. VIP Meet & Greet tickets are available. The M&G starts at 6pm. The show starts at 8pm. There will be a 20-minute intermission. 18+ welcome.
Palace Theatre
Sunday, November 24, 2024
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. Directed and choreographed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber, this contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. The Hip Hop Nutcracker is brought to life by a powerhouse cast of a dozen all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow, one of hip hop’s founding fathers, who opens the show with a short set.
Palace Theatre
November 30, 2024
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Celebrate the magic of the season with the entire family at A Magical Cirque Christmas. alongside vocalist extraordinaire, Denzal Sinclaire!
Palace Theatre
December 3-8, 2024
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.
Southern Theatre
December 4-8, 2024
Celebrate the spirit of the season and come Home for the Holidays with your Columbus Jazz Orchestra and Byron Stripling. From timeless classics to festive favorites, experience the magic of the holidays like never before, as we deck the halls with soulful melodies and heartwarming tunes alongside vocalist extraordinaire, Denzal Sinclaire!
Ohio Theatre
December 6-8, 2024
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!
Davidson Theatre, Riffe Center
Saturday, December 14, 2024
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than watching the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus in our concert, Light, Bright, and Gay. They will be performing your favorite sacred and secular holiday tunes mixed with camp, like only the gay men's chorus can do!
Ohio Theatre
December 12-18, 2024
The sounds of Tchaikovsky fill the Ohio Theatre as visions of dancers make special memories in this classic holiday story. Join Clara on her enchanting journey through the Land of Snow and the Courts of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Perfect for all ages
Palace Theatre
Saturday, December 21, 2024
All aboard for The Magical Polar Experience!
Join us this Holiday season for an interactive movie experience unlike any other!
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by musicians, a conductor, and stow-a-ways who will punch your tickets. You’ll then be seated where the fun will begin! Please come dressed in your pajamas & prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Studio Two, Riffe Center
December 12-22, 2024
After a triumphant, critically-acclaimed run last holiday season, A Christmas Carol returns to The Contemporary stage this December! Journey into a masterful solo retelling of Charles Dickens’ famous Christmas story, where every Ghost, every Cratchit, and Scrooge himself are brought to life in the virtuosic performance of audience-favorite Angela Iannone. This one-person show shines a dazzling new light on a beloved classic, leaving you utterly spellbound and filled with the holiday spirit.
Downtown Columbus Inc. is a private, non-profit development corporation with a mission to lead city-changing projects in the heart of Ohio’s capital city. Downtown Columbus Inc. was created in 2002 to implement the Downtown Strategic Plan.
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