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November 20, 2026 - February 15, 2027

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 4 – 19. See below for details.

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

Wanderlights

November 20, 2026 - February 15, 2027
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

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. 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 4 - 19

December 4-6, 11-12, 18-19 | 5 - 8 pm

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.
Downtown Lazarus Santa's Workshop

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 indoor Holiday Market at 65 E State St to shop for local holiday gifts! The free carousel will be open. 

Scioto Mile Fountain

Unwind by the crackling firepits in the cozy atmosphere at Bicentennial Park with a DORA beverage from the bar. Find elevated photo opportunities, costumed characters, games, and more.

Get to Wanderlights with COTA!

Skip the stress of parking and ride with COTA to Columbus Commons! All Downtown routes (Lines 1–12, 102 and CMAX) stop just steps from the Commons, making it easy to get here for holiday fun.

Plus, with convenient late-night service, COTA connects you to the Commons and all the excitement happening here even after dark.

Getting Hungry?

Find dinner after seeing the lights!

Spreading Hope

As the charitable partner to Wanderlights, Nationwide Children’s Hospital will have a special butterfly light sculpture at Columbus Commons, the Wander Nights Trolley will take visitors to the hospital lawn light display. All contributions benefit life-saving research and care for children.

Spark Winter Joy at Wanderlights