Free holiday activities, festive Christmas markets, magical light displays, and family-friendly experiences around Central Ohio.
There is something about Christmas in Columbus that makes me want to pack our calendar with every festive activity possible. The twinkling lights, Christmas music, holiday markets, and naturally all the hot chocolate.
But here’s the thing, the world is expensive. We all want to make all the memories but we also don’t want to spend all of our Christmas budget on an over-crowded event that is more stressful than it is fun.
This year, I’m putting together our Christmas bucket list with a mix of longtime Columbus holiday traditions, brand-new experiences, and a few events I’ve been wanting to check out. And while I know sometimes the holiday splurge can be worth it, I’m especially excited about how many free and affordable Christmas activities are happening around Central Ohio this year.
Whether you’re looking for a festive Friday night with the kids, a Christmas market to explore with friends, or a magical light display to enjoy from the warmth of your car, here are 26 Christmas events in Columbus and the surrounding suburbs to add to your 2026 holiday calendar.
Free Christmas Events in Columbus and Central Ohio
Some of the most magical holiday experiences are the ones that don’t cost a thing! From community tree lightings to neighborhood celebrations, these are the events I’m especially excited to add to our calendar. Also, don’t be shy about heading to another suburb/town/village! We’ve had so much fun visiting new areas that we might not call “home.”
1. Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
When: November 20, 2026–February 14, 2027, 5–10 p.m. daily
Where: Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Bicentennial Park
Cost: FREE
Details: https://downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights/
Downtown Columbus is getting a serious holiday glow-up this year! Wanderlights features more than half a million lights across three downtown locations, making it a perfect excuse to bundle up and enjoy a festive evening in the city.
I love that this is something families can experience without buying tickets or committing to an expensive evening. Pack some hot chocolate, take a walk through the displays, and enjoy a little Christmas magic right in the heart of Columbus.
2. Wander Nights at Wanderlights
When: December 4–5, 11–12, and 18–19, 2026, 5–9 p.m.
Where: Downtown Columbus
Cost: FREE
Details: https://downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights/
While Wanderlights runs throughout the season, Wander Nights adds even more festive fun on select Fridays and Saturdays in December.
We’re talking complimentary hot chocolate, free carousel rides at Columbus Commons, fire pits along the Scioto Mile, Santa visits, and a free trolley connecting the downtown attractions.
This is one of the events I’m most excited about this year because it feels like an entire Christmas outing without the hefty price tag. I love Downtown Columbus and this is such a beautiful time to explore our city.
3. Village Lights (in German Village)
When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 4–8 p.m.
Where: German Village, Columbus
Cost: FREE to attend; shopping and refreshments extra
Details: https://germanvillage.com/villagelights/
German Village is already one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Columbus, but add Christmas lights, luminaries, carolers, and festive storefronts? It’s hard to beat.
During Village Lights, the neighborhood comes alive with holiday music, local shopping, food vendors, and beautifully decorated homes. Schiller Park is especially magical with thousands of glowing luminarias.
This is one of those classic Columbus holiday experiences that deserves a spot on everyone’s Christmas calendar. I might be biased but it’s also a great day to visit the Saint Mary School German Village Christmas Tree Sale!
4. Grove City Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 4, 2026, 7 p.m.
Where: Grove City Town Center
Cost: FREE
Details: https://www.grovecityohio.gov/789/Grove-City-Christmas-Celebration
There’s something so nostalgic about a hometown Christmas parade.
Grove City’s annual celebration features festive floats, holiday music, and a community tree lighting following the parade. You can also stop by Nutcracker Lane beginning at 6:30 p.m. before the festivities.
It’s a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season with the kids, especially if you love the charm of a small-town holiday celebration. Again, we might be biased since we live in Grove City but we are SO excited about this event!
5. Grove City Mistletoe Market
When: December 4, 4–9 p.m., and December 5, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Town Center Park, Grove City
Cost: Admission is free (shopping is your budget!)
Details: https://www.grovecityohio.gov/789/Grove-City-Christmas-Celebration
If you love supporting local businesses during the holidays, add Mistletoe Market to your list!
This festive outdoor market brings together vendors selling gifts and seasonal goodies in Grove City’s charming Town Center. Pair it with the Christmas parade on Friday evening or make a Saturday morning out of it. There is SO much happening in Grove City throughout the holiday season so be sure to follow this link for all the details!
6. Holiday in the Heights
When: Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5–8 p.m. (ice skating opens at 3 p.m.)
Where: Pierce Field, Grandview Heights
Cost: FREE admission (some activities and food may cost extra)
Details: https://www.grandviewheights.gov/335/Holiday-in-the-Heights
Grandview Heights is kicking off the Christmas season with an evening packed full of festive family fun! Holiday in the Heights features an iceless ice skating rink, trackless train rides, a mechanical snowboard, ice sculpting, and even snow axe throwing.
There will also be a special visit from Santa, live performances from local musicians, and a free hot chocolate bar for the first 200 guests. The evening wraps up with the annual Christmas tree lighting at 7 p.m.
I love finding community celebrations that offer so many different activities in one place, especially when admission is completely free!
7. HolidayVille in Clintonville
When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, beginning at noon; tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Where: Throughout Clintonville, Columbus
Cost: FREE to attend (shopping and food extra)
Details: https://www.experienceclintonville.com/events-setup/lpt4wv2uo7n7f279734mzo1n0aw18a
Clintonville is getting into the Christmas spirit with HolidayVille, a neighborhood-wide celebration filled with festive shopping, holiday treats, music, and plenty of community cheer!
Spend the afternoon exploring local businesses along High Street and Indianola Avenue, hop aboard the free Jingle Bus from noon to 3 p.m., and enjoy special holiday promotions at participating shops and restaurants.
The festivities also include community concerts and a Christmas tree lighting at 6 p.m. I love events that encourage you to explore some of Columbus’s favorite neighborhoods while supporting local businesses, and this sounds like such a fun way to spend a December Sunday!
8. Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Where: Ohio Statehouse, Downtown Columbus
Cost: FREE
Details: https://www.ohiostatehouse.org/calendar/event?id=1760
The Ohio Statehouse is hosting its annual holiday celebration, and this one sounds especially fun for families.
The evening begins with a Christmas tree lighting in the Atrium, followed by holiday performances, complimentary cookies, activities, and opportunities to see Santa. It’s a festive way to experience one of Columbus’s most beautiful historic buildings while celebrating the season.
9. Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration
When: Sunday, November 22, 2026, 3–6:30 p.m.
Where: Creekside District, Gahanna
Cost: FREE
Details: https://www.visitgahanna.com/Events/Holiday-Lights-Celebration/
Gahanna is going all out for its annual Holiday Lights Celebration!
Families can enjoy live performances, crafts, train rides, photo opportunities inside a giant snow globe, and plenty of other holiday activities. The evening wraps up with Santa arriving for the Christmas tree lighting and fireworks. Yes, Christmas fireworks!
This sounds like a really fun afternoon-to-evening outing for the whole family.
10. Worthington Holiday Open House & Tree Illumination
When: Sunday, November 29, 2026, noon–5 p.m.; tree lighting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Old Worthington and Village Green
Cost: FREE to attend; shopping extra
Details: https://worthington.org/2039/Tree-Illumination
Old Worthington is charming any time of year, but especially during the holidays.
Spend the afternoon exploring local shops and enjoying the festive atmosphere before heading to Village Green for the community Christmas tree illumination. This is always a wonderful afternoon supporting local shops, visiting Santa, and generally getting into the Christmas spirit.
11. Easton’s Grand Illumination
When: Friday, November 13, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m.; illumination at 7 p.m.
Where: Easton Town Center, Columbus
Cost: FREE
Details: https://eastontowncenter.com/
Easton always knows how to make the holidays feel magical. Its annual Grand Illumination features holiday entertainment, music, festive characters, and the moment when more than two million lights illuminate the shopping district.
Even if you don’t plan to shop, walking around Easton during the Christmas season is an experience all on its own.
12. WinterFest Columbus
When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Where: Dorrian Green, Downtown Columbus
Cost: FREE admission; food and drinks extra
Details: https://www.experiencecolumbus.com/events/festivals-and-annual-events/
WinterFest brings a little extra holiday cheer to Downtown Columbus with music, seasonal activities, food, and family fun.
Kids can enjoy attractions like a giant snow globe and mechanical reindeer, and you can even just pop over to COSI to enjoy Celebrations of the Season! It’s another great option for enjoying the season without spending much money.
13. Westerville Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting
When: Friday, December 4, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Uptown Westerville
Cost: Community event; no admission price listed
Details: https://www.westerville.org/
Westerville’s holiday celebration includes a Parade of Lights along State Street beginning at 6:45 p.m., followed by Santa lighting the Christmas tree at City Hall.
I love the idea of watching illuminated vehicles travel through Uptown before gathering for the tree lighting. It’s such a classic way to celebrate Christmas with the community.
14. Hilliard Tree Lighting Celebration
When: Sunday, December 6, 2026, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: Downtown Hilliard and Weaver Park
Cost: FREE
Details: https://hilliardohio.gov/event/tree-lighting-2/
Hilliard is offering an afternoon packed with free Christmas fun! Families can enjoy horse-and-carriage rides, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and a complimentary trolley connecting several downtown stops.
This is exactly the kind of event I love finding: plenty for kids to do, lots of holiday atmosphere, and no admission fee.
15. Dublin Tree Lighting
When: Thursday, December 3, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Coffman Park, Dublin
Cost: No admission price listed
Details: https://dublinohiousa.gov/community-events/
Dublin’s annual tree lighting is another fun way to celebrate the season close to home. Head to Coffman Park for an evening of holiday festivities and the community Christmas tree lighting.
If you’re looking for a festive outing in Dublin without committing to a full evening of activities, this is a great one to keep on your calendar.
16. Columbus Metropolitan Library Holiday Open House
When: Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
Where: Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library, 96 S. Grant Avenue, Columbus
Cost: FREE, including parking
Details: https://events.columbuslibrary.org/event/17533153
One of my favorite things about Columbus is how many amazing free experiences our community offers, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Holiday Open House is a perfect example!
Head downtown for the official kickoff of the Huntington Holiday Train, along with live reindeer, free photos with Santa, holiday crafts, music, dance performances, and even appearances from BalletMet’s life-sized Nutcracker.
Families can also enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, write letters to Santa, and explore the beautifully decorated library. With free admission and free parking, this might be one of the best holiday deals in Columbus!
17. Historic Nativity at St. Joseph Cathedral
When: Advent and Christmas season 2026; exact display dates not yet announced
Where: St. Joseph Cathedral, 212 E. Broad Street, Columbus
Cost: FREE to view
Details: https://catholictimescolumbus.org/local/catholic-foundation-supports-nativitys-return-to-cathedral/
Sometimes the most meaningful Christmas traditions are the ones that remind us why we celebrate the season in the first place.
The historic life-sized Nativity display that generations of Columbus families remember from the former State Auto building is returning to St. Joseph Cathedral this Christmas!
This incredible 80-piece Nativity scene has been a downtown Columbus tradition since 1962 and now sits on the Cathedral’s front lawn, welcoming visitors throughout the Advent and Christmas season.
I love that this beautiful piece of Columbus history continues to be shared with our community. Whether you’re visiting to admire the display or taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, it’s a special tradition worth experiencing with your family.
Christmas Markets & New Experiences on Our 2026 Bucket List
One of my favorite parts of putting together a holiday bucket list is finding experiences that are brand-new or simply new to us. These one are on our list for the 2026 Christmas season!
18. Christkindlmarkt Dublin — NEW for 2026!
When: November 21–December 24, 2026; select days
Where: Riverside Crossing Park, Dublin
Cost: FREE admission (food, drinks, shopping, and skating are extra)
Details: https://christkindlmarktdublin.com/
I’m slightly skeptical but have high hopes for this one!
Dublin is welcoming a brand-new European-style Christmas market inspired by traditional German Christkindlmarkts, complete with artisan vendors, handcrafted gifts, festive food and drinks, and live entertainment.
I’ve always loved the idea of wandering through a European Christmas market, and now we have one right here in Central Ohio. Even better, it’s free to enter! You can simply enjoy the atmosphere or make an afternoon out of shopping and trying seasonal treats.
The market is open Wednesday through Sunday for most of its run, with special hours during Christmas week.
19. Short North Holiday Hop
When: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Where: Short North Arts District, Columbus
Cost: FREE to explore; shopping and dining extra
Details: https://shortnorth.org/
Holiday Hop brings a festive twist to the Short North’s monthly Gallery Hop.
Expect local shopping, art, holiday entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to explore one of Columbus’s most vibrant neighborhoods. This would be a great option for a Christmas outing with friends or a holiday date night.
20. Columbus Winterfair
When: December 4–6, 2026
Where: Ohio Expo Center, Columbus
Cost: $8 admission; children 12 and under FREE. Discounted $6 tickets available at the Ohio Craft Museum. Parking may be extra.
Details: https://winterfair.org/columbus-winterfair/
Winterfair is one of those events I’ve had on my radar, and it sounds like a wonderful place to do some Christmas shopping.
More than 350 artists and gourmet vendors will be selling everything from handmade jewelry and pottery to artwork, specialty foods, and unique gifts.
There are also demonstrations and opportunities to create art projects. For just $8 per adult, with kids 12 and under free, it’s a pretty affordable way to spend a few hours browsing and supporting artists.
Holiday Light Displays Worth the Ticket
As much as I love finding free Christmas activities, there are a few experiences that are worth budgeting for. These holiday light displays are among the bigger seasonal attractions around Columbus, and they’re perfect for creating a special Christmas memory.
21. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
When: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Alum Creek State Park area, Delaware
Cost: $20 per vehicle Monday–Thursday; $30 Friday–Sunday and holidays
Details: https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/pricing-purchase-tickets
Sometimes the best Christmas activities are the ones where everyone gets to stay warm in the car! Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a drive-through holiday light display featuring illuminated scenes and festive decorations.
Pack some snacks, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and drive through the displays together. Because admission is charged per vehicle rather than per person, this can be a particularly affordable option for families. Make sure you follow us on Instagram because we might just have a giveaway or two this year!
22. Columbus Zoo Wildlights
When: November 20, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell
Cost: Included with regular Zoo admission or Zoo membership
Details: https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights
Wildlights is one of Central Ohio’s most recognizable Christmas traditions, and for good reason.
The Zoo transforms into a glowing holiday wonderland with millions of lights, animated displays, music, and festive activities. New for 2026 is Starlight Safari, featuring seven larger-than-life illuminated animal sculptures representing different regions of the Zoo.
If you’re already a Columbus Zoo member, this is an especially great value because Wildlights is included with your membership. Better yet, ask for a membership for Christmas from the grandparents and make it a full family memory!
23. Columbus Clippers Holiday Lights — NEW for 2026!
When: November 14–December 31, 2026, select nights
Where: Huntington Park, Columbus
Cost: Ticketed; check current prices when booking
Details: https://www.milb.com/columbus/news/tickets-on-sale-now-for-clippers-holiday-lights
Baseball season might be over, but Huntington Park is getting a whole new look this winter!
The Columbus Clippers are introducing Holiday Lights, a brand-new Christmas experience featuring more than one million lights, immersive displays, and festive entertainment. I love seeing familiar Columbus destinations transformed for the holidays, and this is definitely one of the new experiences I am super excited to enjoy.
24. Conservatory Aglow
When: November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus
Cost: Special ticketed admission; prices vary by ticket type
Details: https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/conservatory-aglow/
Franklin Park Conservatory is beautiful year-round, but Conservatory Aglow takes things to another level.
Visitors can explore illuminated gardens, the famous 100-foot light tunnel, festive displays, and seasonal activities. This year’s experience includes a life-sized Candyland game, a winter wonderland dance party, and a whimsical Whirly Tree.
It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for a special evening out during the Christmas season. If you have a membership, it does lower the cost a bit!
25. COSI Season of Celebrations
When: November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
Where: COSI, Downtown Columbus
Cost: Included with regular COSI admission
Details: https://cosi.org/
Christmas meets science at COSI’s Season of Celebrations! The museum will be transformed with a 40-foot Christmas tree and more than 60 additional trees decorated by members of the Columbus community.
This is a fun option for families who want a festive experience that also includes plenty of indoor activities, especially when the Ohio weather isn’t cooperating. Plus, it’s really fun when a Columbus staple gets into the Christmas spirit.
26. Holidays at Ohio Village
When: December 11–12, 2026, 5:30–9 p.m.
Where: Ohio Village, 800 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus
Cost: $18 adults, $14 children ages 4–12; children 3 and under FREE. Ohio History Connection members receive discounted admission. (Use code BAKER for 10% off a membership!)
Details: https://www.ohiohistory.org/events/holidays/
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas celebrations looked like generations ago, Holidays at Ohio Village is the perfect opportunity to experience a little old-fashioned holiday magic!
The newly renovated Ohio Village will come alive with seasonal decorations, music, dancing, holiday treats, and surprise encounters with beloved holiday characters. Families can wander through the illuminated historic village and experience the sights and sounds of Christmas in a completely different setting.
This is one of those unique holiday experiences that combines family fun with a little history, and I think it would be such a memorable way to celebrate the season!
Tickets go on sale to the general public November 16.
Making Christmas Memories Without Spending a Fortune
Here’s your reminder that you don’t have to do everything on this list to have a magical Christmas.
Some of my favorite holiday memories are the simplest ones: driving around to look at Christmas lights, wandering through a decorated neighborhood, or getting bundled up for a festive (free) community event.
This year, I’m hoping we can revisit a few Columbus holiday favorites while also making time for some of the new experiences popping up around town. And if we manage to squeeze in a few extra cups of hot chocolate along the way? Even better.
Whether you’re planning a big family outing or just looking for something fun to do on a December evening, I hope this list helps you find a little extra Christmas magic around Columbus.
Did I miss one of your favorite Central Ohio Christmas traditions? Let me know! I’m always looking for more festive activities to add to our holiday bucket list.
Event details and prices were checked against published 2026 schedules in November 2026. Dates, admission, and activities are subject to change, so always check the official event website before heading out.
