It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This month is JAM packed and there are so many things to choose from! Be sure to check out our numerous guides listed below to help you decide which activities to attend.

• Tree Lighting Ceremonies
• Holiday Light Displays
• Breakfast with Santa
• Where to get your Photo with Santa 
• Columbus Performances 
• FREE Holiday Activities

December 1-7

December 1: Holiday Sip and Shop: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Stop by when you are out for the Westerville tree lighting for a hot glass of mulled wine. There will also be a craft available for the kids!  

December 1: Olde Village Holiday Gathering: 5:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. in Old Pickerington | Join in for a tree lighting ceremony and enjoy open shops for gift giving ideas, games for children, carriage rides, luminaries, carolers and an appearance by Santa Claus! 

December 1: Night in Bethlehem: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in Westerville | Experience a Night in Bethlehem at Westerville Christian Church and have a hands-on family experience. Pre-Registration is encouraged. 

December 1: Winter Festival: 6:00 p.m. -8:30 p.m. at The Mallway in Upper Arlington | An evening of caroling, carriage rides, bonfire with smores, visits with Santa and UA’s tree lighting ceremony.

December 1: Delaware Tree Lighting and Santa House: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in Delaware | Free horse-drawn carriage ride, Santa House, carolers and tree lighting ceremony at 7 pm.

December 1: Polar Express Pajama Storytime: 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Easton | Come dressed in your pajamas to the Easton Barnes & Noble and listen to the Polar Express story.  

December 2: Jingle Bell Run Columbus: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Genoa Park | Largest holiday themed 5k race series! 

December 2: Kitty Adoption Party: 9:00 a.m.- 10:30 a.m. at Party Like It’s Your Birthday | Cat themed snacks, pick out a plush kitten, give it a name, paint its home, make it a collar and take it home forever. 

December 2: Made Local Marketplace Holiday Show: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Bridgewater Banquet and Conference Center | Come do your holiday shopping with 100 amazing local vendors! 

December 2: Kids Workshops at Home Depot: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Local Home Depot | Make a Wooden Gingerbread House.  Pre-registration is required.  

December 2: Christmas Prelude: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at The Grand Dublin | Various activities are scheduled throughout the day including Breakfast with Santa at 9 am, musical performances, crafts and a Secret Santa Shop. 

December 2: Grove City Christmas Celebration: 10:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. in Grove City | Shopping, visits with Santa, live entertainment, a parade and so much more. 

December 2: Winter Slime Experiments: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Come to The Old Worthington Library to make slime and take it home!

December 2: Holiday Open House: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Delaware | 5th annual Main Street Delaware Holiday Open House features Santa, local shop specials, and much more!  

December 2: Paint a Gingerbread House: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Hoover Garden Center | Kid friendly workshop to celebrate the holiday season with kids painting a gingerbread house.  

December 2: Winterfest: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Scioto Mile | 1st annual festival which celebrates giving back and features local and national acts, seasonal ales, and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. The Scioto Mile will be aglow with thousands of twinkling lights! 

December 2: Holly Days: 11:00 a.m. – 7: 00 p.m. in Dublin | Gather for a day full of fun.  FREE activities include 12 Elves of Dublin Hunt, kids crafts, live music, hot chocolate from Starbucks and more. Kick off Holly Days with a free Meet and Mingle with Snow Queen, Princess and Snowman from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at La Chatelaine Bakery & Bistro.

December 2: Frosty Bookmark Craft: 11:00 a.m – 3:00 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning |  Kids can make a free frosty friend bookmark and shop around too! 

December 2: Climb with Santa: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Vertical Adventures Youth Programming |  Kids can climb, get their photo with Santa, eat snacks and make crafts. 

December 2: Rocky’s Olde Fashioned Christmas Party: 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Visit with Rocky the Therapy Horse at Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Sciences. You’ll find crafts, snacks and “Rocky’s Santa Shoppe.”

December 2: Christmas is Coming: 1:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m. at Slate Run Farm | Step back in time and help decorate the Victorian farmhouse at Slate Run Farm. 

December 2: Granville Candlelight Walking Tour: 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the Village of Granville | The day will feature over 70 activities, events, and performances to enjoy.

December 2: Downtown Lancaster Winterfest: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Free carriage rides, photos with Santa at the Santa House, kids crafts in the businesses, elf scavenger hunt, holiday music, and much more!  The downtown tree lighting is at 5 pm. 

December 2: Holiday Nature Crafts: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon making crafts and sipping hot chocolate at Highbanks Metro Park. 

December 2: Pup Pics with Santa: 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. at BARK! | Grab your furry friend and join in for some tail wagging holiday fun with Santa on site for his photo op with your pup. 

December 2: Holidays in Powell: 2:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. in Powell | Enjoy FREE children’s activities and crafts, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more! Tree Lighting is at 6:00 p.m. 

December 2: Main Street Christmas Cookie Walk and Lighted Parade: 3:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. in Downtown Pataskala | Kids crafts, letters to Santa, hot chocolate, face painting, train display, light refreshments, character appearances, and parade at 6:00 p.m. 

December 2: A Holiday Evening on the Farm: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Gallant Farm |  Experience the holiday spirit of the 1930’s and roast chestnuts, listen to live music and make holiday decorations.

December 2: Christmas on the Square in Sunbury: 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Watch a lighted parade at 5:30, participate in festivities such as craft making, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and much more! 

December 2: Christmas Under the Clock: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in Plain City |  Tree Lighting Ceremony with entertainment at 5:00 p.m. After the tree lighting, activities include craft vendors, wagon rides to photos with Santa at Yoder’s True Value, live music, ice sculpting, drawings and prizes. 

December 3: Holidayville 2017: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Clintonville | Neighborhood wide holiday shopping event features carolers, cookies and sales at more than 25 neighborhood shops and restaurants. Free Jolly Trolley rides through the neighborhood make it easy to experience the festivities. 

December 3: Rudolph Run 5k: 2:00 p.m. at Westerville | Family friendly way to be active together as you run in Uptown Westerville! Kids are encouraged. 

December 3: Holiday Hop in Hilliard and Tree Lighting: 5:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in Hilliard |  Musical selections will be performed by children, visit from Santa, ice sculpting demonstrations, cookie decorating, balloon artist, reindeer, wagon rides and hot chocolate. Be sure to stroll down to the Historical Village in Weaver Park to get a glimpse of life in the past as you visit the authentic buildings. 

December 5: Gingerbread Houses for Kids: 6:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. in Marysville | Kids come to the library and build gingerbread houses! 

December 5: Holiday Tree Lighting in Grandview: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.| Enjoy carol singing sung by the Grandview Heights High School singers and refreshments and annual tree lighting. 

December 6: Holiday Bubbles: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at The Meza Wine Shop | Poppin Bubbly just in time for the Holidays! The Gemma Shop will be popping up with some great gifts! 

December 6: Shopkins Live! Shop it Up! 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at CAPA | Featuring innovative set design, creative costuming, and state of the art projections. Get your tickets today! 

December 6: Columbus Winter Wine Show: 7:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m. at Columbus Museum of Art | One night, 100 + wines. 

December 7: Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Visit with Santa and other historical characters and modern dignitaries at the annual holiday Statehouse event.  You’ll also find model trains, carolers and refreshments. 

December 7: Santa Arrives at the Township: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | See Dublin’s first fire truck, a 1937 REO Speedwagon, take a picture with Santa, enjoy a treat and make a craft. Donations are being accepted as well as new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive. 

December 8-15

December 8: Toddler Time with Santa Claus at Sky Zone: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Come and jump and then Mrs. Claus and Santa will arrive to share stories and songs and have photos taken as well. 

December 8: Gingerbread Jam Holiday Party: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at The Worthington Community Center |  Head to the Worthington Community Center for family dance time with a DJ, photo booth, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa.

December 8th-December 10th: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play:$10 per ticket with a variety of show times. Put on by the Westerville South High School.  

December 8-17: Polar Express Weekends at COSI: Showtimes vary at COSI | Theater doors open 45 minutes before showtime. $8 for members of COSI. 

December 9: Breakfast with Santa at Rusty Bucket: 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Call to make a reservation.  Breakfast is $5 per person, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Toys for Tots. Guests are also encouraged to donate new or gently used coats which will be given to the Salvation Army.

December 9: Storytelling Series at Coffee Connections: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Share a cup of coffee and learn about each other’s culture through storytelling. Small prizes and light breakfast at this free event. 

December 9: Home for the Holidays/Family Fun Day: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in Uptown Westerville | Join the uptown merchants for a day of kid-friendly fun! Shops will offer crafts, cookie decorating, Santa letters and more!

December 9: Santa Visit at the Grandview Heights Public Library: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. | Santa will arrive on a firetruck at the library and will be available for photos, so remember your camera!  Tickets are free but must be picked up prior to the event. (New this year) 

December 9: Deck the Stalls: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Stockhand Horses for Healing | Face painting, Christmas bulb decorating, photos with Santa ($5 donation and free for military families), pony rides ($3 donation or 2 for $5), refreshments and more. 

December 9: Free Crafts for Kids: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning | Kids can make a free frosty mask at Lakeshore Learning! 

December 9 & 10: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Write a letter to Santa, make an ornament, and take a train ride! This event takes place on December 16 & 17 as well. 

December 9: Discovery District Holiday Trolley Hop: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Ride the complimentary trolley through the popular Discovery District as it stops for shopping, crafts, tours and activities.

December 9: Ginger Bread House Party:  2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Clintonville | Come to the Whetstone Library for stories, activities and to create your own gingerbread house. Ages 6-11.

December 9: Christmas in Ash Cave: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Bundle up and head to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills for an outdoor adventure! 

December 10: Cookies with Santa: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Coffee Connections | Come visit with Santa and snap a photo and enjoy a cookie for $1.50 each! 

December 10: Cookie Decorating for Kids: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Lucky’s Market | Bring your kiddos in for cookie decorating. Fresh baked cookies, icing and fun toppings! 

December 10: Santa in the Caboose: 3:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m. in Hilliard |  Enter the red caboose to interact and take photos with Santa in his suit from the 1800s. Historical Village will also be open with live music, art projects, refreshments and more.

December 11 & 12: Irish Christmas: 7:00 p.m. | Come to the Abbey Theater for Irish music, vocals and dance. Tickets are $12. 

December 14: Winter Solstice Walk: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at OSU Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens | Enjoy roasted chestnuts, hot beverages, and the beautifully illuminated labyrinth. 

December 15: 4th Annual Ice Sculpture Tour: Beginning at 5 pm on Friday night and continuing all weekend (weather permitting) illuminated ice sculptures are set up on display outside of Uptown Westerville Merchants.

December 16-23

December 16: Elf and PJ Party and Cereal Bar: 10:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Drexel Theater | Wear your PJ’s, bring your blankets. The Cereal Bar is complimentary with donations accepted for charity. 

December 16: Free Crafts for Kids: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning |  Kids can make a free winter headband craft at Lakeshore Learning at Polaris. 

December 16-17: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum: 12:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m. | Kids can write their letters to Santa and visit with Mr. Claus and make an ornament. You will then take a train ride! This event is also available December 9 and 10. 

December 16: ‘Tis the Season: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. String popcorn, make an ornament and stroll around the farm at Slate Run Farm.

December 16: Christmas Evening: 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. at Slate Run Farm | Make decorations, string popcorn and enjoy other seasonal 1880s activities on a special lamplit evening. 

December 17: ‘Tis the Season: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Slate Run Farm | Another chance to string popcorn, make an ornament and stroll around the farm. 

December 17: Annual Golden Spike Open House at The Depot: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Tour the train cars decorated for the season, take a ride on the Scioto Railway through the decorated light display, enjoy light refreshments, work on a craft and watch a holiday movie.  Admission is a coat for the needy (hats, gloves and scarves are welcome) or 1 unwrapped gift per person for the benefit of Firefighters For Kids Toy Drive and TriVillage Chamber Coat Drive.

December 21: Sing a Long Candy Cane Concert Thyme: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. at Fresh Thyme in Gahanna | Free Mommy and Me Holiday Sing a Long Candy Cane Concert. Free Fresh Fruit Snack as well as singing and dancing! 

December 23: At the Stroke of Midnight: 1:00 p.m. at The Abbey Theater: A Holiday Original Musical with tickets starting at $7. 

December 24-31

December 24: The Grinch’s Ugly Christmas Sweater Skate: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Skate Zone 71 | Wear your ugly sweater and receive $2 dollars off admission!   

December 27- 29: Easterseals Open Play: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Come get out of the cold and play in the indoor gym! 

December 27: Christmas with the Critters: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Ohio Wildlife Center | Meet animals, make crafts, watch a puppet show and visit with Santa. $5 a person

December 27: Turtles Skate Party: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Skate Zone 71 | Join your favorite Ninja Turtles for a Skate Night! 

December 28- December 30: Paw Patrol Live: 6:00 p.m. at The Ohio Theatre | Includes two acts and an intermission with shows Thursday – Saturday. 

Wow! So much to do this holiday season! If you like everything in one spot, be sure to check out our Holiday Guide here!