Save money this holiday season and check out these affordable and free Christmas activities! Be sure to take a look at the Ultimate Holiday Guide on Columbus Moms Blog for tons of additional holiday ideas in many categories.
Daily Free Christmas Activities
State Auto’s Christmas Corner: A life Sized Nativity Scene can be found at State Auto Headquarters. The display is lighted daily through January 2nd. On weekends through December 17th, local choirs will offer free performances on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library: The beloved Huntington Holiday Train will be back on display at the Main Library this year. Check the library website for operating hours.
Easton Town Center Trolley: (Wednesday- Saturday: 1:00-8:00 pm, Sunday: noon- 6:00 pm) Take a fun trolley ride around the beautifully decorated Easton Town Center grounds to take in the sights and sounds of the season. Rides are free, but tips are welcome to benefit charity.
Santa Mailboxes: Write a letter to Santa and drop it off at one of Santa’s mailboxes around town.
12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt: Pick up a scavenger card at one of the 12 participating businesses in Historic Dublin and search for the hidden elf. At each location, you will receive a small treat for finding the elf. Runs daily through December 17th during business hours.
Easton Photos with Santa: The first 5×7 is only $5. Reserve your spot in the virtual line by checking in with one of Santa’s Helpers. Click here to see a list of Photos with Santa locations in Columbus.
WildLights is free with a Columbus Zoo Membership. Click here to see a full list of Holiday Light Displays.
Christmas Light Finder website: Type your zipcode into this website and it will show you the houses with amazing displays near you. It’s fun to grab some hot chocolate, bundle into the car and cruise around looking at lights.
Reoccurring Weekday Events
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Choir Performances: Enjoy lunchtime concerts from 12:00-1:00 pm on weekdays from December 5-18th at the Crypt of the Ohio Statehouse.
Weekend Events
Oakland Nurseries: Each location has different events on Saturdays and Sundays from November 26- December 18th.
Calendar of Events
November 28, 2016
Uptown Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony in Marysville: Come by and see Santa, a few of his reindeer, listen to music, make crafts and watch the tree lighting. 5:00-8:00 pm- FREE
Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Reynoldsburg: Sing carols, drink hot chocolate and watch the tree lighting ceremony at the Reynoldsburg City Hall. 7:00 pm- FREE
November 30, 2016
Main Library Holiday Open House: Crafts, sing-along carols, special guest reader, watch the topiary garden light up for the holiday season and see the Huntington Train. Main Library: 6:00-8:00 pm- FREE
December 1, 2016
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in Dublin: At this event, there will be live reindeer, complimentary hot chocolate and donuts, opportunities for pictures with Christmas characters and prizes for children. At 6:30 pm, Santa makes his appearance. 5:00-7:00 pm- FREE
Holiday Hop in Hilliard and Tree Lighting: 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. 5:00-7:30 pm – FREE
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting: 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. 5:30-7:30 pm- FREE
Night in Bethlehem: Experience a Night in Bethlehem at Westerville Christian Church and have a hands-on family experience. Pre-Registration is encouraged. 5:30-8:30 pm on December 1 & 2- FREE
Illuminating Shopping: Stroll the streets of historic Old Worthington and experience live music, luminaries lining the streets and special sales from the retailers that stay open late. 6:00-9:00 pm – FREE
December 2, 2016
Grand Illumination at Scioto Mile: Thousands of lights will illuminate the Scioto Mile. There will be entertainment, activities and an appearance from Santa. 5:00-7:00 pm- FREE
Old Pickerington Village Holiday: Strolling carolers, cookie decorating, storytelling, crafts, horse-drawn carriage rides, indoor Holiday gift market, hop on/off trolley, Gingerbread House contest, visit with Santa, lighting of the pantry lights at 6:00 pm and lighting of Pickerington’s Christmas Tree at 7:00 pm. The shops, restaurants and Historical Museum are also open. 5:00-8:30 pm- FREE
Night in Bethlehem: Experience a Night in Bethlehem at Westerville Christian Church and have a hands-on family experience. Pre-Registration is encouraged. 5:30-8:30 pm on December 1 & 2- FREE
Delaware Tree Lighting and Santa House: Free horse-drawn carriage ride, Santa House, carolers and tree lighting ceremony at 7 pm. 6:00-9:00 pm- FREE
Polar Express Pajama Storytime: Come dressed in your pajamas to the Easton Barnes & Noble and listen to the Polar Express story. 7:00 pm- FREE
December 3, 2016
Kids Workshops at Home Depot: Make a Gingerbread Man Candy Dish. Pre-registration is required. 9 am – 12:00 pm FREE
Christmas Prelude at The GRAND of Dublin: Various activities are scheduled throughout the day including Breakfast with Santa at 9 am, musical performances, crafts and a Secret Santa Shop. 9 am – 1pm- FREE
Cheryl’s 2016 Annual Holiday Party: Visit the Cheryl’s Flagship store in Westerville (646 McCorkle Blvd, Westerville, Ohio 43082) for FREE pictures with Santa from 10 am – noon. From 1-3 pm there will be cookies to frost with Mrs. Claus and 1-6 pm there will be a Secret Santa shop with prices ranging from $1-$10.
North Market Holiday Events: 10 am – 2 pm meet the Nutcracker and 1:30-3:00 pm you’ll see Santa Claus. – FREE
Lowe’s Build and Grow: Register to make a Christmas Ornament at one of Lowe’s locations. 10 am – FREE
Holly Days: Visit Historic Dublin from 11 am – 4 pm for a day full of fun. FREE activities include 12 Elves of Dublin Hunt, Touch a Truck, kids crafts, live music, hot chocolate from Starbucks and more.
Free Crafts for Kids: From 11 am – 3 pm kids can make a free arctic polar bear craft at Lakeshore (2148 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240)
Free Make-N-Take Jingle Bell Ornament: Visit Pat Catan’s in Delaware between 11 am – 3 pm and make a jingle bell ornament. FREE
Made LOCAL Marketplace Holiday Show #1: Shop from local vendors at Brookshire 405 Greif Pkwy, Delaware, OH 43015. Meet Santa from 11 am – 2 pm. 11 am – 6 pm- FREE admission
Rocky’s Olde Fashioned Christmas Party: Visit with Rocky the Therapy Horse at Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Sciences (600 N. Spring Road, Westerville Ohio) from 12:00-2:00 pm. You’ll find crafts, snacks and “Rocky’s Santa Shoppe”. FREE
Climb with Santa: Kids can climb, get their photo with Santa, eat snacks and make crafts. Vertical Adventures Youth Programming (6295 Busch Blvd, Columbus, Ohio 43229) – 1:00-4:00 pm- FREE
Christmas is Coming: Step back in time and help decorate the Victorian farm house at Slate Run Farm. 1:00-3:00 pm – FREE
Holidays in Powell: Powell will turn into the “North Powell” where guests can visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, and enjoy storytime and crafts in the Municipal Building. Stroll the streets of Powell for various activities offered by the businesses. The event concludes with the tree lighting ceremony at 6:00. 2:00-5:30 pm- FREE
Holiday Hop: Stroll the streets in the Short North and look at the decorated window displays, watch street performers, shop at the businesses that stay open later and get your photo taken with Santa at Victorian Gate from 12:00 – 6:00 pm. Holiday Hop takes place from 4:00 – 10:00 pm. FREE
Winter Sing-Along: Get in the holiday spirit and sing winter songs from 3:30-4:00 pm at the Old Worthington Library. – FREE
Christmas on the Square in Sunbury: Watch a lighted parade at 5:30, participate in festivities such as craft making, visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and much more! 4:00-8:00 pm- FREE
A Holiday Evening on the Farm: Experience the holiday spirit of the 1930’s and roast chestnuts, listen to live music and make holiday decorations. Gallant Farm: 6:00-8:00 pm- FREE
December 4, 2016
Made LOCAL Marketplace Vintage Marketplace: Shop from 60 vintage vendors and makers at Brookshire 405 Greif Pkwy, Delaware, OH 43015. 11 am – 6 pm- FREE admission
HolidayVille: Jolly trolleys take riders to Clintonville area businesses for free and discounted goodies. The fun continues at Mozarts, the event headquarters, with hot cocoa, cookies, activities and visit from Santa himself. – 12:00- 4:00 pm – FREE
Holiday Activities in the Village: Take a hayride through Shawnee Hills with Christmas animal characters as the guide. 2:00-5:00 pm – FREE
Marysville Elks Christmas Parade: Watch the parade in the streets of Uptown Marysville. 2:00-3:00 pm- FREE
Village Lights in German Village: Follow luminaries from shops, restaurants and businesses that have stayed open late with discounts and holiday treats. There are surprises on each corner including live music, carolers and carriage rides. 5:00-9:00 pm- FREE
December 6, 2016
Holiday Tree Lighting: Grandview: Enjoy carol singing sung by the Grandview Heights High School singers and refreshments. 6:30-8:00 pm- FREE
December 7, 2016
Santa Arrives at the Township: See Dublin’s first fire truck, a 1937 REO Speedwagon, take a picture with Santa, enjoy a treat and make a craft. 6200 Eiterman Road, Dublin OH- 6-8 pm- FREE (but monterary donations are being accepted as well as new, unwrapped toys to benefit the Firefighters for Kids Toy Drive)
December 9, 2016
The Snow “Ball”: Head to the Worthington Community Center for family dance time with a DJ, photo booth, arts and crafts, and pictures with Santa.
Pizza with Santa & Program Night: Meet Santa at the Delaware Community Center YMCA (1121 S Houk Rd, Delaware, Ohio 43015)
December 10, 2016
Breakfast with Santa at Rusty Bucket: 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.
Made LOCAL Marketplace Holiday Show #2: Shop from local vendors at Brookshire 405 Greif Pkwy, Delaware, OH 43015. 9 am – 4 pm – FREE admission
Ginger Bread House Program: The Teen Advisory Board will perform a version of the Gingerbread Boy story and then make a tasty treat. Ages 6-11 years and registration required. 10:30 am – 12:00 pm- FREE
Santa Visit at the Grandview Heights Public Library: Santa will arrive on a firetruck at the library and will be available for photos, so remember your camera! 11:00 am -12:00 pm- FREE
Deck the Stalls: 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. Stockhands Horses For Healing 11 am – 3 pm (3788 Olentangy River Rd, Delaware, Ohio 43015)
Free Crafts for Kids: From 11:00 am – 3:00 pm kids can make a free top hat tree holder craft at Lakeshore (2148 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240) FREE
Free Make-n-Take: Sticky Stick Snowman: Visit Pat Catan’s in Delaware between 11 am – 3 pm and make a sticky stick snowman ornament. FREE
Discovery District Holiday Trolley Hop: Ride the complimentary trolley through the popular Discovery District as it stops for shopping, crafts, tours and activities. 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm – FREE
Christmas in Ash Cave: Bundle up and head to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills for an outdoor adventure. 5:00-7:00 pm
December 11, 2016
Santa in the Caboose: 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. Location: Hilliard Ohio Historical Society – 3:00-6:00 pm – FREE
Annual Golden Spike Open House at The Depot: 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. 4:00-7:00 pm
December 16, 2016
3rd 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. FREE
December 17, 2016
North Market Holiday Events: 11 am – 2pm see Santa, Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer. FREE
Free Crafts for Kids: From 11 am – 3 pm kids can make a free frosty photo frame craft at Lakeshore (2148 Polaris Parkway, Columbus, OH 43240)
‘Tis the Season: String popcorn, make an ornament and stroll around the farm. Slate Run Farm: 1:00-3:00 pm- FREE
December 18, 2016
‘Tis the Season: String popcorn, make an ornament and stroll around the farm. Slate Run Farm: 1:00-3:00 pm- FREE
Holiday Kids Crafts: There will be hot chocolate and crafts available from 2:00-4:00 at the Blacklick Woods Nature Center (6975 E. Livingston Ave., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068) FREE
December 28, 2016
Christmas with the Critters: Meet animals, make crafts, watch a puppet show and visit with Santa at the Ohio Wildlife Center. $5 a person
This looks like a great list! We’ll have to check some of them out. Anybody know of a similar list for the Mansfield area?
Thanks Jenny! Hopefully someone has ideas for Mansfield.
Thanks so much for putting this list together, Amy. I’m so excited to share our city with my kiddos at Christmastime 🙂
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