The Christmas season is one of those times that fills the heart with a sense of calm. During our first year in the United States, I remember how happy I felt as the holiday season approached and the houses in each neighborhood began to shine with lights and ornaments. Each street felt bright and full of charm. No matter where we went, whether it was a shop, a restaurant, or a mall, we would find a tree decorated with care and the sweetest holiday touches.
Since then, every year feels like a little gift. I still feel lucky to witness this soft, glowing atmosphere. Places my husband and I once explored together are now the same places I walk through with my daughter. We stop to look at the lights, admire each tree, and I still feel that same childlike excitement I felt years ago.
In this guide, I am sharing our favorite Christmas activities in Columbus that you can enjoy with kids. These are the spots that make this season feel warm, bright, and memorable.
1. Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a must-see for the holidays. The entire zoo glows with over three million LED lights, creating a magical wonderland. Trees shimmer in color, light tunnels guide you through the paths, and animated displays dance to Christmas music. Kids love visiting Santa and riding the carousel, while the animals that stay active during winter add a unique twist.
The lake light show, where lights flash in rhythm with music, is a favorite highlight. With hot chocolate in hand and festive music in the air, it’s easy to see why Wildlights is one of the most loved Christmas activities in Columbus for families.
When: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Price: $20–$26 per person; children under 3 free
2. WanderLights at Columbus Commons
WanderLights fills downtown Columbus with thousands of twinkling lights. Lighted tunnels, decorated trees, and glowing pathways create a joyful, walkable display. Best of all, it’s free and easy to visit. Though smaller than the zoo’s display, it still feels magical. Families can enjoy a short walk, listen to holiday music, and take in the lights with the city skyline as a backdrop. It’s simple, cheerful, and perfect for family strolls, date nights, or a quick festive outing.
When: Nov 21, 2025 – Feb 15, 2026
Where: Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Price: Free
3. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
A short drive north of the city, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park offers a relaxed, drive-through experience that’s perfect for chilly nights. It was one of the first Christmas events we went to after moving to Columbus. Coming from Turkey, this type of drive-through experience felt unusual and creative to me. I loved being able to enjoy the colorful figures along the route without freezing in the cold. Since I get cold easily, staying warm in the car and listening to Christmas music on the radio made the experience even better.
When: Nov 21, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Price: $23(weekday) / $33(weekend) per car
4. Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Each winter, Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a glowing garden during Conservatory Aglow. Indoor tropical plants mix with twinkling lights and festive floral displays. The model train exhibit delights kids and adults, while the outdoor gardens sparkle with colorful light sculptures and illuminated pathways.
Visitors can stroll through both indoor and outdoor areas, enjoying the art installations, poinsettias, and holiday decorations. The event runs nightly through early January and often includes special performances and family activities. It’s one of the most elegant and peaceful holiday events in Columbus, ideal for escaping the cold while staying surrounded by beauty.
When: Nov 22, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Price: $27–$29 adults; $16–$18 children 3–12; under 3 free
5. Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Main Library
Inside the downtown library, the Huntington Holiday Train display brings joy to visitors of all ages. The enormous setup features moving model trains, snowy mountains, and tiny villages full of holiday detail. The display fills the library atrium with color and motion, creating a calm and cheerful break from the winter chill outside.
This free exhibit is open throughout the season and is especially popular with young children. It’s a charming stop for families exploring downtown holiday lights and one of the most classic Christmas activities in Columbus.
When: Nov 28, 2025 – Jan 8, 2026
Where: Columbus Main Library, 96 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
Price: Free
6. Holiday at McCoy Cabin
Just about 25 minutes east of Columbus, the McCoy Cabin becomes a magical holiday destination. During the season, the cabin and grounds are filled with festive lights, inflatable Santas, angels, reindeer, nutcrackers, and even a sparkling tunnel of lights. Walking the short gravel path feels calm and cozy, giving families a chance to enjoy the decorations at a relaxed pace.
There’s a small food tent where you can grab hot chocolate or cookies, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening. Tickets are very reasonable and there’s even a season pass if you want to visit more than once. The Holly Jolly Lights display at McCoy Cabin is simple, magical, and full of holiday spirit, making it one of the most charming Christmas activities in Columbus for families.
When: Nov 7, 2025 – Dec 24, 2025
Where: McCoy Cabin, 11301 Worthington Rd NW, Pataskala, OH 43062
Price: $7 per person, children 3 and under free; season pass $10 per person
7. Easton Town Center Christmas Parade and Grand Illumination
Easton always goes all out for the holidays. The Easton Christmas Parade and Grand Illumination kicks off the season with music, floats, and fireworks that light up the night. Afterward, Easton stays festive all month long with carriage rides, glowing decorations, and endless spots for shopping or dining.
Even if you miss the main event, visiting Easton during December is worth the trip. The streets sparkle with thousands of lights, and the grand Christmas tree is a perfect photo stop. It’s one of the liveliest holiday events in Columbus and a tradition for many local families.
When: Grand Illumination on Nov 14, 2025; decorations stay through the season
Where: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Price: Free
8. The Nutcracker Ballet at the Ohio Theatre
BalletMet’s Nutcracker at the Ohio Theatre is a timeless Columbus tradition. The music, dancing, and story bring the holidays to life, while the theater’s grand interior adds to the magic. For many families, seeing the Nutcracker is an annual ritual that signals the heart of the season. It’s a chance to dress up, enjoy the arts, and soak in the beauty of the holidays in a city landmark.
Columbus offers both the full Nutcracker and My First Nutcracker, perfect for little ones experiencing ballet for the first time. My First Nutcracker is more casual and shorter, just the right length to hold children’s attention while introducing them to the music and story.
When: Dec 11-28, 2025
Where: Ohio Theatre, 39 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215
Price: BalletMet Nutcracker $42–$125; My First Nutcracker $29
9. Winter Hikes in Columbus Metro Parks
If you prefer the quiet side of the holidays, the Columbus Metro Parks offer winter hikes where trails are softly lit and peaceful. Parks like Inniswood Metro Gardens and Blacklick Woods decorate select paths with twinkling ornaments and lanterns, perfect for a relaxing evening walk.
These hikes are free, family-friendly, and a nice way to enjoy nature during winter. They’re simple but memorable moments that remind you what the season is all about: time together, fresh air, and a bit of sparkle.
When: Throughout December 2025
Where: Inniswood Metro Gardens, Blacklick Woods, Battelle Darby Creek, Homestead, Highbanks
Price: Free
10. Day Trip: Cambridge Dickens Victorian Village
For a memorable day trip, visit Cambridge Dickens Victorian Village, located about 90 minutes from Columbus. The town has turned its downtown into a scene inspired by Charles Dickens. From early November through New Year’s Day, the streets come alive with displays that feel like a quiet step back into the 1800s.
Close to one hundred setups line the main street, each showing a small moment of Victorian life. More than one hundred handmade figures in real vintage clothing sit on benches, stand near lampposts, and peek from shop windows. It’s a perfect way to enjoy old-fashioned charm and one of the most unique holiday events near Columbus.
The Guernsey County Light Show is another highlight, with thousands of lights synchronized to music. You can watch the show from 5:30 to 9 pm. And during your visit, make time for Theo’s Restaurant and try their famous homemade pies.
When: Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026
Where: Main Street, Cambridge, OH 43725
Price: Free
11. Day Trip: Hocking Valley Santa Train
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway Santa Train feels like a classic holiday outing. The ride takes you through the quiet Hocking River Valley while the cars are decorated with lights and ornaments. Christmas music plays the whole way, and Santa makes his way through the train to greet every child. Each little one gets a candy cane, and they can share their wish list with him while he visits. This scenic ride is one of the most special Christmas activities near Columbus, combining the beauty of nature with the holiday fun.
The location is about an hour from Columbus, making it an easy day trip. We went on the Santa Train when my daughter was a toddler. She was still too little to understand what was happening, but it turned into one of those memories we still talk about. Both Santa and the Grinch walked through the cars, and I still remember how frightened she was of the Grinch. Then, Santa arrived, and his smile, kind words, and the small treat he handed her immediately changed her mood. Thank you, Santa, you saved the day!
When: Nov 29, 2025 – Dec 21, 2025
Where: Hocking Valley Scenic Railway, 33 E West Canal St, Nelsonville, OH 45764
Price: $24 adults; $19 children 3-12; children under 3 free
Finding Holiday Joy in Columbus
From the sparkling lights at the Columbus Zoo to quiet walks on glowing Metro Park trails, Columbus is full of holiday magic. Walking past decorated houses and admiring a beautifully decorated Christmas tree feels like stepping into a storybook. Riding the Santa Train or stopping to see twinkling displays brings small, joyful moments that stay with you. These Christmas activities in Columbus are more than just things to do. They create warmth, laughter, and memories your family will carry for years.