Tis the season for magical holiday lights and decorations in Central Ohio. It seems every year there are more and more light experiences to explore. You’ll find some tried and true light displays that have been around for years on this list, and some new ones too! What are your favorite holiday light displays in Central Ohio? Maybe the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo or Butch Bando? There are so many good options!
Wildlights! at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
November 22 – January 5 | Evenings
Wildlights! at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a beloved family holiday tradition, featuring millions of LED lights, animated musical shows, Santa, and reindeer, making it one of the most magical Christmas displays. This is an outdoor event, so visitors can enjoy the festive lights while walking through the zoo. Typically, the entire zoo is not open to the public, but there is still plenty of walking so make sure to bundle up!
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
November 23 – January 5 | 5-9 p.m. weeknights, 5-10 p.m. weekends
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens hosts the annual Conservatory Aglow, featuring thousands of lights, a reimagined Topiary Collection, and holiday favorites like the rainbow tunnel, ornament trees, and the gingerbread house competition. Do you remember the year someone built the Leveque Tower out of gingerbread? Amazing!
The conservatory’s gardens are illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a vibrant winter wonderland. The event also includes festive décor inside the conservatory, with themed holiday displays and exhibits. However, much of it is outside – so make sure to dress warm and bring those hand warmers!
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
November 22 – January 1 | 5:30 – 9 p.m. weeknights, 5:30 – 10 p.m. weekends
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds offers a 30-minute drive-through experience with twinkling holiday displays and dazzling tunnels, complemented by perfect holiday music. This event features over a million twinkling lights spread across various themed displays. Visitors can enjoy a festive, immersive experience as they drive through the park and take in the beautifully designed light sculptures, holiday scenes, and animated displays The event is perfect for families and individuals looking to celebrate the holiday season in a magical, safe, and fun way.
Organizers ask that people stay in their car during their visit to the park.
Wanderlights and Festive Fridays in Downtown Columbus
November 22 – February 16 | 5 PM – 10 PM
Columbus Commons to Bicentennial Park will host a half-million-light walk starting on November 22. In addition, Columbus Commons will be hosting Festive Fridays. A family-friendly celebration designed to bring the community together to enjoy the magic of the holidays in the heart of the city. On the first three Fridays of December, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar with hot boozy beverages. The Columbus Commons park is beautifully decorated with thousands of twinkling holiday lights, creating a festive atmosphere. With the new Center City DORA, you are able to walk around the whole area with your drink.
Winter Wonder Walks at Dawes Arboretum
December 6 – December 21 | Friday & Saturday Evenings
Dawes Arboretum hosts the sixth annual Winter Wonders Walks, featuring guided walks, music, coffee, food trucks, and Santa appearances, with three nightly time slots available. Plan your visit to explore the paved Parkwoods Trail, surrounded by illuminated trees and enjoy the beauty of nature in winter. Enjoy music, coffee and food trucks and a special appearance from Santa Claus each night! Make sure to mark your calendars for the last night as Santa’s reindeer arrive to take him home to prepare for this holiday season. You won’t want to miss it!
This spectacular display will take place on December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 6–9pm. Arboretum members can enjoy an exclusive members only night on Thursday, December 5 from 6-9pm and the 1st Annual Sensory Friendly Winter Wonders Walk on Thursday, December 12 from 6-8pm.
Easton Town Center Holiday Lights
Beginning Nov. 22
Easton Town Center celebrates the holidays with millions of lights, starting with the Grand Illumination event on Nov. 22, offering a stunning display of beauty. Over two-million lights illuminate Easton for the season! From the large Christmas Tree and Menorah in the square to all the lights at the fountain.
Also enjoy horse drawn carriage rides and photos with Santa inside Easton Station!
Short North Holiday Hop
Saturday, December 7
The Holiday Hop, the largest annual Short North Gallery Hop, returns on December 7 with hundreds of local boutiques, restaurants, bars, and art galleries participating. The event features elaborate window displays, live street performances, entertainment, and a Pop Up Shop craft fair. Holiday Hop is the largest Gallery Hop of the year, featuring local artists, performances, and shopping from local stores and galleries. The High Street Holiday Market, closed for pedestrian traffic, will feature 150 vendors offering creative holiday items.
Holiday Hop features
– Holiday Tree Sales from Oakland Nurseries, with a share of proceeds benefiting charity.
– Free Gift Wrapping at The FIG Room in exchange for donations to Dress for Success.
– Toys for Tots Drive at Rock City Church, in partnership with ABC6.
– Ice Carving and More by Sculptdecor
– Festive Street Performances – Live music throughout and a community sing-along at 7 p.m.
– Hot Beverages – Complimentary drinks, eggnog tasting and more from a variety of partners.
– Holiday Fashion – “Fashion Is Holiday” brought to you by Columbus Fashion Alliance
German Village Holiday Lights
Sunday, December 8
German Village’s annual Village Lights features festive decorations, shopping, late-hours shopping, an Outdoor Christmas Market, Santa & Mrs. Claus visits, and live music.
Santa’s Schedule for Village Lights:
5:45 The Globe School: Santa’s Singing Elves Performance
6:00 Santa Arrives, photos begin.7:00 Story Time With Santa
8:00 Story Time With Santa
9:00 Line for Santa Closes
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
Fridays, December 6, 13 and 20, 5 PM – 9 PM
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons is a family-friendly celebration designed to bring the community together to enjoy the holidays in the heart of the city. On the first three Fridays of December, enjoy free hot chocolate, live music, a photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar with hot boozy beverages. The Columbus Commons park is beautifully decorated with thousands of twinkling holiday lights, creating a festive atmosphere.
Columbus Shines Bright with Holiday Cheer & Holiday Lights!
Do you have a favorite place to see the lights each year? Maybe a secret neighborhood light show. Immerse yourself in the warmth and wonder of the season as our city dazzles with twinkling lights, joyful displays, and festive spirit. From our family to yours, may your holidays be filled with love, laughter, and light!