There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season in Columbus, Ohio. From November through the first days of January, the city fills with millions of twinkling lights, German-style Christmas villages, and classic ballet. There are also luminary-lit brick streets, craft fairs, and enough cookies and glühwein to keep every foodie busy.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly holiday events in Columbus, a date-night light display, a place to shop local and handmade, or a festive night out with friends, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best holiday activities in Columbus and Central Ohio for 2026. We’ve organized them by type and included dates so you can start planning now. Many of these events are one-day-only, so mark your calendar.
Here at Columbus Food Adventures, we’re partial to anything that involves a tasty bite and a festive drink. You’ll find our own December tour in the mix, too.
Holiday Markets & Shopping
1. Christkindlmarkt Dublin
Nov. 21 – Dec. 24, 2026 (daily) | Riverside Crossing Park, Dublin
Dublin is launching a new European-style German Christmas village this year. Expect handcrafted gifts, authentic seasonal food, glühwein, and festive entertainment. It runs every day until Christmas Eve, so it’s easy to fit into any schedule.
2. Merry Market at Bridge Park
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 | Bridge Park, Dublin
Just across the pedestrian bridge from Christkindlmarkt, this family-friendly market from the Dublin Market offers local vendors, photos with Santa, and live music. Pair it with the Christkindlmarkt for a full day in Dublin.
3. Not Your Mama’s HUGE 2-Day Holiday Market
Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 | Polaris Fashion Place
This large indoor event showcases curated handmade goods, vintage collections, and local art. It’s a good early-season stop for unique gifts.
4. Annual Ohio Made Holiday Market
Friday, Nov. 20, 2026 | Hollywood Casino & Hotel Columbus
Columbus’ largest dedicated handmade shopping party features more than 80 craft makers and local boutiques.
5. Columbus Winterfair (50th Anniversary!)
Starts Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 | Ohio Expo Center, Bricker Building
This three-day fine craft fair celebrates its 50th anniversary with more than 350 professional artists and market vendors. It’s a Columbus tradition and a great place to find one-of-a-kind gifts.
Food, Drink & Festive Gatherings
6. Columbus Food Adventures Holiday Cheer Tour
December only | Tuesday–Thursday evenings, 6:15 PM | Short North Arts District | $108 per person
Our exclusive December walking tour takes you through the festive streets of the Short North for three hours and ten food and drink tastings. You’ll sample craft libations and bites from neighborhood favorites like Barley’s and SoCal Kitchen. It easily substitutes for a full dinner, making it a good choice for a night out with friends, a work outing, or a date.
See dates and book the Holiday Cheer Tour
7. Nutcracker Tea with BalletMet
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, 11:00 AM | Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
This afternoon tea for families pairs a festive buffet from The Guild House culinary team with tableside tea service. It also includes live classical dance snippets by BalletMet Academy dancers and character meet-and-greets.
8. WinterFest Columbus
Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, 12:00–4:00 PM | Dorrian Green (next to COSI)
WinterFest has a new home this year. Admission is free, and you’ll find local live music, seasonal craft beer and cocktails, and popular food trucks.
Lights & Winter Wonderlands
9. Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027 | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Central Ohio’s favorite holiday tradition returns with millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and Santa visits. Adults can also enjoy a two-night craft beer celebration on Nov. 27–28. You can sample regional brews and holiday food truck specials while exploring Wildlights without the usual daytime crowds.
10. Columbus Clippers Holiday Lights
Nov. 14 – Dec. 31, 2026 | Huntington Park | Tickets from $10
Huntington Park puts up more than 1 million lights and a 44-foot tree. Santa visits and fire pits round out the experience.
11. Wanderlights Downtown Columbus
Nov. 20, 2026 – Feb. 14, 2027, 5:00–10:00 PM daily | Columbus Commons, Town Street & Bicentennial Park
This free light path winds through downtown and runs well into winter. On select December “Wander Nights,” enjoy a free trolley, hot chocolate, and carousel rides.
12. Conservatory Aglow
Throughout Winter 2026 | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Twinkling lights, seasonal foliage, and a giant gingerbread house make this a cozy indoor-outdoor option. Check the Conservatory’s website for exact dates and hours.
13. Village Lights
Sunday, Dec. 6, 2026, 4:00–9:00 PM | German Village
Historic German Village hosts its luminary walk, with brick streets lined with glowing luminaries. There’s live music, carol singers, a Christmas tree sale and local businesses stay open late. Stop by our tent on Third St to say hi and enter a raffle.
14. Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour
Select dates, 2026 season | Downtown Columbus | $33 per person ($429 for a private 15-passenger trolley)
This fully enclosed, electric-assisted option has been redesigned for 2026 to focus on downtown’s best displays, including a 30-minute stop at the Columbus Commons light path. Tickets include hot cocoa partnerships, blankets, and built-in coolers.
Neighborhood Celebrations & Tree Lightings
15. Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival & Tree Lighting
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026 | Ohio Statehouse
Enjoy live music, dance performances, complimentary cookies, and photos with Santa at this downtown tradition.
16. Yuletide on Gay
Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 5:00–9:00 PM | Gay Street, Downtown
Ice sculptures and live music make this a festive stop on a busy first weekend of December. It’s easy to pair with the Statehouse tree lighting the same evening.
17. Short North Holiday Hop
Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026 | High Street, Short North
High Street becomes a pedestrian winter wonderland with art, food, music, and family activities. Perfect for dinner and a stroll. Stop by our tent on High St to say hi and enter a raffle.
18. Holidays at Ohio Village
Friday, Dec. 11 & Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 5:30–9:00 PM | Ohio Village
This old-fashioned gathering turns a recreated 19th-century town into a winter landscape. Experience traditional Christmas customs, explore the newly updated buildings, and chat with costumed historical interpreters.
Theater & Ballet
19. A Christmas Carol (CAPA Presents)
Nov. 27–29, 2026 | Ohio Theatre
CAPA collaborates with Short North Stage on an original production of the Dickens classic at the historic Ohio Theatre. It runs for one weekend only.
20. The Nutcracker by BalletMet
Dec. 10–27, 2026 | Ohio Theatre
BalletMet’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece is a Columbus holiday staple. Families with little ones can catch the shorter My First Nutcracker performances on Dec. 22 and 23. Or try The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Dec. 18.
Plan Your Columbus Holiday Season
With so much happening, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips:
- Book early: Tickets for The Nutcracker, Wildlights, and the Holiday Cheer Tour tend to sell out on peak weekends.
- Stack your events: Dec. 4 pairs the Statehouse Tree Lighting with Yuletide on Gay.
- Dress warm: Many of the best events are outdoors and in the evening.
- Check before you go: Dates, hours, and ticket details can change, so confirm with each organizer.
Want to taste your way through the season? Book the Columbus Food Adventures Holiday Cheer Tour for ten tastings through the Short North this December.