Updated Dec 20, 2021 - Things to Do

Guide for central Ohio holiday lights, events

A lit Christmas tree in the center of a fountain, with the surrounding area covered in lights and snow

Easton Town Center's central park fountain, one of several areas the mall illuminates with millions of twinkling lights. Photo: Steve Brady courtesy of Easton Town Center

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year has arrived in central Ohio.

What's happening: We'll keep you updated with a running list of the holiday traditions we look forward to each year.

These events are ongoing, so mark your calendars:

💡 Columbus Commons is lit up from dusk-11pm, 160 S. High St., Columbus.

The Scioto Mile is also decked out for the holidays from dusk till dawn.

🦌 Visit the reindeer and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's other cold-loving animals at Wildlights.

  • 5-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 5-10pm Friday-Saturday.
  • $22 adults, $17 children. Franklin County residents get a $5 discount.
  • You may spot Santa scuba diving in Discovery Reef and feeding the fish if you're lucky!

🪴 Franklin Park Conservatory is spruced up for Conservatory Aglow.

  • 5-9pm, 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus. $22 adults, $19 seniors, children and students, kids under 3 free.

⛸️ In addition to an impressive display of holiday lights, Easton Town Center offers an ice-skating rink.

  • Free. Hours vary. Skates provided.

🚗 Just a 30-minute trip away, two popular drive-through displays allow for COVID-friendly distancing from the comfort of your car.

  • Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, 3111 S. Old State Road, Delaware.
    • 5:30-9pm Sunday-Thursday, $20 per car. 5:30-10pm Friday-Saturday, $30.
    • Mrs. Claus starts collecting letters for Santa on Friday — include an email address at the bottom.
  • Magical Lights of Winter, 2650 National Road SW, Hebron.
    • 5:30-11pm Monday-Thursday, $20 per car. 5:30pm-12am Friday-Sunday, $30 per car. Times and prices vary on "peak" nights. Tickets online only.

We'll update this list with more events throughout December so keep checking back!

An aerial view of holiday lights at the Columbus Commons park
An aerial view of holiday lights at the Columbus Commons. Photo courtesy of Infinite Impact
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