Holiday Bucket List

The holidays are here and there are so many things to do in Columbus! I’ve put together a list of fun AND FREE activities you can do as a family. Scroll down for the list and click on the links for additional details. Be sure to visit the website often for so many more holiday events and happenings around Columbus. Happy Holidays!

❄️Find the 12 Elves of Dublin

There are 12 Little Elves are hiding themselves all over Historic Dublin! Enjoy this Free family friendly event and hunt for our 12 playful elves.
Pick up your entry card and begin your hunt at any of the participating businesses listed below. Cards are also available at the Dublin Ohio Visitor Center – 9 South High 8a-9p daily. Families can enjoy this event Dec 3rd through Dec 23rd during normal business hours for each location.
Each time an elf is discovered, have your card signed or stamped. Return your completed card to any of the 12 locations for a chance to win a fantastic Grand Prize Basket! Grand Prize drawing will take place on December 24th. Winner will be notified via email or text by December 29th

❄️Grove City Nutcracker Hunt

It is time for the annual Grove City Nutcracker Hunt. Grab a sheet (when they are available) and get to hunting. Nutcrackers will be inside local businesses with their own number. Write the business name next to their number and turn in your sheet for a prize!

The hunt will be from December 6, 2024 through January 3, 2025. Sheets can be turned into the Grove City Library, the Grove City Museum, and the Kingston Center.

❄️Attend a Holiday Themed Storytime at a local library.

Check the Events Calendar on the website for events, many Holiday themed events are listed here!

❄️Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus

November 22nd through February 16th
5 to 10 pm daily

Ready to indulge in your winter wanderlust? Experiencing Downtown decked out is easy. There are just 3 easy steps to a night of fun and lights: Columbus Commons, Town Street and Scioto Mile.

❄️See the Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library

The Huntington Holiday Train has delighted people of all ages since 1992. This downtown holiday treasure was generously loaned to Columbus Metropolitan Library by Huntington National Bank in 2009 and is displayed in Main Library’s Grand Atrium.

Bring your family to see the display with its trains, tracks, tunnels, bridges, castles and other features to delight visitors of all ages.

On display Nov. 18-Jan. 18 Main Library | 96 S. Grant Ave.

Visit during regular library hours, with free one-hour parking in Main Library’s attached garage.

❄️Drive through the Lucy Depp Park Lights

Almost every tree, bush, and display is independently controlled–and most of them down to each light bulb (pixel). We custom mix the music and program the show ourselves, having to tell all 300,000+ channels what to do down to the millisecond. It’s quite a feat to make some lights blink, that much is for sure!

Our 2024 show runs from Black Friday until January 5th, dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday. Because our roads are so narrow and traffic is a concern, we have a loop around the show. There are signs directing traffic, but to find us on Google our “address” is 9360 Frabell Dr, Powell OH 43065.

❄️Take a photo with Santa

See my list of Where to Find Santa in Columbus for photo opportunities, many are free of charge!

❄️Iceless Ice Skating

Dates: December 14- January 5

Returning to the Memorial Health Pavilion in Partners Park from December 14, 2024, through January 5, 2025, Merry on Main is a must-visit for everyone. With varying hours to accommodate your schedule, there’s no excuse to miss out on the fun!

Best of all, Merry on Main is completely free of charge, ensuring that everyone can partake in the merriment. Skates are even provided at no cost! Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, young or old, the joy of skating is available to all.

❄️Mail a Letter to Santa

For a list of Santa’s Mailbox Locations Around Columbus, check out the list on the website.

❄️Elf Trail in the Short North

Grab a trail card from a Short North business or print at home here. Neighborhood residents will receive a card in the mail. From Nov. 29 -Dec. 31, kids under 12 are invited to find elves hidden on the shelves of three participating businesses to earn stickers. Redeem your completed trail card for a free offer.

❄️Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons (December 13, 21)

Enjoy an ultra-festive, free atmosphere on the first three Fridays in December at Columbus Commons. Ring in winter with free hot chocolate,  live music, a traveling photo booth, carousel rides, and a bar offering hot boozy beverages while wandering amongst the lights. Convenient parking is available at 55 E Rich St.

❄️Twinkling Lights at a Metro Park

Walk under the twinkling lights at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood during the month of December. The lights go on at dark and shut off at 8pm. Walk at any time. Or come out to Chestnut Ridge for special evening lantern walks and hot chocolate on Friday, December 6, 2024 & Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 5–6:30pm.