December has arrived, and there are plenty of fun, festive events planned throughout Columbus to get students into the holiday spirit.
Please note: Admission prices are listed before taxes/fees.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights — Nov. 22-Jan. 5 (4850 W. Powell Road) ($34.99 for adult ticket)
For a month and a half, visitors can see the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium through millions of LED lights.
According to the event’s website, guests can partake in multiple activities, including meeting Santa, traveling through a “Holiday Tree Trail” and attending the “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 4D Adventure.”
The Wildlights will be on display Sundays-Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. and Fridays-Saturdays from 5-10 p.m. Entry to the event is included within general admission or with a Columbus Zoo membership.
For more information about the event, visit its website.
Ohio Statehouse’s Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting — Dec. 4 (1 Capitol Square) (Free)
Wednesday, the Ohio Statehouse will kick off the holiday season in style.
According to the statehouse’s website, guests can enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony in the atrium from 5:30-5:45 p.m. Subsequently, attendees will have access to crafts, complimentary cookies, photos opportunities with Santa and live performances.
For more information about the event, which is set to conclude around 7:30 p.m., visit the Ohio Statehouse’s website.
Columbus Winterfair — Dec. 6-8 (717 E. 17th Ave.) ($7 per person)
According to its website, Columbus Winterfair offers attendees an annual opportunity to knock out gift shopping. In fact, visitors can peruse chocolates, soaps, lotions, ceramics, paintings and more from over 350 local artists.
The event — hosted at the Ohio State Fairgrounds — will be held Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., as well as Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the fair — which is valid for all three days — is priced at $7, though children ages 12 and under get in for free. For more information, visit Columbus Winterfair’s website.
Winterfest Columbus — Dec. 7 (233 S. Civic Center Drive) (Free)
Columbus’ annual Winterfest, presented by the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, will return at Bicentennial Park Saturday.
According to its website, Winterfest will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and charge no entrance fee. In addition, the festival is set to feature local food trucks, live music, seasonal craft beers and more.
For more information about the event, visit Winterfest Columbus’ website.
Village Lights — Dec. 8 (German Village Neighborhood) (Free)
German Village will be illuminated with holiday cheer Dec. 8, allowing visitors to stroll through the historic neighborhood and view beautiful light displays. According to its website, the event will be held from 5-9 p.m. Sunday.
This year, the event will feature various local vendors and food trucks. Plus, guests can also take advantage of special discounts and offers at German Village’s assorted restaurants and businesses.
For more information, visit Village Lights’ website.
