Columbus Holidays

Columbus holidays are magical! From New Year’s Day through New Year’s Eve, they feature wonderful attractions!

Whether it’s hearts floating in the air, or shamrocks, or jingle bells, the attractions in and around Columbus are always spectacular.

When it comes to holidays and attractions, I have never grown up. I still get as excited today as I did when I was a kid.

Romantic Places in Columbus, Ohio

February brings us the romantic places in Columbus, Ohio for Valentine’s Day. Seeing heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and long stemmed red roses brings the images of Cupid with his arrow of love. You’ll find some great places to take your special someone.

St. Patrick’s Day

March brings us the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Being Irish myself, it brings to mind images of dancing leprechauns, shamrocks and the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. And for some… lots of green beer to pass around!

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Celebrating Easter in Columbus

Find out who is serving brunch and where some of the Easter Egg Hunts are at this Easter in Columbus.

Celebrating Mother’s Day

Celebrating Mother’s Day is a special way we can pay tribute to her. It also let’s her know that she’s very special to us! So give Mom the day off and make her day special in your own way!

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Celebrating Father’s Day

We also have the privilege of honoring our fathers’ on Father’s Day. It’s also a time to reflect on the other men in our lives that have been a father figure. Being the youngest of 7 kids, my older brothers have always been there for me! Cheers to all the “dads!”

4th of July Celebrations

The 4th of July celebrations are in the works… fireworks that is! The sky will soon be lighting up with fireworks as people gather from all over to celebrate Independence Day. The Red, White and Boom among others promise great parades, great food and family fun for all!

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Columbus Halloween Fun

Are you ready for some Halloween Fun? Join the ghost and goblins and visit the Maizes, the Halloween parties, and the haunted houses. Drive through the haunted park, see the headless horseman, and listen to the tall yarns spun at the Ohio Statehouse haunted house. Don’t miss the excitement and don’t forget to say Trick or Treat!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Gifts of the Craftsmen

Our galleries will be filled with one-of-a-kind and limited edition jewelry, ceramics, art glass, clothing and more, all made in America by fine craft artists and all available for purchase. It’s a unique holiday shopping experience featuring new artists and long-time favorites.

Dates: to be announced
Hours: Special holiday hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Sundays 12 – 4 p.m.
Location: Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 West Fith Avenue, Grandview, Ohio
Visit their website for more information

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Holidays at the Conservatory – Merry & Bright

Celebrate the season! Hundreds of poinsettias, thousands of twinkling lights and joyous seasonal décor transform the Conservatory into a holiday destination for the entire family.

Paul Busse Model Garden Railway

Model railway designer Paul Busse’s enchanting railroad landscapes and structures are created using all natural materials, like acorns, leaves and twigs. Watch the model train zoom around corners, through tunnels and past the households of favorite fairytale characters including Cinderella, the Three Little Pigs, and Sleeping Beauty.

6th Annual Gingerbread Competition

Marvel at the whimsical and intricate entries in the amateur Gingerbread Competition. Feeling creative? Download an Entry Form at their website.

Holiday Entertainment and Activities

Enjoy festive live music and family activities at Merry & Bright Nights on Wednesday evening. Weekends, gather with family and friends for the always popular Breakfast with Santa or Holiday Candlelight Dinners. Check back soon for more details about scheduled events.

Dates: to be announced
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory, 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43203

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Holiday Carriage Rides

Horse-drawn carriage rides will again be offered during the holiday season in Easton Town Center’s North District. Rides begin November 17 after the Holiday Lighting Ceremony and run each Friday, Saturday and Sunday through December 16, with additional dates December 19-23, 2012.
Dates: to be announced
Additional dates and hours: to be announced
Location: Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio
Admission: $10.00 – Children under 15 ride free with a paying adult.
Visit their website for more information

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Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Dates: to be announced
Closed:
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 River Road, Powell, Ohio
Cost: Regular admission rates apply. Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members.

Turn up the wattage on your holiday season with Wildlights at the Zoo, presented by American Electric Power. Brighter and “greener” than ever, Central Ohio’s favorite family tradition is back with a whole new look. Thanks to AEP’s support, the Zoo converted half of its three million lights into more eco-friendly LED lights.

Don’t miss the Wildlights model train railway and pictures with Santa Clause located in Colo’s Cove and stop by and visit Ms. Clause’s kitchen located in the Kidz Market place.

Be sure to check out our new Animal Encounters Village winter wonderland with our reindeer and our special wildlights Animal’s on Holiday Shows. Finish up your holiday shopping at the Zoo’s Market Place and Manatee Gift Shop.

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Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park

Enjoy the magic as you step into Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park this holiday season. You’ll find awesome light displays and decorations in this beautiful spot.

Dates: to be announced
Location: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill Street, Gahanna, Ohio
Free Admission
For more information visit their website

Christmas Holidays

You’ll never find the Columbus Ohio Christmas Season boring!

With all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for that special day – right up to the festivities before – Christmas in Columbus is a wonderful time for all!

A season of giving, of hope, of love, and sharing… may this be your best holiday season ever!

You’ll find all the Christmas Festivities, Events, and Tree Farms listed here.

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New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day

COSI’s Holiday Science of the Season

Avoid brain freeze at COSI this holiday season. When it is chilly, we get silly with science in a winter wonderland! Don’t miss our Holiday Lights Show where our Gadgeteer takes you on a whirlwind tour of holiday lighting, with fiery explosions, super-cold liquid nitrogen fun, and a “reindeer-powered” generator that triggers over ten thousand twinkling holiday lights!
Dates: to be announced
Hours:Wednesday through Saturday: 10AM to 5PM; Sunday: Noon to 6PM
Location: 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio
For more information visit www.cosi.org/visitors/coming-attractions/holiday/

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First Night Columbus – New Years Eve Celebration 2010

First Night’s New Year’s Eve celebration will have over 150 entertainers in more than 15 downtown performance sites.
Something for everyone – ragtime, jazz, funk, kid’s festival and hands on activities, and magic!
Date: December 31, 2013 from 5PM to Midnight
Location: Downtown Columbus, 1777 East Broad Street
For information visit First Night’s website.

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Holiday Tours on Capitol Square

Step back in time with a guided tour of the 1861 Statehouse and see holiday decorations as they were in Victorian times. Visiting relatives and friends will enjoy a trip to the People’s House during their holiday visit in Columbus. Walk-in tours of the Statehouse meet at the Third Street Information Desk on the hour on weekdays from 10AM until 3PM, and weekends from noon
to 3PM.

Dates: to be announced
Hours: Weekdays: 10AM to 3PM (no tour at noon due to holiday concerts)
Location: The Ohio Statehouse, Third Street Information Desk, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio
Admission is Free
Contact Information: Phone: 888-OHIO-123, 614-752-9777

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Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Dates: to be announced
Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 4PM to 9PM; Fridays – Sunday from 4PM to 10PM
Closed: November 25, December 24 and December 25
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 West Powell Road, Powell, Ohio
Cost: Regular admission rates apply. Free to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium members.

Turn up the wattage on your holiday season with Wildlights at the Zoo, presented by American Electric Power. Brighter and “greener” than ever, Central
Ohio’s favorite family tradition is back with a whole new look. Thanks to AEP’s support, the Zoo converted half of its three million lights into more
eco-friendly LED lights.

Don’t miss the Wildlights model train railway and pictures with Santa Clause located in Colo’s Cove and stop by and visit Ms. Clause’s kitchen located in the Kidz Market place.

Be sure to check out our new Animal Encounters Village winter wonderland with our reindeer and our special wildlights Animal’s on Holiday Shows. Finish up your holiday shopping at the Zoo’s Market Place and Manatee Gift Shop.

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Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park

Enjoy the magic as you step into Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park this holiday season. You’ll find awesome light displays and decorations in this beautiful spot.

Dates: to be announced
Location: Creekside Park & Plaza, 123 Mill Street, Gahanna, Ohio
Free Admission
For more information: (614) 342-4250 or www.gahanna.gov

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