For generations of Columbusites, the holidays meant a trip downtown to enjoy the season. Downtown still has so much to offer during this season of celebration. Check out this list of holiday hot spots to visit.
State Auto Christmas Corner
518 E. Broad St.
Now through January 3
A beloved holiday tradition for nearly 90 years, Christmas Corner at State Auto features the exquisite life-size Nativity, plus choir concerts, rooftop Santa town, and more.
Free Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons
Now through January 2, evenings from 5-11 p.m.
Enjoy more than 400,000 LED lights dazzling the Columbus Commons.
Festive Fridays at Columbus Commons
December 10 and 17, 5-9 p.m.
On Fridays in December, in addition to enjoying the holiday lights, stop by for free hot chocolate, carousel rides and seasonal music. Get into the holiday spirit!
Holiday Lights at Scioto Mile
Now through January 10
Walk the downtown riverfront and enjoy beautiful holiday lights through January 3, each evening from dusk until dawn.
Lazarus Building Windows
Lazarus Building,141 S. High St.
During Lazarus Department Store’s heyday, people traveled from far and wide to visit Santaland and enjoy the beautifully decorated windows. While it’s been more than 15 years since Lazarus closed downtown, you can still stroll past the windows, decorated again for a new generation to enjoy. To enjoy a trip down Lazarus Christmas memory lane, check out this piece from Columbus Navigator.
The Nutcracker
Now through December 26
Ohio Theatre
Enjoy BalletMet’s cherished holiday tradition filled with beautiful costumes and scenery, Tschaikovsy’s timeless score, and exquisite dancing.
A Christmas Story
Now through December 23
Lincoln Theatre
Columbus Children’s Theatre presents this holiday favorite, sure to make you laugh.
Huntington Holiday Train
Now through January 8
Main Library Atrium
The Huntington Holiday Train 600-square-foot display features multiple miniature trains running on a track surrounded by miniature buildings modeled after actual structures in Germany. The buildings are made of natural materials, like leaves, moss and pine cones, and include a six-foot tall cathedral and an eight-foot tall castle, plus a working waterfall. Visit the display during library hours, Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. and Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Tony Hagood Trio Plays Jazz Holiday Standards
December 18, 1-3 p.m.
Columbus Museum of Art
Enjoy holiday music arrangements from artists like Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more. Tickets are $20 for the general public or $15 for CMA members.
Wonderment
December 18, 3 and 8 p.m.
Riffe Davidson Theatre
Columbus Dance Theatre presents Wonderment, the world premiere of a new ballet based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale, The Snow Queen.
Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas
December 22, 7:30 p.m.
Southern Theatre
Jim Brickman returns with his annual holiday tour, a magical evening celebrating music, love and family. Enjoy a joyous concert experience that blends Yuletide memories and holiday favorites with his own hit songs.