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While Ohio weather can be unpredictable at times, the holiday season in Columbus is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of town, there’s plenty of activities and events going on to get you into the spirit – many of them right in the Short North.
See the Holiday Lights
Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit like holiday lights! Luckily, Columbus has many different exhibits and displays so grab some friends and live in your own Christmas movie. Here are some of our favorites:
Holiday Lights at Columbus Commons
Heading downtown for dinner? You must stop by Columbus Commons’ Holiday Lights display! Go on Friday and you can expect free hot chocolate, carousel rides, food trucks, bars, live music, photo booths, and so many more festive fun activities.
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park
The gardens and interior biomes transform into a wonderland of lights and experiences. Explore captivating new displays like a whimsical penguin village and life-sized Candyland board game. These fun new additions are featured alongside returning favorites, including the ornament trees, the Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., the life-size gingerbread house, and the magical train display of the Paul Busse Garden Railway.
Holiday Shopping
Columbus has a vast array of shopping options to suit all your holiday shopping needs. Go to large malls like Easton or Polaris Fashion Place, or shop locally in the Short North or German Village. In the Short North, there are some especially fun and festive events coming up that give you the perfect opportunity to get some holiday shopping done:
Short North Holiday Hop
Where: The Short North Arts District | East 2nd Avenue to Russell
When: Saturday, December 6th | 12pm – 8pm
The annual Short North Holiday Hop is back! This all-day, pedestrian-only event turns High Street into the perfect place to kickstart your holiday shopping. With a Holiday Market (featuring 100+ artisan vendors), gallery exhibitions, and public art installations, there’s no shortage of giftable items to go around. Plus, listen to live music performances, and enjoy good eats from food trucks!
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Holiday Trail
When: Now through December 31st
Where: View participating businesses here.
This mobile event makes holiday shopping even sweeter! When you make a purchase from five participating Short North businesses, you get a free hot chocolate and cookie from Tertulia Bakery & Cafe, or a free hot chocolate or hot cider from Northstar Cafe.
Other Holiday Events:
A Very Grinch Christmas Brunch
Where: TownHall Short North
When: Saturday, December 6th and Sunday, December 7th| 10am – 12pm
Head to Townhall for a festive family-friendly brunch featuring a special appearance from the Grinch himself!
A Very Merry Christmas Brunch
Where: TownHall Short North
When: Saturday, December 20th and Sunday December 21st| 10am – 12pm
If you couldn’t celebrate Grinch-mas at TownHall, you have another holiday-themed brunch opportunity later in the month! Bring friends and family to enjoy a meal alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Holiday Wine and Cookie Tasting
Where: Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph
When: Saturday, December 6th from 3pm – 5pm
If you want to celebrate the season like the Italians do, reserve your spot at this afternoon event. Enjoy 4 unique wines and 4 freshly baked Italian Holiday cookies from local bakery Auddino's Italian Bakery. Register here.
Holiday Scavenger Hunt
When: Now through December 31st
Where: View participating businesses here.
Children under 12 can explore the Short North to find festive items and collect five or more unique snowflakes from participating businesses. After completing the accompanying coloring sheet, they can turn it in for a free sweet treat. Coloring sheets are available online or at participating locations.
Borror is proud to build in neighborhoods all over Central Columbus in neighborhoods that embody everything we value – creativity, community, and a sense of belonging.