The Ultimate Guide to Fun Holiday Activities in Columbus

Are you ready to have a holly jolly holiday season?! Each year, the Columbus area is filled with fun holiday activities for the whole family. We've rounded up a few of our festive favorites, perfect for kids AND adults. This list of ideas is sure to get you in the holiday spirit!

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Central Ohio's favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, 3 animated musical light shows, Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found here at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This year's event offers more holiday fun than ever before.

Dates: Now - January 3, 2016
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Hours: Sundays-Thursdays 5-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
Admission: Franklin County residents: $8.99, General Admission: $11.99
Address :4850 W. Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065

Merry & Bright at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Feel the spirit of the season surrounded by hundreds of poinsettias and seasonal foliage. Enjoy delightful entries in the annual gingerbread competition, a Paul Busse model garden railway and an array of family activities. Select evenings feature live entertainment and festive lighting throughout the Conservatory.

Dates: Now - January 3, 2016
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: $13
Address:1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203

BalletMet's the Nutcracker

Make memories that last a lifetime with the magic and adventure of BalletMet's The Nutcracker. Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of Sweets and indulge in unforgettable characters and choreography, exquisite costumes and scenery and music from the Columbus Symphony. BalletMet's The Nutcracker was co-created by Gerard Charles and Robert Post with choreography by Gerard Charles.

Dates: Now - December 27, 2015
Location: Ohio Theatre
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday 1-3 p.m., 5:30-7:30 p.m
Admission: $29-$89
Address: 39 East State Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Mr. Scrooge

Take Charles Dickens' classic story A Christmas Carol and add music by Vogt and Friedman (Green Gables) and get Mr. Scrooge. Set in 1871, this is the magical story of one Christmas Eve which changes the life of the old curmudgeon, Ebenezer Scrooge. Scrooge spent his entire life saving every penny he could and only looked after himself. In receiving a mysterious warning to change his ways from his old business partner Marley and visits from 3 mysterious spirits, Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Dates: Now - December 20, 2015
Location: Park Street Theatre
Hours: Thursday-Sunday 7:30
Admission: $12-$25
Address: 512 Park Street, Columbus, OH 43215

A Christmas Carol and Christmas Under the Big Top

This year's Carol is drawn from previous versions seen on the Civic stage and the famous novella by Charles Dickens. Come watch as Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed from a nasty curmudgeon to a merry mensch by three timely spirits.

Dates: Now - December 20, 2015
Location: Columbus Civic Theater
Hours: Thursday-Saturday 8-10 p.m. Sunday 2-4 p.m.
Admission: $17.50-$20
Address: 3837 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214

Carriage Rides at Easton Town Center

Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered during the holiday season in the North District.

Dates: Now - December 23, 2015
Location: Easton Town Center
Hours: Friday-Saturday 6-10 p.m. Sunday 3-7 p.m.
Admission: Adults $10. Children free.
Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219

Holiday Lunchbox

As the companion to Holiday Hoopla, this 45 minute holiday show featuring music and sketch comedy from the Shadowbox holiday archives featuring holiday fun and antics with The Snow Bunnies!

Dates: December 1-23, 2015
Location: Shadowbox Live
Hours: Monday-Friday 1-2 p.m.
Admission: $5-$15
Address: 503 South Front Street, Columbus, OH 43215