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❤️ 8 Date Ideas That Will Keep Your Heart Warm All Winter Long

Plus: 😍 A Columbus Makerspace Is Headed To Shark Tank

Author

Chelsea Wiley
January 09, 2026

In partnership with

Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre
Bring the beloved bear Corduroy to life at Columbus Children's Theatre! Perfect for ages 0–5, this interactive 30-minute SandBox Series performance invites little ones to help Corduroy find his missing button and cheer as he discovers a forever friend. With playful movement, gentle humor, and hands-on pre-show activities, kids will explore friendship, kindness, and imagination like never before. To grab your tickets, please click here. 

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

Winter dating can feel a little bleak once the novelty of scarves and cozy layers wears off. It’s cold, it’s dark way too early, and suddenly dinner feels like the only option on repeat. But a good winter date doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. We rounded up some sweet, cozy, and actually fun date ideas around Columbus that make the season feel a little more romantic.

😍 A Columbus Makerspace Is Headed To Shark Tank
A Columbus makerspace is getting national attention. Makers Social founder Megan Pando will appear on Shark Tank this week, putting a local, creativity-driven business in the spotlight.

Headlines 📰 

🎥 A Northeast Ohio native with credits on Star Wars, TRON, and The Shawshank Redemption is reflecting on a career that took him from local TV studios to Hollywood history. David Lester, who grew up in North Olmsted, is heading back to Ohio this week to share stories and lessons from decades behind the scenes. (WOSU)

👏 Columbus-based percussive dancer and choreographer Ryan K. Johnson is using rhythm, movement, and history to tell powerful Black stories through dance. A nationally recognized artist and 2025 Midwest Culture Bearer, Johnson is building community in Columbus while pushing percussive dance into classrooms, concert stages, and cultural institutions. (ArtsMidwest)

🪧 Protesters returned to the Ohio Statehouse for a second night as Columbus residents gathered in grief and anger following a fatal shooting involving ICE agents in Minneapolis. City leaders reiterated that Columbus police do not work with ICE, while calling for space to mourn, speak out, and protest peacefully. (NBC4)

☔️ Weather: 66 and rainy

Sponsored by the Greater Columbus Arts Council 🖼️
Explore Columbus through a new lens by checking out the arts-focused event calendar from Art Makes Columbus. Discover the events that bring our community together and experience art made authentically. For more info, head over to columbusmakesart.com.

Coming Up This Week 📆

Coming Up This Month 📆

🖼️ The Best Things To Do This January In Columbus
January doesn’t slow Columbus down. From hockey games and big-name comedy to ice sculptures, winter hikes, and late-night museum events, this month is packed with reasons to get out and do something, even when it’s cold.

Today's Photo 🤳

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😎 I hope you have a calm, fun, safe weekend Columbus. See you back here on Monday morning!

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- Chelsea