Sponsored by Columbus Recreation and Parks Department ☃️
Celebrate the season at WinterFest Columbus! Join us at Bicentennial Park for a cozy winter escape filled with live music, craft brews, festive cocktails, and top-notch food trucks. Free admission, family-friendly, and outdoor winter fun for all! Click here for more info!

🎁 Happy Holidays, Columbus! Welcome to the kick-off of our annual Holiday Newsletter series. Think of this as your holiday hub all season long, sharing all of the best things to do through the New Year here in Columbus. It’s about to get very busy around here, so let’s dive right in!

🚂 5 Fantastic Holiday Train Rides Around Ohio

One of the best ways to ease yourself into the full swing of the holiday season is by hopping on board a fun train. There are some spectacular ones around Ohio, complete with elves, great views, holiday treats, and even Santa himself.

Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre 🎄
Kick off the holidays with a magical twist on A Christmas Carol! In this fast-paced, 60-minute musical, Ebenezer Scrooge gets a visit from three spirited ghosts who help him rediscover the joy of giving, friendship, and festive fun. Packed with catchy songs, colorful characters, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect show for families with kids ages 4–12, and a beloved CCT tradition. Make Mr. Scrooge part of your holiday season! Get your tickets here!

Brighten Up Your Holiday Season At These Columbus Christmas Tree Lightings 🎄

It’s getting into that time of year where a lot is going on.
Sometimes it can be hard to choose which holiday events you have time for. Christmas tree lightings are a fun, family-friendly way to spend an evening in the holiday spirit. Most come alongside community events, often including visits with Santa Claus, hot cocoa, and other winter favorites.

☃️ WinterFest Will Return This December With Live Music, Food Trucks, And More

WinterFest returns to Bicentennial Park on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city’s favorite cold-weather bash will bring live music, local food trucks, craft brews, cozy cocktails, and all the winter cheer you can handle.

One of Ohio’s Best Holiday Traditions Is Back for Season 26 🤩

One of Central Ohio’s most beloved holiday traditions is back and brighter than ever! Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is kicking off its 26th season and the Bando family continues to make this event about more than just twinkling lights. It is a celebration of family, community, and giving back.

Columbus Navigator supports Mid-Ohio Food Collective this holiday season!
While many of us gather around tables filled with food and laughter, thousands of families in our community are going without. Together, we can change that. Support the Holiday Meals Campaign and help provide comfort, nourishment, and hope to families in need. For every $1 donated, Mid-Ohio Food Collective can provide up to 2.5 meals. If you’d like to donate, please click here.