Wanderlights: A Downtown Columbus Holiday Light Experience
Visitors can stroll through Downtown Columbus to view more than half a million glowing lights spanning three stops. The path features a 40-foot lit tree, over 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds, an illuminated archway tunnel, and a snow globe photo-op. Along Town Street, illuminated penguins guide walkers to the Scioto Mile Fountain, which is encircled by sculptural lights and wrapped trees.
What to Expect
More than half a million lights illuminate three Downtown Columbus stops.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Columbus
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Downtown Columbus, Inc.
Food & Drink
During Wander Nights, food trucks, complimentary hot chocolate and DORA beverages from the bar are available.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday light enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, glowing, communal
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free admission. Wander Nights activities described as free or complimentary include hot chocolate, carousel rides, holiday movie screenings, and the covered trolley. Seasonal DORA beverages and food trucks are mentioned, but no prices are given.
- Hours: Daily 5–10 pm; Wander Nights 5–8 pm. The Lazarus Building galleria display is open until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays through December 31.
- Parking: The page recommends starting at Columbus Commons and parking at the Columbus Commons Main Garage, 55 E Rich St. Parking there is $10 during Wander Nights. COTA routes stop near the Commons.
Tips & Advice
- Start at Columbus Commons and park in the Main Garage on E Rich St, then follow the illuminated penguins down Town Street to the Scioto Mile Fountain.
- Come on a Wander Night if you want free hot chocolate, carousel rides, Santa visits and holiday movies on top of the half a million lights.
- Skip the parking by riding COTA, since every Downtown line, including Lines 1–12, 102 and CMAX, stops steps from the Commons with late-night service.
- Take a break in the Lazarus Building galleria on Wander Nights, where you'll find restrooms, lounge seating, live piano music and Santa.
- Hop on the free covered trolley during Wander Nights to see Nationwide Children's butterfly light show, boarding at Columbus Commons or Bicentennial Park.
Special Events & Promotions
- Wander Nights (six Friday and Saturday nights in December): complimentary hot chocolate and carousel rides at Columbus Commons and free holiday movies at the Scioto Mile Fountain.
- Santa visits and live music by Graves Piano in the Lazarus Building galleria during Wander Nights.
- Free covered trolley to Nationwide Children's Hospital's butterfly-themed light show on all six Wander Nights; hop on and off at Columbus Commons or Bicentennial Park.
- Firepits, a DORA bar, costumed characters and games at Bicentennial Park during Wander Nights.
- New this year: illuminations on the Columbus Commons stage and Main Garage, plus the Nationwide Children's butterfly display near the carousel.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Wander Nights?
Six December evenings with free extras at all three stops. You'll find complimentary hot chocolate and carousel rides at Columbus Commons and free holiday movies at the Scioto Mile Fountain. Santa visits the Lazarus Building galleria. There's also a free trolley to Nationwide Children's Hospital's butterfly light show.
Where can we meet Santa?
Santa is in the Lazarus Building galleria during Wander Nights, among an elaborate holiday display with live music by Graves Piano. Restrooms and lounge seating are there too on those nights.
Is there food and drink?
On Wander Nights, Columbus Commons has complimentary hot chocolate, food trucks and seasonal DORA drinks from the bar. Bicentennial Park has a DORA bar by the firepits. Downtown restaurants are close by for dinner after the lights.
Where should I park, or can I take the bus?
Start at Columbus Commons and park in the Columbus Commons Main Garage at 55 E Rich St, which charges a fee during Wander Nights. All Downtown COTA routes stop steps from the Commons, including Lines 1–12, 102 and CMAX, and there's late-night service.
What's new this year?
There are new illuminations on the Columbus Commons stage and Main Garage. Nationwide Children's Hospital also has a butterfly charitable light display near the carousel.
More Christmas Events Near Columbus
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.