Last updated: November 11, 2024
Your ultimate holiday resource for Gahanna is here! Explore our guide for all the top festive events and activities. Whether Gahanna is your everyday reality or your dream destination, this guide brings festive fantasies to life.
One highlight of the holiday season is the Wildlights at Columbus Zoo, where dazzling light displays illuminate the grounds, creating a magical atmosphere for visitors of all ages. Nearby, the Holiday Trolley Hop offers a charming way to traverse local attractions, complete with seasonal decorations and an inviting ambiance. And the beloved Dickens of a Christmas brings the Victorian era to life with costumed performers and festive markets that capture the spirit of the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, creating a vibrant holiday experience.
Where: Powell | More Info: Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a botanical garden setting.
Step into a holiday celebration at Franklin Park Conservatory, where gardens and interior biomes come alive with dazzling lights and captivating experiences. Wander through mesmerizing light displays, dance the night away at our nostalgic 90s-themed party, or unwind in cozy festive igloos at the Ahlum & Arbor Arctic Terrace. Enjoy iconic ornament trees, the whimsical Whirly Tree by Tork Inc., a life-size gingerbread house, and the enchanting Paul Busse Garden Railway with its magical train display.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Holiday tunes and face painting with Santa.
Join North Market Downtown for a festive holiday celebration featuring DJ Raymond T Vinyl, free face painting, and special deals from local merchants like American Nut Company, Black Radish Creamery, and Bubbles Tea & Juice Company.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Holiday Celebration at North Market Downtown
Free horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa.
Downtown Lancaster Winterfest features free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, a scavenger hunt, and holiday music.
Where: Lancaster | More Info: Downtown Lancaster Winterfest
Special guest delivers letters to Santa in festive attire.
At The Ohio Railway Museum, children can thoughtfully craft their Christmas lists during a special event where creativity and holiday cheer abound. A special guest, dressed in festive attire, ensures these precious letters are delivered directly to Santa, adding an extra touch of magic to the experience.
Where: Worthington | More Info: Letters to Santa at The Ohio Railway Museum
Contemporary dance spectacle blending hip-hop and Tchaikovsky's music.
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle that reimagines the classic ballet with hip-hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music. Directed by Jennifer Weber, this event features a powerhouse cast of dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. It tells the story of Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince as they battle mice and visit the land of sweets, celebrating love, community, and the holiday season with innovative digital graffiti and visuals.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Hip Hop Nutcracker
Victorian-era holiday traditions and character interactions.
Dickens of a Christmas at the Ohio History Connection transports visitors back to a 19th-century holiday celebration with Victorian-era crafts, decorations, caroling, cooking demonstrations, and character interactions. Meet Santa Claus and other characters while exploring vendors and crafts around town.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Dickens of a Christmas
Live orchestral performance of John Debney's score to the holiday classic "Elf."
Relive the heartwarming holiday classic "Elf" as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra performs John Debney's score live to picture on a giant screen. Buddy's journey from the North Pole to New York City is brought to life in this festive concert event.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Elf In Concert
Unique retelling of Dickens' classic with expanded dance and music sequences.
CAPA in collaboration with Short North Stage brings to life the holiday classic, A Christmas Carol, on the Ohio Theatre stage. This original production features expanded dance and music sequences, deepening the traditional elements that have made the Dickens tale a holiday favorite for generations. Created from the ground up right here in Columbus, the show is ideal for family audiences and features local and national talent.
Where: Columbus | More Info: The Christmas Carol
Free trolley rides to multiple downtown locations with diverse holiday activities.
The Downtown Holiday Trolley Hop in Columbus offers free trolley rides to various merchants and cultural institutions, featuring live music, children's crafts, steaming hot chocolate, and scrumptious treats. This event promises an array of attractions, including an indoor holiday market and appearances by beloved holiday characters.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Holiday Trolley Hop
Adults-only event with themed activities and craft beer.
COSI After Dark is an evening event series exclusively for adults ages 21+, featuring different themes each month. Enjoy entertainment, activities, games, and unique experiences at COSI without kids, all while savoring delicious food and craft beer.
Where: Columbus | More Info: COSI After Dark
Interactive holiday trail for kids with hidden elves.
In the Short North Arts District, kids under 12 can embark on the Elf Trail, finding hidden elves in participating businesses to earn stickers. This activity culminates in a free hot beverage at participating shops.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Elf Trail in the Short North
