Last updated: November 11, 2024
Everything you need for the holidays in Marion is in our guide. Discover all the top festive events and activities. From Marion regulars to first-time tourists, our guide highlights the season's best activities.
One event that captures the festive spirit is the Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory, where visitors can wander through stunning gardens illuminated by beautiful holiday lights. The Wildlights at Columbus Zoo transforms the zoo into a dazzling display of lights and seasonal cheer that families can enjoy together. And the A Winter’s Yuletide Gathering is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring unique local crafts and festive entertainment. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Marion Holiday Light Displays
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and festive activities. Wander through mesmerizing light vignettes, enjoy nostalgic 90s-themed parties, and unwind in cozy igloos. The event features iconic ornament trees, the whimsical Whirly Tree, 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
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, making it one of Ohio's favorite holiday traditions. Guests can enjoy animal viewing opportunities, holiday-themed train rides, and seasonal craft beer tastings.
- Where
- Powell | More Info : Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- 33-acre light display benefiting a local charity.
- Description
- Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display in Harrison Smith Park, featuring 33 acres of twinkling lights and unique displays. The event is made possible through the volunteer efforts of many individuals, organizations, and businesses, with proceeds benefiting a local charitable organization selected yearly.
- Where
- Upper Sandusky | More Info : Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday light display with festive atmosphere and Santa appearances.
- Description
- Stroll through the grounds of Landoll's Mohican Castle, adorned with over 150,000 lights and outdoor Christmas trees, while enjoying festive tunes and the possibility of meeting Jolly Old Saint Nick. Warm up with a hearty winter meal at the Copper Mug Grille.
- Where
- Loudonville | More Info : Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- Unique light displays benefiting a local charity.
- Description
- Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The event features 33 acres of twinkling lights and unique light displays, benefiting a local charitable organization each year.
- Where
- Upper Sandusky | More Info : Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
- What to Expect
- Community-driven holiday light display benefiting local charities.
- Description
- Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights transforms Harrison Smith Park into a spectacular display of millions of lights and unique light displays. The event benefits a local charitable organization each year and offers a free Fantasy Walk event.
- Where
- Upper Sandusky | More Info : Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
- What to Expect
- Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
- Description
- Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, creating a vibrant winter experience.
- Where
- Powell | More Info : Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
- What to Expect
- Dazzling light displays and live entertainment in a lush botanical garden setting.
- Description
- Franklin Park Conservatory transforms into a vibrant holiday spectacle with dazzling light displays, live entertainment, and festive activities. Wander through the Conservatory's interior biomes and gardens, featuring iconic ornament trees, the whimsical Whirly Tree, and the life-size gingerbread house. Enjoy nostalgic 90s-themed parties, cozy igloos, and a magical train display.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Marion Holiday Markets and Shopping
St. Matthew Hometown Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Unique blend of handmade crafts and local treats.
- Description
- The St. Matthew Hometown Bazaar offers a variety of homemade crafts, gifts, and direct sale merchandise. Enjoy delicious homemade treats and lunch at our cafe, and participate in a bake sale. This event is held at St. Matthew Apostle School on November 9, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where
- Gahanna | More Info : St. Matthew Hometown Bazaar
Bethel International United Methodist Church Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique gifts and seasonal items from over 100 vendors.
- Description
- The Bethel International United Methodist Church Holiday Market is a premier holiday craft show in Central Ohio, featuring over 100 vendors offering unique gifts and seasonal items. The event promises a great weekend of craft shopping with a variety of handcrafted goods and delicious food.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : Bethel International United Methodist Church Holiday Market
GCHS Band Fall Craft and Gift Bazaar
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with over 200 vendors.
- Description
- The GCHS Band Fall Craft and Gift Bazaar features over 200 unique vendors offering handmade items, including candles, essential oils, homemade fabrics, and baked goods. The event takes place inside Grove City High School, providing a variety of shopping options and daily breakfast and lunch.
- Where
- Grove City | More Info : GCHS Band Fall Craft and Gift Bazaar
Christmas Corner
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade crafts and local artisanal products.
- Description
- The Makapen Show Christmas Corner 2024 at the Franklin County Fairgrounds in Hilliard, Ohio, features a variety of handmade soaps, lotions, and fabrics. This event offers a delightful shopping experience with local artisans showcasing their unique creations.
- Where
- Hilliard | More Info : Christmas Corner
Harding Mistletoe Craft Show
- What to Expect
- Unique shopping experience with local artisans.
- Description
- The Harding Mistletoe Craft Show at Harding High School in Marion, Ohio, features 120 craft exhibitors selling a variety of handmade items. The event takes place on November 23, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- Where
- Marion | More Info : Harding Mistletoe Craft Show
Christmasfair
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade crafts from local and regional artisans.
- Description
- The Columbus ChristmasFair is a premier holiday market featuring 150 artisans from Ohio and surrounding states. The event showcases a diverse array of handcrafted items, including paintings, pottery, woodworking, jewelry, and glasswork.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : Christmasfair
Not Your Mama’s Craft Market Dublin Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique handmade goods from local central Ohio makers.
- Description
- Not Your Mama’s Craft Market in Dublin’s Bridge Park features over 80 local makers, vintage shops, and boutiques offering unique handmade goods. This highly curated event provides an excellent opportunity to find the perfect holiday gifts.
- Where
- Dublin | More Info : Not Your Mama’s Craft Market Dublin Holiday Market
Marion Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at Ohio Theatre
- What to Expect
- Unique retelling with local and national talent.
- Description
- A reimagined production of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol" at the Ohio Theatre, featuring expanded dance and music sequences, ideal for family audiences.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : A Christmas Carol at Ohio Theatre
Marion Other Holiday Activities
Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
- What to Expect
- Miniature buildings crafted from natural elements.
- Description
- The Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library features over 280 feet of track with multiple miniature trains, surrounded by natural elements like leaves, bark, pinecones, and moss. The display includes a 6-foot-tall cathedral, an 8-foot-tall castle, and a waterfall that pumps 600 gallons of water an hour. This downtown holiday treasure has delighted people of all ages since 1992.
- Where
- Columbus | More Info : Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library
Christmas in the Village
- What to Expect
- Family-friendly holiday celebration with local vendors and community activities.
- Description
- Christmas in the Village is a festive event in Mechanicsburg, Ohio, featuring vendors, crafts, music, raffles, contests, carriage rides, story times, and activities for all ages.
- Where
- Mechanicsburg | More Info : Christmas in the Village