Columbus is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season with your family. There’s nothing like the cool air, falling snow, and twinkling lights to put you in the Christmas spirit! These Columbus Christmas events are back up and running for the 2024 holiday season – and better yet, they are free! Here is my list of 5 free Christmas events in Columbus, Ohio!
This post contains affiliate links!
Free Holiday Events in Columbus 2024
Scioto Mile Lights and WinterFest
The Scioto Mile is a great place to chill in the heat of summer, but now you can enjoy it during the holiday season. The lights go on at Bicentennial Park on November 22nd, but the WinterFest event takes place on Saturday, December 7th. WinterFest includes a free concert of various local and national performers from 11 am- 4 pm. Food trucks and beer vendors will also be present. For the kids, there will be a snowglobe photo opportunity, a mechanical reindeer, and cornhole.
If you can’t make it, the lights stay up until January 3rd, so swing by after that holiday party or business meeting.
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
The Holiday Tree Lighting is on December 5, 2024, at the Ohio Statehouse. Located in downtown Columbus, you won’t want to miss the beauty of Christmas at the Statehouse. This Open House features some of your favorite historical characters, plus modern dignitaries, and of course, Santa Clause.
Can’t visit during the Christmas Tree Lighting? A visit to the Statehouse is also a great way to sneak some education into a two-week Christmas break. The Statehouse is closed on Christmas Day.
Suggested stay: Spend a dreamy night at the Hotel LeVeque or the nearby Hyatt.
The Midwest’s Largest Lifesize Nativity
Bob Pein, the founder of State Auto, began decorating the company’s downtown headquarters building in 1932 as a Christmas gift to the community. The life-sized Nativity scene became a destination for locals and travelers for 90 years! However, two years ago, State Auto donated the lifesize Nativity to the Catholic Museum of Art & History.
View the life-sized nativity, plus over 400 nativities from around the world this November 29 to January 6, 2024. On weekends there will be special performances inside the St. Joseph Cathedral featuring local choirs.
Village Lights in Historic German Village
Bundle up the kids and give them a taste of yesteryear as you begin the holiday season in German Village. German Village is a FREE destination year-round, but when you add luminarias, a Christmas market, and warm beverages, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported from Columbus, Ohio to Munich, Germany.
The Village Lights Festival is Sunday, December 8th from 5-9 pm. The event is free!
Granville Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour
Just a 30-minute drive from Columbus, Granville, Ohio is like stepping foot into a small New England town. While Granville’s Christmas Candlelight Tour is completely free, visitors should pack a little cash (along with the kids), so they can enjoy a holiday beverage at a restaurant. Horse-drawn carriage rides are also available. The Granville Christmas Candelight Tour is December 7, 2024, from 1 pm – 9 pm.
Book a romantic night at the Granville Inn or stay at the newly renovated Cherry Valley Lodge.
Want to spend more time viewing Christmas lights? Check out my list of the best Christmas lights in Mansfield, Ohio.
PIN THIS:
Pingback: Holiday events within a 5-hour drive of Central Ohio -