Winter break gives students time to spend with family and friends, and Columbus is full of fun things to do for the holidays. Check out these events and exhibits happening in December.
Gardens Aglow at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Now through Jan. 3, the Franklin Park Conservatory hosts their holiday display. There are lights, a poinsettia display and a gingerbread display. There is also entertainment, such as performances and family crafts! Tickets are free for conservatory members and $14 for nonmembers. Tickets are available here.
Holiday Hoopla
Each year, Shadowbox Live presents their holiday comedy show, “Holiday Hoopla,” featuring themed sketches and music. The show, a Columbus holiday tradition, runs select Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 30, with tickets costing $20 to $35. More information, including exact show times, can be found on Shadowbox Live’s website.
Holiday art fair
Now through Dec. 22, at Sherrie Gallerie, you can purchase unique, last-minute gifts from local artists. The fair itself is free to attend, running noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Wildlights
The Columbus Zoo lights up the night each holiday season with Wildlights. The lights show now through Jan. 1, at the cost of regular admission. For zoo members, admission is free. The lights start at 5 p.m. each night and end at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Attendees can also frost cookies with Mrs. Claus and see some animals if they’re lucky!
Tickets can be purchased here.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, famous for their Christmas music, is visiting Columbus for two shows on Dec. 30 at Nationwide Arena. One show starts at 3 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased from Ticketmaster starting at $59 plus fees.
Carriage rides at Easton Town Center
Take a ride on an open horse-drawn carriage while you do some last-minute holiday shopping. The rides continue through Dec. 23, 6 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 to 7 p.m. on Sundays. Each ride costs $10 per person.
Chinese Lantern Festival
Through Jan. 7, visit the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival featuring light sculptures by Chinese artists, including a 200-foot-long Chinese dragon. Along with the lights, there are traditional handicrafts, food and beverages, and nightly performances that exhibit traditional Chinese stage culture. More information can be found at ohiolanternfestival.com, where you can also purchase tickets.
