Columbus, Ohio, Holiday Light Displays: Tree Lightings, Parades and Other Events

The holiday light displays in Columbus, Ohio, are wonderful and plentiful. Almost every suburban town around Columbus has a Christmas tree-lighting event along with a host of other fantastic holiday activities. Here are a few of the best light displays and holiday activities that you can enjoy with your family this season.

City of Columbus Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, City Hall, November 27, 5pm, 90 W Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215, 614-645-7727
Enjoy the opening of the Christmas season with the lighting of the Holiday Tree at City Hall. The festivities begin at 5 pm. There is no charge for this event.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Nov. 16 - Jan. 1, 5 pm through close, 9990 Riverside Drive, Powell, OH 43065, 614-645-3550
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is an excellent place to visit and when you visit during Wildlights, you will have a fantastic time! Enjoy the animals in a wonderland of beautiful lights. Wildlights activities start at 5pm every day and regular Zoo admission rates apply: Child 2-11, $6; Adult 12-59, $10; Senior 60+, $8; Parking $5. Be sure to visit the Model Train Railway display, have fun ice skating on the Enchanted Ice Rink, have your picture taken with Santa (through Nov 23), and listen to lovely music by the Christmas carolers. Check the website at www.colszoo.org for specific dates and times.

Gahanna's Holiday Lights! Festival and Parade, November 24, 6pm, 200 S. Hamilton Road, Gahanna, OH 43230, 614-342-4000
You do not want to miss this fantastic holiday celebration known to be central Ohio's original all lighted nighttime parade. This unique parade of one hundred participants begins at 6 pm in Gahanna, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus. Line up on the streets with thousands of people to see marching bands, horse-drawn carriages, antique fire engines and many more lighted scenes. The festivities of "Spirit of the Season" begin at 8 am with breakfast with Santa and Storytime Characters. Enjoy a day filled with crafts, games, entertainment, and food and then stay for the awesome holiday lights parade. The parade is a free event, but there are additional charges for food and some activities.

Alum Creek State Park - The Fantasy of Lights, November 16 - December 30, 4000 Hollenback Road, Lewis Center, OH 43035, 740-548-6056
You will love this Drive Through Light Show that takes place at the Alum Creek State Park Marina. Come enjoy the holiday season light display, pictures with Santa (through Nov 24), and complimentary cookies and hot chocolate! The cost is $10 per car Monday-Thursday and $15 per car Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The hours are from 5:30pm-9:30pm, Monday - Thursday, Sunday and 5:30pm-10:30pm Friday and Saturday. Jump in your car and head to Alum Creek State Park for a fantastic display of Christmas lights.