Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

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Paramount+ Black Friday $2.99 offer through Dec 2

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Need a new streaming service to get you through the winter season? Paramount+ streaming service is offering a great Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal through December 2, 2025.  New or former subscribers can get Paramount+ for $2.99 per month for their first 2 months instead of the … [Read more...] about Paramount+ Black Friday $2.99 offer through Dec 2

Disney+ Hulu Bundle Black Friday deal: $4.99/mo for 12 months

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Watching more TV this year, or running out of shows to watch? Sign up for the Disney+ Hulu Bundle for just $4.99/mo for a year. This Black Friday deal is available through December 1, 2025. New subscribers or eligible returning subscribers are eligible for the offer.  If you’ve been … [Read more...] about Disney+ Hulu Bundle Black Friday deal: $4.99/mo for 12 months

Train Lovers: Don’t miss the Great Train Show

If trains are a beloved hobby in your family, don't miss the Great Train Show at the Ohio Expo Center on January 10-11, 2026. Surprise the train lover in your family with tickets! You'll find tables of trains for sale, exhibitors from around the country, Model Train displays, and a Thomas the … [Read more...] about Train Lovers: Don’t miss the Great Train Show

Free and Cheap Winter Fun in Columbus

There's so much to do in Columbus when the weather is nice, but the winter months seem to take forever, with a range of temps from cold to colder. There's still so much to do in the winter in Columbus, and plenty of it is free and cheap. Weekend Fun in Columbus There's always plenty to do over … [Read more...] about Free and Cheap Winter Fun in Columbus

Best gifts for guys – husbands, dads, brothers, sons

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Guys can be hard to shop for. They either have want they want, don't know what they want, or don't know what they need.  We've gathered some ideas for stocking stuffers and big and small gifts for guys of all ages. Check out a dozens of options at all price ranges! Audible Love audio … [Read more...] about Best gifts for guys – husbands, dads, brothers, sons

Ohio Statehouse Holiday Choir Performances

Get into the holiday spirit with FREE lunchtime holiday choir performances on weekdays by Ohio musical groups in the Museum Gallery at the Ohio Statehouse. The concerts are open to the public and will begin at noon on select weekdays, from December 8-19, 2025. Bring your lunch, … [Read more...] about Ohio Statehouse Holiday Choir Performances

Classic Holiday Films at Gateway Film Center

Gateway Film Center is showing their Holiday Classics Film Series on select days through December 2025. Gateway Film Center features holiday craft brews, holiday cocktails, as well as seasonal theater candy and lots of holiday spirit. 2025 Holiday Classics Film admission Holiday Classics … [Read more...] about Classic Holiday Films at Gateway Film Center

Franklinton Holiday Market in Franklinton

Finish up your holiday shopping with a weekend of the annual Franklinton Holiday Market on December 12-13, 2025.  This annual holiday market is the perfect opportunity to support local artists and makers - AND get your holiday shopping and inspiration all in one. You'll find open … [Read more...] about Franklinton Holiday Market in Franklinton

Where to shop local in Columbus for the Holidays

I think everyone can agree that its SO important to shop local this holiday season when possible. We're gathering a list featuring places to shop local in Columbus and surrounding areas to support area businesses.  Most of these lists are compiled by visitors bureaus, chambers of … [Read more...] about Where to shop local in Columbus for the Holidays

Sending Letters to Santa in Columbus and where to find Santa’s Mailbox

Naughty or nice, it's time for kids to write their Letters to Santa! There are drop-off locations for Santa's Mailbox around Columbus that will be sent to the North Pole for Santa to read.  It's a great way to get kids excited about the holiday season and to make sure they stay on the 'good' … [Read more...] about Sending Letters to Santa in Columbus and where to find Santa’s Mailbox

Christmas in Ash Cave in Hocking Hills

Head to the Hills for Christmas in Ash Cave this holiday season. Ash Cave in Hocking Hills will feature a cozy holiday set up and activities on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 5 pm - 7 pm.  Christmas in Ash Cave This holiday program begins with a lighted walk along the paved … [Read more...] about Christmas in Ash Cave in Hocking Hills

The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Columbus

The annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is back on December 13, 2025 from 1 pm - 8 pm! Get that Goodwill sweater or make your own, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK! Tickets are just $15-$26 and include,  Exclusive Bar Crawl LIVE Wristband. Free … [Read more...] about The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Columbus

Restaurants with Igloos for outdoor dining in Columbus

One good thing came from the year we shall not mention... outdoor dining in winter with igloos in Columbus! In order to allow customers to dine outside in winter in Ohio, restaurants around Central Ohio came up with creative outdoor dining experiences. And many of these have come back year after … [Read more...] about Restaurants with Igloos for outdoor dining in Columbus

Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum – Saturdays in December!

Train loving kids will be thrilled with this holiday event at Ohio Railway Museum.  Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum returns for 2025 and features Santa letters, ornament-making, train rides, and visits with Mrs. Claus! Trains + Santa + Holiday fun The fun takes place on Saturdays, … [Read more...] about Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum – Saturdays in December!

Jolabokaflod: Books and chocolates for a cozy Christmas Eve tradition

The Christmas season is such a rush of events, shopping, decorating, wrapping, prepping, cooking and socializing, that it can feel rushed and stressful. End the wind-up to the season with the peaceful and indulgent Christmas eve Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóðið.  What is … [Read more...] about Jolabokaflod: Books and chocolates for a cozy Christmas Eve tradition

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.