Downtown Columbus features Wanderlights and Wander Nights

Downtown Columbus comes alive during the holiday season with dazzling light displays and holiday fun! Check out these fun events for Christmas in Downtown Columbus!

Wanderlights shines bright in Downtown Columbus

November 20, 2026 – February 15, 2027

Downtown Columbus is getting a glow-up again this winter with the Wanderlights feature. The large-scale light display will stretch across downtown.

Over half a million lights will illuminate popular locations like Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and Bicentennial Park. The city will be aglow from 5 pm – 10 pm during the holidays and through winter.

Wanderlights path

Wander your way through over half a million glowing connected lights from Columbus Commons down West Town Street to Bicentennial Park.

• Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
  Starting at Columbus Commons, visitors can experience a vibrant scene with a 40-foot Christmas tree, decorated garden beds, sparkling arch tunnel, snow globe photo-op, and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital butterfly light 
• Town Street, 50 W Town St
  Follow the illuminated penguins and lights down the Wanderlights path from Columbus Commons to the Scioto Mile. The historic water tower atop the Lazarus Building will also receive an exciting new lighting treatment, adding a memorable seasonal glow to the Columbus skyline.
• Bicentennial Park, 233 S Civic Center Dr
  The Downtown riverfront will be decked out in an elevated glow, centered around the Scioto Mile Fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights and 75 wrapped trees, providing passersby with the ultimate winter photo backdrop

Visitors can park at the Columbus Commons Main Garage (55 E Rich Street) to start the Wanderlights experience and support free programming at Columbus Commons year-round.

Wander Nights at Wanderlights

December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

During Wander Nights, you’ll find complimentary hot chocolate and carousel rides at Columbus Commons, free holiday movie screenings at the Scioto Mile Fountain, special visits from Santa in the Lazarus Building galleria, and more! Plus, hop on the free covered trolley at Columbus Commons or Bicentennial Park to see the Nationwide Children’s Hospital butterfly light show.

Lazarus Building: Step inside the Lazarus Building Galleria to share your wish list with Santa, sip seasonal drinks from Kronchy Coffee Bar, explore gingerbread art by S.U.G.A.R., and enjoy complimentary face painting.

Columbus Commons: Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and carousel rides, live music, food trucks, and seasonal DORA beverages from the bar while exploring the lights. Plus, shop local and hand-crafted gifts from the indoor Holiday Market at 65 E State St! 

Scioto Mile Fountain: UUnwind by the crackling firepits in the cozy atmosphere at Bicentennial Park with a DORA beverage from the bar. Find elevated photo opportunities, costumed characters, games, and more. 

FREE Yuletide on Gay

Friday, December 4, 2026 from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Gay & High Streets

Take the Wander Nights trolly to Gay Street and shop local businesses for all your Holiday needs, discover illuminated ice sculptures, sip on seasonal DORA beverages, enjoy live music and tasty seasonal treats, and explore local art galleries in the neighborhood.

Get Boozy & Bright with Center City DORA

Don’t forget – DORA is active in Downtown Columbus & Franklinton. This means that from 11 am – 10 pm, you can stroll through holiday festivities and Wanderlights while enjoying an adult beverage in a DORA cup from one of 40+ participating locations. Read more about DORA in Downtown here. 

More information is available at downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights, making it easy for residents and visitors alike to plan their holiday lights adventure.

EVENTS TBA for 2026

Santa at the Lazarus Building
Dates TBA 50 W Town St, 

Relive those old holiday memories when Santa and Mrs. Claus return to Downtown Columbus. Enjoy strolling characters, balloon artists, facepainting, arts and crafts, and write your letter to Santa. Kids can shop for someone special at the Secret Santa shopping area.

 

Huntington Holiday Train at the Main Library

November tba through January tba 2027 during regular library hours. This fixture of the downtown holiday scene has delighted people of all ages since 1992 with its trains, tracks, tunnels, bridges and replicas of historic German homes and castles.

Holiday open house is November 20 from 6-8 pm. Details here.

Huntington Holiday Train at Columbus Metropolitan Library

 

COSI Seasons of Celebrations Exhibit 

November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027

Season of Celebrations is a new seasonal exhibit experience that transforms the museum into a winter wonderland, combining science, education and the festive spirit of the season.

With a grand, 40-foot tree in the iconic COSI Atrium serving as the centerpiece, the experience will captivate visitors with enchanting decorations, 50 community-focused trees, 10 Classic COSI exhibit-themed trees along with specialty food & beverage.

Nativity at Cathedral Square (formerly State Auto Christmas Corner)

Late November – early January. This stunning long-standing holiday tradition has been gifted and relocated, and will be lit nightly at St. Joseph Cathedral through the season.

The nativity scene and story of Christmas is a tradition that is loved by many. Read more here.

Nativity at Cathedral Square (formerly State Auto Christmas Corner)

 

Winterfest at Dorrian Green

Saturday, November 21, 2026 from 11 am – 4 pm. Festival featuring live music, local craft beer, and food trucks, along with fun activities. See more details here. 

Ohio Statehouse Holiday Choir Performances

FREE lunchtime holiday choir performances from December tba at the Ohio Statehouse on weekdays.

Check out for fun in Downtown Columbus!