Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus

Columbus is made up with so many amazing communities that have their own traditions and special events for Christmas. No matter where you live, you’ll get into the holiday spirit at any of these FREE Community Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus.

Go outside of your own neighborhood and explore and enjoy these fun events.  Most of these events include Christmas music, family activities, refreshments, and Santa!

2021 Tree Lightings and Holiday Celebrations in Columbus

All events are subject to change and cancellation. This list is written early in the season, and changes are possible. Please check links to ensure nothing has changed before you attend an event.

HolidayVille in Clintonville

December 1-12, 2021. Shop sales and specials online to support local Clintonville businesses. 

Holly Days in Dublin

Saturdays in December, 2021

Come to Historic Dublin for Free Family Fun, Holiday Cheer and Live Entertainment. Shop -Dine and Be Merry each Saturday in December through Dec. 18. Every weekend will also feature music, raffle prizes, and more! See details on Facebook. 

Dec 4th  3:00-5:00pm- Dublin Disney Extravaganza. Meet Mickey, Minnie, and the Frozen Sisters!
Dec 11th 3:00-5:00pm “Who” Day in Historic Dublin. Meet the Grinch and Cindy Lou too!
Dec 18th 3:00-5:00pm Santa’s Family Holiday! Meet Santa, Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf too!

12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt

December 1 – December 23, 2021. Pick up your 12 elves card at one of the participating downtown locations, and then search through the shops of Historic Dublin to find the 12 Elves. When your kiddo finds the elf at each stop, have the entry card signed. Collect them all and return your completed card to one of the retailers. Grand Prize drawing will take place on December 29.

Christmas Corner Lighting of State Auto Christmas Display and Life-Sized Nativity

Opening night December 1 from 5:30-8 pm, with a performance by the Columbus Children’s Choir.  Will be lit nightly at State Auto Downtown through the season, with choir performances on Fridays and Saturdays.  The display is lighted daily through January 2.

City of Dublin Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5-7 p.m.; Santa, music and more. The Coffman Homestead Barn will be open with a decorated sleigh that is perfect for photos. The Washington Township Fire Department collecting new, unwrapped toys, gift cards and monetary donations for the Firefighters 4 Kids Toy Drive at the Coffman Pavilion.

“Old Fashioned Christmas” at the Coffman Homestead

Join the Dublin Historical Society for an “Old Fashioned Christmas” at the Coffman Homestead on December 2 from 4:30 – 7 pm. The twinkle of candles and sounds of the season will put you in the holiday spirit. Festive decorations created by the Muirfield Village Garden Club reflect the classic holiday theme “White Christmas.”

Take a free tour of the home’s parlor, dining room, and farm kitchen livened up for the holidays by the award-winning Garden Club. The Coffman barn will also be open for free tours and will feature the “one-horse sleigh” decorate with gift boxes and holiday trapping for family photo opportunities.

Historical Society volunteers will be on-hand to share the history of the farmstead, answer questions, and assist with photos at the sleigh. All activities are free, yet donations are encouraged and welcome!  

Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting and Holiday Festival

Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Free, family-friendly holiday festival including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the lighting of the Statehouse and trees, and more!

Pickerington Holiday Gathering

Friday, December 3, 2021 from 5 pm – 8 pm. Bring the family to Pickerington village for some holiday fun. Local businesses will offer activities and treats (and a place to warm up).

Some of the seasonal sights and sounds include the strolling carolers, Lighted Holiday Stroll, with over a block of lighted holiday inflatables, ice carving demonstrations, live nativity, reindeer, and more. Catch rides on the horse-drawn wagons or the circulating hop-on/hop-off trolley. Kids will enjoy crafts and holiday stores, cookie decorating, rides on the mini train and visits with Santa! Take your own photo for free, or have one taken for a $5 donation. 

The City Tree Lighting is at 7 pm at the gazebo. The event also includes free popcorn and hot chocolate, Indoor Holiday Gift Market in The Loft at Combustion Brewery & Taproom, plus shops, restaurants and the Historical Society Museum will be open. 

Westerville Tree Lighting Ceremony

Friday, December 3, 2021 at 5 – 8 pm. Join Uptown Westerville for a Night of Holiday Fun. There won’t be an official ceremony for the lighting of the tree, but visitors can stop by throughout the evening as they are dining, sipping and shopping in the historic heart of Westerville.

Visit the holiday tree at Westerville City Hall (21 S. State St.) and expect to encounter carolers, costumed characters, live music, a performance by the talented dancers at Generations Performing Arts Center, special lighting displays and more throughout the night. 

Be on the lookout for Santa as he joins Mayor Kathy Cocuzzi in greeting visitors and handing out special souvenirs along State Street in the historic area.

Upper Arlington Winter Festival, Tree Lighting, and Parade

Friday, December 3, 2021 from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Caroling, carriage rides, bonfire with s’mores, visits with Santa and the tree lighting ceremony.

Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 2 pm. The Upper Arlington Civic Association, in partnership with Upper Arlington Police & Fire Divisions, has made arrangements with Santa to parade through town starting at 2 pm.

Grove City Christmas Celebration, Parade, and Mistletoe Market

Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4, 2021. The celebration kicks off on Friday with the Christmas Parade. The Town Center tree lighting with Santa follows immediately after the parade. The Mistletoe Market is held both days, and there will be reindeer, ice sculpting, food trucks, and more. 

Home for the Holidays and Holiday Tree Lighting in Delaware:

December 3-5, 2021 The Home for the Holidays event kicks off with the tree lighting in Downtown Delaware on Friday, featuring caroling, carriage rides, the Tree Lighting and more. Holiday Open House, photos with Santa, and the parade will be happening during the weekend and through the month too!

Cookie Walk, Santa Parade and Tree Lighting in Johnstown

Saturday, December 4, 2021
9 am Cookie Walk with The Johnstown Children’s Conservation League at the Johnstown United Methodist Church. Will continue until the cookies are gone
5 pm Santa Parade and I’LL Be Home For Christmas Downtown Celebration. The annual Santa Parade begins at 5pm In town Square. After the Parade join Santa in the town square! He will be in the Santa House that evening until 8pm.
Visit the local businesses, enjoy food trucks, family games, hot cocoa, Santa secret shops for kids, and the tree lighting ceremony at 8 pm.

Visit Santa from December 4-18. Santa is free for all Children. Bring Santa Letters by December 18 to allow for a response. The Santa house is located in Johnstown Square. Polaroid pictures are $2.00. 

Christmas Under the Clock in Plain City

Saturday, December 4, 2021
Route 42 Holiday Hop with Santa at Plain City Hardware from 9 am – 11 am

Christmas Under the Clock in Plain City is from 4-7 p.m. at the Clock Tower.  Wagon rides, pics with Santa, business open houses, vendors, and more.

Winterfest at Bicentennial Park

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 11 am – 4pm The celebration features live music, seasonal beer from local breweries, and Columbus food truck favorites.  A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Discovery District Trolley Hop

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 12-4 pm. The Trolley is back in 2021 to take participants on rides to visit various merchants and cultural institutions on the eastern part of Downtown.

The whole family will enjoy the seasonal delights and there will be free trolleys running continuously from 12 – 4 p.m. through the District with fun stops for activities, crafts, tours and shopping to help you stuff stockings.

This year’s hop starts at the Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Branch at 96 S. Grant Avenue or at Kelton House Museum & Garden at 586 E. Town Street. Parking is available at both locations. See more details. 

Holidays in Powell and Annual Tree Lighting

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 12 pm – 7 pm. Shop in the boutiques and dine at the local restaurants or from food trucks. Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) is in effect in downtown Powell, so grab a beverage at participating locations as you walk around town and enjoy the experiences.

The event features photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus (registration required), Holiday Market with handmade items, Holidays in Powell Experience Packs, and the Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Concert. See details here. 

Downtown Lancaster WinterFest

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 12 – 6 pm. Make memories and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, a scavenger hunt, holiday music, and much more! Be sure to stay Downtown for the Tree Lighting that starts at 4:45pm at the Bandstand.

Reynoldsburg Christmas on the Town and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 4, 2021. Enjoy the holiday sights, sounds, and sensations with the holiday parade, caroling, crafts, letters to Santa and the lighting of the City tree. 

Holiday Hop in the Short North

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 12 – 9 p.m. Enjoy the Holiday version of Gallery Hop in the Short North, with special holiday flair and events. It’ll be a full day of fun of holiday fun, shopping, tastes, sights, and sounds.

Pataskala Main Street Christmas Cookie Walk and Lighted Parade

Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 3-6 pm. Choosing Joy is the theme for the 9th annual Main Street Christmas Christmas Cookie Walk, presented by the Pataskala Lions Club. Open to the first 400 families, first-come, first-served. A minimum $10 donation is requested for the Storehouse for Jesus Food Pantry.

Each family will get a large Cookie Walk Tote Bag, a CW Magazine with a map of the route, and a Boarding Pass. Walk the 1/4 mile route around downtown Pataskala, collecting one cookie at each stop. At the end, there will be 5 dozen cookies collected. The completed Boarding Pass can be turned in for a special prize. Families will enjoy character experiences and free activities along the route.

The Pataskala Lions Annual Lighted Christmas Parade follows the Cookie Walk at 6 pm. 

Sunbury Christmas on the Square

Saturday, December 4 from 4 – 8 p.m. Shop the Craft & Gift Fair and enjoy holiday activities before the lighted Christmas parade. The tree lighting will be on the Square after the parade, followed by visits and pictures with Santa. 

Bexley Holiday Hop

Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 12 – 4 pm.  Hop on the Holiday Hop Express and enjoy shopping and special promotions and events through the district. Meander along Main Street and North Cassady to enjoy free activities, holiday craft-making, and discounts at participating businesses. The BEAT bus will transport visitors from Main St. to the Cassady Corridor. This year’s event will be capped off with the City’s tree lighting at Drexel Circle with the ceremony starting at 4 pm.

The annual Scavenger Hunt is back, with a Virtual Hunt as well! Find the hidden ornament at any participating business to receive a stamp in your Holiday Hop Passport. Collect 12 or more Passport Stamps and return your Passport to Johnson’s Real Ice Cream to be eligible to win one our fabulous raffle prizes!  Winners will be notified at the end of the day. Need not be present to win.

It’s a Wonderful Life in Thornville

Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 4:30 pm. The evening kicks off with a Christmas parade, followed by the Tree Lighting at the Masonic Lodge with Santa (and free hot dogs). There will be a live nativity with the Trinity United Church of Christ, and hot chocolate and cookies at Grace Lutheran Church. They will also be collecting canned food in boxes around town. 

Old Time Christmas at the Orange Johnson House

Sundays, December 5, 12, and 19 from 1 pm – 4 pm. Enjoy federal-style tradition, light refreshments, and musical performances in the sitting room decorated for the Christmas season. Free admission with food donation to the Worthington Resource Pantry. 

Annual Westerville Children’s Christmas Parade and Rudolph 5k Run/Walk

Sunday, December 5, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. The race begins and ends on State St (State Route 3) just south of County Line Rd near St. Paul Catholic Church in Westerville. Sign up here. 

The Westerville Lions Rudolph Run/Walk 5K is a family-encouraged 5K event which will kick off the Westerville Lions Children’s Christmas Parade (taking place directly after the race). Costumes encouraged.

The parade route runs from Westerville South High School, up State St, to St. Paul Church. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance in the parade as well. The parade steps off as the last participants finish the Rudolph Run. 

Holiday Hop and Hilliard Tree Lighting

Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 4-6:30 p.m. Lighting of the tree in Hilliard’s Station Park with holiday music, visit by Santa and the elves, ice sculpting demonstrations, reindeer, cookie decorating, food trucks, face painting, holiday train and carriage rides and hot chocolate! There will be activities in the park, along Main Street, and Historical Village. The event is walkable, but a trolley will also be available from the Chase Bank parking lot to the Historical Village.

Village Lights in German Village

Sunday, December 5, 2021 from 5-9 p.m. Lots of holiday spirit out and about, including shopping, food, decorations, and luminaries to lead you through the Village. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there.

Grandview Heights Holiday Tree Lighting

Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 3 – 8 p.m. Live performances, refreshments, crafts, and the tree lighting. Iceless ice rink starts at 3 pm, Santa is available for visits starting at 5:30, and the tree will be lit up around 7:15 pm. 

Christmas Open House at Hanby House in Westerville

During the holiday season, tour the home of Benjamin Hanby, composer of the Christmas carol “Up on the Housetop”. Enjoy continuous live music in the parlor, hot cider and cookies. 

December 7, 2021 from 7 pm – 9 pm
December 9, 2021 from 7 pm – 9 pm
December 11, 2021 12 pm – 4 pm

Admission: Adult: $3, Senior: $2.50, Child (5-17): $1, Ohio History Connection Member: Free

Illuminated Shopping in Old Worthington

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 6-9 pm 
Enjoy an evening with family and friends for dinner, drinks, shopping and live holiday music in historic Old Worthington. Amid festive luminaries lining High Street, local retailers will be open late to offer special sales as part of the annual Illuminated Shopping event Wednesday, December 8 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Plan to make this longstanding tradition part of your 2021 holiday schedule.

Past events from 2021

Santa arrives at Cabelas Polaris

Sunday, November 6. Santa arrives at Cabela’s (1650 Gemini Pl) to kick off the holiday season. Families can enjoy a tailgate event in designated parking spots with a free outdoor parade featuring giveaways, Christmas carols, hot cocoa and magical fun building up to the arrival of the big guy himself.

Free Photos with Santa: Families who visit Santa receive a free 4×6 studio-quality photo, as well as a free digital download that can be shared on social media. Additional photo packages are also available for purchase and print instantly at the store. November 7 – December 24. Appointments are available online one week (7 days) in advance on a rolling basis. More details here.

Capital University Tree Lighting Ceremony

November 17 at 5:30 pm. at the Mount St. Plaza. Enjoy carols, hot cocoa and cookies, and Santa by the fountain to enjoy the season.

Easton Holiday Lighting Grand Illumination

Friday, November 19. Enjoy seasonal surprises at the Grand Illumination, including millions of twinkling lights. The fun begins at 6PM, with the holiday lights turning on everywhere around Easton at 7PM.

Shop and stroll through the sidewalks of Easton Town Center with the holiday magic all around. Town Square will be illuminated with the 50 foot tree featuring a 5 foot star. You’ll also want to see the Easton Express Railway travel through tunnels and villages before it makes its way to the North Pole.

Holiday Carriage Rides and Santa Pictures begin on November 20 for regular holiday hours!

Easton Holiday Lighting Grand Illumination and seasonal fun

New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 2 – 5:30 pm. 
Kick off the holiday season at the annual New Albany community Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration at Market Square. Free family fun includes pictures with Santa, horse and carriage rides, live entertainment, bounce houses, stilt-walker, juggler, face painters, and balloon twisters. Mayor Spalding will lead the countdown to light the holiday tree at sunset (approximately 5:10pm).
 
Beverages and food available for purchase from food trucks.

Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration

Sunday, November 21, 2021 from 4 – 6 pm
Gahanna’s annual Holiday Lights Celebration promises one magical afternoon of free family fun for all ages! Held in the beautiful Creekside District, the event will feature a Holiday Stage, the Tree Lighting, a parade, AND Santa arriving by Firetruck!

Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration

Annual Lighting of the Licking County Courthouse

Friday, November 26, 2021 at 6pm. The beautiful Licking County Courthouse looks AMAZING all lit up, and courthouse square is filled with larger than life Christmas displays. Enjoy a festive holiday evening of entertainment including a variety of musical guests, carols, and Santa Claus!

Come early for the Holiday Bazaar at the Canal Market District from 3 pm – 6:30 pm. Shop with over 40 vendors and pick up some Christmas gifts and amazing baked goods. Food trucks will be on site to dine from before the Courthouse lighting

Van Buren Acres Christmas on the Farm

Friday, November 26 and Saturday November 27, 2021
Saturday and Sunday, December 4-5, 2021 from 10 am – 5 pm
5066 Keller Rd Hebron, OH
Get in the holiday spirit as you Christmas shop for handcrafted and unique items from local vendors. Enjoy holiday treats like hot chocolate and kettle corn. Santa will be available for photos from 11 am – 3 pm for a small fee (details tba), as well as other photo ops. Event is indoor/outdoor. 

They are accepting Toy Donations for the West Licking Firefighter Toy Drive. 

Follow on Facebook for more information. 

Worthington Holiday Open House and Tree Lighting

Sunday, November 28, 2021. Enjoy carriage rides, shopping, live music, and Santa in Downtown Worthington. Head to the Village Green for carolers and the annual tree lighting at dusk.

Granville Village Tree Lighting and Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour

Granville Village Tree Lighting: On Sunday, November 28, gather together to kick off the holiday season with the official lighting of the Granville Christmas Tree at 5:45 pm. The tree is located at the median on Broadway west of Main. Cookies and hot cocoa will be provided. 

Christmas Candlelight Walking Tour: The annual Christmas Candlelight event will be held on Saturday, December 4. The event plans to feature streets lined with glimmering Christmas tree, Christmas Craft Market, Horse-drawn carriage rides, and more. 

Uptown Marysville Christmas Walk and Tree Lighting 

Monday, November 29, 2021 from 5:00pm-8:00pm.
Participating Uptown businesses will have special extended hours to help you get a start on your holiday shopping. Stop by for special deals and friendly faces! The MORA will be in effect, so grab a drink and mingle!

Visitors enjoy live reindeer, children’s activities, dance troupes, carolers, and musical performers, costumed characters, horse-drawn carriage rides, door prizes, and even photos with Saint Nick himself at Santa’s Village! The annual tree lighting for the 30 foot Christmas Tree at Partners Park is at 6 pm. Many business will stay open with special activities and sales.

Details TBA for 2021 

Cheryl’s Cookies Holiday Preview Event

TBA 2021. Visit Cheryl’s retail stores for the Holiday Preview event. Drop your letter to Santa in our North Pole mailbox and get a FREE cookie! Upgrade delivery of your letter to $5 and receive a sweet reply from Santa delivered to your home.

Raffles and sales on treats and gifts for the holidays include

• 20% off all holiday gifts. Order now and pick up or deliver later!
• SAVE on our pre-assorted Thanksgiving Cookie Box 48 cookies only $34.99, while supplies last!
• Adult Raffle: enter for a chance to win a NEW Holiday cookie jar and cookies
• Kids Raffle: enter for a chance to win a Musical Dancing Santa and cookies 

Holiday Cheer Kickoff Outdoor Parade and Santa’s Arrival at Polaris Fashion Place

Holiday Cheer starts at Polaris Fashion Place on Sunday, November tba at 1:00 PM with the famous holiday kickoff parade at Polaris Fashion Place. Welcome Santa as he marches with the Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band and all your favorite costume characters. 

Santa Photos and Christmas at Polaris Fashion Place

Main Library Holiday Open House and Topiary Park Lighting Celebration: tba 2021 from 6-8 pm. Join us for hands-on activities, sing-along carols and meet a very Special Guest during Main Library’s Holiday Open House. Also, enjoy hot cocoa and cookies while visiting live reindeer and illuminated lanterns in Topiary Park! Indoor and outdoor activities are free and so is parking in Main Library’s garage and surrounding parking lots. Bring the whole family! Complimentary coat check and stroller parking offered. 

Sparkle Night at The Shops at Worthington Place: tba 2021 from 12-7 pm. Holiday activities, Elf Hunt, cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar, special performances, character meet and greets and the very special arrival of SANTA in a mini parade led by Worthington Kilbourne Marching Band. Check the link for the huge schedule of events for the day.

Christmas at Lynd Fruit Farm: tba for 2021. The Christmas Shoppe will be open and we will be selling Christmas trees while available. Enjoy various holiday activities, including Santa, wagon rides, smores, music, and more. See Facebook for event schedule. 

Holiday Bazaar and Deck the District Tree Lighting in the Short North: TBA for 2021. At the Holiday Bazaar, you can shop, eat, and explore pop-ups while enjoying holiday performers all along High Street, then end the day at the annual Deck the District Tree Lighting from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.

Prairie Township Tree Lighting: TBA for 2021. Crowds will enjoy a musical program and participate in the countdown to light the tree. Santa Claus will make a special appearance as well!

Holiday Tours at the John and Annie Glenn Museum: TBA for 2021 from 5-8:30 p.m. Visit John Glenn’s boyhood home during the holiday season. Come and see what Christmas would have been like for a typical American family in 1962, the year John Glenn orbited Earth. John Glenn’s Lionel train will be running around the tree for all to enjoy and museum volunteers will be serving hot chocolate and cookies on the porch.