Christmas in Columbus: Events & Activities for Families
Christmas in Columbus is a special time of year, with lots of festive activities & events all month long to get you into the holiday spirit!
Whether you are looking to start new family Christmas traditions or partake in old ones, browse our interactive map & calendar for Columbus Christmas events, holiday light displays and kid-friendly Christmas shows near you. Find out where you can go ice skating or cut your own Christmas tree, too, for even more seasonal family fun.
What are your family's favorite things to do for Christmas in Columbus? Like & review your picks below, and add any that are still missing!
CAPA - A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Katie G.: Kids and adults alike have come to love the classic TV special about Charlie Brown and the gang as Charlie seeks to find the true meaning of Christmas. This live performance, based on the show, is a true adaptation of the TV special filled with jazzy music and classic Christmas sing-alongs at the end.
CAPA - The Hip Hop Nutcracker
Katie G.: The classic ballet takes on a new form in this hip-hop version that is sure to entertain the whole family. With dancers, a DJ and electric violinist, Tchaikovsky's classic music will be transformed. The modern story follows Clara and her Nutcracker prince as they travel back to a 1980s nightclub where her parents first met. This show takes place at the Palace Theatre.
Columbus Symphony - Holiday Pops
Katie G.: The Columbus Symphony continues its grand holiday tradition with a spectacular holiday show perfect for the entire family! The show takes place at the Ohio Theatre.
Ohio Theater - BalletMet's The Nutcracker
Katie G.: BalletMet's Nutcracker is becoming a popular family holiday tradition and perfect for the ballerina in the house. Set to Tschaikovky's famous score performed by the Columbus Symphony, audience members will be enthralled by the costumes, sets and of course the dancing.
Ohio History Center - A Dickens of a Christmas
Katie G.: Learn what it was like to celebrate Christmas in the era of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Although Ebenezer Scrooge may have said "bah humbug" about Christmas at first, the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future helped him realize how to really celebrate the season. You'll also learn about what Victorian traditions are still used at the holidays today.
Good Medicine Productions - Uptown Scrooge
Tours begin at 12:30, 1, 1:30, 2:15, 2:45, and 3:15 PM
Tickets are $22 for adults and $10 for kids
Recommended for ages 6+
Kelly R.: The audience steps into the action with this walking tour performance of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, reenacting Scrooge's journey using the streets and shops of Uptown Westerville. Expect engaging storytelling including music, puppetry, improv, and audience interaction. The experience lasts about 90 minutes.
Primary photo: Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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