Plan Ahead: 20+ December events in Columbus

Take a look at these events, pop-ups, and more happening in Columbus, Ohio in December 2023.

CBUStoday columbus skyline winter

Milestone 229 is just down the bend of the Scioto River in this photo. | Photo via Canva

Table of Contents

The cold never bothered us anyway. That’s why we are staying busy this December with 20+ local events.

Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 10

  • Winter Wonder Jam | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7:30-10 p.m. | Celeste Center | $35-$102 | Listen to county star Lee Brice as well as openers Corey Kent + Chase Beckham.
  • “Bad Santa” Beer Tasting | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 7-11 p.m. | Grandview Theatre & Drafthouse | $50 | Watch this comedic holiday movie + enjoy 10 beer samples.
  • Not Your Mama’s Village Lights Craft Market | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 3-8 p.m. | Schiller Community Park | Free | Shop 100+ local vendors offering handmade goods, vintage clothes, and home decor.
  • Doc Robinson | Friday, Dec. 8 | 7 p.m. | Newport Music Hall | $20-$45 | Jam out with this local band as they perform new and classic material.
  • “Elf” in Concert | Saturday, Dec. 9-Sunday, Dec. 10 | 7 p.m. + 2 p.m. | Palace Theatre | $70-$90 | The classic film will be screened while the Columbus Symphony plays live music along with it.
CBUStoday Ohio Theatre Frozen

What was the last show you saw at the Ohio Theatre? | Photo via Broadway in Columbus

Monday, Dec. 11-Sunday, Dec. 17

  • Science Trivia with COSI | Wednesday, Dec. 13 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Land-Grant Brewing Co. | Free | Flex your knowledge to win free passes to the next COSI After Dark.
  • The Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 15-Sunday, Dec. 24 | Times vary | Ohio Theatre | $34-$45 | This show is a 13-year-old tradition and is presented by the New Albany Children’s Ballet Theater.
  • PBJ & Jazz: Songs of the Season | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 10-11 a.m. | Lincoln Theatre | $5 | Bring the kids for big band-style renditions of holiday hits.
  • Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7 p.m. | Mershon Auditorium | $32-$88 | This daring show features acrobats and aerialists completing electrifying stunts.
  • My 00s Playlist | Saturday, Dec. 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $56-$213 | Nelly, Ja Rule, Ashanti, and T.I all headline this star-studded concert.
osu women's bball

Students get in for free with a BuckID to all women’s basketball games. | Photo by @OhioStateWBB

Monday, Dec. 18-Sunday, Dec. 24

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Overlook High Street + all of Columbus at Stories on High. | Photo via Hilton Columbus Downtown

Monday, Dec. 25-Sunday, Dec. 31

  • Harlem Globetrotters | Wednesday, Dec. 27 | 2 p.m. + 7 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $43-$133 | The iconic basketball team combines their athletic talents with theater performances.
  • Sgt. Peppercorn’s Marathon | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 11:30 a.m. | Columbus Athenaeum | $25 | One Columbus musician will perform all 215 songs by The Beatles, taking roughly 12 hours to complete.
  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra | Saturday, Dec. 30 | 3 p.m. + 7:30 p.m. | Nationwide Arena | $50-$110 | This critically acclaimed band is known for high energy shows with flashing lights and visual effects.
  • New Year’s Eve Party featuring DJ Leek | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 8 p.m. | Stories on High | $100-$200 | Dance all night to music spun by a local DJ + enjoy the rooftop views.
  • New Year’s Eve Celebration | Sunday, Dec. 31 | 5 p.m. | FYR Short North | $125-$175 | Enjoy a four-course, pre-fixe meal by Chef Sebastian La Rocca + live music all night by the George Barrie Band.
Zoo lights

Have you been to Wildlights this year? | Photo by CBUStoday

All month

  • Holiday Blooms | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Franklin Park Conservatory | $0-$27 | Explore extravagant scenes featuring 100+ unique poinsettias.
  • Conservatory Aglow | Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 31 | Times vary | Franklin Park Conservatory | $0-$27 | Browse the Conservatory as it has been decorated with lights and other holiday decor.
  • Holiday Lights | Friday, Dec. 1-Monday, Jan. 1 | 5-11 p.m. | Columbus Commons | Free | Walk through this downtown green space that has been decked out with LED lights.
  • Wildlights | Friday, Dec. 1-Monday, Jan. 1 | Times vary | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | $16-$30 | This annual tradition returns with millions of LED lights for animations, light shows, and holiday displays.