The Buckeyes are looking to advance to the Rose Bowl. | Photo by @slapshotsarah
The College Football Playoff committee has spoken. The No. 8 seeded Ohio State Buckeyes will host the No. 9 Tennessee Volunteers on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 8 p.m. in Ohio Stadium.
This is the first time the Buckeyes are hosting a College Football Playoff game, and it marks the first game played in Ohio Stadium in December.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Before the first round kicks off, get the rundown on both teams:
Vetting the Vols
Tennessee is 10-2, with losses to Arkansas and the No. 2 seeded Georgia.
The Vols’ defense is solid, coming in at second in the SEC in every major category.
Running back Dylan Sampson is dangerous — he led the conference with 1,485 rushing yards.
Betting on the Bucks
Ohio State is 10-2 after falling to Oregon by one point and an upset by Michigan.
The Buckeyes are No. 1 in the nation in total defense and scoring defense.
Their offense is fueled by quarterback Will Howard, who is fourth in the nation in completion percentage, and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who has broken every single freshman receiving record at Ohio State.
The winner will advance to the Rose Bowl against the top-seeded Oregon Ducks on Wednesday, Jan. 1 at 5 p.m.
Events
Events
Saturday, Dec. 14
December Classes | Through Dec. 31 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens | Prices vary | Explore your passions at the Conservatory — whether unleashing your creativity in emerging fine arts + crafts, discovering the joy of cooking with culinary offerings, or cultivating your green thumb.*
Holiday Bricktacular | Through Jan. 5 | 10 a.m.-7 p.m. | LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus | $20.99+ | LEGO lovers can enjoy a MINILAND Winter Wonderland, holiday character appearances, photo ops, and a seasonal scavenger hunt.
Men’s Ice Hockey - Notre Dame at Ohio State | 7 p.m. | Schottenstein Center | $13+ | Cheer on the Buckeyes in their final game of 2024 — they come back in January to face Michigan.
Sunday, Dec. 15
The Nutcracker Ballet | Sunday, Dec. 15-Saturday, Dec. 28 | Times vary | Ohio Theatre | $118+ | BalletMet will put on a nearly two-hour holiday show through the Land of Snow.
Not Your Mama’s Holiday Craft Market | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | BrewDog DogHouse, Canal Winchester | Free | Shop from 50+ creators and vintage resellers while sipping a holiday cocktail — stick around for brunch with Santa.
Friday, Dec. 20
Michael Yo | Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Funny Bone Comedy Club | $25+ | The two-time Emmy nominated comedian will take the stage for four shows across two days — tickets are selling fast.
Give the gift of the “Jeff Ruby Experience” this season. | Photo provided by Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Now through December 25, Jeff Ruby gift cards are 20% off.
The best gifts are experiences, so we suggest treating friends + family to a downtown evening out at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, including USDA Prime steaks, fresh sushi + raw bar, and live entertainment (plus, your great company).
This limited-time offer is available in-restaurant or online. (Need a last-minute gift? Send a virtual card for immediate delivery.)
Franklin County Commissioners approved the $2.2+ billion budget for 2025. “Each year, the commissioners’ office build the budget around our core principles of good governance, which emphasize a human-centered approach to public service,” said Board of Commissioners President Kevin L. Boyce.
Concert
Creed with 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH are coming to the Schottenstein Center on July 20, 2025. Tickets to see the trio of bands are on sale now — and would make a pretty cool holiday gift.
Show
The Harry Potter Film Concert Series is returning to Ohio Theatre from April 11-12, 2025. This time, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2" will play on a 40-ft screen while the Columbus Symphony performs the film’s score. Tickets are on sale now.
Closing
Milestone 229 — the upscale restaurant along downtown’s Scioto Mile — is closing its doors after 14 years due to leasing issues. The final day of business will be Tuesday, Dec. 31. (10TV)
Sports
The 2025 Ohio State football schedule is here, including big match-ups like the season opener against Texas at Ohio Stadium. Browse the full schedule, and learn more about 2025 tickets.
Listen
Should Evan Mobley be an All-Star? Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Cleveland Cavaliers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Fun Fact
CBUStoday does not have paywalls because we believe access to essential local news is priceless. You can support our free newsletter with a donation. Think of it like buying us coffee — or tea, if that’s more your style. Thank you for your support.
Seasonal
Discover stress-free holiday parking in the heart of the Short North Arts District, making your festive outings simple and seamless. With 8,900+ parking spaces in the area, parking has never been easier. Bonus: Visitors can park in one of these garages and enjoy their first hour free — see how.*
Try This
Celebrate the season by following a Short North Holiday Trail now through Dec. 31. Shop at three participating businesses on the Holiday Trail, find hidden elves on the Elf Trail, earn stickers, and redeem for festive prizes. Support local businesses, make memories, and experience holiday magic. Happy holidays, Columbus.*
Home
Did you know new windows could lead to lower energy bills? Read: Modern windows have better insulation. Renewal by Andersen is offering $400 off per window and $850 per door, so you can start the new year by saving on style upgrades for your home. Get your free quote.*
There are only a few weeks left in 2024. Use the remainder of your end-of-year budget + get your business in front of thousands. For a limited time, take 25% off ads in our self-service ad portal when you use promo code “2025" at checkout.
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40% off Harlestons site-wide sale extended
Presented by Harlestons
Harlestons has extended its site-wide 40% off sale for our readers. | Photos provided by Harlestons
ICYMI, Harlestons is giving our readers exclusive access to shop their products at 40% off, site-wide, with code HOLIDAY40.
Our top three gift picks:
The Bluff lightweight performance polo for your golfing buddy
Experts are predicting record-breaking holiday travel numbers in and out of Columbus. | Photo by @columbusairport
The busy holiday travel season is upon us, and we’ve got a little gift for you. If you’re flying via John Glenn Columbus International Airport, we’ve created a guide that covers everything from parking + terminal upgrades, to nonstop international flights. Smooth travels, friends.
Current airport updates
Construction began this month on the new $2 billion terminal project. The new terminal will be able to serve 50% more passengers with 36 gates (there are currently 29). It will also feature one security checkpoint and a central plaza with restaurants, shops, and bars. Project completion is expected in 2029.
Parking, shuttles, and rideshare
Not everyone has a bestie who will drop everything to pick them up from their 3 a.m. landing. CMH has plenty of parking options if you want to drive yourself. The price is as listed:
Red long-term shuttle lot | $9/day
Green long-term shuttle lot | $8/day
Short term garage | $30/day
Long term garage | $23/day
Walking lot | $15/day
Valet parking: $30/day
Nonstop flights
CMH offers 50+ nonstop flight destinations, including international flights to Toronto and Cancun. Here are a handful of nonstop flights to consider for your next trip.
Los Angeles | American Airlines | Daily
Cancun | American Airlines, Viva, Southwest Airlines | 3-4 times per week
Touch screen compatible gloves. Beat winter dryness + rough skin by keeping hands protected when you’re out and about, thanks to gloves that still let you use your phone.
Cheers, Columbus. Here I am sipping some eggnog at the Miracle Pop-Up, fully soaking up this festive season. If you’re like me and want to keep your holiday calendar jam-packed, these are some more experiences to keep on your radar:
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