Seasonal lights and festive happenings in Columbus

Find millions of holiday lights at Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Commons, Easton Town Center, and the Columbus Zoo this holiday season.

Zoo lights

Meet Santa, see the reindeer, and ride the Wildlights train at the Columbus Zoo. | Photo by @columbuszoo

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‘Tis the season for holiday displays to light up the city. Here are some festive findings around Columbus so you can let it glow.

Wildlights | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Millions of LED lights are synced to animated musical light shows and will take over the Zoo through January 7, 2024. Be sure to enjoy special displays like the living reindeer or the “12 Days of Christmas” train ride. Tickets are available online.

Holiday Lights | Columbus Commons

Watch 400,000 LED lights sparkle from now until New Year’s Day. On Fridays in December, the downtown park will host “Festive Fridays” with free hot chocolate, carousel rides, live music, food trucks, and alcoholic beverages from 5-9 p.m. No tickets are required.

Columbus Commons lights

The Columbus Commons lights have already begun illuminating downtown. | Photo by @markschultztv

Conservatory Aglow | Franklin Park Conservatory

Enjoy themed light displays throughout the garden, including ornament trees, a rainbow tunnel, and a larger-than-life gingerbread house through January 7, 2024. Bonus: You can also go ice skating in the Conservatory from Friday, Dec. 1-Thursday, Dec. 14 included in Aglow admission. Grab tickets.

Carriage Rides | Easton Town Center

Easton is illuminated with a giant tree and millions of lights in the outdoor shopping center. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the lights every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Saturday, Dec. 23. Rides are $10, cash only.

Holiday Lights | The Scioto Mile

The riverfront paths will be glowing with seasonal colors, with each tree shining in a different holiday color. Downtown buildings will also be beaming red and green hues. No tickets are required.

Bonus: If you’re not opposed to a 30-minute road trip, head to Delaware for Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights.

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