Holiday events
Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park
Activities: Beautiful holiday decorations and light displays in Creekside park of historic Olde Gahanna.
Where: Creekside Park, 123 Mill Street (entrances at Mill and Granville Streets)
Date(s): November 13, 2009- January 4, 2010
For more info: 614-342-4250, www.gahanna.gov
HUGGS for the Holidays Craft Show & Silent Auction
Activities: Craft show, silent auction, raffle, local vendors, food, and home made baked goods. Proceeds support HUGGS, the Half-Units Gathering & Giving Support family support group of the Westerville, Ohio Police Department. Funding goes to general operating as well as programs including the "Officer Down Fund", and the "Scholarship Fund".
Where: Robert Frost Elementary School, 270 N. Spring Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free, Donations accepted
For more info: www.westervillehuggs.org
St. Paul Catholic Church Christmas Bazaar
Where: 313 N. State Street
Date(s): Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more info: 614-882-2109
Wildlights
Activities: See the Zoo transformed into a holiday scene with lights galore! Stroll around the zoo, see the animals and meet Santa and Mrs. Clause along with the countless number of lights.
Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Date(s): November 20-January 2
Time: Sunday-Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free with zoo membership, or regular admission rate for non-members
For more information: www.columbuszoo.org
The 10th Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony and Processional
Activities: Join thousands as they come to witness Easton's kickoff to the holiday season. The light display is unveiled with a thrilling parade down Townsfair Way, Santa joins the party, and the incredible 50-ft display is lit up with over one million lights! A truly spectacular evening for the whole family.
Where: Easton Town Center
Date(s): November 21
Time: 5:45 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information: www.eastontowncenter.com
Fantasy of Lights
Activities: Visit Alum Creek for this annual drive through light show. Besides seeing the lights, families can take a picture with Santa and enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.
Where: Alum Creek State Park Marina
Date(s): November 21-December 30
Time: Sunday-Thursday 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 a car Monday through Thursday, $15 a car Friday through Sunday (After December 18, price increases to $15 a car Monday through Thursday).
For more information: http://www.alumcreek.com/fol/index.html
Radio City Christmas Spectacular
Activities: The Radio City Rockettes will dazzle you with their holiday dancing.
Where: Nationwide Arena
Date(s): Wednesday, November 25
Time: 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Cost: Tickets start at $49.50
For more information: http://radiocitychristmas.com/tickets/national-tour.html
Holidays at the Conservatory
What: See lights on the Conservatory's rooftop garden, poinsettias and take part in various holiday activities.
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
When: November 27-January 3
Time: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with extended hours on Wednesdays until 8 p.m.)
Cost: Free with a membership, $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, $5 for children 3-17, and free for those under 3
For more information: www.fpconservatory.org
Curtain Players Theatre presents Little House Christmas
Activities: A Christmas story adapted for stage by James DeVita based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House on the Prairie. Curtain's performance directed by Don Roberts.
Where: Curtain Players Theatre, 5691 Harlem Rd., Galena, OH 43021
Date(s)/Time(s): Nov. 27 & 28, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.; Dec. 4, 5, 11 & 12, 2009 at 8:00 p.m.; Dec. 6 & 13, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $14, Seniors and Students: $12
For more info: 614-360-1000; www.curtainplayers.com
Westerville Uptown Merchant Association's Home for the Holidays
Activities: Food, drinks, football games, shopping, holiday decorations, ice sculptures, Santa, evening carriage rides, and overall community fellowship.
Where: Uptown Westerville
Date(s): Saturday, November 28, 2009
Time(s): 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.shopuptownwesterville.com/HomefortheHolidays.html
Holiday Lights Parade & Festival
Activities: The 11th annual ultimate Christmas celebration! Festivities begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day and long into the night with everything from holiday treats and hot cocoa to a dazzling parade and other forms of thrilling holiday entertainment for people of all ages.
Where: Granville St. to Mill St., Gahanna, Ohio
Date(s): November 28
Time: Begins at 8 a.m.; parade at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information: 614-478-0878, www.gahannaevents.com
Holidays in Powell
Activities: Carolers, Holiday Cheer, Mr. and Mrs. Clause and Polar Express train rides for the kids, seasonal treats, and the lighting of the official City Christmas Tree by Santa and the Mayor at the end of the evening.
Where: Historic Downtown Powell, 47 Hall Street, Powell, Ohio
Date(s): December 1 and December 6
Time(s): 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 614-885-5380; www.cityofpowell.us
Hanby Christmas Open House
Activities: Museum open house with festive decorations, music, and snacks.
Where: Hanby House State Memorial Museum, 160 W. Main St., Westerville, OH, 43086
Date(s): December 1, 5, and 6
Time(s): Sat and Sun 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $2, Youths (6-12 yrs): $0.75, Youths (5 & under): Free
For more info: 614-891-6289
Westerville Tree Lighting Ceremony
Activities: The trees of the town are lit up with festive holiday lights and decorations.
Where: Municipal Building Courtyard, 21 S. State St., Westerville, OH
Date(s): December 4, 2009
Time(s): 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 614-901-6500
Holiday Pops
Activities: Relax and listen as The Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform your favorite holiday songs.
Where: The Ohio Theatre
Date(s): December 4-6
Time: 8 p.m. on December 4 & 5; 3 p.m. on December 6
Cost: Tickets range from $18-$64
For more information: www.columbussymphony.com
Secret Santa
Activities: The perfect place for children to shop for gifts at prices just right for every little budget.
Where: Gallery 202, Partners in Art, Inc., 38 N. State St, Westerville, OH, 43081
Date(s): December 4-23, 2009
Time(s): Weds 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday and Friday 11a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more info: 614-890-8202, www.gallery202online.com
Holiday Open House & Craft Extravaganza
Activities: Food samples, music, shopping, North Market merchants, and over 40 craft vendors from all around Columbus.
Where: North Market, 59 Spruce Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Date(s): Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 614-463-9664, www.northmarket.com
Santa Paws Pictures
Activities: CHA Animal; Shelter fundraiser. Have professional family pictures taken by photographer John Fleshman of your entire family (including your family pet) with celebrity guest Santa Paws.
Where: PetPeople, 5997 Maxtown Road, Westerville, OH
Date(s): December 5, 2009
Time(s): 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Cost: $25 per photo
For more info: 614-891-5280
25th Short North Holiday Hop
Activities: The traditional Gallery Hop with a twist of holiday flair. A perfect way to get into the spirit of the season.
Where: Short North Arts District: North High Street from Goodale Blvd. to Fifth Avenue, Columbus, 43201
Date(s): Saturday, December 5, 2009
Time: 4 to 10 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: www.shortnorth.org
Upper Arlington Winter Festival and Community Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Activities: Holiday music, festive decorations, ice sculptures, bonfires, Santa & Mrs. Clause, carriage rides, and lighting of the community tree at 7:30pm by Mayor Don Leach.
Where: Mallway Park, Arlington Avenue, Upper Arlington
Date(s): December 5, 2009
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: 614-583-5300, www.ua-ohio.net
Children's Nights: Christmas in Ohio
Activities: Children grades 3-5 experience old-fashioned foods, games, and crafts, sing traditional holiday songs, hear stories from the olden days, and get to visit with Santa. Register at the Orange Johnson House on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 17 and 18 from 7-8 pm.
Where: Orange Johnson House, 956 High Street, Worthington
Date(s): December 5-19, 2009
Time: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Cost: $20 per child
For more info: contact Carol Little at 614-885-1247, WorthHSoc@aol.com
Brunch with Santa
Activities: A delicious Holiday breakfast with Old Saint Nick at Moretti's Restaurant. Reservations required.
Where: Moretti's Restaurant, Tremont Center
Date(s): December 6
Time(s): 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Cost: Adults: $13.95, Children: $6.95, Children under two are free
For more info: 614-583-5300, www.ua-ohio.net
Westerville Children's Christmas Parade and Rudolph Run (5K)
Activities: Parade and 5k Run sponsored by the Westerville Sertoma Club. Santa will also be there to participate in festivities. 5k heads north on St. Rt. 3 from Heatherdown Rd. to County Line Rd.
Where: Set up at 800 Brooksedge Blvd. (Chase Building) East parking lot. Enter off of Schrock Rd. and Park Meadow Rd.
Date(s): December 6, 2009
Time: 1 p.m.; parade immediately following
For more info: 614-371-7199 (to call Chris Shaheen), www.westervillesertoma.org
Christmas Open House at the Orange Johnson House
Activities: Open house featuring festive old-fashioned decorations.
Where: Orange Johnson House, 956 High Street, Worthington
Date(s): December 6-20, 2009
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more info: Carol Little at 614-885-1247, WorthHSoc@aol.com
The Nutcracker
Activities: One of BalletMet's signature shows is in its 32nd season! Experience the magic of this timeless holiday performance downtown Columbus.
Where: The Ohio Theatre
Date(s): December 11-23
Time: Show times vary, visit Web site for schedule
Cost: Tickets start at $29
For more information: www.balletmet.org
CHA Animal Shelter's Cookie Walk
Activities: 5th Annual CHA Animal Shelter Fundraiser. Homemade desserts of every variety, benefit walk, holiday sale, and photo opportunities with celebrity guest, Santa Paws!
Where: CHA Animal Shelter, 3765 Corporate Drive, Columbus, OH, 43231
Date(s): December 12
Cost: $12 for a box to fill with treats, $25 per photo
For more info: 614-891-5280
The Westerville Symphony at Otterbein College Presents: Sounds of the Season
Activities: An evening of the beautiful music of the season featuring Vivaldi's Winter with Concertmaster Erin Gilliland as well as an audience sing-a-long.
Where: Riley Auditorium at Battelle Hall, 170 W. Park St.
Date(s): December 13
Cost: Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Students $8 (Also available as a Ron Lykins Masterworks Series add-on)
For more info: 614-899-9000; www.westervillesymphony.org