December Holiday Events Calendar

Holiday Hot Nights: Glassblowing Workshop
October 12 - December 28, 2011 Wednesday 5-9 p.m.$54-$60
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43203
614-645-5923, 614-645-8733
Create your own colorful, blown glass ornament with assistance from a professional gaffer. No experience necessary, ages 16 and up.

Exhibit: Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas" 45th Anniversary Retrospective
November 19, 2011 - January 4, 2012 Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Adults $11. Seniors and students $9. Children $6. Children under 2 free
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43203
614-645-8733

Holiday Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park
November 19, 2011 - January 2, 2012 Monday-Thursday 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sunday 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Pictures with Santa: $5, Car - Monday through Thursday: $10, Car - Friday through Sunday: $15
Alum Creek State Park
3615 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, 43015
740-548-4631
From the website: The 1 1/2 mile drive features over 1 million lights and 100 displays, including a giant American flag and some with animation. After your drive, stop in at the Marina Boat House to visit Santa Claus at his Gift Shop and enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Recreation Unlimited, a non-profit organization serving youth and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

Holiday Joys of Toys
November 26 - December 23, 2011 Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday noon-6 p.m.$9.75-$21.25
COSI
333 W. Broad St.,
Columbus, 43215
614-228-2674, 888-819-2674

Gingerbread WonderlandDecember 1-24, 2011 Monday-Sunday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
$40
Young Chefs Academy
425 Beecher Rd.,
Gahanna, 43230
614-933-9700

Grand Illumination Ceremony
December 2, 2011 Friday 5-9 p.m.
Bicentennial Park
233 Civic Center Dr.,
Columbus, 43215
614-645-3800
Mayor Michael B. Coleman kicks off the Grand Illumination of Bicentennial Park. Discover strolling performers, traditional carols and a special appearance by Santa. Support the Empty Bowls project by purchasing a piece of handcrafted pottery and enjoy a warm gourmet treat compliments of Milestone 229.

WinterfairDecember 2-4, 2011 Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday noon-5 p.m.
Adults $7. Children 12 and under free
Ohio Expo Center
717 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 43211
614-644-3247, 614-486-7119

Holiday Traditions in Ohio
December 3, 2011
Saturday 2-2:30 p.m.
Adults $10. Seniors $9. Children 6-12 $5
Ohio History Center/Ohio Village
800 E. 17th Ave.,
Columbus, 43211
614-297-2300, 800-686-6124

BalletMet: The Nutcracker
December 9-23, 2011 Dec. 9-11: Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. Dec. 15-18: Thursday-Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 20-23: Tuesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
39 E. State St.,
Columbus, 43215
800-745-3000, 614-469-0939
From the website: Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy - a magical world of the imagination filled with colorful characters sure to enchant you and your family.

Columbus Commons Holiday Fair
December 16-18, 2011 Friday 4-9 p.m. Saturday noon-9 p.m. Sunday noon-6 p.m.
Columbus Commons
160 S. High St., Columbus, 43215
614-545-4700
From the website: Columbus Commons is the place to get into the holiday spirit. With rides, activities, visits with Santa and family friendly fun. A Holiday Tent will host photos with Santa, Secret Santa Shop, indoor seating and choir performances. Trolley rides will also run through downtown from 5-9 pm each day.

Kwanzaa Celebration
December 28, 2011 Wednesday 7 p.m.$5-$15The King Arts Complex
867 Mt. Vernon Ave.,
Columbus, 43203
614-645-0642, 614-645-KING
From the website: The King Arts Complex observes Kwanzaa, the African American holiday that connects the ancient customs of Africa with the standards of living of African American people. The Nguzo Saba representing the seven principles of Kwanzaa is celebrated by the lighting of the Kinara. The Nguzo Saba is the philosophical foundation of the celebration that represents Umoja: Unity, Kujiachagulia: Self Detemination, Ujima: Collective Work & Responsibility, Ujamaa: Cooperative Ecomomics, Nia: Purpose, Kuumba: Creativity and Imani: Faith. Columbus legends, Tony & Aziza West will be the hosts for the evening as we celebrate Ujima. We will also answer "habari gani" (What's the good news) and cry "Harambee" (Let's all pull together!) at the end of the evening. Join us for authentic African cuisine, African dancing, drumming and the opportunity to purchase art and jewelry from some of best vendors in our area.

First Night Columbus
December 31, 2011
Throughout Downtown
Activities begin Saturday at 5 p.m.
Fireworks at midnight
$10
614-299-9221
From the website: First Night Columbus, Central Ohio's award-winning New Year's Eve celebration is a community-oriented, family-friendly, alcohol-free event. There is something for everyone with more than 40 live performances including jazz, funk, ragtime, storytelling and magic, hands-on activities and a children's festival. COSI will stay open until 11 p.m. At COSI, see performances by Transit Arts, check out a talent show featuring some of Columbus' teenage musicians and artists, take a whirlwind tour of holiday lighting with our Holiday Lights Live Show and explore COSI's 300+ exhibits.