5 Great Columbus-Area Holiday Light Displays

Downtown is undergoing a great change. The opening of Columbus Commons and Scioto Mile Promenade has given everyone a new reason to head into the area. While the area is new, the holiday display and activities are sure to become a part of Central Ohio holiday traditions to come.

City Hall is the first spot the kids will want to hit because there they can drop off their letter to Santa. At Columbus Commons lighted displays are featured and then leaving there take a stroll along the lighted Scioto Mile Promenade to Bicentennial Park where penguins, snowmen and Santa will welcome visitors.

Bicentennial Park, the Scioto Mile Promenade and City Hall will feature more than 80,000 L.E.D. lights on over 60 trees. A fantastic light show has been designed for the Scioto Mile Fountain in Bicentennial Park, using the fountain’s 220 L.E.D. lights that offer 16 million color variations!

Columbus Commons will feature more than 100,000 multi-colored lights on 127 trees, four holiday displays, a holiday tree on the Grand Lawn and a 15-foot fountain of light at the High Street entrance.

Parking is available at nearby garages and those might be your best bet because downtown has notoriously efficient parking meter officers. That little orange tag on the windshield can absolutely ruin a great holiday outing.

Top 20 Holiday Events in Columbus

Thousands of energy efficient LED lights power the zoo's display. According to the site, "We have decked the halls, trees, bushes, everything but the animals with all new eco-friendly LED lights to bring you the brightest Wildlights display ever!"

This is the 23rd year for the display and in addition to the glorious lights, there are also plenty of fun activities for everyone including: -Holiday music from choirs throughout the area: Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Norton Middle School, Columbus Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Hilliard Davidson High School Madrigals, Grove Port Madison High School, Melodies of Marion and many more.
-Holiday Light Show - An all new animated holiday light show with new songs, designs and a 24 foot globe. The eight minute music and light display shows every thirty minutes from 5:45 p.m. to close.

-Polar Bear Express - The Bob Evans Train is $1.00 per ride per person or included with the $5.00 ride wristband special. Ride is subject to weather and mechanical conditions.

November 18, 2011 - January 1, 2012
Sunday - Thursday 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
Adults $14. Seniors $10. Children 2-9 $9
4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell
614-645-3550, 800-666-5397
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Columbus' outdoor mall works hard to get you in the holiday mood. The gigantic Christmas tree in the center square is just the beginning. Thousands of lights throughout the property twinkle dance and excite. Holiday activities also makes the event great including:

Holiday Carriage Rides
Fridays-Sundays, through December 18 in the North District

Photos with Santa
November 18-December 24 in the Easton Station Building

Breakfast with Santa
December 3, 10 - 8:30 AM-9:45 AM at Bon Vie Bistro

Holiday Community Performances
Various times on the Town Square and near the Central Park Fountain

December 3, 10 and 17

An old-fashioned Christmas awaits at Roscoe Village. The Candlelighting Ceremony is beautiful for those who'd like to re-live Christmas of yesteryear. The candlelighting only happens three nights of the month so be sure to plan ahead so you don't miss it!

Activities:

Horse-Drawn Surrey Rides
Children 10 and under ride free w/paying adult
Students 11 to 17 years of age - $3.00
Adults - $5.00
Complimentary hot mulled cider & cookies
A Roscoe Christmas Tour

12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Adults $9.95
Students $4.95

Art with Santa
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FREE
Visitor Center Exhibit Hall