COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Central Ohio gears up for a festive and varied weekend, Nov. 21–23, 2025, with holiday lights, family activities, theater, and more drawing crowds across Franklin County and beyond.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo
The beloved Wildlights holiday festival returns to the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium beginning Friday. The zoo will glow with millions of LED lights, musical light shows, reindeer, and Santa sightings. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission ranges from $19.99 to $35.99, plus $10 for parking.
Wanderlights Downtown
Also commencing Nov. 21 is Wanderlights, a free, self-guided holiday light display winding through downtown Columbus. Visitors can stroll through and admire more than half a million lights along the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile, and Town Street between 5–10 p.m. nightly.
ChristmasFair Holiday Market
The ChristmasFair Holiday Market, in its 39th year, takes place Saturday and Sunday at the Ohio Expo Center’s Lausche Building. The market features more than 150 local artists and crafters selling handmade gifts—jewelry, folk art, stained glass, and more. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; admission is $8, free for children under 12.
Family and Cultural Activities
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Astronomy Night: On Saturday, families can visit Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park from 6–8 p.m. to observe the night sky and make their own star charts.
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COSI – Season of Celebrations: Starting Nov. 22, COSI (Center of Science and Industry) will feature live actors, interactive exhibits, and 50 community-decorated holiday trees as part of its seasonal programming.
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Kids’ Story Hour: On Saturday at 10 a.m., Bibliophile Candle Co. will host a seasonal story time for children, complete with songs and crafts.
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LEGO Turkey Build: Also Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m., Standardized Brewing will host a turkey-building session using LEGOs. Tickets include a take-home LEGO kit and a drink.
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Thanksgiving Traditions at Slate Run Farm: Saturday and Sunday, visitors can explore historic Thanksgiving foods and traditions at Slate Run Farm from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Stuffed Animal Stories & Party: The Lane Road Branch of the Upper Arlington Public Library will host a story time and craft event at 10:30 a.m. Saturday where children bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Theater: “Some Like It Hot”
The Broadway-style musical “Some Like It Hot” plays at the Ohio Theatre on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Showtime: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices range from around $10 up to $148, depending on seating.
Meanwhile, Short North Stage continues its run of “The Wiz” through Dec. 28, with performances Friday at 7 and Saturday and Sunday at 2 and 7 (no show on Thanksgiving).
Light Shows Beyond the Zoo
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Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights opens Nov. 21 and runs nightly through early January. This drive-through holiday light show is a staple of the season.
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Holiday Lights Celebration – Gahanna: On Sunday at 3 p.m., the Creekside District of Gahanna will light up for a community holiday celebration featuring music, carriage rides, crafts, and a 6 p.m. tree lighting with fireworks.
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Holly Jolly Lights: The McCoy Cabin hosts outdoor lights displays on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, alongside festive treats like hot cocoa and cookies. Tickets are $7.
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Conservatory Aglow: The Franklin Park Conservatory reopens its luminous winter light displays this weekend, with themed igloos, dancing lights, and garden railway installations. Hours are 5–9 p.m. (Fridays and Saturdays extend to 10 p.m.).
Other Highlights
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Howliday Bazaar: On Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center hosts a holiday bazaar to benefit medical care for dogs in need.
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New Albany Tree Lighting: A free holiday tree lighting and drone show takes place Sunday from 3–6 p.m. in New Albany’s Market Square, with carriage rides, food, face painting and Santa arriving around 3 p.m.
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Prototype Museum: The newly opened Prototype, an experimental interactive museum near Scioto Audubon Metro Park, remains open over the weekend. With six immersive “stages” blending art, media, and technology, admission is free but hourly slots are limited for comfort.
What to Keep in Mind
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Many of the light events are outdoors, so dressing warmly is advised.
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Some attractions, such as the Columbus Zoo, charge separate admission; check venue websites for ticket availability and times.
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For family events, arrival early in the evening may help avoid the largest crowds.
Whether you’re looking for seasonal light displays, live theater, or family-friendly holiday fun, Columbus and central Ohio offer more than enough to make the weekend bright and festive.
