Holiday Lights and Tours in Columbus 2025

Looking for magical things to do in Columbus in December? Here is your skimmable guide to the city’s brightest light displays and festive tours, plus official links, dates, and quick tips. I kept this friendly, easy, and up to date so you can plan a cozy night out with family, friends, or a sweet date night.

• Holiday Light Displays
• Holiday Light Tours
• Download the One Page Checklist
• Helpful Resources

Holiday Light Displays

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Dates Nov 21 to Jan 4.

Central Ohio’s favorite tradition returns with millions of LEDs, animated musical light shows, and plenty of holiday cheer. Buy ahead for popular nights.

Official site https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights

Tags: Family friendly, Outdoors at night, Photo ops.

Photo credit: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Dates Nov 22 to Jan 4, 5 to 9 pm nightly, 5 to 10 pm Fridays.

Glowing gardens and indoor galleries, rainbow tunnel, ornament trees, gingerbread goodness, and a bar on select evenings.

Official site https://www.fpconservatory.org/exhibitions/conservatory-aglow/

Tags: Family friendly, Couples, Indoors and outdoors.

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, Alum Creek

Dates Nov 21 to Jan 4, 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 pm Friday and Saturday.

Stay toasty in your car during this three mile drive through with tunnels, twinkles, and holiday tunes on your radio.

Official site https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com/

Tags: Family friendly, Drive through, Accessible from the car.

Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus

Dates Season long display downtown. Wander Nights with free hot chocolate and a free covered trolley run Dec 5 to 6, 12 to 13, 19 to 20, 5 to 8 pm. Start at Columbus Commons and stroll to Bicentennial Park.

Official site https://downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights/

Tags: Free, Family friendly, Walkable, Date night.

Winter Wonders Walk, The Dawes Arboretum

Dates Dec 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 6 to 9 pm. Member preview on Dec 4.

Guided walk through illuminated woodlands with music, food trucks, and a visit from Santa. A lovely evening outing and an easy day trip from Columbus.

Official site https://www.dawesarb.org/blog/winter-wonders-walk-2025

Tags: Family friendly, Nature stroll, Day trip.

Easton Town Center, Grand Illumination and Holiday Lights

Kickoff Grand Illumination on Nov 14, lights sparkle all season across the district.

Perfect for shopping and photos, with plenty of food options and festive storefronts.

Official site https://eastontowncenter.com/event/eastons-grand-illumination/

Tags: Family friendly, Shopping, Photo ops.

Holiday Light Tours

Trolley Pub Columbus Holiday Lights Tour

Schedule Evenings throughout the season, public and private options. BYOB beer, wine, cider, or seltzers. Enclosed, electric assist trolleys make for an easy ride and warm photo stops.

Official site https://trolleypub.com/columbus/

Tags: Groups, Adults, Seasonal tour, Downtown highlights.

Free Covered Trolley during Wander Nights

Dates Dec 5 to 6, 12 to 13, 19 to 20, 5 to 8 pm. Board at Columbus Commons or Bicentennial Park to see the butterflies on Nationwide Children’s Hospital lawn and more.

Official site https://downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights/

Tags: Free, Family friendly, Easy, Downtown.

SegAway Tours of Columbus, Holiday Lights

Glide through the Scioto Mile, the Arena District, and downtown on a guided Segway tour with holiday music in your headset. Check availability and current pricing directly with the operator for 2025 holiday departures.

Official site https://www.segawaytoursofcolumbus.com/

Tags: Adults and teens, Guided, Sightseeing.

One Page Checklist

Prefer a simple planner you can edit and share? Use my editable checklist to track dates, links, and quick notes.

Wanderlights, Wildlights, Conservatory Aglow, Butch Bando’s, Easton’s Grand Illumination, Winter Wonders Walk, Trolley Pub.

Download the checklist: Columbus Holiday Lights & Tours Checklist 2025 (PDF)

Helpful Resources

Disclaimer Dates, hours, and offerings can change, verify on the official site before you go.