The 1980s group WHAM! just scored the first Christmas song of 2024 to enter the Top 40 this week! What better way to celebrate than a look at all the tree lightings and events to kick off the holiday season in central Ohio. Here’s a guide to celebrations near you:
Wanderlights
Downtown Columbus, Nov. 22–Feb. 6, 5–10 p.m.
Stroll through a free holiday light experience with over half a million lights at the Columbus Commons, Scioto Mile, and along Town Street.
Easton’s Grand Illumination
Easton Town Center, Nov. 22, 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy live music and family activities before more than two million lights illuminate Easton at 7 p.m.
Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration
Creekside District, Nov. 24, 3–6:30 p.m.
The event features live performances, a Snow Plow display, arts and crafts, and Santa’s arrival by fire truck at 6 p.m. for the tree lighting and fireworks.
New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
200 Market Street, Nov. 24, 3–6 p.m.
Festivities include Santa’s arrival, live entertainment, reindeer, food trucks, and a tree lighting at 5:25 p.m.
Worthington Tree Illumination
Southeast Village Green, Dec. 1, noon–5 p.m.
Celebrate with hot chocolate, visits with Santa and his reindeer, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Hilliard Tree Lighting
Station Park, Dec. 1, 4–6:30 p.m.
Festivities include live performances and holiday-themed activities. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6:15 p.m.
Grandview Heights Holiday in the Heights
1220 Grandview Ave., Dec. 3, 5–8 p.m.
Enjoy iceless ice skating, live reindeer, visits with Santa, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Dublin Tree Lighting
Coffman Park, Dec. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Join seasonal activities, meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, and witness the lighting of a 30-foot Christmas tree.
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
Statehouse Atrium, Dec. 5, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Gov. Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran DeWine, and Santa Claus will light the Christmas tree.
Grove City Christmas Celebration
Historic Town Center, Dec. 6–7, 5–9 p.m.
The event features food trucks, shops, ice sculptors, and a Christmas parade followed by a tree lighting.
Pickerington Holiday Gathering and Tree Lighting
Pickerington Village, Dec. 6, 5–8 p.m.
This family-friendly event includes activities around the village and a tree lighting ceremony.
Reynoldsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony
1520 Davidson Dr., Dec. 6, 5:30–8 p.m.
Celebrate the season with live music, hot chocolate, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Delaware Tree Lighting
William and Sandusky Streets, Dec. 6, 6:30 p.m.
Enjoy live performances and festive activities leading up to the tree lighting.
Upper Arlington Winter Festival
Mallway Park, Dec. 6, 6–8:30 p.m.
Activities include ice sculpting, carriage rides, caroling, and a tree lighting ceremony.
Westerville Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration
State Street, Dec. 6, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Experience holiday installations and the Parade of Lights, followed by a tree lighting.
Canal Winchester Christmas in the Village
Downtown Canal Winchester, Dec. 6–7, 6–9 p.m.
The free festival includes tree lighting at 6 p.m., along with various activities.
Lancaster Winterfest and Tree Lighting
104 N. Broad Street, Dec. 7, noon–5:30 p.m.
Enjoy carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, and more.
Plain City Christmas Under the Clock
Uptown District, Dec. 7, 4–7 p.m.
Celebrate 20 years of holiday spirit with live music, carriage rides, and a tree lighting.
Sunbury Christmas on the Square
Sunbury Square, Dec. 7, 4–8 p.m.
Festivities include holiday activities and a tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m.
Powell Tree Lighting
Village Green, Dec. 7, noon–7 p.m.
The day’s activities culminate with a tree lighting at 6 p.m.
Bexley Tree Lighting
Drexel Circle, Dec. 8, 5–7 p.m.
The event features choir performances, hot chocolate, cookies, and a tree lighting.
Village Lights in German Village
German Village, Dec. 8, 5–9 p.m.
Explore holiday lights, food trucks, local vendors, and festive treats.
Each event offers unique experiences to celebrate the season.