2024 holiday tree lighting celebrations in central Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) - Central Ohio is celebrating the holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremonies and festivals. Below is a list of celebrations near you.

Wanderlights

Downtown Columbus, from 5 to 10 p.m. Nov. 22 - Feb. 6

• Explore the free holiday light experience featuring over half a million lights at the Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and along Town Street.

Easton’s Grand Illumination

Easton Town Center, 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 22

• The annual illumination event starts with live music, activities and much more for the family to enjoy. Around 7 p.m., watch as over two million lights will illuminate Easton to kick off the holiday season.

Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration

Creekside District, 3 to 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 24

• Enjoy live performances on the Holiday Stage, Snow Plow display, arts and crafts and much more. Santa arrives by fire truck at 6 p.m. to light the tree and set off holiday fireworks.

New Albany Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration

200 Market Street, 3 to 6 p.n. on Nov. 24

• The free festivities start with Santa's arrival at 3 p.m. The celebration will feature live entertainment, reindeer, ice sculpting demonstration, roaming performers, food trucks and more. At 5:25 p.m., the countdown will start to light the tree.

Worthington Tree Illumination

Southeast Village Green, noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 1

• Kick off the festivities at the Holiday Open House from noon to 5 p.m., and then head to the Southeast Village Green for the main event. Enjoy hot chocolate, meet Santa, his reindeer and experience the magic of the tree lighting.

Hilliard Tree Lighting

Station Park, 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 1

• Enjoy festive fun in Hilliard including live performances and holiday-themed events. The tree lighting ceremony is set for 6:15 p.m.

Grandview Heights Holiday in the Heights

1220 Grandview Ave., 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3

• Enjoy iceless ice skating, visits with Santa, live reindeer, live performances and more as Grandview celebrates its annual tree lighting.

Dublin Tree Lighting

Coffman Park, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5

• Enjoy seasonal activities and entertainment including writing letters to Santa, crafts, roaming holiday stilt walkers, character appearances, ice sculpting, reindeer and more. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also light the 30-foot-tall Christmas tree.

Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting

Atrium of the Statehouse, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 5

• Gov. Mike DeWine, First Lady Fran and Santa Claus will come together for lighting the Christmas tree.

Grove City Christmas Celebration

Historic Town Center, 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7

• Celebrate the holiday season in Grove City with food trucks, shops, ice sculptors and more. The Christmas Parade will step off at 7 p.m., with the tree lighting to follow at the corner of Park Street and Broadway.

Pickerington Holiday Gathering and Christmas Tree Lighting

Pickerington Village, 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6

• The annual event will have several activities around the Pickerington Village area. Many participating businesses will provide a place to warm up and offer free treats.

Reynoldsburg Tree Lighting Ceremony

1520 Davidson Dr., 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6

• The spirit of the season will come to life with holiday cheer at the Annual Tree Lighting event. This free, family-friendly event features the annual tree lighting ceremony, live music, hot chocolate and more.

Delaware Tree Lighting

William and Sandusky Streets, 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6

• Enjoy live performances, community vendors, festive activities and more that will lead up to the tree lighting celebration.

Upper Arlington Winter Festival

Mallway Park, 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6

• The event will be filled with several activities including ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, visits with Santa and tree lighting ceremony.

Westerville Tree Lighting and Holiday Celebration

State Street, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 6

• The festivities will include special holiday installations and the Parade of Lights beginning at 6:45 p.m. on State Street between Home and Plum Streets.

Canal Winchester Christmas in the Village

Downtown Canal Winchester, 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7

• The free festival features activities inside businesses and on the sidewalks and streets of downtown Canal Winchester. The tree lighting kicks off at 6 p.m. at Stradley Place Greenspace.

Lancaster Winterfest and Tree Lighting

104 N. Broad Street, noon to 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 7

• Make memories and enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, family activities, a scavenger hunt, holiday music, and much more.

Plain City Christmas Under the Clock

Uptown District, 4 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7

• The annual event celebrates 20 years of holiday spirit. Get your picture with Santa, enjoy live music, grab dinner from a food truck, take a carriage ride, grab some holiday gifts from local businesses and craft vendors, check out the live reindeer and much more!

Sunbury Christmas on the Square

Sunbury Square, 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 7

• Enjoy a variety of holiday activities in the square, leading up to the tree lighting ceremony at 7 p.m. Also happening is a donut eating contest, holiday sock drive and a Santa dog costume contest.

Powell Tree Lighting

Village Green, noon to 7 p.m. on Dec. 7

• Gather with friends, family, and neighbors for a festive evening at the annual Holidays in Powell event. Several activities throughout the day will lead up to the tree lighting at 6 p.m. with Santa.

Bexley Tree Lighting

Drexel Circle, 5 to 7 p.m. on Dec. 8

• The fun and festivities start with performances by Jeffrey Mansion Preschool, Bexley Middle School Choir and the High School Vocal Ensemble Choir. Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes before the tree lighting with Santa Claus. 

Village Lights in German Village

German Village, 5 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 8

• Enjoy several holiday lights while enjoying all that the German Village neighborhood has to offer. This year, the event will feature food trucks, local vendors, holiday treats and more.

For a look at other holiday events and festivals happening across central Ohio, follow this link.