
Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.
160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.
4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.
160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.
German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206
Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.
14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013
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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?

Holidays usually mean a table full of food finished with a few scrumptious pies. Whether your favorite is apple, pecan, buckeye, or a cream pie like banana or coconut, pies help create delicious holiday memories that can be handed down from generation to generation. But with all the baking and other hustle and bustle associated with the holidays, why not leave the pie baking to the experts? You'll have many varieties to choose from and will surely enjoy the fresh, local ingredients used in many of them. Many bakeries also often put a twist on traditional favorites, such as a Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Check out the following Columbus and Central Ohio bakeries, look over their menus or stop by and place your holiday pie orders.
4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Generations of Columbus area residents have stopped by Resch's Bakery throughout its over 100 years of serving up treats like cakes, donuts, and pies. The bakery is dedicated to using the best ingredients to make tasty treats from scratch and to providing the highest level of customer service. Pies include pecan, cinnamon apple, Dutch apple, Dutch cherry, and sweet potato, and throughout the holidays, you'll find them on many local tables.
3335 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Dough Mama started as a home kitchen business for classically trained pastry chef Perrie Wilkof, who supplied pies to many notable Columbus-area restaurants, and has since grown into a successful cafe and bakery. Everything is made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Popular seasonal holiday pies include the Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie, a spiced pumpkin and roasted sweet potato blend custard, giving it a rich texture and flavor. The Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is also a favorite choice, with a bottom layer of rich dark chocolate loaded with pecans. It's also made with Kentucky Bourbon and organic maple syrup.
901 High St., Worthington, OH 43085
Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co. was originally known as Mrs. Goodman's Pie Co., and they're still known for baking pies with flaky, buttery crusts and filling made from the best ingredients. Many pies are available, including apple, cherry, peach, pecan, and pumpkin. In addition to the traditional pecan pie, the bakery also puts a twist on it to create chocolate pecan and white chocolate pecan pies. If you prefer cream pies, you'll also have plenty of options, including banana, coconut, and chocolate peanut butter.
Columbus Area
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Ohio Pies is a licensed home bakery, so it doesn't have a storefront, but don't let that stop you from ordering their mouthwatering pies. The bakery's mission is to source seasonal, local ingredients and, in the process, feed your soul and nourish the community. That's why, for example, all the eggs for Ohio Pies come from the free-range hens at Harrison Farm, and all the butter comes from Minerva Dairy. Blueberries are sourced from Blueberried Alive's organic crops, and all milk and cream come from Snowville Creamery. Order favorite holiday pies like apple, blackberry, buckeye, s'mores, sweet potato, and pumpkin, made with local pumpkins. Hand pies are also available by the half-dozen in apple, blackberry, caramelized pear, and cherry.
2116 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
The Original Goodie Shop is a family-owned bakery that's served sweet treats to satisfied customers for 67 years. They've earned a generational following over the years and have customers who buy goodies for their children after growing up ordering the same thing from the bakery. Everything is hand-made from scratch, including donuts, cakes, cookies, and, of course, pies. Pies are available in small and large sizes in flavors such as apple, cherry, mince, pecan, and pumpkin.
3341 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232
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With The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm, you get the best of both worlds: The chance to buy produce and fresh foods for your holiday needs from the farm market as well as tasty baked goods like pies from Smith Farm Bakery. Made fresh daily, pies are available in many different flavors, including Dutch apple, apple, caramel apple nut, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, rhubarb, mincemeat, blackberry, and blueberry. Cream pie options include banana, chocolate, coconut, buckeye, lemon meringue, and key lime. All are baked fresh daily.
39 S. Yearling Rd., Whitehall, OH 43212
Matt's Bakery is kosher, and all its items are parve. All baked goods are milk and dairy-free, with eggs used in the baking, and they're also nut-free (except for the pecan pie, which is baked separately). Before the holidays, pre-order pies such as apple crumb, blueberry, cherry, double-crust apple, peach, and strawberry. And while you're at it, order some challah, the signature bread item that the bakery's best known for.
What's your go-to holiday pie (or pies!), and where are you planning to order them from?

The game of golf has been played worldwide for centuries, if not longer. For some, it's a fun and relaxing way to spend the day. For others, it's a lifelong passion. If golf is something you can't get enough of, you'll be pleased to learn October 4 is National Golf Lovers Day! And what better way to celebrate than by playing a few holes? Fortunately, there are plenty of public courses where you can work on your game. Here are our favorite public golf courses in and around Columbus.
1900 N. Wilson Rd., Columbus, OH 43228
This 9-hole golf course is great for anyone looking for a quicker game. It features six par 3s and three par 4s and is a par-30 course overall. The fairway is lined with beautiful trees and has two small ponds and a creek running through it. They also have a special deal for weddings. If you bring your wedding party of eight or more people on the Saturday nearest your wedding, the bride or groom can play free!
3860 Trabue Rd., Columbus, OH 43228
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A Columbus fixture for nearly 70 years, this course features a unique twist: Each par-3 hole has an extra hole running parallel to it, with trees, greens, fairways, etc. These "twin holes" play host to a variety of junior golf programs in the summer months, making this an excellent course for young and beginner golfers to gain some experience. Though with 18 holes and a par 72, more experienced players will love the Raymond Memorial course as well. The large greens are sloped and contoured, with sand bunkers for each hole.
3900 Westerville Rd., Columbus, OH 43224
If you really want to hone your golf skills, this is the course to play. Considered one of the most challenging courses in Central Ohio, its terrain features hills, dense trees, and more. It's not an easy course, but it is fun, with beautiful views. By far the oldest course on this list, Champions was first built in 1922, then redesigned in 1948 by Robert Trent Jones to be a full 18 holes. A classic course, it has stood the test of time and will likely continue to challenge golfers for many years to come.
6005 Alkire Rd., Galloway, OH 43119
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They say golf is a mental game, but in this case, it's a Mentel game. Originally opened in 1972 as Bolton Fields, the Mentel Memorial Golf Course in Galloway is a par-72 course that golfers have been coming to for nearly 50 years. It's every bit as comfortable and accommodating as a private club. Their 20,000-square-foot clubhouse features all the amenities, plus a banquet hall perfect for weddings and other events. But what about the game? With four sets of tees, the Mentel Memorial Course has something for everyone, from beginners to professionals. The grounds include three large lakes and 44 bunkers, along with wide fairways lined with trees.
900 N. Hamilton Rd., Columbus, OH 43219
As its name implies, this golf course is next to John Glenn International Airport, allowing players to view the planes as they take off and land. First opened in 1966, the course received a full redesign in 2012, making it the beautiful, modern facility it is today. The Airport Course is gentle enough for beginners but includes a few fun challenges that will keep experts coming back for more. With a par 72, the ratings on this course range from 59.0 to 72.8, ensuring there's something for everyone. If you're looking for a course with a bit of variety to keep things interesting, even with regular visits, this is the course for you.
789 Science Blvd., Gahanna, OH 43230
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Located in nearby Gahanna, the Golf Depot is designed to train new golfers and help them hone their skills. In addition to its 18 holes, it has both a driving range and a wedge range for practice. They also have many on-site instructors who can be booked for private lessons. And the Hammond Golf Academy makes its home on the premises as well. The golf school trains kids and adults, amateurs and pros alike, providing them with the tools and skills they need to improve their game.
1145 Clubhouse Ln., Pickerington, OH 43147
First built in 1991, this 18-hole course borders Blacklick Creek and features high fescue grass, several lakes, and several bunkers. Perfect for lessons or tournaments, it's a challenging but fun course for novices and experts alike. The tees range from 3,812 to 6,675 yards, and you can play par 72 or 73. There's also a driving range with 70 tee stations.
6300 Bent Grass Blvd., Canal Winchester, OH 43110
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Golfers have been coming to this course for over 25 years, and most of them rave about it. It features a course rating of 73.6 and a slope rating of 128. Several leagues play at Westchester, including a couples' league, a family league, a two-person team league, and a 9-hole senior league. The facility hosts events throughout the year and can be booked for weddings and other parties. You can also book private lessons at their practice facilities, and annual memberships are also available. And when you're done playing, check out the course's restaurant, Olive Branch Pizzeria!
Where will you go to take a few strokes off your golf game this fall?

Not only is a bed and breakfast a wonderful place to stay while on a long trip, it also makes a great destination for a fall weekend getaway. The city of Columbus and the surrounding areas are filled with a wide variety of bed and breakfast locations that are perfect for any occasion. We're sharing some of our personal favorites that each have their own personality and allure.
106 S. High St., Gahanna, OH 43230
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 9 miles
Owned and operated by the Gahanna Historical Society, the Lily Stone Bed and Breakfast has recently been given a facelift, and you really can't beat its cozy atmosphere. In addition to high-speed wi-fi, you'll be greeted with a full kitchen complete with breakfast table, gorgeous dining room, screened-in porch, a parlor room with television and games, large outdoor area, picnic tables, and more. Many discoveries are also within walking distance, including parks, restaurants, and shopping.
314 E. Broadway, Granville, Ohio 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 35 miles
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Established in 1924, the Granville Inn is surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscape features in all of Ohio. Set near a charming New England-style village with a backdrop that features rolling hills and soaring trees, this bed and breakfast offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy your loved ones. With its gorgeous guest rooms, large meeting spaces, and award-winning dining experience, you may never want to leave. It's the perfect spot for weddings, rehearsal dinners, anniversaries, corporate events, or even a simple birthday party.
5811 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 11 miles
Take a look at the Timbrook Guesthouse for something a little different for your bed and breakfast weekend extravaganza. Built in 1988, the theme of this location can be summed up in just two words: tropical paradise. The amenities you'll discover here include lush gardens, outdoor jacuzzi, heated elliptical pool, gazebo, fire pit, and more. Each of the rooms, from the Bluebird Suite to the South Siesta Suite, has a unique style and feel all its own.
313 E. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 35 miles
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If you're searching for a weekend hotspot that's a bit on the fancy side, then the historic Buxton Inn is exactly what you're looking for. This bed and breakfast has been around for more than 200 years and is especially famous for its restaurant that serves the best seafood trio, grilled salmon, lemon chicken, and even huge burgers with a large side of fries. Once you arrive, you'll understand why so many people have used the Buxton Inn for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.
4200 E. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45505
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 41 miles
Residents and visitors alike are often drawn to Emma's Bed & Breakfast because of its small-town simplicity. The outside is what many would consider a charming throwback to understated architecture, while the inside sports a classic look that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. While you're there, this oft-billed "home away from home" opportunity gives you access to day spas, hiking trails, restaurants, nightlife, wineries, shopping, and even a nearby zoo.
610 S. Court St., Circleville, OH 43113
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 30 miles
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Very often found on best-of lists amongst friends, family members, and coworkers for its castle appearance alone, the Castle Inn Bed & Breakfast stands out in the crowd. The inn has been billed as the perfect romantic getaway, but it's probably most famous for its monthly murder mysteries where guests get to dress up in early 1900s attire (supplied by Castle Inn) and dive into a scarily fun adventure. Some other activities around the area include flea market shopping, horseback riding, hiking, boating, and - as always - simply reading and relaxing in the comfort of your room or nearly anywhere in the inn itself.
519 S. Drexel Ave., Bexley, OH 43209
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 4 miles
As one of the more modern-styled bed and breakfasts on our list, this getaway location has become extremely popular. The contemporary design of the Bexley Bed and Breakfast is based on the philosophy of "modern meets comfort," and, given the wall-mounted televisions, wi-fi, keyless entry, heated floors, and heated towel racks, they definitely live up to this concept. Head out the door for a short walk, and you'll soon find yourself surrounded by restaurants, boutiques, a bike trail, ice cream shops, and other delights.
2133 Cambria Mill Rd., Granville, OH 43023
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 40 miles
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The Welsh Hills Inn is a charming yet luxurious bed and breakfast, which is probably why it's often the place where couples decide to begin their new lives together. Surrounded by 15 acres of trees, ponds, and valleys, you'll feel as if you've been whisked away to a far-off land. The good news is that this "far-off land" is filled with amenities you might expect, such as gourmet meals, evening wine and cheese social, spa services, and more.
185 W. Winter St., Delaware, OH 43015
Distance from Downtown Columbus: 26 miles
Closing in on its 150th anniversary, the Winter Saint Inn has an old-world elegance that's hard to match. Step inside, and you'll discover Italian marble fireplaces, a baby grand piano, and antiques galore. The rooms are classically gorgeous, and the food is wonderfully delicious, but many people are especially keen on the owners, Rodger and Debbie. Since they took over the inn more than 15 years ago, they've worked hard to make sure that every single guest feels welcome and accommodated.
Are you looking for a modern bed and breakfast or something a little more old school? Either way, it's on this list!

Summer can be sweltering in Central Ohio! Luckily, there are ample opportunities to hit the lake and cool off in the Columbus area. If you're looking for a place to swim and soak up some sun this summer, visit these beaches near Columbus, OH.
3400 Lewis Center Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035
Located less than 30 minutes north of Downtown Columbus, Alum Creek Lake is one of the most popular lakes for outdoor recreation. The lake spans 3,387 acres and is known as one of the best fishing lakes in Ohio. Anglers often catch bass and panfish in the area around Alum Creek State Park, which is also the lake's primary swimming destination. The park features a 3,000-foot sandy beach—the longest beach in any Ohio state park—and includes amenities like restrooms and changing areas, outdoor showers, beach vendors, and sand volleyball courts.
2905 Leibs Island Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046
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Spanning 3,173 acres in Fairfield and Licking counties, Buckeye Lake is a beautiful swimming and boating destination just half an hour east of Columbus. The shoreline of this large reservoir is home to Buckeye Lake State Park, Ohio's oldest state park, which remains a popular day-use area for summer picnics, hikes, and beach trips. The park includes two beaches: Fairfield Beach on the south side of the lake and Crystal Beach on the north side. Both beaches are open to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
4860 E. Park Dr., London, OH 43140
Madison Lake is located in a region west of Columbus known as the Darby Plains, which offers some of the few remaining wild prairies in the state of Ohio. A small 106-acre reservoir that was built in the 1940s, Madison Lake is a highlight of the region. The lake is surrounded by Madison Lake State Park, which includes a 300-foot swimming beach, picnic areas, and boat launch facilities on the east side of the lake. A separate dog swim area, where pets are allowed to swim off-leash, is located on the opposite side of the lake. Boats are restricted to electric motors and non-powered craft only, making this an excellent lake for paddling as well.
75 Downing Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
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Delaware Lake is a long, meandering reservoir just north of Columbus in Central Ohio. The lake spans 1,300 acres and offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, and muskellunge. It's also a great swim spot, and Delaware State Park provides an 800-foot sandy beach where visitors can take a dip and soak up some sun. A picnic pavilion, playground, and modern restrooms are available at the beach, and there are also two designated boat swim areas on the lake. Delaware State Park also has a beautifully wooded campground with over 200 sites for tents and RVs.
20635 State Park Road 20, Mt Sterling, OH 43143
Just under 40 minutes south of Columbus, Deer Creek Lake is a picturesque 1,277-acre reservoir with a 15-mile shoreline surrounded by farmlands and forests. It's a great place to spend a long summer weekend, with rental cabins and over 200 electric campsites in Deer Creek Lake State Park. The park includes a beautiful 1,700-foot swimming beach, a popular spot to cool off on hot days. There's also a designated boat swim area located in the cove adjacent to the Deer Creek Lodge. Boats are allowed with unlimited horsepower, and Deer Creek Lake is also known for excellent fishing.
2755 Amity Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
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Looking for a place where your four-legged friends can cool off? Located just minutes from Downtown Columbus, Prairie Oaks Metro Park is one of the city's best places to take dogs for a dip. The park has a designated dog beach on the shoreline of Lake 1, part of a cluster of small lakes within the park. Pets are also allowed on the park's hiking trails, but they must be leashed outside the immediate area around the dog beach. And while there's no designated "human swimming area" in the park, there's also no rule that says you can't go in with your canine pals!
Old River Road, Granville, OH 43023
Lake Hudson is a unique swimming destination in the Columbus area. This privately owned recreation lake offers crystal clear spring-fed waters that stay pleasantly cool even during the dog days of summer. There's a beautiful beach and picnic area on the lakeshore, along with fishing access and a place to launch small boats like canoes and kayaks. Membership grants you access to Lake Hudson any time, but there are also opportunities for some non-members to enjoy the facilities. Former members and residents of Licking, Fairfield, Perry, Muskingum, and Knox counties may visit the lake as guests.
13156 OH-235, Lakeview, OH 43331
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Originally built as a shallow feeder lake for the Miami & Erie Canal in the 1800s, Indian Lake is now one of Western Ohio's most popular recreation lakes. Located just under an hour northwest of Columbus, Indian Lake offers 5,100 acres of water, making it one of the largest lakes in the state. Its wide-open spaces make it popular for boating, fishing, and jet-skiing, and the area around the lake offers great camping and hiking opportunities. If you're looking for a place to swim, head to Indian Lake State Park, where Old Field and Fox Island beaches offer 1,400 feet of beach access.
Where's your favorite swimming hole in the Buckeye State?