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Ohio Local Gems ✨🪩
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items Here are my favorite things to do around Columbus — from restaurants and bars to kid-friendly spots and local gems I’ve loved for years. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night, family outing, or just looking for something fun to do, you’ll find it he...
Sections
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Lights 🎄
Bars 🍷
Crafts 🎨
Shows 🎭
Fun unique activities 🪩
Places for the kiddos 🌈
Lights 🎄
Light displays that are truly worth your time. This is where the magic starts ✨
A classic Columbus holiday outing. Beautiful lights and great for kids. Go on a weekday if you want to skip the crowds.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium | Wildlights Zoo Lights
A true hidden gem. I’ve gone for years and it still feels magical every time — the train display, Santa’s workshop, the cozy Christmas gift shop, and hot cocoa for that hallmark Christmas experience.
Historic Clifton Mill
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Such a beautiful winter experience. The conservatory is stunning during the holidays and feels so magical every time.
Holiday Blooms - Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
I look forward to the Fantasy of Lights every year. Such a great light display and you don’t have to leave your car to enjoy them.
Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights
More drive through Christmas lights!
WonderLight's Christmas in Ohio | Drive-through Christmas Light Show
Wanderlights at Columbus Commons! 40-foot lit tree, over 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds and an illuminated tunnel made up of glowing archways, complete with a snow globe photo-op.
Columbus Commons - Columbus Commons
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Such a hidden gem! This is a completely FREE drive-thru light show in Powell with tons of synchronized lights and holiday displays. I’ve gone multiple times this year because it’s that good. Perfect for kids, families, or just a cozy little drive.
Home
Bars 🍷
Festive fun holiday theme bars
Spice up your holiday season with a festive cocktail class!
Law Bird
The Ultimate Holiday Beer Crawl
‘Tis the season to sip and celebrate!
HOLIDAY HOP 2025
– us-brewdog
They understood the assignment when it came to decorating this season! So festive!
Columbus — Good Night John Boy
The pop-up will run through Dec. 28 and features over 15 holiday-themed drinks including the Christmapolitan and the Snowball Old-Fashioned.
Visit — The Citizens Trust
So much fun and affordable when you get a group together. I did this a few years ago and would 1000% do it again!
VASO Rooftop Lounge
I’ve been wanting to try this place out. I’ve heard great reviews!
PBR Cowboy Bar + Smokehouse | Easton Town Center | Columbus, OH
This is one of my go-to spots. Duckpin bowling, games, and honestly some of the coolest drink options. I love that there are multiple locations — Dublin, Downtown, and Easton.
Dublin, OH | Pins Mechanical Co.
Crafts 🎨
Craft night with the girlies or a perfect date night craft ideas spots
Such a cute idea for girls’ night or date night. Sip, paint, laugh… it’s a whole vibe. They’re doing SO many holiday events too, so definitely check their website for what’s coming up.
Paint and Sip in Short North - Short North Pinot's Palette
The Clay Cafe experience offers friends an opportunity to gather, create, and celebrate. You can make a reservation as a couple, a small group, a family, or even a work outing. Think of the Clay Cafe for birthdays, anniversaries, a night out, team bu...
Clay Cafe | Adults
If you love a hands-on, creative experience, this place is a must. You can mix and pour your own candles, diffusers, perfumes, sugar scrubs, soaps, and more. They also have a super cute boutique section with ready-made goodies if you’re in a hurry.
Gallery - Blend Candle Co.
Shows 🎭
Get out the house to enjoy my favorite live shows
A must-see holiday experience in Columbus! BalletMet’s Nutcracker is beautiful, festive, and perfect for the season. Check their site for dates + tickets.
The Nutcracker | Ballet in Columbus, OH | BalletMet Official Site
I LOVE this show. It’s so festive and nostalgic—such a good way to get in the holiday mood. Highly recommend grabbing tickets if you’ve never been!
A Christmas Carol Tickets - A Christmas Carol Schedule and Seating Charts | GoTickets
Holiday Hoopla ❤️ Such a fun and completely non-traditional holiday show. Think comedy, live rock music, and all the chaotic joy of the season. I’ve gone for years, and honestly… it’s gotten SO good. Highly recommend grabbing tickets!
Shadowbox Live -
Such a fun night out! Funny Bone at Easton always has great comedians and a really good atmosphere. Perfect winter activity if you want something indoors and entertaining.
Columbus Funny Bone
If you want something different and super fun, Ivan Kane’s Forty Deuce is such a vibe. Speakeasy atmosphere, great music, amazing performers, and good food/drinks. Great winter night-out spot with friends.
Ivan Kane's Forty Deuce | Columbus, Ohio | Speakeasy & Burgers
Fun unique activities 🪩
Unique winter activities
A great indoor winter activity — immersive escape rooms right at Easton and perfect for a fun night out.
The Escape Game | Easton Town Center | Columbus, Ohio
I grew up going here and I seriously look forward to each year. Snowboarding has made me less bitter about the cold winter months.
Mad River Mountain | Mad River Mountain Resort
A winter must-do in Ohio ❄️ Snowtrails is so much fun for all ages — tubing, skiing, and snowboarding. I’ve been going here for years and it never gets old. And if you don’t want to brave the cold all day, the lodge is such a vibe — cozy fire pits, r...
Ohio Skiing, Snowboarding, and Snow Tubing
I never have not had a good time at top golf! Can be a bit on the pricer side but every Tuesday everything is half off, including golf.
Golf, Party Venue, Sports Bar & Restaurant | Topgolf Columbus
Haven’t been yet, but this place looks SO cool and is high on my list to check out!
PARTY - Westerville
Such a fun and different activity to add to your next night out. Located New Albany, Grove city, and downtown Columbus.
Book Now | Axe Throwing Reservations | Dueling Axes
Ice skating rink located in Dublin Ohio! A fun seasonal activity to add to your winter bucket list. Open until March 15, 2026 ❄️
Sledding & Ice Skating
Star Lanes Polaris is a fun, modern bowling spot with arcade games and food, making it easy for families or groups to enjoy. Great for birthday parties or a low-stress outing where everyone can find something to do.
Bowling Columbus OH - Star Lanes Polaris
Places for the kiddos 🌈
Kid-approved spots that are actually fun (and manageable) for parents too. Perfect for burning energy and making memories.
I took my daughter here recently, as seen in the pictures above, and it’s safe to say not only did she fall in love — so did this mama. I can’t get over how cute this place is and how many fun activities there were for her to do. No reservation is ne...
Home | Little Town
I have not actually been here yet but it’s high on my list. I have heard great reviews from personal friends about this place. I am excited to check it out this winter with my daughter.
Little Diggers - Your Neighborhood's Largest Indoor Sandbox
I grew up going to Cosi. Such a fun place for all ages. I took my daughter earlier this year, and we had a blast. The little kid section was SO good and kept her busy and entertained. This is a great way to get you and & your kiddos active and ou...
COSI - Center of Science and Industry
Another great place to take your kiddos to this winter. My daughter and I had such a fun time and I look forward to taking her back.
Momi Land
Indoor slide park? Yes please!
Amusement Center & Action Park | Slick City North Columbus, OH
Indoor adventure park for all ages. Love they didn’t forgot a spot for our little toddlers to enjoy!
Columbus - Home
My favorite restaurants 👩🍳
My favorite spots for great food, good drinks, and the kind of places you keep coming back to.
I’ve been coming here for years and it’s one of my all-time favorite German restaurants. Located in German Village, the food is always so good and consistent. The atmosphere is cozy and charming, and the staff even dress in traditional German attire ...
Schmidt’s Restaurant and Banquet Haus in Columbus, Ohio
I used to work here and still go regularly. Iacono’s is hands down my favorite thin-crust pizza in Columbus. Family-owned, the friendliest staff, and always so consistent. The salad bar is a must btw. 10/10
Home
My all-time favorite restaurant. The Pearl is a true culinary gem with seasonal seafood, unique shareables, and handcrafted cocktails. The space is stylish yet nostalgic, and every detail feels intentional. Their happy hour is unbeatable: Monday–Frid...
Home | The Pearl | Gastropub | Columbus, Tampa
Such a fun and great restaurant to check out in Powell Ohio. The outdoor patio is a 10/10 with live music, great food, and hands down the best buffalo chicken dip. The whole vibe makes you feel like you’re on vacation or at the beach. Love love lovee...
Off-Site Catering - Powell
Vittoria is one of my favorite spots for authentic Italian food. The Tuscan-style atmosphere is beautiful, the food is always incredible, and it feels like a true special-occasion restaurant while still being welcoming.
Vittoria - POWELL, OH
My favorite sushi spot in Columbus!
Oshio - Grandview, Columbus, OH
This restaurant is GORGEOUS & the food I heard is amazing! It’s expensive but makes for a great special occasion!
Butcher & Rose | Welcome | Columbus, Ohio