To Do in Columbus This Weekend (Dec. 1-3)

I didn’t post any local activities last Friday, but today I’m back with a few of the things going on in Columbus this weekend. The weather looks to be unseasonably warm, so if you still have decorating to do outside (like I do), this will be a good couple of days to do it. Whatever you choose to do, I hope yours is a relaxing and refreshing weekend!

Blue Jackets vs Anaheim Ducks

Friday 7pm

The Blue Jackets sit atop the Metro Division, just one point ahead of the NY Islanders. A win against Anaheim will ensure they stay at the top of the division.

Columbus Jazz Orchestra: Home for the Holidays

Friday & Saturday 8pm; Sunday 3pm

Expect swinging seasonal favorites, exhilarating arrangements and soaring high notes in the resplendently gilded setting of the Southern Theatre!

614 Magazine’s Holiday Cheer Project

Now through Dec. 20

614 Magazine needs your help spreading cheer to those unable to spend the holidays at home. They’re challenging kiddos (of any age) to make holiday cards for Columbus’s kids and adults in hospitals and nursing homes. 

How the cards look is up to the imagination of Columbus’ tots and tweens (and all the kids in between). Markers, paint, stickers, crayons – they’re all fair game.  They just want to flood Columbus with the cutest cards for those who need them.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo

Now through January 1

Central Ohio’s favorite family holiday tradition went from a few strands of lights and a few trays of cookies to millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer and other holiday festivities that can only be found at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival

Now through January 7

A glowing tradition, lantern festivals light up the skies of China every Lunar New Year, marking the return of the spring season and symbolizing the reuniting of family. Its colorful displays of floating, fiery lanterns has brought tourists from around the world, and now Columbus takes this beloved festival to the Ohio Expo Center and State Fairground for a memorable cultural experience.

WinterFest 2017

Saturday 11am

The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD) invites the community to the first annual WinterFest, a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. WinterFest makes its debut Saturday, Dec. 2, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Bicentennial Park. A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Food Bank.

Short North Arts District Holiday Hop 2017

Saturday 4pm

The Short North Arts District Holiday Hop is a celebrated Columbus tradition and the biggest Gallery Hop of the year, featuring street performers, decorated retail windows, lights, and of course, holiday cheer. See new art exhibitions in the Short North Arts District galleries and vote for your favorite Short North Arts District holiday window display.

While you’re out and about at Holiday Hop, stop by the Holiday Hop Pop Up Shop for homemade and handmade goods and get your photo taken with Santa at the Holiday Headquarters, located at 873 N. High St.

HolidayVille 2017

Sunday noon

The eighth-annual HolidayVille returns to Clintonville 12-4 p.m. Sunday, December 3! The neighborhood-wide holiday shopping event features carolers, cookies and sales at more than 25 neighborhood shops and restaurants. Free Jolly Trolley rides through the neighborhood make it easy to experience all the festivities.

Village Lights Presented by Schmidt’s

Sunday 5pm

Twinkling luminaries greet visitors from across Central Ohio who are ready to kick off the holiday on the historic streets of German Village! Enjoy the magic of the holidays and visit shops, businesses and restaurants open late with holiday treats, discounts and special offers. Festive surprises are at every corner including carolers, live holiday music and Munich-inspired Striezelmarkt complete with vendors and gluwein.