Whether you are staying on-campus for the holidays or going home for winter break, there is still time to experience the holiday season in Columbus! In the last two weeks of the semester, there are tons of festive events to take part in on-campus and off-campus. Read below to learn about some upcoming events for students, friends and family on campus and for the public off of campus!
HOLIDAY EVENTS ON-CAMPUS
1. Light up the lake
On Nov. 30, 2023, head over to Mirror Lake and enjoy this year’s holiday lights exhibit! This event will start at 6 p.m. with refreshments, and a ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m.!
2. beta upsilon chi’s JInglebyx
Beta Upsilon Chi is hosting its fourth annual Jinglebyx on Dec. 3, 2023, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.! At the Jinglebyx, there will be free ice skating at the Ohio State Ice Rink, hot chocolate and holiday cookies.
3. holiGay celebration
At Curl Viewpoint North, you can enjoy a festive night with family and friends over a holiday dinner hosted by the Center for Belonging and Social Change! This event will be held on Dec. 3, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.!
4. reading day activities
Head over to the Ohio Union and enjoy these three free events on your reading day! The Ohio Union has also recently decorated for the holidays so it is giving all of the cozy and cheery vibes for this holiday season.
- OUABreakfast: Enjoy a free breakfast from the Ohio Union Activities Board! This event will be held on Dec. 7, 2023, from 9 p.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Performance Hall located inside the Ohio Union.
- Coffee and Coloring Books: You can relax with some friends while enjoying some free coffee and coloring books. This event will be held on Dec. 7, 2023, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Keith B. Key Center Lounge located inside the Ohio Union.
- Flicks for Free: Join the Ohio Union Activities Board in their last Flicks for Free showing of the semester: “Elemental”! This movie will be held on Dec. 7, 2023, at 7 p.m. in the U.S. Bank Conference Theater located inside the Ohio Union.
Holiday events off-campus
While these events are off-campus and not as easily accessible as on-campus events, gather some friends and take advantage of free COTA bus rides offered to Ohio State students that can take you close to or right to the following locations (except for the Wildlights).
1. Wildlights
Enjoy a huge holiday lights display with friends and family for only $10 with your student discount at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Wildlights! You can purchase general admission Columbus Zoo and Aquarium tickets from the Ohio Union Information Center on the first floor of the Ohio Union. You can get two tickets per BuckID, so feel free to bring friends and family to celebrate with you this holiday season! The Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will be on display daily until Jan. 7, 2024.
2. COnservatory aglow
The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be hosting its Conservatory Aglow every day starting at 5 p.m. until Jan. 7, 2024! This event is separate from the park’s general admission with tickets being $26 each for adults. Conservatory Aglow features large holiday-themed light displays all throughout the park with indoor and outdoor exhibits!
3. COSI
Until Jan. 7, 2024, COSI will be hosting a new seasonal exhibit, Seasons of Celebrations! Seasons of Celebrations will be included in the general admission price. You can get discounted general admission tickets to COSI from the Ohio Union Information Center on the first floor of the Ohio Union for $12 with your BuckID! There will be Seasons of Celebrations displays all throughout COSI.
4. Festive Fridays
For the first four Fridays this December, you can enjoy Festive Fridays at the Columbus Commons from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Festive Fridays feature free hot chocolate, free carousel rides, food trucks, beverages, a photo booth and live music! You can also have a simple night with a walk around the Columbus Commons as you enjoy the light displays.