Everyone knows that once the cold weather rolls around the best thing to do is stay inside with a cup of hot chocolate and a good movie; but did you know that there are an abundance of great holiday attractions around Columbus? If you want to get bundled up and brave the cold, or even if staying warm and indoors is more your style, there are many things to get out of the house to see and do. Stroll through a winter wonderland of lights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, or stay cozy and comfortable inside your car as you drive through Alum Creek’s annual Fantasy of Lights. Both create a great opportunity to get off the couch and enjoy a scintillating display of the finest Christmas lights in town. Also, be sure to check out the talented dancers performing in BalletMet’s The Nutcracker, which the Columbus Dispatch calls “a special, heartwarming experience.” This event is held at the Ohio Theatre where, year after year, it is preformed with the utmost precision and talent. Venture to entertain your brainy side at COSI where you can experience a tour of their amazing holiday lights show. Complete with fiery explosions, liquid nitrogen, and over ten thousand twinkling light bulbs all powered by “reindeer generators,” this event is sure to leave you breathless and a bit more science savvy. Last, but not least, don’t forget that the gallery hop is still going on in the Short North. Brave the cold and get out on the first Saturday of every month to enjoy great food, music, and art under the golden arches.
• Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium:
Where? Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr.
When? Wednesday November 22, 2006 through Monday January 1, 2007
Sunday – Thursday 5-9 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5-11 pm
Closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost:Adults $10, Seniors $8, Children 2-11 $6, and Children under 2 free
For more information you can visit www.columbuszoo.org or call (614) 645-3581
• BalletMet: The Nutcracker
Where? Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State Street
When? Saturday December 9th – Saturday December 23rd
Thursday and Friday 7:30 p.m.
Saturday 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 and 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Prices range from $17.50 to $57.50
For more information, call (614) 229-4848
• Science of the Season
Where? COSI Columbus, 333 W. Broad St.
When? Fri., Nov. 24th - Sun., Dec. 31st
Wed. - Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Cost: Adults, $12.50; Seniors, $10.50; Children 2-12 $7.50
For more information visit www.cosi.org or call (888) 819-COSI
• Fantasy of Lights
Where? Alum Creek Marina
When? Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 9:30
Friday – Saturday 5:30 – 10:30
Cost: $10.00 a car Monday – Thursday
$15.00 a car Friday – Sunday
• Living Christmas Trees
Where? Grace Brethren Church, 8225 Worthington Galena Rd
When? December 12th – 16th
with performances at 7:30 and a 2:30 matinee on Saturday and Sunday
Cost: with a 10 ticket limit per family, there is a $2.50 per seat charge
with a $3.00 per order transaction fee.
For more information visit www.gracebrethren.org
