Posts in category 'Columbus And Central Ohio'

This post was updated on October 22, 2019 to reflect the most current information.

Thanksgiving is one of our favorite days of the year, not only because it gives us an excuse to eat everything in sight, but also because it provides an incredible opportunity to relax and spend time with loved ones. Of course, sometimes the chore of preparing a full-blown feast can cut into your relaxation time. If you prefer to leave the cooking to someone else this year, consider making a reservation at a local restaurant instead. These Columbus hot spots are hosting Turkey Day celebrations with seasonal fare and plenty of good cheer, so you can spend that extra time considering what you are thankful for—primarily, no dishes.

All of these restaurants will be serving a meal on Thanksgiving day, November 28th, 2019, unless otherwise note...

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2017 has nearly come to a close, and what a year it has been. Columbus' culinary scene is constantly changing, but in the past twelve months we witnessed the addition of so many new and incredible restaurants. From surprising brunch digs to authentic Filipino cuisine, there's more on our city's menu than ever before! We rounded up our top ten favorite restaurants that opened their doors in 2017, each offering their own unique feel and flavor. Happy eating, and happy New Year!  

Watershed Kitchen & Bar

1145 Chesapeake Avenue, Columbus Opened: January

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Looking for events during the 2018 holiday season? Check out our most up-to-date guide 21 Essential Columbus Holiday Events You Should Mark on Your Calendar.  The seasonal jingles, festive displays and overall jolly atmosphere in Columbus can only mean one thing — the holidays are upon us! This time of year the city is buzzing with countless events, all engineered to make your days merry and bright. From lantern festivals to craft fairs, and musicals to workshops, we rounded up the holiday events we are most looking forward to this year. So grab your ugly sweater, and get ready to make this season one to remember.

Holiday Hoopla

When: November 16-December 30, Showtimes Vary Where: Shadowbox Live Nicknamed the "granddaddy of all holiday shows," Holiday Hoopla mixes sketch comedy, seasonal music and dancing to make a hilarious, entertaining and energetic show. The show has become a Columbus tradition after nearly a quarter century on the Shadowbox Live stage. This season, also look for Cratchit (an original holiday musical), and Holiday Lunchbox.

Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival

When: November 17-January 7, 5:30-10 pm Where: The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair See holiday displays in a whole new light at the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival. Wander through the State Fairground to witness larger-than-life light sculptures crafted by Chinese artisans, enjoy exciting performances and more!

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

When: November 17-Jan 1, 3-7 pm Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium The Columbus Zoo will light up this season with a wide assortment of holiday decorations. Witness them all after hours, seek out animals in their natural outdoor habitats, and interact with a number of familiar characters — we hear Rudolph will make an appearance!

Gardens Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

When: November 18-January 3, 10am-5pm daily; 10am-9pm in December. Exceptions are Dec. 24 (open 10am-5pm) and Dec. 25 (closed). Where: Franklin Park Conservatory

Photo courtesy of Kenny Jones via Franklin Park Conservatory

It's the most wonderful time of the year at Franklin Park Conservatory! View elegant displays of poinsettias, seasonal foliage and twinkling lights, compete in the annual gingerbread competition, and enjoy a wide array of family activities, special entertainment and workshops.

Holiday Lights, Presented by American Electric Power

When: November 21-January 2, After Sunset Where: Columbus Commons Make your way to the Columbus Commons this season to witness a brilliant display of more than 320,000 lights! It's the perfect destination for a stroll after sunset.

The Columbus Symphony Holiday Pops Concert

When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: The Ohio Theatre

Photo courtesy of Randall Schieber via The Columbus Symphony

Ronald J. Jenkins will lead the Columbus Symphony in the wildly popular Holiday Pops concert, featuring the season's most loved songs and carols. Santa himself is rumored to attend!

Columbus Winterfair

When: December 1-3, Times Vary Where: Bricker Building At Columbus Winterfair, artists from across the nation come together to showcase contemporary crafts from woodwork to jewelry. It's the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift for that special someone, or simply find unique decorations for your home!

WinterFest

When: December 2, noon-4 pm  Where: Bicentennial Park  Kick off the holiday season in style with this festive event! As the Scioto Mile is lit up from end to end with thousands of spectacular lights, you and the whole family can enjoy a celebration of giving featuring local and national musical acts, seasonal ales from hometown breweries and favorite dishes from Columbus food trucks. A portion of food truck and beer sales will be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

Holiday Lights Tour with Columbus City Adventures

When: December 2-18, Select Thursdays and Saturdays, 6:30 pm Where: Columbus City Adventures Jaunt through Central Ohio's twinkling winter landscape with Columbus City Adventures. You'll board a bus and journey through downtown, along the Scioto Mile and Christmas Corner. Along the way, listen to historical holiday stories!

The Jingle Bell Run

When: December 3, 10 am Where: Genoa Park Running a 5K has never been so merry! Don your most festive holiday costume, tie jingle bells to your shoelaces, and bring loads of good cheer to this charitable race. 100 percent of your registration fee and fundraising efforts will benefit the Arthritis Foundation — so signing up is guaranteed to get you on Santa's "nice" list.

Short North Holiday Hop

When: December 2, noon-10 pm Where: The Short North Arts District

Photo courtesy of Experience Columbus

On the first Saturday of every month, Short North welcomes residents and visitors alike for a gallery hop, during which the art galleries open their doors wide and showcase new exhibitions, street performers, special events, food and drinks. The first Saturday in December is no exception, but you can expect the festivities to be even merrier than usual with special events and displays!

Village Lights Presented by Schmidt's

When: December 3, 5-9 pm Where: German Village Kick off the holiday season at German Village as the streets light up with fun displays. Shops, businesses and restaurants will be open late with holiday treats and special offers, and carolers will serenade you from every corner!

Workshop: Silhouette Ornaments

When: December 3, 1-4 pm Where: The Smithery: Artist Made Goods Hand-made ornaments are the best ornaments — especially when they look this good! Stop by the Smithery for this three-hour artist's workshop, where you will learn to make your own copper disc ornament with a cutout. All materials and tools will be provided.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

When: December 5, 7:30 pm Where: The Palace Theatre

Photo courtesy of the United Palace of Cultural Arts via the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts

A large cast of all-star dancers, an on-stage DJ and an electric violinist will come together for this contemporary reimagining of Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic, which stands apart as one of the most anticipated performances of the season.

Christmas in Columbus: Return of the Elf

When: December 7-17, Times Vary Where: The Short North Stage at the Garden Theater The Short North Stage will come alive this season with the traditional holiday spectacle. This year's show will feature Gideon the Elf as he returns to the city to save it from the clutches of his evil cousin, Simeon. Expect to hear some of your favorite seasonal songs performed by a large cast of singers and dancers!

Festivus 2017

When: December 8-10, Times Vary Where: 400 West Rich Join 400 West Rich and the 400 Market for their annual holiday celebration of art and handmade goods. There will be plenty of local vendors to shop from, live music, and open studios for exploring!

The Nutcracker at Balletmet Columbus

When: December 8-24, Times Vary Where: BalletMet Columbus

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Zmuda via BalletMet Columbus

Whether this is your first time witnessing the Nutcracker or if you have made it an annual tradition, the BalletMet rendition is not to be missed. The world-class dance theatre welcomes its best and brightest stars to the stage to present a holiday classic — a performance sure to enchant fans old and young.

Learn to Make A Festive Holiday Wreath at the Franklin Park Conservatory

When: December 9, 1-3 pm Where: The Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens Your holiday decor isn't complete without a festive wreath on the door! Come learn to make your own at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens using a selection of fresh greenery, cones, berries and other plants. All materials are included in the cost of the class, and you'll be able to take your creation home with you. This is one of many holiday-themed workshops and events at the Franklin Park Conservatory. See the full calendar here.

Dine with Santa

When: December 10, 8-10 am Where: The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Santa Claus is coming to town, and he's going to be hungry after the long journey! Join him and a series of holiday characters for a merry brunch at the zoo. Your children can get a photo with Saint Nick, enjoy up-close animal encounters and more.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

When: December 30, 3 pm AND 8 pm Where: The Nationwide Arena You may have attended a holiday concert or two, but you've never heard the classics like this. Trans-Siberian Orchestra is known for their dazzling performances, pyrotechnics, and rock and roll you can feel in your chest. They will stop in Columbus on their Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Grab 'em while you can!

Letters to Santa and a Christmas-Themed Train Ride

When: December 9, 10, 16 and 17, noon-4 pm  Where: The Ohio Railway Museum Train-loving children will love this fun holiday event! Come write your own letter to Santa, make Christmas crafts, ride on a train and enjoy a visit with Mrs. Claus herself.

Happy Holidays!

It's the most frightful and fabulous time of the year! Halloween is almost upon us, but luckily, you won't have to wait until October 31 to celebrate. Columbus is hosting a wide variety of spooky yet sweet Halloween events throughout the month, including costume contests, pumpkin carving, a spooky campout, adult trick-or-treating and more. From family-friendly gatherings to 21-and-up events, we've rounded up the events we are most looking forward to this month. So, get dressed in your Halloween best, prepare your sweet tooth, and get ready to make this a season you will not soon forget.

Hitchcocktober

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Whether returning from a night on the town, a late movie, or a long evening of work or studying, sometimes Columbus residents find themselves out and about — and hungry — in the early hours of the morning. While the majority of local restaurants close their kitchens by 10 pm, there are a handful of gems that serve the late-night (or early-morning) crowd. From 60s-style diners to modern industrial hotspots, we rounded up our favorite restaurants with kitchens open past midnight. Next time hunger strikes well past dinnertime, skip the subpar drive-thru and try one of these instead! The Best Late-Night Restaurants in Columbus Include: 

Dirty Franks | Blue Danube | Mikey's Late Night Slice | Dan's Deli | The Walrus Kitchen & Public House | Little Palace |

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