# Columbus Commons Holiday Lights & Free Carousel Rides

> Event for families in the Columbus area (OH). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Nov 20 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Where: Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Price: Free admission and free carousel rides; concessions available for purchase
- Organizer: Columbus Downtown Development Corporation
- Official page: https://columbuscommons.org/events/holiday-lights/
- Last checked: Sat, Nov 7

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/columbus/activities/columbus-commons-holiday-lights-and-free-carousel-rides--listing-290cdc3a266002623f6c3ea1

## About

Columbus Commons in the center of downtown transforms into a dazzling winter park filled with over 400,000 sparkling LED holiday lights strung across towering trees, pergolas, and manicured lawns. A signature family tradition, the park operates its magnificent, handcrafted carousel offering free rides to children and families throughout the festive evening hours. Festive food trucks serve hot chocolate, kettle corn, and warm churros, while roving carolers and holiday musicians bring cheerful melodies to the open green. Visitors can stroll along the illuminated promenade, take memorable family holiday photos in front of the giant lighted ornament installations, and easily cross High Street to view the festive holiday window displays in neighboring storefronts.

Family Experience & Accessibility:
• Stroller Accessibility: Broad concrete pathways, zero-step entry plazas, and level lawn edges accommodate strollers and wheelchairs effortlessly.
• Nursing & Rest Spots: Restroom pavilion at the southern park entrance features clean changing stations and heated family facilities.
• Age Suitability: Wonderful for infants, toddlers, energetic kids, and adults of all ages.
• Sensory Tips: Open-air urban park setting allows easy movement away from sound speakers; visual lights are steady and warm without disorienting strobes.

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