Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
Thu, Dec 35:30 PM – 7:30 PM · Thursday, December 3, 2026: 5:30–5:45 pm tree lighting in the Atrium; 5:45–7:30 pm Holiday Festival
Ohio Statehouse1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH 43215Directions
Families
No admission fee listed; complimentary cookies
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About this adventure
The Ohio Statehouse opens the holiday season with its annual Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting. At 5:30 p.m. Santa Claus and state dignitaries light the Christmas tree in the Statehouse Atrium; afterwards, until 7:30, the building fills with dancers, choirs, mascots and K9 dog demonstrations, plus activity tables run by several organizations and complimentary cookies. Families can get a photo with Santa in front of the Statehouse holiday tree, and the Capitol Cafe and Statehouse Museum Shop are open during the evening. Because it is indoors on a weekday evening downtown, it works well for younger children and strollers; arrive before the lighting to get a view in the Atrium. The program is sponsored by the Capitol Square Foundation and the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board.
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