Columbus in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Columbus
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Festive atmosphere peaks with German Village's 32-block Christmas market (Saturdays in December), featuring authentic lebkuchen and glühwein from local German vendors
- Indoor attractions like COSI Science Museum (333 W Broad St) and Franklin Park Conservatory maintain perfect 22°C (72°F) temperature with extended holiday hours until 8pm
- Hotel rates drop 40-60% after New Year's week - luxury downtown properties average $89-129/night vs $189+ in summer
- Columbus Blue Jackets hockey season in full swing at Nationwide Arena with 15+ home games, creating electric downtown energy on game nights
Considerations
- Daylight lasts only 9 hours (sunrise 7:50am, sunset 5:15pm), severely limiting outdoor sightseeing time
- Outdoor attractions like Columbus Zoo close sections early (4pm vs 6pm summer closure) and many exhibits move indoors
- Frequent freezing rain creates treacherous walking conditions downtown - sidewalks become skating rinks without proper footwear
Best Activities in December
Franklin Park Conservatory Holiday Exhibitions
The conservatory's glass biomes maintain tropical 27°C (80°F) temperatures year-round, offering perfect escape from December's brutal cold. December features elaborate holiday light displays and exotic orchid collections. The contrast between stepping in from -1°C (30°F) weather to tropical great destination is dramatic.
German Village Holiday Walking Tours
December transforms this historic district into a winter wonderland with authentic German Christmas traditions. The brick-lined streets look impressive under snow, and indoor warming stations (local restaurants) every 2 blocks make cold weather manageable. Saturday markets feature traditional holiday foods perfect for December weather.
Scioto Mile Ice Skating and Winter Activities
The downtown riverfront transforms into Columbus's winter activity hub. When temperatures drop below -1°C (30°F), natural ice formations create impressive photo opportunities along the river. The heated warming huts provide relief every 0.4 km (0.25 miles) along the path.
Short North Arts District Gallery Crawls
December's harsh weather makes indoor cultural activities essential. The Arts District's 60+ galleries stay open late (until 9pm) on first Saturday monthly. Gallery Hop events provide heated indoor spaces every 30-50 meters along High Street, perfect for escaping the cold between venues.
Ohio State University Campus Tours
Winter break (December 16-January 15) means campus is quieter but most buildings remain open for touring. The underground tunnel system connecting major buildings lets you explore without exposing yourself to harsh weather. The Wexner Center maintains full programming through December.
December Events & Festivals
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Over 3 million LED lights transform the zoo into winter wonderland. Most displays are viewable from heated indoor walkways and covered pavilions. Features live reindeer, ice sculptures, and warming stations with hot cocoa every 150 m (500 ft).
First Night Columbus New Year's Eve
Downtown celebration features multiple indoor venues connected by heated shuttle service. Fireworks at midnight over Scioto River, with indoor viewing areas at Nationwide Arena and Greater Columbus Convention Center for weather protection.