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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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
This post was updated September 19, 2019 to include current information and recommendations.
It's hard to believe that fall is already upon us. Though we had a tough time bidding summer farewell, we are thrilled at the prospect of a new season filled with vibrant colors, warm apple cider and plenty of pumpkins. Visiting the pumpkin patch is a beloved tradition here in Ohio, as it allows families to spend time together soaking up the autumn sunshine. Whether you plan to carve your selection into a jack-o'-lantern, paint it with fun colors, or bake it into a pie, choosing your own pumpkin at a local farm is so much more fun than picking one up from the store. Most even offer hayrides, corn mazes and games for the little ones, so you can make a full day out of it! We rounded up our favorites below, all within easy reach of Columbus. Enjoy! The Best Pumpkin Patches Near Columbus Include:Pigeon Roost Farm | Lehner's Pumpkin Farm | Leeds Farm | Hidden Creek Farms | Lynd Fruit Farm | Lohstroh Family Farms | Jacquemin Farms | Schacht Farm Market | Branstool Orchards
Photo courtesy of Pigeon Roost Farm
2018 will mark 38 years of family fun at Pigeon Roost Farm, and it's no surprise this local pumpkin haven has been successful since the very beginning. The farm is open Tuesday through Sunday from September 15 through Halloween and boasts tractor-pulled wagon rides out to the pumpkin patch, flavorful refreshments, face painting, multiple mazes, farm animals, a fort, giant slides, impressive pumpkin displays and much more.
Photo courtesy of Lehner's Pumpkin Farm
Lehner's Pumpkin Farm is one of the most popular destinations for pumpkin picking in the state, boasting more than 50 acres of pumpkin patch and a full gauntlet of activities to keep the little ones entertained. Get lost in the eight-acre maze, cuddle a baby bunny, and challenge yourself to hit a new record with the giant slingshot (which flings little pumpkins across the field).
Photo courtesy of Leeds Farm
Leeds Farm is the epitome of autumn family fun. Spend the day soaking up the Ohio sunshine with your loved ones as you marvel over pumpkins big and small. Don't miss out on the family-friendly activities, which include paintball, zip lining, hayrides and animal feeding.
Photo courtesy of Lynd Fruit Farm
Lynd Fruit Farm is a local favorite—not just because of the bountiful and fresh produce, but also because of the warm and welcoming staff that treats customers like family. Enjoy hayrides, a giant corn maze and an unbeatable selection of giant pumpkins. This is one pumpkin patch you will return to year after year.
Photo courtesy of Jacquemin Farms
Jacquemin Farms is open on weekdays if you're just stopping by to pick something up, but the real fun happens on Saturdays and Sundays. During the weekend, you have the option to hop on a hayride to pick your own pumpkin from more than 15 acres of fields. After you've chosen the best one, come back to the farm to enjoy family-friendly activities, including a straw maze, giant air toys and grain boxes for the little ones. And don't forget to pick up a seasonal donut, too!
Photo courtesy of Branstool Orchards
Located just 45 minutes outside of Columbus, Branstool Orchards sits on a gorgeous piece of countryside in Utica, Ohio. The farm is best known for its peaches, but don't miss out on the pumpkins during autumn. Rumor has it that since the fields are slightly less crowded than those near Columbus, you will have your pick of the biggest and best varieties. The farm is open seven days a week for pumpkin picking, so stop by whenever you like—and make sure to grab some fresh apples while you're here!