Christmas parades 2026Columbus · Ohio’s capital

Christmas parades and tree lightings in Columbus, 2026.

We found six Christmas parades and tree lightings in and around Columbus with 2026 dates: three parades and three tree lightings and lighting nights, five free to watch. Each one has the date, start time, price and a link to the organizer’s page.

The quick answersChecked
When’s the Christmas parade?Westerville Community Christmas Parade: Dec 5 · 10:30 a.m. Plus 2 more.3 paradesWhen’s the tree lighting?Dublin Tree Lighting: Dec 3 · 6–8 p.m. Plus 2 more.3 lightingsIs it free?5 of 6 are free to watch; the rest list a price.5 freeDaytime or after dark?2 daytime, 4 in the evening. Each card is marked.4 evening

Last checked · 6 events · Every listing links to its official page. How we choose

By date

Every parade and tree lighting, soonest first

Filter to what fits your evening, then tap one for its time, price and kid notes.

3DecThuDublin Tree LightingTree lighting · 6–8 p.m.3DecThuOhio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree LightingTree lighting · 5:30–7:30 p.m.5DecSatWesterville Community Christmas ParadeParade · 10:30 a.m.5DecSatBrockstrong Holiday Lights Parade at Christmas in the VillageParade · Parade 5:30pm, Santa arrives 6pm6DecSunHilliard Tree Lighting at the Historical VillageTree lighting · 3:30-6:30pm6DecSunDelaware Light the Night Christmas ParadeParade · 6pm

Christmas parades

Christmas parades in and around Columbus

Start time, price and what to know with little kids, from each organizer’s own page.

Know one we missed?Send us the organizer’s page and we’ll check the date and add it.Suggest a parade

Tree lightings

Tree lightings and lighting nights near Columbus

Most lightings are short and happen at dusk, often with Santa, music or cocoa.

More to come.Tree lightings are often announced late. We recheck every week through early December.Email me when one’s added

Before you go

Three things that make parade night easier

SpotGet there earlyA curb spot near the start means little ones see everything and you can leave before the end.
WarmDress for standing stillWatching is colder than walking. Bring a blanket for the stroller and an extra layer.
TimingCheck the start timeLighted parades start after dark. Daytime parades are easier for nap schedules.

Every year

Parades and tree lightings that come back every year

Each of these comes back every year. Its page keeps the last confirmed dates, and the new ones go up there once they’re posted. Every year in Columbus

Dublin Tree LightingNext: Dec 3, 2026Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree LightingNext: Dec 3, 2026Westerville Community Christmas ParadeNext: Dec 5, 2026

Keep planning

More for little kids in Columbus

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Good questions

Christmas parades in Columbus: the FAQ

Westerville Community Christmas Parade: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, 10:30 a.m. (Westerville). Brockstrong Holiday Lights Parade at Christmas in the Village: Sat, Dec 5, 2026, Parade 5:30pm, Santa arrives 6pm; festival 6-9pm Dec. 4-5 (Canal Winchester, about 15 miles southeast). Delaware Light the Night Christmas Parade: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 6pm (Delaware, about 30 miles north).

Dublin Tree Lighting at City of Dublin: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 6–8 p.m. Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting at Ohio Statehouse: Thu, Dec 3, 2026, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; tree lighting 5:30–5:45 p.m. Hilliard Tree Lighting at the Historical Village at Hilliard Historical Village, 4162 Columbia St.: Sun, Dec 6, 2026, 3:30-6:30pm.

Five of the six we list are free to watch: Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, Westerville Community Christmas Parade, Brockstrong Holiday Lights Parade at Christmas in the Village and Hilliard Tree Lighting at the Historical Village. Some charge for extras like Santa photos or rides, and each card says so.

Daytime ones are easiest with toddlers: Westerville Community Christmas Parade and Hilliard Tree Lighting at the Historical Village. Evening ones start after dark and are colder, so bring layers and a blanket for the stroller. Get there early for a curb spot near the start so little ones can see.

Each listing comes from the venue’s or organizer’s own page and links to it. We only list a date, time or price when that page shows it, and anything we can’t confirm stays off. These were last checked Oct 30, 2026, and we recheck them every week through early December. How we choose and check.

Holiday plans every Thursday.

One short email every Thursday evening with the best things to do with little ones in Columbus that weekend, parades included.

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