Columbus Holiday Events

-                  

• Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo
  Dates: November 16, 2012 - January 1, 2013
  Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday 5-10 p.m.
  Admission: Adults $14. Seniors $10. Children 2-9 $9. Children under 2 free.
  Address: 4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 43065
  Phone: 614-645-3550, 800-666-5397
  Web: www.columbuszoo.org
  Turn up the wattage on your holiday season with Wildlights at the Zoo. We've decked the halls, trees, bushes, everything but the animals wi eco-friendly LED lights to bring you the brightest Wildlights display ever!
  
  
   Franklin Park Conservatory Merry & Bright
  Dates: November 17, 2012 - January 6, 2013
  Location: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  Admission: Adults $11. Seniors and students $9. Children $6. Children under 2 free.
  Address: 1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43203
  Phone: 614-645-8733
  Web: www.fpconservatory.org
  
  
   Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with an elegant display of poinsettias, seasonal foliage and twinkling lights, the family favorite Paul Busse model train and magnificent gingerbread display. Weekly musical entertainment, enhanced evening activities and family programming ensure a merry holiday season for all.
  
  
  Holiday Classics at Gateway Film Center
  Dates: November 21 - December 26, 2012
  Location: Gateway Film Center
  Hours: Classic films show at Wednesday 7 p.m. Friday 2 p.m. Saturday 6 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m.
  Admission: $5
  Address: 1550 N. High St., Columbus, 43201
  Phone: 614-545-2255
  Web: www.gatewayfilmcenter.com
  
  
   Gateway Film Center presents its third annual Holiday Classics film series. The series includes Meet Me In St. Louis (1944), The Bishop's Wife (1947), Christmas In Connecticut (1945), It's A Wonderful Life (1946), and White Christmas (1954).
  
  
   Shadowbox Live: Holiday Hoopla XXI
  Dates: November 15 - December 29, 2012
  Location: Shadowbox Live
  Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. No show Dec. 25.
  Admission: $30. $20 for students and seniors
  Address: 503 S. Front St. Suite 260, Columbus, 43215
  Phone: 614-416-7625
  Web: www.shadowboxlive.org
  
  
   That's right, if you were born the day of our first Holiday Hoopla you can now drink. (Legally.) Full of sketch comedy that pokes fun at our desire to make the holidays perfect, rockin' seasonal tunes from house band BillWho?, and the hilarious musical send-up The Santa Babies, Hoopla never disappoints. And after all, what's Christmas without Italian Gangsters, Alien Invasions and Synchronized Swimming?
  
  
   Holiday Tours on Capital Square
  Dates: Dec. 1 - 31st
  Location: Ohio Statehouse
  Hours: Tours offered weekdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., and weekends at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
  Admission: Free
  Address: Broad and High St. Columbus, OH
  Phone: 614-752-9777
  Web: www.ohiostatehouse.org
  
  
   Step back in time with a guided tour of the 1861 Statehouse and see holiday decorations as they were in Victorian times.
  
  
   Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol
  Dates: December 6-23, 2012
  Location: Columbus Civic Theater
  Hours: Thursday-Saturday 8-10 p.m. Sunday 2-4 p.m.
  Admission: $17.50-$20
  Address: 3837 Indianola Ave., Columbus, 43214
  Phone: 614-447-PLAY
  Web: www.columbuscivic.org
  
  
   The Columbus Civic Theater presents its version of the Charles Dickens' holiday favorite adapted directly from the original novella by Ben Gorman. Using multiple narrators and elements of Storyteller Theater, our version of A Christmas Carol is a perfect blend of faithfulness to the script and inventive theatricality.
  
  
  Columbus Gay Men's Chorus: Joy to the World!
  Dates: December 7-8, 2012
  Location: King Avenue United Methodist Church
  Hours: Friday 8-10 p.m. Saturday 2-4 p.m. and 8-10 p.m.
  Admission: $20-$25
  Address: 299 King Ave., Columbus, 43201
  Phone: 614-228-2462
  Web: www.cgmc.com
  
  
   The Holidays are a global celebration. Join us for this annual holiday tradition and enjoy songs from around the world that bring Joy and happiness to so many during this time of hope and love.
  
  
  BalletMet: The Nutcracker
  Dates: December 7-23, 2012
  Location: Ohio Theatre
  Hours: Dec. 7-9: Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. Dec. 13-16 and Dec. 20-23: Thursday-Friday 7:30 p.m. Saturday 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
  Admission: $20-$78
  Address: 39 E. State St., Columbus, 43215
  Phone: 614-229-4848, 614-229-4860
  Web: www.balletmet.org
  
  
   Journey with Clara and her Nutcracker Prince to the Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy - a magical world of the imagination filled with colorful characters sure to enchant you and your family.
  
  
   Dickens of a Christmas – Ohio Historical Society/Village
  Dates: December 7-16, 2012
  Location: Ohio History Center/Ohio Village
  Hours: Dec. 7-8: Friday-Saturday 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14-16: Friday-Saturday 6-9 p.m. Sunday noon-5 p.m.
  Admission: Adults $12. Children 6-12 $9.
  Address: 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, 43211
  Phone: 614-297-2300, 800-686-6124
  Web: www.ohiohistory.org
  
  
   Step into the world of Charles Dickens as Ohio Village revisits the Victorian Christmas made famous in his stories. From plum pudding to that pretty little German toy, the Christmas tree, Dickens created a festive and enduring vision of Christmas. Join us in the village as the spirit of Dickens comes to life through interactions with characters from his writings, cooking demonstrations, hands-on crafts, decorations, caroling, readings by candlelight, street vendors, and many more Victorian holiday traditions.
  
  
   Gallery Players: Hanukkah Lights in the Big Sky by Buffy Sedlachek
  Dates: December 7-16, 2012
  Location: Columbus Jewish Community Center
  Hours:
  Admission: Adults $20, Seniors $18, Children $10
  Address: 1125 College Ave. Columbus, OH
  Phone: 614-231-2731
  Web: www.columbusjcc.org
  
  
   When a young boy puts a menorah in the window of his family's home in Billings, Montana, a brick is thrown at it. A remarkable story of a community coming together to fight hate with extraordinary demonstrations of love that blend the traditions of Hanukkah and Christmas and transform the city from darkness to light. Based on true events. 
  
  
  CAPA: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
  Dates: Dec. 22nd, 2012
  Location: Palace Theater
  Hours: Saturday 8 PM
  Admission: $78.95 - $101.40
  Address: 34 West Broad St. Columbus, OH
  Phone: 800-745-3000
  Web: www.ticketmaster.com
  
  
  Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis has been America's favorite holiday celebration for over 25 years. Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features the beloved Christmas music of Mannheim Steamroller along with dazzling multimedia effects performed in an intimate setting. The spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Don't miss this ultimate holiday tradition from the #1 Christmas music artist in history!
  
  
   Columbus Kwanzaa
  Dates: Thursday Dec. 27th, 2012
  Location: Barbara R. Nicholson Auditorium
  Hours: 12:00 PM
  Admission: Free
  Address: 867 Mt. Vernon Ave. Columbus, OH
  Phone: 614-645-5464
  Web: http://www.thingstodoincolumbus-oh.com/details-E0-001-052783148-3/Columbus_Kwanzaa_Columbus/
  
  
   Join the King Arts Complex as we celebrate Kwanzaa. In partnership with the Tawi Family village, these community events will express the true meaning of the Kwanzaa holiday. Patrons will be able to learn about the seven principles, enjoy entertainment, see old friends and meet new friends. We will answer "habari gani" (What's the good news) and cry "Harambee" (Let's all pull together!) at the end of the evening. Join us for authentic African cuisine, African dance and drumming.
  
  
   Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  Dates: December 30, 2012
  Location: Nationwide Arena
  Hours: Sunday 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  Admission: $39.20-$81.05
  Address: 200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, 43215
  Phone: 800-745-3000
  Web: www.nationwidearena.com
  
  
  Trans-Siberian Orchestra is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to present the band's multi-platinum rock opera, "The Lost Christmas Eve" - the newest chapter in the TSO holiday tradition.

NEW LISTING in WESTERVILLE!

JUST LISTED!

~ 11987 Center Village Rd ~

CUSTOM RAMBLING RANCH HOME…on 5 acre lot with woods, 30x50 Barn with 3 stalls, tack room and fenced pastures. Vaulted foyer opens to a vaulted Great Room and vaulted Kitchen with wrap around cabinets and countertops! Master suite with whirlpool bath and 2 walk-in closets. Finished Basement with multiple Recreation Rooms. 3+ car, rear entry garage, circular asphalt drive, 6 panel doors, lever locks, spacious rooms and much more! 3 BR’s & 2 Baths. Nearly 3,300 SF! Big Walnut Schools. Only $399,900! Call DeLena Today!

Holiday Decorating 101

Getting Ready for the Holidays

With December arriving today, chances are you’ve already began the Christmas decorating process, or will be undertaking it shortly. Most people will be unloading boxes from attics and basements, untangling lights, and hauling home a fresh cut Christmas tree this weekend. However, there are a few things to remember before you begin your campaign for best light display in the neighborhood, or prettiest Christmas tree, and we’ve got most of it covered.

Lighting the Way

Perhaps the most hated task of holiday decorating, stringing up lights can be a real hassle, at least when it comes to replacing bulbs and checking fuses. Start by doing a simple visual check of the light strands you’re working with; if a bulb looks burned out or the actual cord looks damaged, you’ll want to fix that before plugging them in. Wrap potentially broken cords with electrical tape to prevent any nasty shocks, and replace damaged bulbs with any extras you might have. Once that’s done, you can move on to actually plugging them in. Even if you took the utmost care bundling them up from last season, exposure to extreme temperatures can ruin perfectly good bulbs, and you’ll want to check them before putting them up.

 If you plug it in and nothing happens, you’ll want to check the individual bulbs and make sure they are not loose from the plugs. Most modern lights will still continue to work even if a bulb isn’t working, but they won’t work at all if a bulb is missing or especially loose. If all of the bulbs are pushed in tightly and in working order, you might have an issue with the fuse, which is often located in the plug of the strand. Most lights come packaged with a little plastic bag containing extra fuses and bulbs, so replacing the fuse should be a piece of cake. 

Other than that, be sure to use outdoor-labeled lighting and extension cords for your outdoor displays. Also make sure that everything outside is plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). All outdoor lighting should be hung using insulated holders and hooks, and you should never leave your lights on overnight or when you’re out of the house in case of an electrical fire. Remember the steps you took at the end of the Christmas season to help aid in storing your lights again so that you can avoid any problems next year. 

O Christmas Tree…

When you’re ready to head out to pick up a Christmas tree, there are steps you need to take beforehand to ensure that it’s a perfect fit. Measure the space that you’ll be displaying the tree in, both horizontal and vertically to make sure you have enough room for it to stand properly. Remember to bring your tape measure along when you go to get the tree so you’re absolutely sure you won’t have to hack it down to size. Also give the tree a once over and inspect the needles; they should look shiny, green and fresh. Your tree should not have a lot of dried, brown, and brittle needles.

Some tree farms will let you know the type of tree they sell; look for a hearty breed like a Fraser or a Noble Fir. These trees will have thicker, stronger branches that can withstand heavy ornaments and decorations. When it’s time to take the tree to your house, a lot of people will be tempted to strap it to the top of their car and haul it home. This is fine; as long as you make sure the straps are good and secure. However if you want to ensure no damage comes to the tree, its branches, or the needles it might be a good idea to move it in a truck or SUV. Remember that if you go the real tree route, you’ll have to water it for the month of December. Plain old tap water is the best thing for the tree, and when refilling its container, make sure the water level sits above the cut line to ensure its sucking up enough H2O to keep it healthy. 

Festive Décor

The holidays; quite possibly the one time of the year where all traditional decorating advice can be thrown out the window. “Go big or go home” is the name of the game when it comes to displays and decorations for the month of December, and we definitely encourage you to go big!  There are plenty of great sites for coming up with easy and ingenious ways to deck the halls. Our favorite is definitely Country Living's huge 101 Holiday Decorating Ideas photo gallery (http://www.countryliving.com/homes/holiday-decorating-1208#slide-1) that has plenty of ideas no matter your style. Some of our favorites include…

-          Getting Crafty: Don’t underestimate your own creativity when it comes to Christmas and holiday decorations. There are plenty of unique ideas to use at home, such as sewing together old skirts to create a brand new tree skirt, using matchboxes to make the cutest advent calendar ever, and cutting out images from old botanical and nature themed books to make vintage style ornaments. 

-          Make your own Wreath: Who says you have to buy a premade wreath this Christmas? There are plenty of options for making your own! For the eco-conscious, try repurposing old newspaper and magazines to make a lovely wreath for your door, or even use family photos from Christmas’s past. Yarn balls in red and greens can make a cute and clever holiday wreath as well. One of our favorite ideas includes making a wreath from fresh herbs and plants for your door; the look is trendy and completely natural.

-          Vintage is in: This is the time of year to remember the past and all of those special holiday memories. Help revive them by including some beautiful vintage/vintage inspired decorations. You can display printed vintage Christmas cards, either hanging from string across your fireplace or on a lovely iron card tree. Vintage style present tags can make surprisingly beautiful and festive ornament ideas for your tree. Use an older, ornate tray or bowl to display some of your best vintage Christmas tree ornaments. 

-          The Power of Nature: While poinsettias are a holiday mainstay, consider a couple other types of flowers, plants, and even fruits to decorate your home. Amaryllis has long been considered a Christmas flower as well, and will look stunning in your displays. When it comes to your tree, why not consider a replacement that will live for several years to come, like a small potted pine or fir trees. Cranberries make great decorations when placed in vases with their shiny red exterior. For a real show-stopper, find a large branch the size of your dinner table and suspend it from the ceiling, with hanging Christmas tree ornaments placed sporadically all over. 

-          Unconventional Colors: Is anything more traditional than Christmas red and green? If you find yourself looking for a way to change up your holiday palette, try variations of the old fave. Light green and white create a wintery, fresh feeling while still being playful. For a real icy look, combine soft blue with white and silver, or go all out with pure white. Metallics, especially gold are eye catching, can be used with any combination of colors, and can be left up to ring in the New Year as well. For a thoroughly modern twist, use a bright turquoise/blue with either green or red.