Nothing helps you get in the Holiday spirit quite like tradition. Check out these five Dublin traditions that will have you spreading holiday cheer all season long. 

Wildlights

November 22 – January 5, 2025 

Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

It didn’t take long for this family fun event to go from a few strands of lights to millions of LED lights dancing across all 588 acres of the Columbus Zoo. Come see the magic of light shows all over the Zoo and visit with special guests like Rudolf! Get in the holiday spirit with special seasonal food and beverage offerings all around the Zoo.

For more know-before-you-go information on Wildlights, click here.

Giant, red ornament at the Columbus Zoo and Aquairum's Wildlights display.

City of Dublin Tree Lighting

December 5, 5p

The City of Dublin will mark the official start of the 2023 holiday season by hosting its annual Tree Lighting on Thursday, December 5 at Coffman Park

Enjoy seasonal activities and entertainment including writing letters to Santa, crafts, roaming holiday stilt walkers, ice sculpting, rides on the trackless train, and character appearances.

Click here for more information. 

City of Dublin Tree Lighting

12 Days of Bridge Park

December 5-22  Thursday-Sunday

Countdown to the holidays with Bridge Park! Every Thursday-Sunday, you'll find family-friendly events to put you in the holiday mood. From free kids bowling at Pins to the Holiday Market at North Market Bridget and even the big man himself wandering in Riverside Crossing Park, you'll leave full of holiday joy. 

Learn more here. 

A couple crossing the street at night in Bridge Park next to a giant lit Christmas tree

12 Elves of Dublin Scavenger Hunt

December 4 – 23, during participating store hours 

This free activity is the perfect way to get out and enjoy the holidays in Downtown Dublin with your family! Pick up a card at one of the participating locations and get on the hunt to find all 12 elves hidden throughout the shops of Historic Dublin. Get some holiday shopping done and collect a prize at each stop along the way!

Click here for more information. 

12 Elves Toy Emporium

Ugly Sweater Crawl 

December 14, 6-9 PM

Things are getting ugly in Downtown Dublin! Grab your crew and your best (or worst) holiday garb and crawl your way through the bars in Bridge Park and Historic Dublin. Visit five stops, purchase food or drinks, receive stamps and turn in your competed passport for a chance to win a ginormous grand prize!

Get all the ugly details here

Show us your holiday spirit by posting your photos with #sodublin.

Find more holiday cheer right here