#GoAllOut in Columbus, GA This Holiday Season with These Affordable Family Activities
#GoAllOut in Columbus, GA This Holiday Season with These Affordable Family Activities
The holiday season is here, and Columbus, Georgia, is ready to shine with festive cheer, twinkling lights, and activities that bring families together without stretching the budget. Whether you're a local looking to create new traditions or a visitor exploring our charming city for the first time, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
From outdoor adventures and dazzling light displays to cozy spots perfect for sipping hot cocoa,. let’s dive into some of the best budget-friendly holiday activities so your family can #GoAllOut on vacation this year!
1. December 1 - Ft. Moore MCoE Band Holiday Concert at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts (Free!)
Enjoy the sounds of the season at Fort Moore’s Maneuver Center of Excellence Band’s annual holiday concert. This is a free, general admission event though tickets are required for entry.
2. December 3 - Meet Santa at the Columbus Public Library (Multiple dates! Free!) Have a jolly good time meeting Santa and visiting with him at your local library. A special story time is included.
3. Starting December 6 - SHINE at the Columbus Botanical Garden ($8-$15)
Get ready to embark on a journey of hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, festive fun, and heartwarming memories that will leave you in awe at SHINE, a Celebration of Nature and Wonder! Santa Claus will make a special appearance each night to spread holiday cheer so bring the kids to share their Christmas wishes and the perfect photo op.
4. December 7 - Breakfast with Santa at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center ($15-$25, benefits Piedmont Children’s Hospital)
Experience Breakfast with Santa, presented by the Columbus Convention & Trade Center and KIA AutoSport of Columbus, a holiday family tradition! Enjoy a delicious breakfast, make Christmas cards for the children hospitalized at Piedmont, enjoy holiday crafts, spend quality time with Ole' St. Nick and more!
5. December 7 - Christmas with the WAVE at the RiverCenter (Free!)
This FREE, family-friendly holiday celebration will have you amazed by the incredible confectionary creations in the Gingerbread Village and multiple organists playing holiday music on THE WAVE theatre organ is sure to put you in the holiday spirit! If you’re downtown for the Holiday Parade, be sure to stop in!
6. December 7 - Bi-City Christmas Parade in Uptown Columbus (Free!)
Gather for the Bi-City Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, starting at 10:00 AM in Phenix City and coming into Columbus down Broadway from 13th Street to 9th Street.
7. December 7 - Christmas at the Museum: A Holiday Festival ($5, free for kids 6 and under)
Bring your camera and get into the holiday spirit at our annual museum event! Enjoy festive music, refreshments, kids' crafts, and a special visit from Santa Claus!
8. December 12 - Members & Friends Holiday Open House at The Columbus Museum (Free!)
Enjoy performances by the Youth Orchestra of Greater Columbus, drinks by Uppity Lush, hot beverages from Star Spangled Tea, and an array of tasty treats. Shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, including hand-blown glass by Sally Denham Designs, Common Link Permanent Jewelry, and holiday stationery and gift tags from Dinglewood Design & Press.
9. December 14 - Holly Jolly Market with the WAVE at the RiverCenter (Free!)
Visit RiverCenter from 9AM until noon to view the incredible confectionary creations and enjoy holiday music on THE WAVE Theatre Organ. This FREE family-friendly event is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!
10. December 14 - Voices of the Valley Children’s Choir 'All is Bright' Holiday Concert (Free!)
This award-winning children’s choir invites you and your family to celebrate the season at their holiday concert. Expect the program to run about an hour with popular favorites from multiple cultures.
11. December 20 - Family Pajama Movie Night at the National Civil War Naval Museum ($7, free for kids 6 and under)
You read that right! Put on your pajamas and get ready for a cozy movie night at the National Civil War Naval Museum. Hot chocolate, popcorn, and light refreshments will be served.
12. December 20-24 - All Aboard the Polar Express at the National Infantry Museum ($8-$10)
This annual holiday tradition brings Christmas to the big screen! Enjoy an evening with your family watching The Polar Express in the National Infantry Museum’s Giant Screen Theatre.
The holidays in Columbus, GA, are proof you don’t need to spend a fortune to create priceless memories. With so many budget-friendly activities, from exploring festive lights to enjoying seasonal treats and outdoor fun, your family can soak up all the joy and wonder of the season without a worry. Gather your loved ones, bundle up in your coziest scarves, and #GoAllOut in the magic of Columbus, Georgia this holiday season. Because here, the best gifts are the moments you’ll cherish forever. Happy Holidays!