Great Places to Find Santa in Columbus

2012 Appearances

By Terreece Clarke

Updated 08/25/17

Kids know they can find Santa in two places this time of year - at the North Pole and at the mall. Sometimes, the mall is just not a great place to get to know the big guy. If you're angling for something big - peace on Earth, a puppy or a new whiz bang, you may need to hit Santa outside the normal environments. Check out my list of places Santa will be around town.
  • 01 of 06

    Santa in the Caboose

    December 16, 2012
    Saturday 6-9 p.m.
    Historical Village at Weaver Park
    4100 Columbia St., Hilliard, 43026
    614-664-3290
    From the website:Get your photo taken with Santa in the Caboose, toys, food, kids activities, live animals, horse drawn wagon rides and more!

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  • 02 of 06

    Jack Hanna's Home for the Holidays and Santa Paws

    December 8, 2012
    Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 43065
    From the website: Join us for a flurry of fun before Wildlights illuminates the park. Come out to be a part of Santa Paws, our animal enrichment activity that keeps the animals in the holiday spirit by giving them specially wrapped treats using materials that are safe for each animals.

  • 03 of 06

    Mrs. Claus' Kitchen

    December 5, 2012
    Wednesday 6-9 p.m.
    $6-$11
    Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
    1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, 43203

    From the website:Kids decorate cookies at Mrs. Claus' Kitchen and enjoy hot chocolate and cider. Santa and two of his reindeer make a special appearance. At 7pm, The Worthington Chorus performs a 40's holiday radio show.

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  • 04 of 06

    Dine with Santa

    December 4-13, 2012
    Tuesday and Thursday 6-8 p.m.
    $30 Admission to the Zoo is included
    Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
    4850 W. Powell Rd., Powell, 43065

    From the website: Don't miss this chance to bring your little elves to this unique holiday dining experience. Enjoy a kid friendly meal, up-close animal encounters, appearances by the Zoo's character ambassadors. The children also will get a photo with their photo with Santa and have the chance to tell him their holiday wishes, have their face painted and get to decorate a cookie. $30 Children under 2 do not need a ticket unless they will be sitting on their own chair. Admission to the Zoo is Included.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below.
  • 05 of 06

    Columbus Symphony Pops Series: Holiday Pops

    November 30 - December 2, 2012
    Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. Sunday 3 p.m.
    $25-$65
    Ohio Theatre
    39 E. State St., Columbus, 43215

    From the website:A great annual Columbus tradition continues as Ronald J. Jenkins leads the Columbus Symphony and Chorus in some of the season's most-loved holiday songs and carols. Santa will also stop by to help spread holiday cheer! Don't Miss: Top 20 Holiday Events in Columbus

  • 06 of 06

    Games Family Day

    December 1, 2012
    Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    $11.95-$24.95
    COSI
    333 W. Broad St., Columbus, 43215

    From the website:In the GAMA Family Game Room, play games of all kinds, meet Santa Claus, and even leave with a new game! (one per family, while supplies last).

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