In this section, you'll find the most important news from Ohio's tourism attractions and visitors bureaus.
Rockettes to Rock ‘n Roll; Columbus Visitors Dazzled by Holiday Events
11/10/2008
CONTACT:
Amy Weirick
(614) 848-8380
amy@WeirickCommunications.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Nov. 10, 2008) – The holiday season is fast approaching, and travelers seeking ways to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season will find plenty of options in Columbus. Millions of spectacular lights illuminate the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. The high-stepping Rockettes deliver their signature holiday fun. An untamed Holiday Hoopla introduces visitors to outrageous rock ‘n roll sketch comedy. Throughout the season, Columbus offers endless holiday experiences, with details available at
www.ExperienceColumbus.com.
The world-famous Rockettes kick up their 76-year history of fantastic holiday entertainment at Columbus’ Nationwide Arena, Dec. 9-10 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The show brings the legendary magic of Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall to Columbus visitors.
An 18-year Columbus tradition, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Nov. 21 through Jan. 1, has plenty of changes in store this year. Three million twinkling lights are now being switched from incandescent lightbulbs to brighter, more earth-friendly LED lights. Ice skating, live reindeer and Santa Claus make this a festive stop. Nearly two miles of rope lighting will create animal figures, and a dazzling, new nine-minute animated light and music show will take place around the Zoo lake. Lights will dramatically flash synchronized with holiday music.
Miles of independently owned shops, galleries, restaurants and nightclubs in the Short North Arts District plunge holiday travelers into the region’s most diverse arts, entertainment and shopping offerings. From edgy nightlife to chic boutiques and funky out-of-the-way galleries, visitors will discover one-of-a-kind gifts that are as much fun to find as they are to give. The celebrated Short North Holiday Hop kicks off the season Dec. 5, from 4-10:00 p.m., with restaurants and clubs staying open even later.
Beyond the Short North, Columbus boasts one of the nation’s most exciting shopping scenes, offering an unlimited number of experiences, from the destination of Polaris Fashion Place to the high style of Easton Town Center. The city’s many distinctive neighborhoods and museum gift shops offer specialty shopping travelers won’t find anywhere else. Antique and gift shops, bakeries and even a 32-room bookstore make German Village a wondrous holiday stop.
Holiday shoppers can customize a candle at the Candle Lab, or visit a host of specialty boutiques in Old Worthington. The Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, Wexner Center for the Arts and other museums and attractions offer gifts that are guaranteed to surprise and delight in their shops. Horse-drawn carriage rides are offered through downtown Columbus and at Easton Town Center, adding to the holiday getaway experience.
Alum Creek State Park offers Fantasy of Lights, Nov. 21-Dec. 30. The 1.5-mile drive takes visitors through more than a million lights, 100 animated and lighted displays, Santa visits and free cookies and cocoa at the Boat House. From Nov. 29-Jan. 5, Winter Wonderland at Gahanna’s Creekside Park offers breathtaking lights and decorations set against a stunning natural backdrop. Franklin Park Conservatory celebrates the season from Nov. 29-Jan. 5 with a festive display of lights, holiday trees and more than 100 varieties of poinsettias, the annual poinsettia tree, breakfast with Santa, Candlelight Nights and more.
Visitors can learn about the season through science at COSI’s Science of the Season exhibit from Nov. 21-Dec. 31. From snowflakes to a reindeer-powered generator that runs holiday lights, kids learn by doing at this incredible museum.
With multiple shows Nov. 20-Jan. 3, Shadowbox Cabaret is unlike any other live theater experience. Their Holiday Hoopla is original sketch comedy that pokes fun at our desire to make the holidays perfect.
Vibrant and alive, Columbus is known for its unique style: an uncommon blend of neighborhoods, events, attractions and accommodations. Complete information about visiting Columbus is available by calling 1-866-EXP-COLS or visiting
www.ExperienceColumbus.com.
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