COLUMBUS – The holiday season begins on Capitol Square Thursday afternoon with the Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting.
Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting
Ohio Statehouse Atrium; 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Free
The free festival in the Statehouse Atrium consists of a brief program as Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus and light the historically decorated Ohio Statehouse holiday tree.
The event continues with complimentary cookies, refreshments, arts and crafts activities, games and special performances by local choirs and dancers from OhioDance and Drake Dance Academy.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol will demonstrate its K-9 unit and there will also be a free photo station available with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
During December, the Statehouse will be decorated in historic style reminiscent of when the building was new in 1861. Red and green lighting will illuminate the exterior.
School groups plan to perform at noon in the Museum Gallery on the ground floor of the Statehouse on several weekdays in December.
Dec. 6 Johnstown-Monroe High School Choir
Dec. 7 Warren High School Choir and Hand Bells
Dec. 10 Centennial High School Choir
Dec. 14 Northside Christian School Choir
Dec. 16 Hamilton Township High School Choir
Dec. 17 Lancaster High School Chamber Singers
Dec. 21 Columbus Cello School Columbus Cello Choir
Dec. 15 Grandview Heights High School – The Grandview Singers
The concerts are open to the public and will be live-streamed by The Ohio Channel.