Child Friendly

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**

**History** [Wildlights](https://www.columbuszoo.org/wildlights) began in 1988 as "Wildlight Wonderland," a smaller-scale effort to boost winter attendance at the [Columbus Zoo](https://www.columbuszoo.org/). Before the event started, December was a slow month for the zoo, with as few as 1,000 visitors in the first week. The inaugural display featured 100,000 to 150,000 white lights around the lake, successfully drawing 12,000 people and establishing a new holiday tradition. The event quickly grew in size and popularity, adding more lights and new attractions over the years. Early improvements included increasing the number of lights to 200,000 in the second year and adding animal-themed light sculptures. By 2006, the event fully transitioned to LED lights, paving the way for a massive expansion in the scale and creativity of the displays. This change allowed the zoo to grow its display to millions of colorful lights. The event has evolved to include themed animated shows, like the *Holiday Magic* light show over Conservation Lake, and new immersive experiences. Today, Wildlights attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each season, becoming a Central Ohio holiday staple. Each year, the event continues to add new attractions, like the 2024 *Yule Tide Boat Ride* on Dino Island. The modern version of Wildlights also incorporates special features to enhance the guest experience, such as meet-and-greets with holiday characters like Rudolph and sensory-friendly viewing nights. Throughout its history, Wildlights has continued to expand, adding new elements while creating a cherished winter tradition for the community. **Summary** Except for the [Congo](https://www.columbuszoo.org/congo-expedition) and [Africa](https://www.columbuszoo.org/heart-of-africa) regions, most of the Zoo is scheduled to be open and appointed with various Christmas decorations. The [Dinosaur Island Boat Ride](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/dinosaur-island-boat-ride), [Zoo Train Ride](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/north-america-train-ride), and [Grand Carousel](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/grand-carousel) are also supposed to be open and in a state of appropriate Yuletide cheer, weather permitting. [Gold members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) can ride the rides for free; otherwise, they're $3 or $4, depending on the ride and whether you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership). S'mores and Frosted Nuts will be available at both [Wild Burger](https://www.columbuszoo.org/dining-option/wildburger) and the [Congo Food Court](https://www.columbuszoo.org/dining-option/congo-river-market-food-court). There's also supposed to be a new, "immersive" light display this year in [Adventure Cove](https://www.columbuszoo.org/adventure-cove). Perhaps the Zoo is trying to make everyone forget just how uncomfortable of a roller coaster the [Tidal Twist](https://www.columbuszoo.org/ride/tidal-twist) is. 😆 **Where we'll meet** If you've never been the Zoo before, they have "red" and "blue" parking lots that are really both equidistant from the main gate. I generally park in the red lot, but and time- and distance-wise, they're really the same. After you've parked, the Zoo has a security gate that you just walk through while they scan you for nuclear bombs and things like that. Then there's a second gate, inside the first security gate, where you'll either give them your ticket (which you can buy either [online](https://www.columbuszoo.org/hours-and-rates), or at one of the ticket windows on-site), or where they'll scan the membership [QR code](https://www.columbuszoo.org/digital-zoo-membership) on your phone if you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership). Just inside this second entry gate is a big fountain with a large metal globe over it. We'll meet by this fountain. **Restrooms and water fountains** You can't walk five feet at the Zoo without bumping into another set of restrooms and water fountains. When kids need to pee, they need to pee, and the Columbus Zoo is a family-friendly place. The restrooms also all have paper towels and not those stupid hand dryers. When kids need to have their faces wiped, they need their faces wiped. There are even restrooms outside the second gate before you even officially enter the Zoo. I'm telling you, someone did some good planning on this place. **Tickets / pricing** Zoo entry is $26 for residents of Franklin County, and $36 otherwise. Parking is $10. If you're a [Zoo member](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership), though, this is all free. **"Should I buy a membership?"** Probably. If you go even twice a year, the [membership](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) pays for itself. I will always run at least one event a year at the Columbus Zoo. This event will actually be my second at the Zoo for 2025. **After the presents are opened** After absorbing all the holiday cheer and electromagnetic radiation that the Zoo has to offer, we'll charge over to the positively rated [Nocterra Brewing](https://nocterrabrewing.com/powell-taproom/), which is about five minutes away from the Zoo. The brewery has a [food truck](https://nocterrabrewing.com/trail-magic-kitchen/) that has burgers, fries, chicken, pretzels, and grilled cheese. The actual address of the brewery is [41 Depot St, Powell, OH 43065](https://www.google.com/maps/place/41+Depot+St,+Powell,+OH+43065/@40.1596203,-83.0785105,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f2758d4778c9:0xf8991f589eac0291!8m2!3d40.1596203!4d-83.0785105!16s%2Fg%2F11bw3ytblz?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkyNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). Come out and join us even if you can't make the Zoo (but feel appropriate guilt if you don't).

Early-bird coffee and conversation at [Jennings Java Artisan Coffee Roasters](https://www.jenningsjava.com/)!

WANDER LIGHTS- let’s enjoy the best Christmas lights that Columbus has to offer. All FREE. We will begin our wander lights experience at Columbus Commons. There is a 40 foot lit Christmas tree, over 150 lighted trees, decorated garden beds and an illuminated tunnel made up of glowing archways complete with a snow globe photo op. Plus new illuminations on the Columbus common stage. NEXT - we will walk down to 50 West Town St. 400 feet away. Town Street will be twinkling with lights and decorations. Follow the illuminated penguins and lights down the wander lights path from Columbus commons to the Seattle mile. Stop by the Lazarus building Galleria, for an elaborate holiday display. NEXT - we will walk down to the Scioto mile. .3 miles. 233 S. Civic Center Dr. The downtown riverfront will be decked out in an elevated glow, centered around the Scioto mile fountain, which will be illuminated by more than 40 sculptural lights and 75 wrapped trees, providing passersby with the ultimate winter photo backdrop. FINALLY- .5 Miles One Direction is LAND GRANT and several other bars. The other direction .4 miles is pecan pennies, the greatest diner ever. Legal Stuff: The event hosts/Organizers are just fellow member volunteers. By participating in any event, you assume all risks of liability and injury inherent in these activities. You are responsible for your own safety and for determining if you are in condition fit to participate. You are also responsible for knowing and abiding by all laws and rules during your participation in any event.

Photos & or Video: by attending these events you acknowledge photos and or video may be taken and used on this and other platforms

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

“Join us in your holiday PJs as we meet at 11:30 AM in front of Cheryl's Cookies at Easton! We’ll stroll, snap festive photos, and explore sweet shops. At 1:00 PM, we have a reservation at Rusty Bucket for lunch. Restrooms and elevators are accessible. Can’t wait to celebrate with you!” "This event is free to join—just cover your own purchases, treats, or lunch if you’d like!"

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/) Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146

Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

**💥 Join us THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday!** **💥 At Columbus’ Hottest New Salsa Venue!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa THIS Saturday and EVERY Saturday! 8 pm – 1 am **.** **💥 Gorgeously Renovated Studio!** **💥 Free Parking!** **💥 BYOB!** **💥 Easy Access from Highway!** **.** Lincoln Street Salsa 1717 Brice Rd Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43215 **.** **ENTRANCE IS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE BUILDING** **Behind Anthony’s Pharmacy!** **.** **PLEASE SHARE and help get the word out!** **.** **🟣 Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue Dancing!** **.** **🟣** 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm **𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻** **.** **🟣** 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm **𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 Class!** **.** **🟣** 9:30 pm – 1 am **𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘆!** **.** **✅ Questions?** **Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/)** Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 **.** **✅ No Experience Necessary!** **✅ No Partner Required!** **✅ Plenty of People to Dance With!** **.** **✅ $15 Cash / $16 Card** **✅ College Students $5 Off with Valid ID!** **✅ BYOB** **✅ Age 18+** **.** **✅ Lincoln Street Salsa is the perfect place for…** **.** **👉 Learning to Dance** **👉** Social Dancing **👉 Birthday Celebration** **👉** Bachelorette Parties **👉 Girl’s Night Out** **👉 Date Night** **👉** Getting Fit / Burning Calories **👉 Meeting New People** **👉** Having Fun, Fun, Fun! **.** ✅ **Questions?** Visit [LincolnStreetSalsa.com](https://columbussalsadancing.com/ "https://columbussalsadancing.com/") Or Text Todd: 614-774-8146 .

# **Band: Firefly Trace, caller Kenny Greer** Beginner lesson at 7:30, regular dancing begins at 8:00 **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

First Sundays are free admission at Franklin Park Conservatory. Sunday, January 4th, is also the last day The Palm House will be open before renovations begin. Let’s meet, enjoy a respite from January weather, and wander the gardens. Free neanthe bella palms are available to guests, beginning at 10am, while supplies last. Afterwards, we can visit the nearby East Market (212 Kelton Avenue).

Join us for lunch at True Food Kitchen in Easton as we celebrate the New Year and our friendships!

At Unity of Columbus, our Youth and Family Ministry nurtures the spiritual growth of children and families through love, joy, and practical spiritual teachings. Each Sunday, children explore timeless spiritual principles through stories, creative activities, music, and group sharing in a safe and welcoming environment. Our program encourages children to discover their own inner light, express kindness, and develop a personal connection with God. Together, we celebrate diversity, cultivate understanding, and inspire each child to live with purpose and compassion. Parents and families are invited to join in this uplifting journey of learning, laughter, and spiritual connection.