A New Holiday Tradition Begins in Downtown Columbus!
Join Us December 4 for a Magical Evening in Frankfort Square
There's something special about downtown during the holidays — the twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the excitement of families coming together to celebrate the season. This year, downtown Columbus will have something new to celebrate!
The Downtown Columbus Business Improvement District (BID) has purchased a beautiful 22-foot Christmas tree that will become a centerpiece of Frankfort Square each holiday season. To celebrate its arrival, the BID is inviting the community to a special Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, December 4, 2026, immediately following the annual Christmas Parade.
A New Tradition Takes Root
The new Christmas tree represents more than just holiday decorations. It's an investment in downtown Columbus and an opportunity to bring families, friends, and neighbors together to create lasting memories.
The BID hopes the tree lighting will become an annual holiday tradition — one that residents look forward to year after year and that adds another reason to visit, shop, dine, and experience downtown Columbus during the Christmas season.
Standing 22 feet tall and adorned with colorful lights, the tree will provide a festive focal point in Frankfort Square throughout the holidays.
Start the Evening with the Christmas Parade
The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m. with the annual Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Columbus Parks & Recreation Department.
The parade is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, filling downtown with holiday cheer and excitement. And, of course, no Christmas parade would be complete without a special appearance by Santa Claus!
Gather Around the Tree in Frankfort Square
Once the parade concludes, make your way to Frankfort Square for even more holiday magic!
Santa Claus will be stopping by the Square to greet families and spread Christmas cheer. Visitors can also warm up with free hot cocoa provided by the Legacy Group while gathering around the new Christmas tree.
Then comes the highlight of the evening — the official lighting of the BID's new 22-foot Christmas tree!
Rather than setting a specific time for the ceremony, the tree lighting will take place shortly after the parade, allowing everyone an opportunity to make their way to Frankfort Square and join in the celebration.
Celebrating Community and the Spirit of the Season
The holiday season is a wonderful reminder of what makes Columbus special — our community, our traditions, and the people and organizations who work together to make downtown a welcoming place.
The Downtown Business Improvement District is excited to introduce this new addition to Frankfort Square and hopes the tree lighting will become a cherished part of Columbus' holiday celebrations for many years to come.
Mark your calendars for Friday, December 4, and join us downtown for an evening filled with holiday cheer, community spirit, and a little Christmas magic!
Event Details
Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Christmas Parade: 7:30 p.m., sponsored by Columbus Parks & Recreation
Holiday Tree Lighting: Immediately following the parade
Location: Frankfort Square, Downtown Columbus
Activities: Meet Santa, enjoy free hot cocoa from the Legacy Group, and celebrate the lighting of the new 22-foot Christmas tree
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