Give Thanks in Columbus
Are you visiting or hosting guests in Columbus for Thanksgiving? Here’s a list of some of our favorite special events and activities to keep you busy all holiday weekend.
All Week
Annual Holiday Tree Displays
Nov 19 – Dec 21
November Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
December Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Bartholomew County Historical Society Museum, 524 3rd Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Visitors are invited to see if there are sables, yachts, or decorations from Tiffany (or maybe a ring) under the Santa Baby tree as the Historical Society celebrates the holidays with its stunning tree displays.
- Santa Baby Tree: Celebrating the iconic 1953 song by Eartha Kitt, this tree embraces luxury and holiday glamour, complete with elements like sables and Tiffany decorations.
- Indiana Christmas Tree: This tree will showcase the beauty of the State bird – the cardinal – with its vibrant red feathers standing out against a snowy white backdrop.
- Christmas on the Farm: A large display of five decorated woodland trees, with works by Columbus artist Bob Pulley, whose sculptures capture the textures of nature.
- Farmhouse Display: A cozy “farm house” area featuring a fireplace, rocking chair, and artwork from the permanent collection, complemented by vintage farm implements from the Henry Breeding Farm in the “barnyard.”
- Mod Merry Tree: A mid-century modern display featuring a velvet gown, a silver aluminum Christmas tree, and a Cosco bar cart. Snowflakes and icicles will adorn the winding staircase, created by the Columbus Propeller using a 3-D printer.
These festive, themed displays will fill the two levels of the Museum, offering something for every holiday enthusiast.
Architecture Tour & The Miller House and Gardens Tour
If you have a passion for mid-century modern architecture and design, Columbus, Indiana, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where design meets history with our tours.
The Columbus Area Visitors Center will be closed on Thursday & Friday for Thanksgiving.
Tours are available Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday that week. Book your tour in advance.
Wednesday, Nov 27
Thanksgiving EVE Bash with Retro Betty
Time: 8:00 pm
Location: The Garage Pub & Grill (Under 21 Friendly!)
Kick off the holiday with live music at the Thanksgiving Eve Bash featuring Retro Betty! Enjoy a lively evening of cool new tunes, classics you love and good vibes as you gather with friends and family to start the long weekend right.
Thanksgiving Day! Thursday, Nov 28
Turkey Trot
Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location:Hamilton Community Center and Ice Arena, 2501 Lincoln Park Dr, Columbus, IN
Entry Fee: Free!
Join us for the free Turkey Trot! Bring your friends, family, and dogs for a fun morning of fitness and giving back. While there’s no registration fee, donations to the Chuck Wilt Youth Scholarship Fund are welcome—every contribution helps deserving youth join Parks and Recreation programs.
This 5K starts on the Hawcreek People Trail near Hamilton, heads south to Central and 7th Streets, and loops back. Let’s run, walk, or jog toward a brighter future together! More Info!
5K on Turkey Day
Time: Check-in at 7:00 am; Race at 8:00 am
Location: Bartholomew County 4-H Fairgrounds, 750 W 200 S, Columbus, IN
Start your Thanksgiving morning with the Love Chapel Turkey Trot and give back to the community while getting in a pre-feasting workout!
Entry Fee: $30 (includes a complimentary t-shirt if registered by Nov 1). Registrations welcome after Nov 1 and on race day, but t-shirt sizes may be limited. More Info & Registration
Friday, Nov 29
4th Annual Sleigh and Carriage Ride
Time: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Bartholomew County Library, 536 5th Street, Columbus, IN
Enjoy horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides through the heart of Columbus, with holiday cheer, hot chocolate, warm snacks, holiday vendors, Christmas music, and a “Letters to Santa” mailbox. A professional photographer will also be on-site for photos with Santa.
Pricing:
- $25 per person
- $100 for groups up to 6 (Carriage for up to 8 people, Sleigh for up to 6 people)
Proceeds support the 9th St Park Neighborhood Watch, a nonprofit serving Bartholomew County.
Here Comes Santa
Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Bartholomew County Library, 536 5th Street, Columbus, IN
Bring the family to meet Santa before he embarks on his Christmas Eve journey! Enjoy free hot chocolate, warm snacks, a Christmas coloring station, a “Letters to Santa” mailbox, and take-home reindeer food for Christmas Day. Plus, a professional photographer will capture magical moments with Santa.
Saturday, Nov 30
A Hope Filled Christmas
Opening Night Time: 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Location: Main Street of Hope, 644 Main St, Hope, IN 47246
This festive event invites you to explore small businesses on the square while enjoying games, crafts, carriage rides, hayrides, a tree-decorating contest, and more. Don’t miss the Weihnachten Gifts on the Square, featuring local artists and crafters, plus food sales benefiting the Community Center of Hope. Families can also take pictures with Santa for a free-will donation supporting FRHC Replay. Bring your loved ones and celebrate the season with us!
Columbus Country Christmas Opening Night (Drive-Thru Light Show)
Opening Night Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Cost: $40 / Car
Location: Columbus Country Christmas at Taulman Farms, 10335 S 400 W, Columbus, IN 47201
Experience the festive magic at the Columbus Country Christmas Drive-Thru Light Show! This family-friendly holiday event runs from November 30 to December 23, and Opening Night is a special way to start the season.
Times & Activities:
- Monday – Thursday (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Drive-thru light show ONLY
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday (6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
- Full North Pole Experience with:
- Santa
- Live reindeer
- Horse-drawn buggy rides
- Toy store
- Craft vendors
- Live music
- And, of course, the light show!
- Full North Pole Experience with:
Emerge 83 Professional Wrestling: Home Stretch
Time: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: 4H Fairgrounds, 750 W 200 S, Columbus, IN
Don’t miss Emerge 83: Home Stretch, the final wrestling event of the year leading up to Emergence Day! Enjoy an electrifying night of wrestling action, perfect for fans of all ages.
Tickets: Available now, including a Family 4-Pack of General Admission. Info & tickets
Sunday, Dec 1
Songs of the Season at the Crump
Time: 2:00 pm
Location: The Crump Theatre, 425 3rd Street, Columbus, IN
Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the CCB at The Crump Theater! After indulging in your Thanksgiving feast and conquering Black Friday shopping, unwind with a FREE concert starting at 2 PM. Gather your family and friends to enjoy a festive afternoon filled with your favorite holiday classics!
