Best Things To Do Next Week

Written by Step Out Columbus

Published on December 15, 2025

Photo courtesy of The Trans-Siberian Orchestra (Performing at The Nationwide Arena Tue Dec 23)

Here are the best things to do next week in Columbus as chosen by Step Out Columbus’ editors. This list includes the best things to do including festivals, theater, live music, concerts, sports, nightlife, and more. Love knowing what’s going on in Columbus? Be the first to know everything from the best new restaurants to the hottest events – subscribe to our free email newsletter!

Please check with venues & event organizers to confirm time and schedule updates, as things may have changed since publishing!

The Best Things to Do Next Week

Try Something New!

Theater

Mr. Scrooge

Tue, Dec 23 +more dates • 1:00 pm

Riffe Center • 77 S High St Columbus, 43215

Other

In this lively, fun-filled adaptation of A Christmas Carol, grumpy old Ebenezer Scrooge learns the true meaning of Christmas through magical visits from ...

Eat & Drink

Christmas Eve at Vittoria Ristorante & Bar

Wed, Dec 24 • 4:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Vittoria Ristorante & Bar • 10241 Sawmill Pkwy Powell, 43065

Other

Celebrate the magic of the season and join us for a special Christmas Eve dining experience! We’re offering three seating times—4:00 PM, 6:30 PM ...

Exhibit

Tacita Dean: Blind Folly

Mon, Dec 22 +more dates • All Day

Columbus Museum of Art • 480 East Broad Street Columbus, 43215

Other

Tacita Dean: Blind Folly is the first major museum survey in the United States of work by British European visual artist Tacita Dean (b. 1965). The exhibition, ...

Nightlife Events

Wildlights 2025

Mon, Dec 22 +more dates • 5:00 pm - 4:55 pm

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium • 4850 Powell Rd Powell, 43065

Other

One of Ohio's Favorite Holiday Traditions! Experience the magic of the holiday season in Central Ohio with millions of dazzling LED zoo lights, animated ...

Sporting Event

Ohio State Buckeyes Womens Basketball vs. Western Michigan Broncos

Mon, Dec 22 • 6:30 pm

Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Dr Columbus, 43210

Other

Ohio State Buckeyes Womens Basketball vs. Western Michigan Broncos ...

Theater

The Nutcracker

Tue, Dec 23 +more dates • 11:00 am

Ohio Theatre • 39 E State St Columbus, 43215

Other

Step into a world of holiday magic with our timeless production of The Nutcracker. This beloved classic takes the audience on a whimsical journey with ...

Sporting Event

Ohio State Buckeyes Men’s Basketball vs. Grambling State Tigers

Tue, Dec 23 • 2:00 pm

Schottenstein Center • 555 Borror Dr Columbus, 43210

Other

Ohio State Buckeyes Men's Basketball vs. Grambling State Tigers ...

Live Music

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Tue, Dec 23 +more dates • 3:00 pm

Nationwide Arena • 200 W Nationwide Blvd Columbus, 43215

Other

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) 2025 Winter Tour, will feature an all-new production of their beloved "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" alongside a special ...

Live Music

James Gaiters

Tue, Dec 23 • 6:00 pm

Admission starts at: $15

Ginger Rabbit • 17 Buttles Ave Columbus, 43215

Other

Show: $15 Showtimes: 6:00 - 7:30 (Doors Open 5:30) 8:15 - 9:45 (Doors Open 7:45) James Gaiters – Drummer - Composer - Producer - Educator James ...

Eat & Drink

Cancelled

Karaoke at Běndì Wok N’ Bar with Excess Karaoke

Tue, Dec 23 +more dates • 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Admission starts at: $1

Bendi Wok N Bar • 277 E Livingston Ave Columbus, 43215

Other

🎤 Karaoke Night at Bendi Wok N Bar 🎤
Every Tuesday - 9:00pm – Close Get ready to unleash your inner superstar! Join us every Tuesday night ...

Theater

The Wiz

Fri, Dec 26 +more dates • 2:00 pm

Short North Stage • 1187 N High St Columbus, 43201

Other

“The Wiz”: Follow the Yellow Brick Road… If You Dare! Get ready to groove down the Yellow Brick Road with “The Wiz,” a funky, fresh, and fearless ...

Comedy Events

Alfred Kainga

Fri, Dec 26 - Sat, Dec 27 • Times Vary

Admission starts at: $22

Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant • 145 Easton Town Center Columbus, 43219

Other

Friday, December 26 Doors: 5:30 pm // Show: 7 pm Friday, December 26 Doors: 9:15 pm // Show: 9:45 pm Saturday, December 27 Doors: 5 pm // Show: 6:30 ...

Live Music

Tony Hagood Trio

Fri, Dec 26 • 7:15 pm

Admission starts at: $30

Ginger Rabbit • 17 Buttles Ave Columbus, 43215

Other

Show: $30 Showtimes: 7:15 - 8:45 (Doors Open 6:45) 9:30 - 11:00 (Doors Open 9:00) Tony Hagood, an accomplished pianist and composer hailing from ...

Live Music

Rat Motel * Cellar Dwellar * Xenia Eloise – 2nd Annual Holiday Show!

Fri, Dec 26 • 8:00 pm

Rumba Cafe • 2507 Summit St Columbus, 43202

Other

Rat Motel * Cellar Dwellar * Xenia Eloise - 2nd Annual Holiday Show! ...

Live Music

Phoenix Rising

Fri, Dec 26 • 8:30 pm

Admission starts at: $5

Fenders • 8333 Market Exchange Dr Westerville, 43081

Other

$5 COVER Phoenix Rising is a Columbus based cover band specializing in Classic to Modern rock & blues booking shows in Columbus, Dayton and throughout ...

Live Music