Winter in Columbus can feel like a cruel joke — cold temps, gray skies, and snow that’s never quite Instagram-worthy.
But instead of hibernating until spring, why not embrace the season for what it is: an excuse to have some seriously unique fun? From icy adventures to cozy indoor escapes, Columbus has plenty of ways to keep your spirits high, even if your body feels like an icicle.
Throw on your puffiest coat, pull that beanie down over your ears, and let’s make winter something to actually look forward to.
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1. Take Advantage of the Cold with Ice Skating, Snowboarding, Sledding, and more!
Winter sports are basically the season’s official pastime, and Columbus has plenty of spots to dive in. Whether you’re gliding across the ice or catching some snowy air, you can find all the best places to embrace the chill here. Don’t forget to bundle up—frostbite isn’t cute.
2. Dine in an Igloo
Outdoor dining in the dead of winter? Sounds crazy, but igloo dining makes it magical. Reserve your private dome and enjoy dinner under twinkling lights. Check out our roundup of the best igloo dining spots here.
3. Indoor Rollerskating
Not into ice skating? No problem. Channel your inner ’70s disco diva at Skate Zone 71 or United Skates of America. Bonus: no risk of frostbite.
4. Staycation
Why travel far when you can escape right here in Columbus? From boutique hotels to spots that feel like a cozy college campus for adults, we’ve got you covered.
5. Otherworld
Step into 32,000 square feet of immersive art that will blow your mind. With 47 rooms of surreal, interactive experiences, Otherworld is the perfect way to escape winter without hopping on a plane.
6. Grab a Spiked Hot Chocolate
Warm up from the inside out with a spiked hot chocolate (or stick to a classic cup). Head to one of these spots for a nice break from the winter weather.
7. See a Theatre Show
Columbus boasts some stunning historic theaters, and winter is the perfect time to enjoy them. Catch a performance at the Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, or Southern Theater to escape the cold in style.
8. Snowy Winter Hike
Bundle up and hit the trails at one of Columbus’ Metro Parks or city parks. A fresh snowfall transforms these paths into winter wonderlands. Find our favorite winter hiking spots here.
9. Go to a Jazz Club
Cozy vibes, live music, and a side of soul? Get in the mood with some amazing jazz and live music at Ginger Rabbit, or grab some New York style pizza with a side of jazz at Natalie’s Grandview!
10. Try some Winter Brews at a Local Brewery
We pulled together a quite impressive guide here (humble brag) of the best local breweries in town, and as it turns out, we have so many awesome breweries that you could go to 2 every week and you’d still have more to explore by winter’s end!
11. Go to a Blue Jackets Game
Too cold to skate? Terrible at anything that involves you being on the ice? Leave it to the pros. Head to a Blue Jackets game, gear up, and let your voice do the heavy lifting as you cheer them on.
12. Walk the Scioto Mile
Yes, it might be frigid out – but the Scioto Mile is just too beautiful when it’s covered in a blanket of snow! Grab a hot drink, bundle up, and take in the serene winter vibes. If you’re lucky, the lights from Wanderlights will still be up to guide you…
13. Check out the Wintergarden at Land-Grant
Ever wanted to try your hand at ice curling? How about ramming into people in bumper cars while on a sheet of ice? You can do both and more this winter at Land-Grant‘s Wintergarden!
14. Find Your Inner Kid Again
Feeling stir-crazy? Time to tap into that childhood imagination and shake off the boredom. Check out our guide to the best spots to let loose and feel like a kid again here.
Did one of these places close? Send us a note!