Ohio Statehouse celebrates holidays in December
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (CSRAB) invites the public to celebrate the holidays in December at the Ohio Statehouse.
Starting with the 2024 Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting, CSRAB then welcomes all to enjoy other activities throughout the rest of the month, including performances by local schools, decorations, tours and special items and sales at the Statehouse Museum Shop.
Capitol Square will kick off the holiday season at the annual Ohio Statehouse Holiday Festival and Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., emceed by Santa 95 for the first time ever.
After Santa’s arrival, the governor and first lady of Ohio light the tree in the Ohio Statehouse Atrium. Cookies, craft activities and performances by Ohio choirs and dance companies will be available throughout the evening. Find further details about this family-friendly event on the Statehouse calendar at OhioStatehouse.org.
During the rest of December, other special performances by students from across Ohio will be open to the public. On weekdays, school choirs will perform at noon in the Museum Gallery, on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. As the legislative schedule allows, The Ohio Channel will also live-stream many of the concerts:
Dec. 9, The Grace Notes – Columbus School for Girls
Dec. 10, Harp Concert – Olivia Claggett
Dec. 11, Winchester Trail Elementary School Choir
Dec. 12, Indian Lake High School Chorale
Dec. 13, JG Company - John Glenn High School
Dec. 16, Johnstown-Monroe High School Choir
Dec. 17, Logan High School Chamber Singers
Dec. 18, Knight Sounds – Northmor High School Show Choir
Dec. 19, Kenton Ridge High School Chamber Singers
Dec. 20, Bexley High School Vocal Ensemble.
Throughout the month, the Statehouse Museum Shop will feature Ohio-themed gifts and the collectible 2024 Ohio Statehouse Christmas Ornament. Visitors to the Ohio Statehouse from Dec. 5 through Dec. 9 may have a sweet discount during the Candy Cane Sale. Shoppers may pull a candy cane to find a discount of 15-percent to 40-percent off their total purchase. See Shop for details and exclusions.
The Ohio Statehouse also offers public tours every day except state holidays. Guided tours start in the Map Room, on the ground floor, at the top of every hour, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Out-of-town guests may enjoy a free tour of the Ohio Statehouse during their stay in Ohio.
Inside the Ohio Statehouse, modern decorations reminiscent of the 19th century highlight the historical character of the building, completed in 1861. Outside, red and green lights will illuminate Capitol Square.
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