Around the holiday season, it seems that the activities around Columbus, Ohio pick up. There are more activities than you may have time to do. During the Christmas season, view the lights of Columbus by taking a Segway tour or spend a few hours wandering through the well-lit Columbus Zoo. Other activities include road races and ice skating. Fuel yourself for all these events at the year-round Columbus farmers market.
Road Race
Put on an elf cap, Rudolph nose or a pair of bells and head out for the annual 5K Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis through Columbus on the first Saturday in December. This race will help you get in the Christmas spirit, support local charities and burn some calories. In 2009, Columbus' Jingle Bell Run was the third largest holiday road race in the country. This race is a great way to kick of the holidays and it also promotes costume wearing.
Segway Tour
Spend the evening taking in all the Christmas lights while cruising around Columbus on a Segway. You will be able to get out, enjoy the fresh air, be under the stars and listen to the festive music while seeing all the seasonal decorations. These tours take place from Dec. 2 until the end of the month. Tours begin at 6 p.m. every night and start at the Columbus Convention Center. Tours last approximately 1 ½ hours.
Zoo
During the Christmas season, the Columbus Zoo is decorated with three million lights. American Electric Power sponsors this event and the zoo only uses LED lights to keep the event eco-friendly. Spend a few hours walking through the zoo taking in the animal exhibits, extensive light show, live reindeer and even a visit from Santa. The zoo also features a small ice skating rink and rents skates.
Farmers Market
During the Christmas season, it may be difficult to find fresh local produce at the grocery store, but not at the North Market. Columbus' year-round farmers market is open on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and a few select Mondays. On the first Saturday in December, the market features the Craft Extravaganza, where you can select from prepared baked goods, crafts and a variety of fresh local fare including cheeses, herbs, vegetables, fruits and flowers.
Ice Skating
Head to Columbus' Skatehouse for hours of sheer joy out on the ice. Here you will get a cardiovascular workout all while gliding around under the surrounding trees and the Ohio capitol building. This is a small rink but they play holiday music to help bring out the holiday cheer. The rink rents skates, features a warming area, sells concessions and provides lockers. The rink is put up every holiday season until Jan. 1 and is operated by Chiller Ice Rinks.
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