Columbus on the Cheap

Good, Cheap, Fun

Yearly Holidays

Picture-Perfect Memories: Santa Photo Experiences in Columbus

This article is sponsored by Cherry Hill Programs; all opinions are our own.

Celebrate the magic of the season with an unforgettable photo experience. With a jolly, authentic Santa and a friendly team that knows how to make families feel at home, you can skip the long lines and stress. The company behind the photos, Cherry Hill Programs, has been taking Santa photos at … [Read more...] about Picture-Perfect Memories: Santa Photo Experiences in Columbus

Bexley Holiday season with Christmas Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting

Join the City of Bexley to celebrate the holiday season and support local businesses. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes of the holidays as they shop local, dine at Bexley restaurants, and revel in the season. Bexley Holiday Tree Lighting Head to the district on Sunday, December 8, … [Read more...] about Bexley Holiday season with Christmas Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting

ChristmasFair Holiday Market 2024

Make it a plan to sleep in on Black Friday and do your Holiday shopping at ChristmasFair Holiday Market at the Ohio Expo Center instead on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9 am - 4 pm, and Sunday, November 24, 2024 from 10 am - 4 pm. 150 artisans throughout the Midwest will be selling their … [Read more...] about ChristmasFair Holiday Market 2024

WCOL Winter Wonder Jam features Ashley McBryde (Presale tickets avail now!)

92.3 WCOL, Columbus’s #1 for New Country, brings country music stars together for one incredible night at the 2024 Winter Wonder Jam on Friday, December 6, 2024.   Celebrate the best time of the year with holiday cheer and a star-studded lineup of performers, including GRAMMY Award … [Read more...] about WCOL Winter Wonder Jam features Ashley McBryde (Presale tickets avail now!)

UA Holiday Tour of Homes presented by Junior League of Columbus

Get in the holiday spirit and see how local residents deck their halls with the The Annual Holiday Tour of Homes, presented by the Junior League of Columbus. Kick off the holiday season on Saturday, December 7, 2024 from 12-5pm and tour some of the beautiful homes in Upper Arlington, … [Read more...] about UA Holiday Tour of Homes presented by Junior League of Columbus

Holiday Party at Worthington Community Center

The Holiday Party at Worthington Community Center celebrates the festivities of the season on Friday, December 13, 2024 from 6 pm - 8 pm.  Enjoy festive activities, entertainment, and seasonal cheer for all ages.  Activities include;  📸 Meet Santa No holiday celebration … [Read more...] about Holiday Party at Worthington Community Center

Columbus Christmas lights displays, and a Google map to find them!

Columbus LOVES Christmas lights! From free but amazing neighborhood displays, to immersive paid Christmas lights experiences, you'll find plenty of holiday joy around the city with the best Christmas lights in Columbus.  Driving around to see Christmas lights is always fun during the holiday … [Read more...] about Columbus Christmas lights displays, and a Google map to find them!

Awesome Advent Calendars for the whole family

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Advent calendars are one of my kids' favorite Christmas traditions. We've done a variety of options over the years, including legos, puzzles, crafts, and toys. We also have reusable cloth option with pockets where I can add things for each day (candy, lip balm, planned activity, etc). So yes, we … [Read more...] about Awesome Advent Calendars for the whole family

Starbucks free reusable Red Holiday cup; Nov 14 while supplies last

Reuse it, and get a discount! Starbucks is offering a FREE limited-edition reusable red cup (while supplies last) on Thursday, November 14, 2024 when you buy a holiday drink at a participating Starbucks store. Order any size handcrafted holiday  beverage – hot, iced or … [Read more...] about Starbucks free reusable Red Holiday cup; Nov 14 while supplies last

Free photos with Santa at Easton

Pull out the cute festive clothing for your kids for a photo you'll treasure for years! Get photos with Santa at Easton on Level 2, across from Bibibop from November 23  - December 24, 2024.  Photos with Santa at Easton are some of the most affordable options in a professional setting. … [Read more...] about Free photos with Santa at Easton

The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Columbus

The annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is back on December 14, 2024 from 12 pm - 8 pm! Get that Goodwill sweater or make your own, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK! Tickets are just $15-$26 and include,  Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Koozie at check-in … [Read more...] about The Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Columbus

Short North Holiday Hop and Holiday Trails

Celebrate holiday fun, shopping, tastes, sights, and sounds on High Street in the Short North with Holiday Hop and Holiday Trail!  Short North Hops on High Holiday Hop On Saturday December 7, 2024 from 12 p.m. - 8 p.m., celebrate the art + soul of the holiday season during the biggest … [Read more...] about Short North Holiday Hop and Holiday Trails

Bar Crawl in Columbus: 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl

It seems too early to think about Christmas, even though the stores have it in our face already. But sometimes the early bird pays less for his worm, so get your tickets for the annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl before prices go up. The Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl is coming to town on … [Read more...] about Bar Crawl in Columbus: 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl

Holiday traditions: Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Holiday traditions are a great way to create memories throughout the Christmas season. They give families and friends something to look forward to other than Christmas Day. Continue traditions from your own childhood, or start new ones, like we did with St. Nicholas Day. These special activities … [Read more...] about Holiday traditions: Celebrating St. Nicholas Day

Columbus Launches Giving Machines to Make Holiday Donations Easy

This holiday season, Columbus is joining cities around the world by hosting the unique Light the World Giving Machines at Polaris Fashion Place!  These machines make it easy to give back to people in need, both in central Ohio and across the globe, with a quick tap of a card. Giving … [Read more...] about Columbus Launches Giving Machines to Make Holiday Donations Easy

Living on the Cheap

Columbus on the Cheap is a member of Living on the Cheap, a network of websites published by frugalistas, journalists and consumer advocates. Find practical advice on saving money on groceries, travel and shopping, plus tips from our experts on how to live the good life for less at Living on the Cheap.