Looking for fun things to do this weekend? Here are 10 events
It’s the weekend before Christmas, and there’s still plenty to do in central Ohio.
If you’re in the mood for a movie, there are some big ones opening this weekend in multiplexes, including a new “Aquaman” adventure as well as the musical version of “The Color Purple.”
If you want to see a theatrical translation of a modern Christmas cinematic classic, head to Newark for the Weathervane Playhouse’s production of “Elf: The Musical.”
Several monthlong performances and events are ending this weekend: Dec. 23 will be the last day of the Ohio Craft Museum’s “Gifts of the Craftsmen” sale and will also be the final day of this year’s run of BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker.” Two productions inspired by “A Christmas Carol” are also wrapping up this weekend.
And, if you feel like doing something entirely unrelated to the holidays, head over to the Schottenstein Center to check out the Harlem Globetrotters next week.
Whatever you choose to do, have fun — and happy holidays!
Read on for details about these and other weekend entertainment options. To receive these ideas in your inbox each week, sign up for the Life in the 614 newsletter.
‘Elf’ production set for Newark
Children and families enchanted by the Will Ferrell movie “Elf” will want to check out a new production of the stage show “Elf: The Musical.” The Weathervane Playhouse production, starring Nathan Frewen as Buddy the Elf and Molly Model as Jovie, opened on Dec. 19 and continues through Dec. 29. This weekend’s performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at 100 Price Road, Newark. Tickets cost $15 to $37. (www.weathervaneplayhouse.org)
Bing Crosby and company at the Gateway
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen star in the classic holiday musical “White Christmas.” The 1954 movie is a staple on TV this time of year, but the Gateway Film Center, 1550 N. High St., is bringing it back to big screens over the weekend. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. Friday, 1:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday and 5 p.m. on Christmas Day; select showings will use a 35mm print of the movie. (www.gatewayfilmcenter.org)
A celebration of Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa — a multiday festival honoring the cultural traditions of African Americans — starts on Dec. 26, and to help celebrate, multiple venues are hosting events and activities that will include drumming, dancing, storytelling and more. The Lincoln Theatre, King Arts Complex and Ohio History Connection are among the central Ohio venues hosting events from Dec. 26-30. For a full schedule and more information, visit columbuskwanzaa365.com.
Catch the Globetrotters in action
If you’re tired of stressing out over sports, few events could be more relaxing than a game featuring the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team. The talented and fun-loving athletes are almost guaranteed of a win against the Washington Generals when they take the court at 2 and 7 p.m. next Wednesday at the Schottenstein Center, West Lane Avenue and Olentangy River Road. Tickets cost $33 to $132. (www.schottensteincenter.com)
Final weekend for craft gifts
The annual “Gifts of the Craftsmen” — a sale featuring everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to ornaments and puppets — winds down this weekend at the Ohio Craft Museum, 1665 W. 5th Ave. The shopping event runs through Saturday. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. (www.ohiocraft.org)
See the conservatory all aglow
Even if you are a regular visitor to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, you owe it to yourself to check out the conservatory and grounds when they are bedecked in holiday lights during “Conservatory Aglow”. The annual event also includes synchronized lights, live entertainment and refreshments. The conservatory, at 1777 E. Broad St., is presenting the annual event from 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 5 to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in December (except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Admission costs $26, or $22 for senior citizens, $15.50 for ages 3 through 12 or free for ages 3 and younger; advance registration is recommended. (www.fpconservatory.org)
Two Dickens productions wrap up
The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio’s one-woman version of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” wraps up its run this weekend with performances at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday at the Riffe Center’s Studio Two, 77 S. High St. ($27). Also coming to a close this weekend is the Columbus Children’s Theatre’s Dickens-inspired “Mr. Scrooge: The Musical” with shows at 4 and 7 p.m. Thursday, 1 and 4 p.m. Friday and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. Saturday at the Riffe Center’s Studio One. ($19 to $24) (www.capa.com)
Take one last ride
As you do your last-minute shopping at Easton Town Center, horse-drawn carriages will be offered for one last weekend. On Friday and Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m., rides will again be available for $10, or free for ages 15 and younger with a paying adult. The carriages take riders through the North District and Fenlon Square areas of the shopping complex. (eastontowncenter.com/event/carriage-rides/2023-11-18/)
Last call on ‘The Nutcracker’
Maybe you’ve already seen it once or perhaps you’ve been waiting for Christmas weekend, but either way, this is your last chance for the season: BalletMet’s “The Nutcracker” will offer its final performances of the year at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, noon and 7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ohio Theatre, 39 E. State St. Tickets start at $38.50. (www.balletmet.org)
New movies opening
Want to go to the movies this weekend? There are a panoply of motion pictures opening at area movie theaters, including the DC Extended Universe adventure “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” starring Jason Momoa; the new musical version of “The Color Purple,” starring Fantasia Barrino; and the wrestling drama “The Iron Claw,” starring Zac Efron. Whatever you’re in the mood for, the multiplexes likely are showing it. Check local theaters for showtimes and tickets.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Best Bets: Here are 10 fun things to do this weekend in Columbus
