Christmas in Columbus has always been a vibe. From twinkling lights on downtown buildings to parades that shut down High Street, this city has known how to bring the holiday magic.
But if you think today’s celebrations are special, just wait until you see how our grandparents (and maybe great-grandparents) did it. Grab some hot cocoa, and let’s dive into the festive fun of Columbus Christmases past—because nostalgia never goes out of style.
1931: The Statehouse Steals the Show
The holidays in Columbus officially became a thing in 1931 when the Statehouse was decked out in Christmas decor for the first time. It was simple by today’s standards—just some tasteful garlands and lights—but back then, it was a big deal. The Statehouse became a beacon of holiday cheer in the heart of downtown, a tradition that still thrives today.
1959: Home for the Holidays
Nothing says “classic Christmas” quite like a tree surrounded by perfectly wrapped presents. The Mosbacher family captured the quintessential mid-century holiday scene right in their Columbus living room. The decorations were simple, but the cozy vibes were off the charts. It’s proof that, no matter the decade, Christmas at home is where the magic happens.
1963: Lights, Action, Construction!
Columbus loves a good holiday display, and in 1963, the Ohio State Supreme Court (then the State Office building) gave us an early version of Clark Griswold-level creativity. Strings of lights turned the building into a giant glowing Christmas tree. Bonus points for festive innovation during a time when the skyline was still taking shape.
1966: Downtown Dazzles
The mid-’60s were a golden era for downtown Columbus at Christmas. The State Auto Mutual Insurance building rolled out its famous “Christmas Corner,” complete with a life-size nativity scene—a tradition they started way back in 1932.
Meanwhile, Broad and High Streets sparkled with decorations, giving holiday shoppers something to smile about as they strolled between Lazarus and Woolworth’s.
1977: A Tree and a Legend
Fast forward to the ’70s, when Governor James A. Rhodes lit the Statehouse Christmas tree alongside Mrs. Mary Connor Forrester, who was 101 years old at the time. If that doesn’t scream “holiday icon,” I don’t know what does. This Norway spruce was one of many Christmas trees that made downtown the epicenter of holiday cheer.
1981: The Return of the Parade
After a 10-year hiatus, Columbus brought back its downtown Christmas parade in a big way. The Secret Santa Christmas Parade rolled through the streets with balloons, floats, and 25 high school marching bands.
And let’s not forget Ronald McDonald and Miss Columbus riding a festive float. High Street has never looked so merry.
The Magic of the Window Displays
No story about Columbus Christmases is complete without a shoutout to the Lazarus department store. Those window displays? Absolutely iconic. Families would bundle up and head downtown just to ooh and aah over the twinkling scenes. Whether it was elves at work or Santa’s workshop, Lazarus knew how to make Christmas feel larger than life.
All photos via Columbus Library
