By Lacey Luce
There are a gazillion different ways the holidays can stress us out, from travel to cooking to dysfunctional family dynamics. But don’t worry my friends, if you are staying in Cbus for the holidays the arts are here to help.
For some the big challenge is entertaining visiting family. If they are staying with you then you definitely want to plan some excursions to get everyone upright and out of the house.
The Columbus Museum of Art is great because it has a wide range of offerings, whether you are entertaining one person or have wee ones to wear out, you can easily spend the better part of your day at the museum.
CMA has a whole web page dedicated to how to make a visit fun for kids. While they will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (and closing early on Wednesday), not only are they there for you Friday and Saturday, but admission is free on Sunday.
Near CMA is the King Arts Complex, which has an amazing exhibition, 50 Years Later…The Voting Rights Act, up right now. You’ll need to give them a call to find out about holiday hours and if you have kids in tow, you might want to see if there are any hands-on activities planned.
While we are on the east side of downtown, Topiary Park has their holiday lights up—what better way to walk off that Thanksgiving feast. Franklin Park Conservatory (FPC) also has beautiful holiday displays, but it bears noting that on Friday FPC has a hands-on gingerbread house event that includes a hayride.
Just west of downtown is another brilliant full-family option, COSI. This will be particularly helpful if you have energetic young people who need to do something interactive. Also of note, they have two day camp events on Nov. 25 & Nov. 27. If you go, be sure to walk the newly finished Scioto Mile—it’s the best place to get a stunning Cbus skyline photo.
If you don’t have to worry about entertaining young children, but you do need to get out and work the tryptophan out of your system head to the Short North to see the lights and do some holiday shopping (shop local of course). While you’re there a must-see is US IS THEM at the Pizzuti collection. It’s an extraordinary exhibition and it won’t be with us forever.
When it comes to stress, laughter really is the best medicine, and Shadowbox Live has you covered.
Holiday Hoopla is holiday-themed sketch comedy and at Shadowbox, there’s also adult beverages to be enjoyed. And, on Sunday they open Scrooge, the Musical.
Maybe you want to go out before Turkey day? Local favorites Angela Perley and the Howlin’ Moons are playing at Natalie’s Coal-Fired Pizza and Live Music on Wednesday.
One more quick suggestion for the adults in the room and then I have to go and start prepping for my own wine-infused holiday fun. Saturday is the last chance to see NUDES at 934 Gallery. This exhibition provides a rare opportunity to experience the artwork of painter James Morton and photographer Will Shively, and though the gallery is open at noon on Saturday, there is a closing reception that starts at 6 p.m.
Image: Courtesy of the Columbus Museum of Art. Photography by Greg Miller.
Lacey Luce is a marketing, communications and events strategist for the Greater Columbus Arts Council who will be continuing her Thanksgiving tradition drinking copious amounts of wine while watching movies.
