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Imagine this – you’re walking the Parkwoods Trail and you’re viewing the beautiful uplit trees as you sip on a hot chocolate and you hear Santa Claus laughing in the distance. Reindeer are on their way from the North Pole, and an ice sculpture glistens in the night from the twinkly lights all around you.

You can experience all of this and more at The Dawes Arboretum’s eighth annual Winter Wonders Walk for 2025! This jaw-dropping display of our grounds will take place from 6-9pm on December 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 and members can enjoy an exclusive night on December 4.

You don’t want to miss this exciting event with lively music, exciting encounters with Santa Claus each night, a beautiful ice sculpture, an amazing light display, delicious food trucks, warm coffee during the winter weather, a one-of-a-kind outdoor immersive projection, a special visit from Santa’s reindeer and beautiful melodies of local choirs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I purchase my ticket?

Members and non-members need to pre-purchase their ticket online  for the designated time and day that they’d like to visit. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Registration will be open on November 1. Registration for each specific date is listed below.

What time do I show up?

Attendees should show up on the times that are designated on their tickets: either 6pm or 7:30pm.

How long is the Parkwoods Trail?

The trail is approximately one mile. Specifically, it is .8 miles. There will be three warming barrels with attendants along the path to stop and cozy up before you head on the rest of your walk.

What else can I do when I’m at The Arboretum?

Inside of our Visitors Center, there will be an accessible video screening of the outdoor lights for those who choose to stay inside. There will also be fun family crafts every night in our Visitors Center. Darby, The Arboretum’s mascot, will be visiting every night. Santa Claus will also be available every night in the Garden Shed!

Are there any special events during each different night?

On December 4, members-only night, tours of the Daweswood House Museum will be offered.

On December 5 and 6, the Heath High School Choir will be performing in the Sunken Garden from 6-7:30 pm.

On December 6, MURAL ReMix will be visiting, featuring an immersive outdoor projection called ‘Nocturne Grove.’ The projection is site-specific to The Arboretum and animates the natural environment with glowing flora, fauna, and abstracted natural patterns that respond to the presence and movement which attendees can view in the Learning Garden patio area. Nocturne Grove offers an accessible, non-invasive nighttime activation of the grounds, creating a seasonal event that invites wonder and reflection. You can follow the artists at @muralremix or at @krista.faist.

On December 11, we’ll be offering our fan-favorite sensory-friendly hour from 6-7:30 pm. Free fidget devices and sunglasses will be provided to those who want them.

On December 12, the Lakewood High School Choir will be performing in the Sunken Garden from 6-7:30pm. We’ll also be featuring an ice sculpture demo and ice sculpture selfie station from Rock on Ice Columbus!

On December 13, Granville Chamber Singers will be performing in the Sunken Garden from 6-7:30pm. We’ll also end Winter Wonders Walk with a fan-favorite: reindeer! Santa’s reindeer will be visiting for a special stop before they head back to the North Pole to prepare for the holidays. Located near Santa’s shed at the Zand intersection, guests will be able to pet the reindeer, feed them and take pictures with them.

What food will be available?

Every night of Winter Wonders Walk, Lynette’s BBQ and BH Coffee will be available. Little Italy will be available on December 13.


Who are your sponsors?

Thank you to our sponsors: AEP, Insperity, Energy CoOperative, Fackler Kubota Tractor, Sunbelt Rentals, Sheperd Insurance, Mantoya, Jim Ward Edwards Jones, Affordable Portable and Cintas. Stay tuned for more information on our sponsors soon!