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Event Recap: Holiday Lights & The Santa Race
Posted on Monday, December 8, 2025 by Visit Gahanna.
Gahanna’s holiday event season has officially wrapped — and what a festive few weeks it was! From the glow of the Holiday Lights Celebration to the cheerful energy of the Santa Race 5K, our community came together to kick off the most wonderful time of the year in true Gahanna fashion.
Below is a look back at two of our favorite annual traditions and the partners who helped make them shine.
Holiday Lights Celebration — November 23
Our Holiday Lights Celebration returned to the Creekside District on Sunday, November 23, welcoming families and friends for an evening filled with holiday magic. Visitors enjoyed free seasonal activities, live performances, festive treats, and a bustling vendor market — all set against thousands of twinkling lights.
At 6:00 PM, Santa made his entrance to help light the official tree, followed by a spectacular fireworks show that illuminated the district and kicked off the holiday spirit across Gahanna. A warm and heartfelt thank-you to our Holiday Lights Celebration Title Sponsor, Nth Degree. Their continued partnership helps bring this cherished community tradition to life each year. Learn more about The Nth Degree Companies at nthdegreeinteriors.com. or by visiting their showroom at 57 Granville Street, Gahanna OH.
A heartfelt thank-you to our generous Holiday Lights Celebration sponsors, whose support makes this magical night possible:
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Title Sponsor: The Nth Degree Companies
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Premier Sponsors: Wright-Patt Credit Union, Theresa Emch Realtor, KEMBA Financial Credit Union, Tina Wedebrook (RE/MAX Connection)
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Supporting Sponsors: Civista Bank, Columbus Academy, Sarah Pollyea Law, Gahanna Rotary, The Columbus Dispatch, and 104.9 The River
Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash — December 6
The holiday fun continued at Academy Park on Saturday, December 6, where runners and walkers gathered for the annual Santa Race 5K & Little Reindeer Dash. Participants of all ages donned their Santa hats and festive gear before taking off along the scenic course — spreading holiday cheer with every step.
With a lively morning atmosphere, great community energy, and plenty of smiling families, the Santa Race once again proved to be a joyful tradition that sets the tone for the season ahead.
We extend a special thank-you to our Santa Race Title Sponsor, Amy Paul, Realtor, for supporting this beloved Gahanna tradition and helping us deliver another memorable race day.
Learn more about Amy Paul at CallAmyPaul.com. or by visiting her location at 82 Town Street, Gahanna OH.
Keep the Holiday Magic Going: Call the Santa Hotline!
Even though our event season has wrapped, there’s still another way to bring a little extra cheer to your home. Families are invited to enjoy our Santa Hotline, where kids can dial in to hear a special holiday message straight from the North Pole!
This phone line is available now through Christmas. Just call 614-478-1061