10 Fun Holiday Activities to Do With Your Dog This Season — Columbus, Ohio Edition

Dec 4

1. Get Santa Photos at Puptown Lounge 🎅🐾 (FREE With Donation!)

One of the best holiday traditions in Columbus is happening right here at Puptown Lounge — our 7th Annual Photos With Santa event! This festive experience is completely free with a donation (monetary or physical) to Columbus Humane, making it a fun way to celebrate and give back.

Here’s what makes Santa Photos at Puptown Lounge so special:

📸 Professional photos taken by photographer Julianne Johnson
🎁 Edited digital images emailed directly to you
🐶 Bring your dogs and your whole family — everyone is welcome
💛 Tips for Santa accepted via Venmo
☕ Coffee Connections on-site with coffee for humans + cookies
🦴 Festive treats for the pups
🐾 Donations accepted day-of or anytime between Dec. 1–20 at any Puptown Lounge location
✔️ Dogs must be friendly and up-to-date on vaccinations

This year’s Santa sessions rotate through all three Puptown Lounge locations, so you can pick the one closest to you:

Hilliard
North Columbus (Kenny Rd.)
Upper Arlington / Riverside

It’s one of our most-loved events every year — the perfect holiday keepsake and a heartwarming way to support animals in need.

2. Walk Through the Columbus Commons Holiday Lights

Bundle up and wander through thousands of sparkling lights in the heart of downtown. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the illuminated displays make for the cutest holiday photos.

3. Explore German Village on a Luminary Night

With glowing luminaries lining the historic brick streets, German Village feels like a holiday movie set. It’s perfect for a peaceful evening stroll with your pup.

4. Visit Easton Town Center for Shopping + Snow Machines

Easton transforms into a winter wonderland with giant trees, snow machines, and beautiful displays. The outdoor district is very dog-friendly, and many restaurants offer heated patios.

5. Take a Winter Hike at a Columbus Metro Park

Give your pup the gift of adventure! Metro Parks such as Highbanks, Scioto Audubon, and Battelle Darby Creek are stunning in winter and great for dogs that love long walks.

6. Treat Your Pup to a Holiday Pup Cup Drive-Through

Local coffee shops and ice cream spots often offer delicious whipped-cream pup cups. A simple drive-through turns into a festive outing when your dog realizes the treat is for them.

7. Relax at a Dog-Friendly Brewery With Holiday Decor

Columbus breweries go all out for the holidays. Try Land-Grant, Seventh Son, or Antiques on High — most have heated patios and are pup-approved for a cozy night out.

8. Visit a Local Christmas Tree Farm

Many Central Ohio tree farms welcome leashed dogs. It’s a fun sensory adventure and a beautiful place to capture this year’s holiday card photo.

9. Host a Holiday Dog Playdate

Invite some pup friends over for seasonal treats, festive toys, and playtime. It’s a great way to keep dogs socialized and burn energy during the colder months.

10. Take a Festive Photo Tour Around Columbus

From the Short North arches to Dublin’s Bridge Park to downtown’s decorated streets, Columbus is full of holiday backdrops perfect for photos with your pup.

Happy Holidays From Puptown Lounge!

Whether your dog is joining us for Santa Photos, daycare, boarding, or a fresh holiday groom, we’re here to help make the season magical for both you and your pup.

🎄 Be sure to reserve your holiday boarding and grooming appointments early — they fill fast!