Columbus Curiosity - 21st November 2025

Your Weekly Dose of Columbus Events, News, and Fun

Author

Nathan Griggs
November 21, 2025

Hey Columbus crew,

Thanksgiving week is here which means crowded grocery stores, chaotic travel, glowing neighborhoods, and one very important question: where are we actually going this week?

From huge holiday light displays and packed concerts to a firefighter saving a cat and a Reddit debate about where to eat on Thanksgiving, Columbus is doing the most right now.

Let’s get into it:

The Lineup:

📰 The Headlines — Police drones take flight, the Baby Olivia bill stirs controversy, trail users dodge freeway chaos, and the holiday lights officially switch on.

💎 Hidden Gems & Local Legends — Ohio Made Market returns, Noori Chicken lands in the Short North, and Monster Baby Donuts finds a permanent home.

🎶 Live Music & Entertainment — Big shows all week: Bert Kreischer, Pentatonix, AVATAR, Holiday Hoopla, Blue Jackets vs. Leafs, and more.

🦃 Topic of the Week — Where Columbus goes for Thanksgiving dinner.

Let’s dive into this week’s chaos:

The Headlines

CPD's Drones are Watching (But Only With a Warrant, They Swear)

Let's start with the news that sounds like the opening scene of a sci-fi movie. The Columbus Division of Police has launched RAVEN, the Rapid Aerial Visual Enforcement Network.

These aren't your cousin's weekend hobby drones; these are four drones that will launch directly from patrol cruisers to get to a scene in seconds.

Deputy Chief Sagle says they’re for "situational awareness," especially when the helicopter is grounded or they need a closer look. The list of uses is long, from finding missing persons to monitoring Red, White & Boom.

They're quick to note they'll follow the Fourth Amendment, so no, they can't just peek in your bathroom window without a warrant. They have 14 FAA-certified pilots who've been thoroughly trained. It's equal parts "whoa, cool" and "whoa, careful." The future is here, and it's buzzing.

Ohio House Mandates "Baby Olivia" in Schools

In a move that has everyone fired up, the Ohio House passed a bill requiring public schools to show the "Baby Olivia" video—a three-minute CGI animation from an anti-abortion group—to students every year from 5th to 12th grade.

Supporters, like bill sponsor Rep. Melanie Miller, call it "beautiful" science. Opponents, including Planned Parenthood and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say it's medically inaccurate, counting age from conception and showing development as more advanced than it truly is.

All House Democrats voted against it, and an attempt to restrict it to high schoolers failed. There's an opt-out for parents, but the debate over what's "science" and what's ideology is now officially on the curriculum.

New Olentangy Trail Section Opens, Features "Frogger: Columbus Edition"

A new, gorgeous $10 million section of the Olentangy Trail is open, complete with beautiful pedestrian bridges. But the connection at Broadway and OhioHealth Parkway? Let's just say it's giving some users a serious adrenaline rush.

The crosswalk funnels pedestrians near a freeway ramp that sees 20,000 cars a day. Trail user Patricia Novacs sent me a video of five cars blowing past her while she had the walk signal.

She’s been warning the city about this since 2021, predicting "so many more crashes." The city says it meets national safety standards and is "monitoring the crossing." They've added "No Turn on Red" signs and a median, but the local 311 map is already lit up with complaints. Maybe add a crossing guard with a flag? Just a thought.

Your Guide to Central Ohio's Holiday Light Displays

The temperature is dropping, which means it's time to mainline hot chocolate and go look at some lights. Luckily, central Ohio is basically the Vegas strip of holiday displays.

From the three-mile drive-through at Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights in Delaware to the millions of twinkling bulbs at the Columbus Zoo's Wildlights, there's no shortage of options. Easton is kicking things off with over two million lights, the Franklin Park Conservatory is doing its magical Conservatory Aglow, and downtown is transforming into a Wanderlights wonderland.

My personal recommendation? The synchronized light show at Lucy Depp Park in Powell. It’s a neighborhood effort that’s absolutely worth the trip.

Hidden Gems & Local Legends

Ohio Made Holiday Market is Back & Ready to Empty Your Wallet

Columbus’ BIGGEST handmade shopping party is back at the Hollywood Casino this Friday and Saturday. We’re talking 100+ Ohio makers, festive cocktails, a DJ, and even a photo op with Santa. This isn't a errand; it's a full-blown shopping celebration. The VIP raffle on Friday alone has prizes from over 80 makers. Your generic gift card is shaking in its boots.

The "Best Korean-Style Chicken in the U.S." is Now in Columbus

It took 20 years, but the legendary Noori Chicken has finally planted its flag in Columbus at 1454 N. High St. This chain, which started in Virginia, has a cult following for its quick, to-go Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, and fried rice. They’ve even got Korean drinks like Milkis and boba tea. If you’ve been craving legit Korean fried chicken without the flight, your prayers have been answered.

Monster Baby Donuts Parks the Truck for Good

Great news for anyone with a sweet tooth and a conscience: Monster Baby Donuts, the beloved food truck known for its miniature, gluten-free, and vegan donuts, has found a permanent home at 700 Bryden Rd. in Olde Towne East. No more chasing the truck around town! They’re even exploring expanding the menu with savory options, coffee, and more. A little plant-based joy, now with a fixed address.

Live Music & Entertainment

Friday, November 21ST

Ohio Made Holiday Market 2025

100+ Ohio makers, festive cocktails, gifts, and a full holiday shopping vibe at Hollywood Casino. Hollywood Casino Columbus | All Day | (More Info)

Some Like It Hot – Live on Stage

Broadway-style song, dance, and farce based on the classic film.

Ohio Theatre | 19:30 | (Get tickets)

Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party

The Shirtless One brings his storytelling stand-up circus to the Schott.

Schottenstein Center | Evening | (Show details)

Columbus’ 12th Annual Tribute to The Last Waltz

Local all-star band recreates The Band’s legendary farewell concert.

Newport Music Hall | 20:00 | (See lineup)

Saturday, November 22ND

AVATAR – In the Airwaves (w/ Alien Weaponry & Spiritworld) 

Theatrical metal, big riffs, and a KEMBA show that always goes hard. KEMBA LIVE! | 18:30 doors | (Get tickets)

Retro Eats Expo

All the fast-food nostalgia: vintage packaging, weird promos, and throwback snacks.

Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds | 10:00 | (Event info)

The Wiz

Classic musical with a Short North twist.

Short North Stage | 14:00 | (More info)

A Benefit for The Sameer Project @ COSI

Live music + visual art + a good cause under the COSI roof.

COSI | 20:00 | (Support the cause)

Maelo Ruiz Live

Salsa legend bringing late-night energy to the dance floor.

La Boom Columbus | 21:00 | (Reserve now)

Sunday, November 23RD

Some Like It Hot – Matinee

Catch the afternoon performance if you’re a bedtime-before-10 person.

Ohio Theatre | 14:00 | (Get tickets)

Conservatory Aglow & Holiday Blooms

Light tunnels, poinsettias, and greenhouse magic all season long.

Franklin Park Conservatory | Evenings | (Visitor info)

Wildlights at the Zoo

If you miss it Friday, it’s glowing every night through early January.

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium | Evenings | (See schedule)

Monday, November 24TH

Pentatonix – Live in Columbus

Holiday harmonies and a massive stage production.

Schottenstein Center | 19:00 | (Get tickets)

Cirque Italia – Water Circus

Acrobatics above, around, and inside a full water stage setup.

Historic Crew Stadium | 19:30 | (Event info)

156 Silence @ Ace of Cups

Hard-hitting metalcore in one of the city’s best small rooms.

Ace of Cups | 19:00 | (More info)

Scarlet House (Live)

Indie pop/alt show for fans of mellow Monday nights.

A&R Music Bar | 19:00 | (Event page)

Tuesday, November 25TH

Hurricane Wisdom – Perfect Storm: No Umbrellas Tour

A high-energy alt-rock show with big vocals, loud guitars, and a crowd that shows up to move. If you need a midweek reset, this is it.

A&R Music Bar | 19:00 (doors at 19:00) | (Buy tickets)

Mount St. Mary’s vs. Ohio State – Men’s Basketball

Non-conference action at the Schott. A solid pre-holiday matchup if you’re itching for some Buckeye energy.

Schottenstein Center | 18:30 | (Find seats)

Silverball Super League – Holiday Tournament #5

Pinball tournament night for arcade diehards.

Level One Bar + Arcade | 19:00 | (Learn more)

The Polar Express – Free Community Screening

A holiday classic on the big screen — free, no ticket needed. Guests are encouraged to bring canned goods or a small donation to support the

Thanks for Giving 4-Miler charity run in New Albany.

McCoy Center | 19:00 | (More info)

Wednesday, November 26TH

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Prime mid-week hockey energy, big crowd, big matchup.

Nationwide Arena | 19:00 | (Find seats)

T.K. Kirkland Live

Sharp, high-energy stand-up from a comedy lifer.

Columbus Funny Bone | 19:00 | (Grab seats)

ZAZA Palooza: Music & Cannabis Collide

Live sets, DJs, vibes, and a very Skully’s kind of night.

Skully’s Music-Diner | 19:00 | (See event)

Fantastic Mr. Fox – Wes Anderson Screening

Stop-motion, yellow corduroy energy, and a perfect fall rewatch.

Wexner Center for the Arts | 19:00 | (More info)

Thursday, November 27TH

The Original Columbus Turkey Trot

5 miles, 5K, and a kids’ run before the feast begins.

Columbus | 08:30 | (Register)

Thanksgiving Buffet @ The Guild House

Upscale buffet spread at one of the city’s coziest dining rooms.

Soul at The Joseph | Morning–Afternoon | (See menu)

Eye on the Pie 5K Turkey Trot

A smaller, neighborhood-style race if you want something low-key.

Groveport Recreation Center | 09:00 | (Sign up)

Live Music @ Carfagna’s Market

Wine, pasta, and relaxed Thanksgiving-evening music.

Carfagna’s Market & Ristorante | 18:00 | (More info)

Where Columbus Eats on Thanksgiving (If You’re Not Cooking)

Not everyone is roasting a turkey this year and one local asked the most relatable Thanksgiving question on Reddit:

“Where can I get a nice dinner on Thanksgiving Day… by myself… without reheated take-home trays or judgment?”

The thread delivered. Hard.

Here’s what Columbus said about where to actually go out for a proper Thanksgiving meal no family guilt trips required.

Rossi (Short North)
The community favorite. Walkable, great cocktails, and perfect if you want a real dinner without dealing with crowds or a long commute. Several commenters said this is the move if you're dining solo.

The Boat House (Downtown)
Open and taking reservations. Great river views, good drinks, and an easy holiday vibe. One commenter: “I know the Boat House will be open just book through OpenTable.”

South Village Grill
Offering a Thanksgiving menu ($35–$50). Upscale without being stuffy. Solid option if you want something polished but not overwhelming.

Nicola (Italian)
Recommended for a non-turkey, pasta-forward holiday meal.

Guild House
Often open on holidays. Great atmosphere and one of the nicer sit-down options that won’t feel weird if you’re solo.

Fadó (Irish)
Always open on holidays. Casual, cozy, and a guaranteed seat.

Chinese restaurants (Fiery Sky, etc.)
Multiple people mentioned this, lots of legit options stay open on Thanksgiving.

And the sleeper pick:
Bob Evans.
One commenter: “Don’t sleep on the Bob Evans meal. It hits.”

Pro Tip

OpenTable is king.
The OP literally said they didn’t think to sort by date/time and suddenly dozens of options appeared. If you’re not seeing reliable info online, just let OpenTable filter by November 27th.

Your Turn

Where are you planning to eat on Thanksgiving this year?

Reply with:

  • The restaurant

  • Whether you’re going solo or with people

  • Why you picked it

Closing Thoughts

Columbus hits a different rhythm this week, part holiday magic, part sports adrenaline, part “where do I get dinner without cooking a turkey?”

Whatever your plans are, I hope you get a moment to slow down, see some lights, eat something great, and enjoy the city while it’s buzzing.

Until next Friday..

Stay curious. Stay caffeinated. Stay warm out there.

— Nate
Columbus Curiosity