Magical Cleveland Christmas Lights Displays {2023}
There are so many things to love about the holiday season. Time spent with family, time off work and school, plus shopping, baking, and relaxing under a cozy blanket. One of our favorite things about the holiday season is the festive decorations that start popping up around town. From private homes that go all out on decorations to businesses and villages, there are some pretty fantastic Christmas light displays in Ohio. For those of you in Cleveland, we’ve gathered a list of the best Cleveland Christmas lights displays so you can start planning!
Want to view Christmas lights from the comfort of your vehicle? Read Enchanting Drive Through Christmas Lights In Ohio!
Magical Cleveland Christmas Lights Displays
There’s just something magical about admiring festive twinkling lights during the holidays! Here’s our list of the best Cleveland Christmas lights displays for 2023.
Looking for more festive Northeast Ohio light displays? Read Northeast Ohio Christmas Lights Displays.
Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
For kids of all ages including adults, you can’t beat the Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Zoo. Experience more than one million lights that transform the zoo into a magical winter wonderland full of holiday spirit! Running most nights (excluding holidays) from mid-November to December 30, a fun roster of special events means you can visit more than once and still have a great time. Live musical performances from local choir, costumed characters, and photos with Santa are just a few of the highlights at this Cleveland Christmas light show. There are also options for walk-through or drive-through experiences; just be sure to check the calendar ahead of time if you prefer one over the other.
When: November 14 – December 30, 2023 from 5:30pm-10:30pm
Where: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo- 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
Admission: Drive-Through tickets are $55 per vehicle and $22 per person for Walk-Through tickets; advanced online ticket purchase is recommended
Website: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/programs-events
Cleveland WinterLand in Public Square
Cleveland’s Public Square is the hub of downtown and always has something fun going on. The holidays are no exception, as WinterLand (formerly WinterFest) takes over Public Square from Thanksgiving weekend and running through the end of the year. Kicking off with a magical lighting ceremony the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this free event draws families from all over the Cleveland Metro area. A stroll through the twinkling lights is the perfect way to kick off a romantic date night in Cleveland, too! Check the website for special events and associated activities, like decorated storefronts and shopping and dining specials.
When: WinterLand is November 25, 2023 from 4-6pm, lights are on display throughout the holiday season
Where: Cleveland Public Square- 50 Public Square, Suite 1700, Cleveland, OH 44113
Admission: FREE
Website: https://www.winterfestcle.com/
Nela Park Holiday Lights
One of the oldest Cleveland Christmas light displays, Holiday Lights at Nela Park is quickly approaching 100 years of celebrating Christmas in Cleveland. Lights aren’t just a part of the park during Christmas, NELA actually stands for the National Electric Lamp Association, which was absorbed into GE at this location. This industrial park has been home to many lighting inventions and discoveries over the last century and also provides the holiday lights for the National Christmas Tree in Washington DC. Of course, they pull out all the stops over the holidays to light up the park. While the park is not open to the public, you can view the mesmerizing lighting display from the sidewalk along Noble Road.
When: Nightly December 1, 2023 – January 2, 2024
Where: Nela Park – 1901 Noble Rd, East Cleveland, OH 44112
Admission: FREE
The Arcade Cleveland
This stunning piece of 19th century architecture is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in downtown Cleveland and the first Cleveland building to make the National Register of Historic Places. Originally called “Cleveland’s Crystal Palace” it’s a treat to visit any time of year, but especially during the holiday season. The four balconies are decked out in festive wreaths and lights, while a huge Christmas tree adorns the main area. If you’re not yet in the Christmas spirit, a stroll through The Arcade will quickly change that! When it comes to free Cleveland Christmas lights, the Arcade is pretty much perfect! (Not to mention, you’re indoors and out of the elements!)
When: Daily 7am-7pm
Where: Arcade Cleveland – 401 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115
Admission: FREE
Website: https://www.theclevelandarcade.com/
Seabury Avenue in Fairview Park
For a spectacular grassroots Cleveland Christmas lights display, head to Seabury Avenue in the western suburb of Fairview Park. For more than 50 years, residents of the neighborhood chip in to create a spectacular drive-through light display that is free to the public. What started as an annual family tradition has expanded to hundreds of homes eager to participate in the festivities with lights and decorations.
When: Nightly November 25 – December 31, 2023
Where: Seabury Avenue in Fairview Park
Admission: FREE
Website: https://www.facebook.com/fairviewparkholidaylights/
Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
Running each night from late November through early January, this drive-through Christmas light display is a big hit with Cleveland-area residents and visitors. Magic of Lights is a national event, with locations around the country. Drive through a 200-foot light tunnel and a two-mile course that includes dozens of LED displays depicting your favorite Christmas characters. Gas up the car, crank up the Christmas tunes and head out to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds!
When: November 22 – December 31 2023; Nightly 5:30pm-10:00pm
Where: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds – 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Admission: $35 per vehicle Monday -Thursday, $40 per vehicle Friday -Sunday
Website: https://magicoflights.com/events/northeastohio/
Country Lights Drive-Thru at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
This working farm in Kirtland is just 30 minutes east of downtown Cleveland. Every season brings fun events to the farm, including Christmas! From November 30 through December 23, the farm is lit up for a special drive-through holiday light experience. Timed ticket entry allow you to enjoy the displays at your own pace; plan to spend around 45 minutes enjoying the lights. Toys and food are also available for purchase. This event sells out nearly every year; Farmpark members get first dibs on advance tickets, so be sure to plan ahead and get your tickets ahead of time! The Farmpark also hosts breakfast or lunch with Santa on weekends throughout the holiday season.
When: November 30, December 1-3, 7-10 & 14-23 2023 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
Where: Farmpark – 8800 Euclid Chardon Road (Rt. 6), Kirtland, OH 44094
Admission: $27.50 per vehicle, advanced ticket purchase is required
Website: http://www.lakemetroparks.com/events-activities/events/country-lights
Strongsville Winter Wonderland
For Cleveland Christmas lights shows in the southwest suburbs, Strongsville has a great tradition with its Winter Wonderland celebration. Kicking off just before Thanksgiving with a festive lighting ceremony, including fireworks and photos with Santa. Prior years’ celebrations have included costumed characters, train rides and horse-drawn carriage rides.
When: Winter Wonderland Lighting Celebration November 19, 2023 at 5:30pm; lights are displayed throughout the holiday season
Where: Strongsville Commons – Corner of Pearl and Royalton Roads, Strongsville, OH 44136
Admission: FREE
Website: https://www.strongsville.org
Lorain County Metro Parks
Sitting just west of Cleveland, Lorain County is a fantastic place for recreation near the city. The Lorain County Metro Parks has a robust portfolio of parks and special events, especially during the holiday season. In addition to holiday lights, there are fun programs like North Pole mailboxes at several locations where you can drop off your letters to Santa. You’ll also find holiday craft fairs, ugly Christmas sweater hikes, and breakfast with Santa. For dazzling holiday lights, check out these parks:
- Holiday Lights Cruise Thru at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center
- Nights Lights at Carlisle Visitors Center
- Lights on the Lake at Lakeview Park
Chardon Christmas Lighting of the Square
Just 40 minutes east of downtown Cleveland, the charming farm town of Chardon puts on a magical Christmas display. The holiday season kicks off in early December with a lighting ceremony that includes live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cider, cookies, and a warm fire. The downtown Chamber of Commerce organizes other fun events throughout the season, like an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt, holiday shopping markets, and Santa’s mailbox.
When: Chardon Square Christmas Lighting – November 30, 2023 from 6:30pm-8:00pm; lights are displayed throughout the holiday season
Where: Chardon Square – 100 Short Ct. Street, Chardon, OH 44024
Admission: FREE
Website: https://chardonsquareassociation.org/events/christmas-lighting/
The Commons at Bedford
Just 25 minutes southeast of Cleveland, Bedford is another quaint town where you can experience holiday celebrations on a smaller scale. Kicking off the season each year, the Tree Lighting Ceremony is held the night before Thanksgiving. Each year, Santa makes a special appearance. Enjoy the charm of a small-town celebration with hot cocoa and holiday music. The Commons remain lit up for the remainder of the holiday season, but the real fun is at the tree lighting ceremony!
When: Tree Lighting Ceremony – November 22, 2023 at 6:00pm; lights are displayed throughout the holiday season
Where: Bedford Commons – 730 Broadway Avenue, Bedford, OH 44146
Admission: FREE
Website: https://bedforddowntown.org/venue/the-commons
Christmas Light Tours Cleveland Ohio
Looking for chauffeured Christmas light tours in Cleveland? Grab your closest friends and family for a fun night of Christmas cheer!
Company Car & Limousine
This chauffeur tour company offers seasonal private group tours in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. Tour through the region’s best seasonal attractions and holiday lights displays while being driven in the warmth of a private vehicle.
Website: https://companycarlimo.com/wine-brew-and-specialty-tours/
Lolly The Trolley
Take a fun trolley car tour of Cleveland’s holiday lights and attractions, the Silver Bells CLE Tour and the Christmas Story House Tour are fun for the whole family!
2023 Information: Unfortunately, as of May 2022, Lolly the Trolley has permanently closed
Website: https://lollytrolley.com
Looking for the best holidays lights in Ohio? Check out this list of the Best Christmas Lights Displays in Ohio!
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