Northeast Ohio Christmas Lights Displays {2023}
Christmas is right around the corner, which means fun holiday season activities and events will be kicking off soon. Scoping out cool Christmas light displays in Ohio is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Lucky for us, there are lots of magical Northeast Ohio Christmas lights displays to explore. From huge productions to special families who go all out, these are the best Northeast Ohio Christmas lights to check out this holiday season!
Looking for the best places to visit for Christmas in Ohio? Read Magical Christmas Towns in Ohio.
Northeast Ohio Christmas Lights Displays
If you’re celebrating Christmas in Ohio, you’ll find millions of twinkling holiday lights throughout the state, a visit to one of these spectacular Christmas lights displays in Ohio is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s our list of the best Northeast Ohio Christmas lights displays in Ohio for 2023.
Want to view Christmas lights from the comfort of your vehicle? Read Enchanting Drive Through Christmas Lights In Ohio!
Akron Zoo Wild Lights
For some of the best Christmas lights in Akron, head to the zoo! Kicking off Thanksgiving weekend, Wild Lights is a fun event for the whole family. See thousands of lights, displays, and of course, animals. You’ll also have the chance to meet the Grinch, a Snow Princess, a snowman, and Santa Claus during the festive season. Sweet treats like s’mores and hot cocoa (spiked or not!) are also available for purchase. As the holidays come to a close, Zoo Year’s Eve wraps up the festive season with a daytime New Year’s party.
When: November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, 15-23 & 26-29, 2023; 5pm-9pm
Where: Akron Zoo- 505 Euclid Avenue, Akron, Ohio 44307
Admission Cost: Online Tickets $15.00 Ages 14+, $11.00 Ages 2-14, children under 2 are free, parking fee $3; Tickets Purchased at Gate $18 Ages 14+, $14 Ages 2-14, children under 2 are free, parking fee $5.
Website: https://www.akronzoo.org/wild-lights
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall
For more Christmas lights in Akron, check out this special event at Stan Hywet Hall. This historic home was built in 1915 by the founder of Goodyear Tires. Since 1955, the home and estate grounds have been a museum and event space. Each winter, the estate is transformed into a winter wonderland. More than one million lights strung throughout the gardens are just the opening of this Christmas event. Inside the mansion, classic Christmas movies are played in various rooms, as well as 30 unique Christmas trees. Enjoy warm snacks and drinks as well as shopping opportunities at the gift shop.
When: November 24-26, November 30, December 1-3, 7-23, 26-30, 2023 from 3-8pm
Where: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens- 714 North Portage Path, Akron OH 44303
Admission Cost: Monday-Thursday $20.00 Ages 17+, $9.00 Ages 6-17; Friday-Sunday $24.00 Ages 17+, $11 Ages 6-17; children 5 and under are free; All tickets are pre-sale only
Website: https://www.stanhywet.org
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
For the largest Christmas light display on Lake Erie, head to Ashtabula! This drive-through Christmas display is a highlight of the season for many Northeast Ohio families. Held each year at Lake Shore Park, visitors experience over 70 light displays spread across 54 acres on the lake. For just a $5 donation, you can load up the car and experience the wonder of Christmas decor along Lake Erie. The experience includes some displays synchronized to music and special visits from Santa Claus. This amazing Northeast Ohio Christmas light display runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve.
When: November 24 – December 31, 2023; Friday through Sunday 6pm-9pm
Where: Lakeshore Park- 1700 East 1st Street, Ashtabula, OH 44004
Admission Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per vehicle
Website: https://www.aclotl.com
Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park
Another fantastic drive-through Christmas display in Northeast Ohio is the Christmas Light Park at Bethlehem Hills. This Christmas extravaganza features more than two million lights. From the warmth and comfort of your car, you’ll follow the 1.25-mile drive to see 40 different light displays. Some of the highlights include the Christmas Carnival, a Nativity Scene, Santa’s workshop, and more! This event runs every night (except holidays) from Thanksgiving weekend through January 2. Make sure to purchase tickets online in advance as this is one of the most popular Christmas light shows in the area.
When: November 24, 2023 – January 3, 2024; Sunday – Wednesday 5:30-10pm, Thursday – Saturday 5:30-11pm; Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Where: Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park – Geauga County Fairgrounds 14373 N Cheshire St, Burton, OH 44021
Admission Cost: $25.00 per vehicle (up to 8 passengers); $40 per vehicle (8+ passengers); advanced ticket purchase is recommended
Website: https://www.christmaslightsohio.com
Holiday Lights at Medina County Fair
The Medina County Fairgrounds is another spot for cool Christmas lights in Northeast Ohio. While this spot hosts events throughout the year, come Christmas, it’s home to the largest drive-through light display in the area. For just $10 per car, enjoy one mile of fun Christmas displays. In keeping with the vibe of the fairgrounds, the displays are vintage and rustic in nature, blending in with the surrounding barns and farm machines. Payment is also a bit rustic, as they only accept cash or checks, no credit cards.
When: November 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, 15-24, 25-31, 2023; Sunday -Thursday 6-9pm, Friday & Saturday 6-10pm
Where: Medina County Fairgrounds – 720 W. Smith Road, Medina, OH 44256
Admission Cost: $10.00 per car; $20.00 per 15 passenger and small buses; $50.00 per large bus; Cash or Check Only
Website: https://www.medinaohiofair.com/holiday-lights
Joy of Christmas Light Show
This drive-through light show has over one million Christmas lights spread throughout Firestone Park in Columbiana. For just a $20 donation per car, you’ll be treated to dazzling light displays at more than 80 different scenes. The drive-through portion is not all of it, though! They also have a gingerbread house and ice castle where you can meet Santa and warm up with hot cookies and cocoa. This fun event kicks off the weekend before Thanksgiving and there are special events within the event, such as a walk-through night, a 5k race, and a hayride and petting zoo.
When: November 17-19, November 23-26, November 30 – December 24, 2023 from 6pm-9pm
Where: Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park – 298 E. Park Avenue, Columbiana, OH 44408
Admission Cost: $20.00 per vehicle or $40 season pass; Cash Only
Website: http://tourcolumbianaohio.org/joy-of-christmas/
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
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 allows 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
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
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. You can 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/
Strongsville Winter Wonderland
For Cleveland Christmas lights show 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
Cleveland WinterLand in Public Square
Downtown 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/
Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland 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 the 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
Looking for more Christmas lights in Cleveland, Ohio? Read Magical Cleveland Christmas Lights Displays!
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