Best Christmas Lights Displays in Ohio {2023}
Christmas in Ohio is magical, with loads of festive celebrations and millions of dazzling Christmas lights on exhibit throughout the state. A great way to get into the festive holiday spirit is by visiting one of the many best Christmas lights displays in Ohio! Whether visiting a walk through display or drive through Christmas lights in Ohio, gather your family and friends to enjoy the twinkling festive Christmas lights in Ohio.
Looking for the best places to visit for Christmas in Ohio? Read Magical Christmas Towns in Ohio.
The Best Christmas Lights Displays In Ohio
Celebrating Christmas in Ohio? With 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 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!
Christmas Lights Displays in Central Ohio
Start making memories with your family and friends at one of these dazzling Christmas lights in Central Ohio!
Looking for more Christmas lights in Columbus, Ohio? Read The Best Columbus Ohio Christmas Lights Displays.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights
Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for their annual Wildlights display. The Columbus Zoo Christmas lights include millions of twinkling lights throughout the park, but that’s not the only attraction. Lace up your skates at the holiday skate rink, visit Santaland Zoo, view the animated light shows at Conservation Lake, ride the Polar Bear Express and enjoy many more family Christmas activities in Ohio at the Columbus Zoo!
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024; Sunday – Thursday 5-9pm, Friday & Saturday 5-10pm (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Where: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium- 4850 Powell Road, Powell, OH 43065
Admission Cost: $29.99 Ages 10-59; $25.99 Ages 3-9; Children under 3 are free
Website: https://columbuszoo.org
*Read about my visit to the Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
This is one of the best free Columbus holiday light displays. Head to the Columbus Commons any night between November 17 and January 1 to see over 400,000 LED lights on display. Visit during Festive Fridays (every Friday night in December) for hot cocoa, carousel rides and holiday music. Spread across six acres and in close proximity to some of the best restaurants in Columbus, this is a great way to kick off a night out on the town, or end a fun day of holiday shopping!
When: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024; Nightly 5-11pm
Where: Columbus Commons – 160 S High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: FREE
Website: https://columbuscommons.org/events/holiday-lights/
Scioto Mile Holiday Lights
Just steps from Columbus Commons, you’ll find another fun Christmas light display. The Scioto Mile is a highlight of any trip to Columbus any time of year. With 175 acres of riverfront property contain eight individual parks along the route. Each night between November 22 and January 2, the Scioto Mile lights up from dusk to dawn. Don’t miss this free holiday display in downtown Columbus!
When: November 22, 2023 – January 2, 2024; Nightly from Dusk to Dawn
Where: Scioto Mile – 233 S. Civic Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: FREE
Website: https://www.sciotomile.com/holiday-lights/
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory
Beautiful light installations highlight the lush horticulture displays throughout the Franklin Park Conservatory. Along with the twinkling lights, visitors can view dozens of poinsettias, Paul Busse model railway, hand-blown glass ornament trees and family-friendly entertainment throughout the holiday season.
When: November 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024; Nightly 5-9pm, December Fridays and Saturdays 5-10pm
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory- 1777 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43203
Admission Cost: $26.00 Ages 12-59; $22.00 Ages 60+; $15.50 Ages 3-12; Children under are free
Website: https://www.fpconservatory.org
Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center
For a festive holiday light display on the outskirts of Columbus, head straight to Easton Town Center in northeast Columbus. More than just an ordinary shopping center, Easton Town Center is an entertainment destination that includes open-air squares, parks, and fountains. Kicking off November 17 with Easton’s Grand Illumination, the Holiday Lights include two million twinkling lights and a 50-foot Christmas tree in the center of Town Square. Other squares also put up a festive tree, as well as Holiday Carriage Rides and photos with Santa Claus.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 2, 2024; Nightly from Dusk to Dawn
Where: Easton Town Center – 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Admission: FREE
Website:https://eastontowncenter.com/events/
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
This beloved holiday tradition began in 1931 when the founder of State Auto decorated the company’s headquarters building as a “Christmas gift to the community.” While the display has changed over the years, the current display of a life-sized Nativity scene has become recognized around the world for its artistic and historical details. The annual lighting ceremony includes live music with more live musical performances throughout the holiday season. This year, State Auto has transferred ownership of the Christmas Corner to Columbus’ Museum of Catholic Art and History. The historic Nativity scene will move to the lawn of St. Joseph Cathedral at East Broad and South Fifth Streets.
When: Annual Lighting Ceremony is Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 5:30pm. The Christmas Corner will be lit from 5:00-11:30pm nightly and on display from December 7, 2022 – January 3, 2023. TBD
Where: St. Joseph Cathedral – 212 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: FREE
Website:https://www.stateauto.com/christmas
Magic of Lights at Historic Crew Stadium
Magic of Lights is a national event, with locations around the country – the newest in Columbus at Historic Crew Stadium. With more than two million lights, you can drive through a light tunnel and past dozens of LED displays depicting your favorite Christmas characters including the 12 Days of Christmas, Toyland, Big Foot Monster Trucks and a 32-foot tall Barbie display! Gas up the car, crank up the Christmas tunes, and head out to Historic Crew Stadium for this fun drive through light display!
When: November 23, 2022 – January 1, 2023; Nightly 5:30-10:00pm (Closed December 2) TBD
Where: Historic Crew Stadium – 717 East 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211
Admission: $25 per vehicle Monday -Thursday, $30 per vehicle Friday -Sunday: purchase tickets in advance online for discounted rates
Website:https://magicoflights.com/events/historic-crew-stadium/
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
View twinkling holiday lights from the comfort and warmth of your vehicle as you drive through Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (formerly called Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights). The Fantasy of Lights is a 3-mile drive-thru holiday light show, using LED lights.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 1, 2024; Sunday – Thursday 5:30-9:00pm, Friday & Saturday 5:30-10:00pm
Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds – 3311 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
Admission Cost: $20 per vehicle Monday-Thursday; $30 per vehicle Friday-Sunday
Website: https://butchbandosfantasyoflights.com
WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
View more than 1 million LED lights synchronized to Christmas music played through your car stereo as you drive through WonderLights. Load up your car with family and friends to view these twinkling drive through Christmas lights in Ohio.
When: November 10 – December 31, 2023; Nightly 5:30-10:00pm
Where: Hartford Fairgrounds – 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Hartford, OH 43013
Admission Cost: $30 per vehicle, online reservations strongly recommended
Website: https://www.wonderlightschristmas.com
Christmas Lights Displays in Northeast Ohio
Create new memories with your family and friends at one of these dazzling Northeast Ohio Christmas lights displays!
Looking for more Christmas lights in Northeast, Ohio? Read Northeast Ohio Christmas Lights Displays.
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens
The whole family will enjoy one of Ohio’s largest and most spectacular holiday traditions, Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The estate is illuminated inside and out with over one million lights and the historic Manor House is decorated like a winter wonderland.
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
Akron Zoo Wild Lights
There’s fun for the entire family at the impressive lights display at the Akron Zoo Lights festival, featuring over 25 miles of lights and dozens of lighted displays throughout the zoo. View a synchronized light show, visit Santa land and meet Santa, create a S’more at the S’mores Station, encounter zoo animals up-close and many other fun activities for the whole family!
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
Looking for more Christmas lights in Akron, Ohio? Read The Best Akron Christmas Lights Displays.
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
Visit the largest holiday light display on Lake Erie at Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake. The event includes over 70 lights displays on the 54 acres of Lakeshore Park. They promise that some displays are “as big as a truck”. You’ll have to go and see what they mean for yourself. It’s a family tradition in the making.
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
Experience the magic and wonder of Christmas at Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park. The 1.25-mile drive through featuring more than 40 light displays with 2 million+ dazzling LED lights. Load up your car with family and friends to view these twinkling drive through Christmas lights in Ohio.
When: NNovember 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
Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
From late November through early January, this drive-through Christmas light display is a big hit with Cleveland-area residents and visitors. 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/
Nela Park Holiday Lights
As one of the oldest Cleveland Christmas light displays, Holiday Lights at Nela Park is quickly approaching 100 years. 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
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! 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 Public Square Holiday Lights
Welcome the holiday season by viewing hundreds of twinkling lights in the heart of Cleveland at Cleveland Public Square. WinterLand (formerly WinterFest) kicks off the holiday season on November 26th, then the lights are on display through the holiday season.
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 Cost: FREE
Website: https://www.winterfestcle.com
Looking for more Christmas lights in Cleveland, Ohio? Read Magical Cleveland Christmas Lights Displays.
Christmas Lights Displays in Northwest Ohio
These holiday lights in Northwest Ohio are the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
North Pole Express
Take a ride on the North Pole Express in Findlay. Ride the train through holiday decorations and visit the indoor winter wonderland, plus drop off a letter for Santa at the North Pole mailbox. The price is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The North Pole express is closed Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, but open on Christmas.
When: November 24 – December 30, 2023; Friday & Saturday 5:30-9:00pm and Sunday 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation Inc.- 12505 C.R. 99 Findlay, OH 45840
Admission Cost: $5.00 Ages 13+; $3.00 Ages 12 and under
Website: http://www.nworrp.org
Toledo Ohio Zoo Lights
Visit the Toledo Zoo for their Lights Before Christmas event featuring nearly 70 miles of lights throughout the zoo. Other fun winter activities include an Ice Slide and Bumper Car on Ice at the Winter Village and Douglas, the Talking Fir Tree.
When: November 17 – December 31, 2023; Monday – Thursday 3-8pm, Friday – Sunday 3-9pm
Where: Toledo Zoo & Aquarium-
Admission Cost: $29.00 Ages 12-59; $26.00 Ages 2-11 and 60+; Reservations are required.
Website: https://www.toledozoo.org/lights
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Drive through Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky. The 33-acre park features millions of twinkling lights and dozens of unique light displays that you can drive through in your car. There is a suggested donation of $10 per car, which is given to a charitable organization.
When: December 1-30, 2023; Monday-Thursday 6-9:30pm, Friday-Sunday 6-10pm
Where: Harrison Smith Park- 525 East Wyandot Avenue, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351
Admission Cost: Suggested donation $10.00
Website: https://uppersfantasyoflights.org
Christmas Cruise Thru
As the largest light show in the tri-state area, the Christmas Cruise Thru is 2.5 miles of displays which features more than 3 million twinkling outdoor lights! Enjoy the Festive of Trees, Miniature Village, Live Reindeer and Santa. On December 10, be sure to arrive early to watch the annual Winter Massive Fireworks Show illuminate the skyline. Enjoy the twinkling lights from the warmth of your vehicle at these drive through Christmas lights in Ohio.
When: November 20 – December 24, 2023; Daily from 6-9pm
Where: Defiance County Fairgrounds- 530 South Main Street, Hicksville, OH 43526
Admission Cost: Donation
Website: https://christmascruisethru.com
Christmas Lights Displays in Southwest Ohio
Gather your family and friends this holiday season and visit one of these Christmas lights displays in Southwest Ohio!
PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Attend the 41st annual PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. Voted as the #1 Zoo Lights in the Country by USA Today featuring over 2.5 million twinkling lights! Along with the festive light displays, visitors can view the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake, visit the Gingerbread Village, take a ride on the Toyland Express Train and many other fun family activities.
When: November 17, 2023 – January 7, 2024; Sunday – Thursday 4-9pm, Friday & Saturday 4-10pm
Where: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden- 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Admission Cost: Various ticket prices depending on date and time you visit, check website for pricing
Website: http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/
Woodland Lights
Walk through a fantasyland of holiday lights at Woodland Lights in Dayton. From mid-November through the end of December, visitors can explore dozens of vignettes and lights displayed along a half-mile walking path. The lights cover ten acres, which can also be seen from the four-car passenger train. Other features of Woodland Lights include photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides, concessions, and pet-friendly nights.
When: November 17-19, 24-26, December 1-3, 8-10, 14-23, 26-30 (lights only) 2023 from 6-9pm
Where: Countryside Park- 895 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459
Admission Cost: $9.00 Ages 3+, Children under 2 are free
Website: https://www.washingtontwp.org/recreation/woodland_lights
Christmas Ranch
Visit the Christmas Ranch in Morrow to walk through a Christmas Wonderland. View over 1 million twinkling lights choreographed to music, take a train or wagon ride, visit Santa’s Bakery and stroll through six Christmas shops. Don’t forget to get your picture taken with Santa.
When: November 17 – December 23, 2023; Check Website For Hours; Closed Thanksgiving Day
Where: The Christmas Ranch- 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, OH 45152
Admission Cost: $37.00 per vehicle; $47 per vehicle with 10+ passengers; Save $5 when you make reservations online
Website: https://www.thechristmasranch.com
Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill
One of southwest Ohio’s favorite Christmas lights displays is the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill. Featuring 4 million lights covering the mill, Clifton gorge and covered bridge. Visitors can enjoy a gift shop, Santa Museum and Miniature Village. The spectacular Clifton Mill Christmas lights are one of the best Ohio Christmas attractions!
When: November 24 – December 30, 2023; Nightly 6-9pm
Where: Historic Clifton Mill- 75 Water St. Clifton, OH
Admission Cost: $15.00 Ages 4+; Children under 3 are free
Website: https://cliftonmill.com/christmas/
Light Up Middletown
Enter through the festive tunnel of twinkling lights into a Christmas wonderland at Light Up Middletown. For 20+ years, this annual event has lit up downtown Middletown and raised funds for city parks. Displays are put up by volunteers affectionately known as the Grandpa Gang. This driving tour features thousands of sparking lights and dozens of animated displays.
When: 6-10pm every night, Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve
Where: Smith Park- 500 Tytus Avenue, Middletown, OH 45042
Admission Cost: Donation
Website: https://www.lightupmiddletown.org
Pyramid Hill Lights
Pyramid Hill Lights is a 2-mile round trip drive-through annual light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Butler County. With more than 2 million lights throughout the 300+ acre park, visitors are sure to be amazed at these Ohio drive through Christmas lights!
When: November 17 – December 31, 2023; Tuesday – Thursday 6-9pm, Friday – Sunday 6-10pm, Closed Monday
Where: Pyramid Hill- 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
Admission Cost: $25 per vehicle
Website: https://www.pyramidhill.org
Looking for more Christmas lights near Dayton, Ohio? Read Christmas Lights Near Dayton, Ohio.
Christmas Lights Displays in Southeast Ohio
Create new memories with your family and friends this holiday season at one of these Southeast Ohio Christmas lights displays!
Guernsey County Courthouse Lights Display
Visit the Guernsey County Courthouse for an impressive light display synchronized to holiday music. With over 55,000 lights, three 20-foot Christmas trees and 60 animated displays, this FREE light show (featuring four separate light shows, each 8-12 minutes long) is fun for the entire family! While in Cambridge, visit Dickens Victorian Village.
When: November 1 – December 31, 2023; Nightly 5:30-9pm
Where: Guernsey County Courthouse- 801 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, OH 43725
Admission Cost: FREE
Website: http://www.dickensvictorianvillage.com/lightshow.php
The Christmas Cave
Take a self-guided tour through an underground mine at the The Christmas Cave. The Christmas Cave features thousands of twinkling lights, the sounds of Christmas and exhibits depicting the birth of Jesus. There is limited mobility assistance available, please check website to reserve a time for this service.
When: November 17-18, 24-25, December 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 2023 from 4-10pm
Where: White Gravel Mines- 4007 White Gravel McDaniel Road, Minford, OH 45653
Admission Cost: $1.00 per person donation
Website: https://www.whitegravelmines.com
Dogwood Pass
Step back in time to the Wild West at Dogwood Pass. This replica of an old west mining town features Wild West outdoor drama shows on weekends year-round. During the holidays, Christmas comes to Dogwood Pass as the old west town is decorated in festive Christmas lights. The weekend shows have a holiday theme and even Santa and the Grinch make an appearance.
When: November 24- December 23, 2023; Thursday 6-9pm, Friday 6-10pm, Saturday 2-10pm and Sunday 2-19pm
Where: Dogwood Pass- 722 Adams Road, Beaver, OH 45613
Admission Cost: $15.00 Ages 7+; Children under 6 are free
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dogwoodpassoldwesttown/
Best Christmas Lights Displays In Ohio Map
Take time to enjoy the beauty of the season with your loved ones at one of these Christmas lights displays in Ohio! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
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