We can all use a little holiday cheer this time of year and what better way to get in the spirit than by taking in some beautiful holiday light displays. You can find light displays all over the state of Ohio and many you can enjoy right from the comfort of your own vehicle. Here are some of the 10 best light displays in Ohio. Cuddle up with your hot chocolate and enjoy the magical lights all around our state.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Located just north of Columbus in Delaware, Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a 3-mile drive-thru light show that takes you through a winter wonderland in the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds. The family is sure to enjoy one more way to experience the beautiful grounds of Alum Creek State Park.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Holidays in Central Ohio aren’t complete without a visit to Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. See your favorite animal displays lit up with the holiday spirit. Some of the featured items you won’t want to miss include the Sparking Spruce, the Animated Lights Show surrounding the pond, and of course the Polar Frontier Exhibit. Enjoy a magical winter train ride through North America and stop in and see real live reindeer.
Conservatory Aglow
Don’t miss Franklin Park Conservatory sparkling at every inch inside and out! This stunning display includes a rainbow tunnel, a life-size gingerbread house, and a magical train display. Bring the family to Conservatory Glow for an unforgettable light show right here in Columbus.
Lights on the Lake
If you are up for a longer trip, make Lights on the Lake a holiday destination. Located in Lakeshore Park in Ashtabula County, the holiday light display is the largest on Lake Erie. Over 56 acres have been transformed into an exciting light display featuring over 70 displays. All with the beautiful Lake Erie as the backdrop of this special holiday event.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill has been a holiday tradition for 32 years. Nominated as one of USA Today’s Reader Choice Travel Awards, the historic Clifton Mill transforms into a Christmas wonderland. Located less than an hour from Columbus, this light display is a popular choice for families in Central Ohio.
Dickens Victorian Village
A little less than an hour and a half from Columbus, the Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge features 36 animated light displays and 30,000 lights synchronized to a holiday soundtrack. See the historic Guernsey County Courthouse come to life this holiday season!
Holiday Lights at Easton Town Center
Get some holiday shopping done while you enjoy the spectacular holiday lights at Easton Town Center. The open-air shopping center features over 2 million outdoor lights, an animated Christmas tree, and even carriage rides. This is truly a beautiful holiday destination, and you won’t need to travel far to see it.
Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet
Located in Akron, Deck the Hall at Stan Hywet is a complete Christmas experience, featuring over one million lights throughout the historic estate of F.A. Seiberlin, co-founder of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Walkthrough a gingerbread land, take a self-guided tour of the decorated Manor House, view spectacular animated light shows and much more!
North Pole Express
What’s more magical than a train ride through a holiday wonderland? Take a ride on the North Pole Express in Findley. Less than 2 hours from Columbus, this holiday train is one of the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation’s most popular attractions. See sparking holiday lights throughout the train ride and also visit the beautifully decorated museum and train barn. The kids will love this special holiday train ride.
WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
Named as Central Ohio’s largest drive-thru Christmas light show, WonderLight’s Christmas is located in Hebron. Enjoy over 1 million LED lights synchronized to holiday music played in the comfort of your own vehicle. If you’re looking for the ultimate drive-thru experience right here in Central Ohio, don’t miss WonderLight’s Christmas this year!
