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15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Ohio

Home » 15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Ohio

September 5, 2022 by //  by Midwest Explored Leave a Comment

Are you wondering where the best Christmas lights in Ohio are? You are in the right place.

In this article, I will walk you through where to find the best Christmas lights in Ohio and share everything you need to know about Ohio holiday lights.

Ohio is a really magical place during the Christmas holidays. There are so many festive ways to celebrate Christmas in Ohio.

During the festive season, the state is alive with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and light-adorned houses. 

But where are the best Christmas light displays in Ohio to get you in the holiday mood? 

In this article, I have included light displays in cities, drive-thru Christmas lights in Ohio, and walk through displays.

Whatever kind of Ohio holiday lights you prefer chances are you can find them in this great state. 

So you are ready to see which Holiday lights in Ohio I have chosen to get you in the festive spirit? Grab a hot chocolate, pull up a chair, and let me walk you through Ohio Christmas lights.

Clifton Mill is one of the places to see Christmas lights in Ohio. The ground is covered in lights as is the mill.
Photo Credit: aceshot1 via Shutterstock.com

15 Best Places To See Christmas Lights In Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Columbus Ohio then look no further than the incredible lights in Franklin Park Conservatory.

Here you will see stylish light installations among the lush horticulture displays. You will find light tunnels, interactive light displays, and trees adorned with glass ornaments.

There are also lots of family-friendly holiday activities and entertainment.

These are some of the most beautiful Christmas lights in Ohio and are well worth a visit.

This is such a fun thing to do during winter in Ohio!

Holiday lights at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The conservatory is lit up in the back and there are small lights on the floor.
Photo Credit: arthurgphotography via Shutterstock.com

Gallipolis City Park Christmas Lights

There is something very wholesome about the Christmas lights in Gallipolis, Ohio. It’s free, family-friendly, and is only running through the determination and generosity of the local community.

A visit to this small Ohio Town has become somewhat of a tradition for many and is a testament to what communities can achieve together.

It’s all about trees here with hundreds of trees decorated along the waterfront in downtown Gallipolis. It’s a beautiful sight and well worth your time.

A tree lit up with lights the photo is taken from below

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

If you are looking for drive-thru Christmas lights in Ohio then Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is the place to be. It’s somewhat of a tradition in these parts and loved by locals.

This locally owned and family-operated holiday light display is 3 miles long. It takes place at Alum Creek Campgrounds in Delaware, Ohio, and was previously named after the campsite.

The family changed the name in honor of their father Butch Bando who sadly passed away. Free hot chocolate and cookies are also on offer.

There is something about this place that just draws you in, it’s welcoming, nostalgic, and comforting. If you are looking for Christmas Lights in Delaware, Ohio then take a trip here.

In addition, some of the best Christmas tree farms in Ohio are located around here.

Rainbow tunnel of lights as part of a local Christmas display in Ohio. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is some of the best Christmas lights in Ohio

Cleveland Public Square Holiday Lights

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Cleveland, Ohio then Winterfest has everything you are looking for when it comes to the holiday spirit.

Here you will find festive trees,  twinkling lights, and holiday decor galore. 

This is all accompanied by live music, food trucks, holiday events, and entertainment throughout the city. 

And the best part is it’s all free. if you are spending Christmas in Ohio then take a trip here the display really is breathtaking.

A dazzling Christmas tree stands amid other holiday lighting displays on Public Square in downtown Cleveland.
Photo Credit: Kenneth Sponsler via Shutterstock.com

Cincinnati Festival of Lights

Voted as the number one zoo holiday lights display in the Country by USA Today, this is the place to go if you are looking for Christmas lights in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This is one of the best Christmas light displays in Ohio containing over 4 million twinkling lights. And it’s not just lighting, there is also Fairyland, puppet shows, and a spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.

The little ones will also love the North Polar Express train ride. If you have children this is a really spectacular Christmas display made with them in mind.

This is one of the best winter festivals in Ohio.

Beautiful Christmas Lights in Ohio at Festival of Lights in Cincinnati. The photo shows a light display

Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake

These festive lights are the largest holiday light display on Lake Erie and the displays are huge.

You will find 70 displays on the 54 acres with the majestic Lake Erie as the backdrop. It’s all sparkling and twinkling on the lake shore and the setting is perfect.

This is one of the drive-thru Christmas light shows that truly delivers.

Trees tightly wrapped in LED lights for the Christmas holidays reflecting in lake. Each tree is wrapped in one color.

Lights At Clifton Mill

Ohio Christmas lights don’t come any more beautiful than they do at Clifton Mill. It’s really hard to describe in words how stunning this display is.

Over 4 million lights are used to cover the mill, the gorge, and the covered bridge, the effect of which is jaw-dropping.

They even have a twinkly light waterfall. They also have a Santa museum, a miniature village, and a gift shop.

These are without a doubt the most beautiful Christmas lights in Ohio. If you are looking for Christmas lights in southwest Ohio look no further than Clifton Mill.

The covered bridge at Clifton Mill in central Ohio is decorated for the holidays.

Easton’s Grand Illumination For The Best Christmas Lights In Ohio

Easton knows how to do Christmas in Ohio. The holiday magic is all around this town with millions of twinkling lights, an illuminated town square, and a 50-foot tree featuring a 5-foot star.

Central Park Fountain also has a 30-foot tree and the Easton Express Railway is donned out for the North Pole. And don’t forget a visit to Santa.

These holiday lights in Ohio really are special and well worth a visit.

Easton Town Center Shopping Mall decorated for the holidays. There is a Christmas Tree in the fountain and the trees and the building have lights on.
Photo Credit: arthurgphotography via Shutterstock.com

Upper’s Winter Fantasy Of Lights

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Sandusky, Ohio then Upper’s Winter Fantasy Of Lights is for you.

During the winter months, Harrison Smith Park is transformed into a drive-thru Christmas lights extravaganza! It is truly a winter wonderland for your enjoyment.

The 33 acres of parkland are ablaze with millions of lights and unique light displays.

This is a great way to get in the festive spirit.

Family of lighted reindeer in front of Christmas trees

Crownpoint Park Festival of Lights For The Best Walk-Thru Christmas Lights

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Northeast Ohio then the Crownpoint Park Festival of Lights might be just what you are looking for.

These Christmas lights in Strongsville, Ohio were featured on ABC’s Great Christmas Light Fight, and many people travel for hours to see them.

The best way to experience these lights is to park up and walk. Crown Point Parkway is essentially a cul-de-sac of 11 houses with the Hoag house being the centerpiece.

The sidewalks are illuminated, and the houses are incredible. It really is a magical sight. This is how to do walk-thru Christmas lights in Ohio.

The colorful outdoor Christmas display in Strongsville, Ohio with Christmas trees and a building in the background.

Stan Hywet Hall And Gardens

If you like your festive activities to have a certain refinement to them then take a trip to Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron.

This historic house becomes a winter wonderland inside and out. Think traditional with a touch of whimsy and you have what this is all about.

Each year the displays are themed and change so it’s never the same twice. The location is beautiful and the lights add certain magic that is hard to find elsewhere.

These are some of the best Christmas lights in Ohio for those who prefer things a little more refined.

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Akron this is the place to be.

Christmas Lighting with Brightly Lit Candy Cane with a christmas tree in the background.

Holiday Light Display – Bedford Commons

If you are looking for Northeast Ohio Christmas lights then head to Bedford, and you won’t be disappointed.

Just under half an hour’s drive from Cleveland, Bedford gives all the cute town holiday vibes.

The tree is lit the night before Thanksgiving and continues after that.

As well as the holiday light exhibit on the commons, three of the city’s historic buildings on adjacent properties are also decorated.

The 1874 Town Hall, the 1892 Old Baptist Church, and the 1882 Wheeling & Lake Erie Train Depot are all illuminated.

These Christmas lights in Bedford, Ohio have that really historic charm.

The historic old Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad Depot on the village commons is festively lit up for Christmas. Some of the Chrsitmas lights in Ohio
Photo Credit: Kenneth Sponsler via Shutterstock.com

Woodland Lights Offers Some Of The Best Christmas Lights In Ohio

Woodland Lights in Dayton is a lovely place to visit with children. The half-mile wonderland of lights, displays, and festival activities is every children’s paradise.

This is one of the festive displays that you walk through and there are lots to see and do.

If you don’t want to walk you can take the Rieck Express train along a separate path.

The children will love a festive trip here and it’s a great place to get them in the holiday mood.

A festive tunnel of lighted arches in a village square Christmas setting

Columbus Commons

If you are looking for Christmas Lights in Columbus, Ohio then you are in for a treat.

At the festive lights at Columbus Commons, you can see the park dazzling with lights, and with more than 6 acres to enjoy you can lost here for hours and it’s all free.

It’s Christmas heaven here with a carousel, hot chocolate, and Christmas entertainment.

The Scioto Mile Riverfront destination is also illuminated which really is beautiful. These are some of the cool Christmas lights in Ohio that you will definitely want to see.

Columbus Commons Christmas lights in downtown Columbus shot early in blue hour. The photo shows decorated trees and light displays
Photo Credit: arthurgphotography via Shutterstock.com

Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds Christmas Lights

This drive-thru Christmas light show is a family favorite in the local area.

Magic of Lights uses the latest LED technology and digital animations to create impressive holiday scenes.

The course is about 2 miles long and features a 200-foot light tunnel and over 40 scenes of holiday lights displays

If you are looking for Christmas lights in Northeast Ohio then put this one on your list.

Christmas display featuring a lighted Santa in sleigh and four purple reindeer.

Packing List When Searching For The Best Christmas Lights In Ohio

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing when heading to the best light displays in Ohio.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when searching for beautiful Christmas lights. 

It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies at all the cool Christmas lights displays.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. . No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors!

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As you can see when it comes to celebrating Christmas in Ohio there are so many places to choose from.

From Christmas tree farms in Ohio to cities adorned with festive decorations Ohio offers a lot.

Whether you go to one of the drive-thru displays or walk around some of the city lights, I know they will all deliver that festive charm.

Wherever you go I hope you have an amazing time and please come back and tell me all about it.

Filed Under: Ohio, Winter Tagged With: Midwest, Ohio, Travel, USA

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About Me

Hi. I’m Linda. Welcome to Midwest Explored. I was born and raised in the Midwest. This area of the United States is very underrated, and often passed over when it comes to vacation destinations or corporate events. Here I am sharing the Midwest with you to entice you to take advantage of all it has to offer!

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