The leaves have fallen, temperature has dropped, and as we are still recovering from our food comas the most wonderful time of the year has officially begun. Christmas is just weeks away and what better way to get into the spirit than to take a drive to see some of the most incredible Christmas light displays right here in Ohio.
1. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights (Columbus, Ohio)
Located at the Columbus Zoo, the Wildlights attract thousands of customers every year with its stunning light display efficiently ran by AEP. Over 3 million lights cover the whole zoo along with different displays and activities such as decorating cookies with Mrs. Claus, seeing Santa, and more!
2. Clifton Mill (Clifton, Ohio)
Starting the day after Thanksgiving through December 31, the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are featured from 5 to 9 in the evening. Inside you will also find other Christmas related activities such as taking a tour though the Santa Museum and Miniature Village!
3. The Christmas Ranch (Morrow, Ohio)
Often referred to as "truly an old fashioned family experience" along with being featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, the New York Times, and more, the one million dancing Christmas lights attracts customers from all over Ohio every year. Take a walk through the light park and see Santa's Village, Toy Factory, train rides, and more activities for your enjoyment.
4. Lights Before Christmas (Toledo)
Open from mid November through New Years, the Toledo Zoo makes sure to give everyone their fix of holiday cheer. Take a ride down the ice slide, sip on hot cocoa while munching on their famous Belgium waffles, and sing with their famous Dancing Tree.
5. Woodland Lights (Dayton)
Returning for a 24th season, this Miami Valley's beloved tradition and festival has been spreading holiday cheer to all who have participated in the month long Christmas celebration. Every night from mid November through December 23rd, take a walk through the lit up paths of whimsical lights, meet Santa, watch a laser light show, take a trackless train ride through the displays, and much more Christmas fun for all ages.
6. PNC Festival of Lights (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Open before Thanksgiving through New Years, the Cincinnati Zoo transforms into Wild Wonderland full of 2.5 billion LED lights and other Christmas activities for everyone (except for Harambe) to enjoy.
7. Ghostly Manor Thrill Center (Sandusky, Ohio)
Usually open as a haunted house and indoor amusement park for all ages, it is also possible to celebrate Christmas! Drive through the display while listening to 99.7 FM to watch the lights dance with the music and stop by every Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. for a family fun night to meet Santa.
8. Holiday In Lights (Sharonville, Ohio)
Rather than walking around in the cold, enjoy the festive Cincinnati holiday tradition from your car. From November 18 through December 31 and for just $13 per vehicle, drive through the variety of lights while listening to Warm 98 on your radio to watch the different displays flicker and dance with the music.
9. Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights (Delaware, Ohio)
From November 18 through December 31, head out to Alum Creek for a drive thru light display along with free cookies and hot chocolate. Charged by vehicle not per person, partial proceeds are donated to Recreation Unlimited.
10. Light Up Middletown (Middletown, Ohio)
Open rain, snow, or shine and with a cash donation that you set the amount, drive through over 100 acres of lights and a variety of themed displays from Santa's Workshop to sea creatures. This display is open Thanksgiving through New Years from 6 to 10 p.m. every Friday, and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance through December 23 before he has to return to the North Pole.
