Thanksgiving is over which means it's time to start decorating and getting ready for Christmas. My favorite time of the year. Christmas is not only pretty because of the snow but all the holiday lights and magical movies you can watch, plus you can't forget about Christmas music. My favorite thing to do ever since I was a little kid was to go on long drives and look at other people's Christmas lights and also attractions where they set up for Christmas lights. It is always a great time with family. Here are seven of the must-see Christmas light attractions all over Ohio.

1. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Deck the Hall - Akron

Stan Hywet is the first and largest national landmark in Akron. The main attractions of this Deck the Hall theme are the gardens and the mansion where there are a combined of over 850,000 Christmas lights. Along with the festive attractions, you can also experience a light show to your favorite holiday music, freshly baked gingerbread cookies, hot cocoa, and pictures with Santa. These Christmas lights are open November 25-25 and December 1-4, 8-23, and 26-30. Admission is $18 for adults and $7 for Youth, but children under 5 years old are free and college students with a valid student I.D. qualify for the Youth price of admission. The address is 714 North Portage Path, Akron OH 44303.

2. The Christmas Ranch – Morrow

This is described as a Spectacular walk-thru Christmas Wonderland with over one million dancing Christmas lights to holiday music. Along with several Christmas shops, a bakery, pictures with Santa, and train and wagon rides. These spectacular lights start the day after Thanksgiving and run every day through December 31st. Admission is $15 per vehicle Monday through Thursday and $20 per vehicle Friday through Sunday. The Christmas Ranch is located just north of the greater Cincinnati are. The address is 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio 45152.

3. Clifton Mill – Clifton

Clifton Mill is one of the largest water powered grist mills still in existence Clifton Mill Christmas is composed of 3.5 million lights. This Christmas attraction consists of a gift shop, Santa museum, a Miniature Village, variety of food options, and the legendary lights of the whole mill. Santa is present on scene until Christmas Eve, but unlike most Christmas light attractions you are unable to take pictures with Santa but you can watch him make toys and load the sleigh. This attraction is open every day after Thanksgiving through December 31st. The admission is $7 a person but children 6 and younger are free. Clifton is east of Dayton located at 75 Water St. Clifton, OH 45316.

4. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights – Columbus

What is better than having a festive atmosphere to see your favorite zoo animals? The Columbus Zoo presents Wildlights where there are millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, Santa, reindeer, and other holiday festivities for people of all ages. Wildlights is open from November 18th to January 1st, but closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Admission is the same price as admission to the zoo $13 a person. The zoo is located at 4850 West Powell Road, Powell, Ohio 43065.

5. The North Pole Express – Findlay

Do you like the movie the Polar Express? If so this is the holiday attraction for you. The North Polar Express in Findlay takes you on a magical train ride filled with Christmas lights and decorations in Lionel model train layout. Once you finish with your train ride, you can visit the gift shop and museum where toys and trains can be admired. All children are welcome to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Clause when they ride in from the North Pole. The North Polar Express is open, November 25th through January 1st on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children. The Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation is located at 12505 C.R. 99 Findlay, Ohio 45840.

6. Cleveland Playhouse Square Christmas Light Display – Cleveland

This free light display is in Downtown Cleveland at 14th and Euclid at Playhouse Square and will for sure be a dazzling night for the whole family.

7. Lights Before Christmas – Toledo

Lights before Christmas is an attraction at the Toledo Zoo. This attraction has been previously nominated for Best Zoo Lights in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice travel. This attraction is open November 18th through December 31st. Go see your favorite animals during the day then when the lights go down at night experience all the holiday festivities throughout the zoo, including holiday lights, an ice slide, and ice bumper cars. Admission is $17 which is the same as zoo entry fee. The Toledo Zoo is located at 2 Hippo Way, Toledo, OH 43614.

Whether you are from Cleveland, Ohio or Cincinnati, Ohio there is a place to go and see festive holiday lights with family and friends. More locations can be found here and here.