Each year our family looks forward to the tradition of driving through neighborhoods and looking at the wonderful Christmas decorations and lights. Some of these are so impressive! We also love heading to various businesses that get all decked out in the holiday spirit. Here’s a list of Holiday Light Displays Around Columbus that you don’t want to miss!
Holiday Light Displays Around Columbus
Fantasy of Lights: Alum Creek
Dates: November 18, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Location: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds (2911 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, Ohio 43015) and Santa House with free hot chocolate and cookies- located at Cross Creek Camping Resort (3190 South Old State Rd. Delaware, OH 43015)
Details: Stay warm and toasty in your car as you travel through this drive-thru light show spectacular.
Website: Fantasy of Lights
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Dates: Thursday, November 17th (Member Preview Night)- January 1st, 2017 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Location: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Details: Millions of lights illuminate the zoo. Watch an animated light show, see Santa and experience special festivities.
Website: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
Dates: November 25, 2016 – January 2, 2017
Location: Ohio Expo Center & Ohio State Fairgrounds (The event is held outdoors)
Details: The pictures look breathtaking for this event. There will be 39 lantern displays including a tulip-lined walkway and 200-foot illuminated dragon. There will be a variety of performances and artists showcasing traditional Chinese crafts.
Website: Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
Holiday Lights at the Columbus Commons
Dates: begins in late November and continues through early January
Location: Columbus Commons
Details: From dusk until 11 pm you can stroll through Columbus Commons and enjoy the lights.
Website: Columbus Commons
Grand Illumination at Scioto Mile
Dates: December 2, 2016 – January 8, 2017 from dusk until dawn.
Location: Scioto Mile
Details: Walk along the Scioto Mile and view the lights on 150 trees.
Website: Scioto Mile
Easton Town Center
Location: Easton Town Center
Details: There are lights decorating the streets, a 50-ft Christmas tree, outdoor train display, carriage rides (for a fee), photos with Santa (for a fee) and live musical groups offering entertainment on select evenings.
Website: Easton Town Center
Merry & Bright at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Location: Franklin Park Conservatory
Details: Franklin Park Conservatory gets decked out for the holidays. There are large poinesttia displays, creative gingerbread houses, Paul Busse model garden railway, special holiday activities, entertainment and evening lights. Be sure to check the website for dates and times of the various events.
Website: Merry & Bright
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
Dates: The display is lighted daily until January 2nd.
Location: 518 E Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Details: A life Sized Nativity Scene can be found at State Auto Headquarters. Through December 17th, local choirs will offer free performances on the weekends.
Website: State Auto’s Christmas Corner
Segaway Holiday Lights Tour
Dates: December 2 – December 23 (6:00 & 8:15 pm)
Location: Begin at The Greater Columbus Convention Center (400 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215)
Details: Listen to holiday music and look at the lights as you glide around Columbus on a segway.
Website: Segaway Tours of Columbus
Collison’s Festival of Lights
Dates: November 24, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Location: Lancaster (5601 Westfall Rd SW, Lancaster, Ohio)
Details: Stay in your car and drive through this light display.
Facebook Page: Collison’s Festival of Lights
Locations Outside of Columbus….
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill
- This is a bit farther away, but so worth the drive!
Dates: Starts the day after Thanksgiving and continues through December 31st. (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas. Closes at 8 pm on New Year’s Eve.)
Location: Clifton Mill (75 Water Street, Clifton, Ohio)
Details: You will be in awe as you watch the musical twinkling light show along the gorge. There’s also a miniature village for model trains, a Santa Claus Museum with a wide variety of trinkets dating back to the 1800’s and a restaurant.
- Nominated for USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Award 2014 travel award contest!
Website: Clifton Mill
The Christmas Ranch
- Located North of Cincinnati
Dates: November 25 – December 31, 2016 (Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas)
Location: The Christmas Ranch (3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio 45152)
Details: 1 million lights are set to synchronized holiday music. Besides the lights, you’ll find a bakery, 6 shops, pictures with Santa, and train & wagon rides (be sure to check the website for dates and times of these.)
- Seen on HGTV, Good Morning America, Extreme Home Makeover, Country Living, Ohio magazine and more!
Website: The Christmas Ranch
Roscoe Christmas
- Located in Coshocton
Date: December 3, December 10 and December 17
Location: Roscoe Village (600 N. Whitewoman St., Coshocton, OH 43812)
Details: Daytime activities include strolling carolers, Santa, horse-drawn carriage rides and other festivities. In the evening, there’s the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
Website: Roscoe Village
Christmas at Kingwood
- Located in Mansfield, Ohio
Dates: Thursday-Sunday from November 26th – December 30th
Location: Kingwood Center Gardens (50 N. Trimble Rd. • Mansfield, Ohio 44906)
Details: The rooms of Kingwood Hall are decorated to depict various Christmas carols. Outside you’ll find thousands of lights.
Website: Kingwood Center Gardens
Dickens Victorian Village: Courthouse Light Show
- Located in Cambridge, Ohio
Dates: November 1, 2016 – January 1, 2017
Location: Guernsey County Courthouse lawn, Wheeling Avenue
Details: The historic courthouse comes alive with an interactive light and sound show. Cambridge is such a charming city. After, take a stroll and see various life-size, hand-crafted mannequins that are arranged along Wheeling Avenue. Read more here about Dickens Victorian Village.