(UPDATED FOR 2024) Each Christmas season, the Alum Creek State Park Campground in Delaware Ohio is transformed into Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights. This drive-through Christmas lights display is one of my favorite Ohio light displays that allows you and your family to enjoy the holiday lights from the comfort of your own vehicle.
This post has been updated for 2024. However, the images are from a previous visit.
Butch Bando’s is the largest silhouette light display in the state and is considered one of the best Christmas Light Displays in Ohio, welcoming thousands of visitors during the holidays.
About Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Visiting the famous Butch Bando Lights has been a tradition for Central Ohio families for the past 25 years.
That’s right! This locally owned and family-operated display has been a beloved family Christmas tradition for the past two and a half decades! Each year, they freshen the display and this year they’ve added new light displays, a light wall, tunnels and a fun display at the end of the show that encourages you to get our of your vehicle for a family photo op.
You’ll also find a tribute to Johnny “Hockey” Gaudreau, a NHL player for the Columbus Blue Jackets who was tragically killed in August.
In addition to providing family-friendly entertainment during the holiday season, the organizers generously donate partial proceeds of each ticket sold to local non-profit organizations such as Recreation Unlimited, A Kid Again, Steps for Sarcoma and SEALKIDS.
After hearing about the Fantasy of Lights for years, my husband and I finally decided to check it out a couple years ago, and I’m looking forward to visiting again for the 2024 season with our grandbabies, who are at the perfect age to love the lights.
What to Expect at the Butch Bando Holiday Light Show
When we arrived at Butch Bando’s, we paid the entrance fee, turned our radio to the proper channel, and drove through the sparkling Fantasy of Lights Arch before continuing to the light trail. Students from the Delaware Area Career Center DACC created the official Fantasy of Lights radio station!
It took us about 30-40 minutes to drive through the display on a weeknight and we had very little wait time. On Fridays, Saturdays, and school holidays, wait times can be significantly longer, and the local authorities may temporarily close the entrance to alleviate traffic. Updates will be posted to Facebook and Instagram so you can plan accordingly.
The Fantasy of Lights features 3-miles of LED holiday scenes. Among the dazzling Christmas lights, you’ll see a nativity scene with Mary kneeling at the manger, dancing fish, a tribute to our military (that this military mama loves), and other colorful displays throughout.
Other highlights include the light tunnels, light wall, and a giant Christmas Tree. I look forward to seeing the new animated light designs that have been added for 2024.
We also spotted Mrs. Claus, who was passing out cookies and collecting letters to Santa on hand from November 29th – December 23rd to pass out cookies and collect letters to Santa from visitors. If your child writes one, include your email address so you can receive a scan of the letter and know what your child has asked Santa for this Christmas. You can also donate unwrapped toys, coats, and hats to be given to People In Need, Inc. of Delaware County Ohio.
If you’ve visited in the past, you probably drove across the street to the Cross Creek Camping Resort to pop into Santa’s House. Unfortunately, it is now closed but you will find a restroom at the end of the light display so you can make a pit stop before driving home.
More Information about the Fantasy of Lights
Address: 3311 S Old State Rd 43015
Phone: 614-412-3499
Website: www.butchbandosfantasyoflights.com
You may also want to check their Facebook Page for up-to-date information.
Hours: Open every day through Jan. 1st, 2025. Hours of operation are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 5:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Cost: View the website for all pricing options.
Tips to Help You Enjoy this Long-time Holiday Tradition at Butch Bando’s Lights
- Visit on non-peak days if possible. You can expect more crowds on Friday and Saturday evenings and the week of Christmas. Visiting Monday-Thursday will also save you $10 off your carload price.
- You won’t find public restrooms inside the light show, so make sure you go before you arrive. However, there are restrooms in the parking lot after the show so you can go before making the trek home. This is especially important if you’re traveling with young children.
- If you want snacks, pack them from home.
- Feel free to dress in your comfy Christmas pj’s and wear your Santa hats but keep in mind that you may want to roll down the windows for a better look, so pack a blanket to cover up with as well.
- To enhance your visit and everyone else’s please, please learn to turn off your headlights (and turn them back on) before arriving at the entrance. The person in the car in front of you will thank you. Trust me.
- The organizers are serious about this light show welcoming the entire family. If you’re traveling with your four-legged pal, get them a dog treat at the ticket booth when you pay (just make sure you make any necessary stops before arriving).
This holiday light show is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
Other Christmas Light Displays in Central Ohio
I don’t know about you, but I want to see all the Christmas lights in Ohio this year! One holiday light show is never enough, so here are a few more nearby that you may consider visiting too.
Located within a five-minute drive, the Lights of Glenross is a nearby subdivision that features over 300 homes with lights synchronized to music. Easily pair with a trip to Butch Bando’s or, if you live in the area, plan to visit on another evening to extend the holiday fun and memory-making.
The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium combines two of my favorite things- Christmas lights and zoo animals in one brilliant display during the Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo. If you have the money to spend, you can meet a reindeer or take a VIP Private Wildlights Tour. They are definitely on the WAAAAY pricey side, but I’d pay it for a special occasion or experience gift if I could afford it.
If you’re looking for more light displays, you may want to read our other articles, 21 Drive-through light displays in Ohio and the Best Christmas Lights in Northeast Ohio.
Do you have an Ohio holiday light display to add to this list?
