The Best Christmas Light Displays in Ohio in 2021

Ohio is a magical place to spend the holidays and today we’re sharing a freshly updated list of the best Christmas light displays in Ohio in 2022 to get you in the holiday spirit.

All across Ohio, you will find stunning and magical Christmas light displays capable of transporting adults back to the magical memories and dreams of Christmas.

Some might even call these Buckeye State light displays mini Winter Wonderlands.

If you want to see the lights but don’t want to leave the comfort or warmth of your vehicle, check out our list of 21 Drive Through Christmas Lights in Ohio compiled and updated for 2022.

The Best Christmas Light Displays in Ohio

We’re sharing our list of where to find the best holiday lights in Ohio. Most of these displays can be viewed from the convenience of your car, but a few are walk-through events.

If you want to see these Winter Wonderlands yourself, check out this list of some of our favorite Christmas light displays.

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights

One of Ohio’s most popular light displays, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is open from November 19th, 2021 – January 2, 2022 and features animated light displays and thousands of twinkling lights. Santa will also be making an appearance. Reservations will be required this year with no walk-ups permitted so plan accordingly and in advance.

Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll at the Columbus Zoo

In addition to the regular Wildlights hours, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will host a sensory-friendly light stroll and sensory-friendly Santa experience.

November 15th, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., has been reserved for guests who may find a typical night at Wildlights too overwhelming. During the Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll, you’ll find smaller crowds, no holiday music, and the flashing, strobing, and blinking lights will be greatly reduced. Tickets for this event will be on sale at a later date.

Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience

Minimize the sensory overload when you purchase tickets for the Sensory-Friendly Santa Experience on November 15th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and December 11th from noon to 4:00 p.m. This event will allow families to visit Santa in an environment intended to be less stimulating.

Address: 4850 West Powell Road Powell, Ohio 43065
Website: www.columbuszoo.org
Phone: 614-645-3400
Cost: Varies, see website for current pricing.

Light Up Middletown

Experience 100 acres of dazzling lights and animated displays in this unique drive-through holiday wonderland. Drivers delight as they pass through the tunnel of lights to the enchanted exhibit. Open every night through January 1st, 2023 from 6 to 10 p.m.

Address: Smith Park 500 Tytus Avenue Middletown, Ohio 45042
Website: www.lightupmiddletown.org
Cost: Admission by cash donation

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Delaware is home to Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (formerly Alum Creek’s Fantasy of Lights) which has served Central Ohio’s family traditions for 23 years. This 3-mile drive-through display features tons of twinkling LED lights and animated displays wind through the Alum Creek State Park Campground. Stop for cocoa and a picture with Santa just down the road. Open nightly November 18th to until January 1, 2023. Sunday through Thursday hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday are open from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Address: Alum Creek State Park Campground 3311 S. Old State Rd. Delaware, Ohio 43015
Website: www.butchbandosfantasyoflights.com
Phone: 614-412-3499
Cost: Varies. Purchase tickets here.

Woodland Lights Festival

Breathe in the crisp Dayton air as you walk through this half-mile of mesmerizing lights with animated displays and fun holiday activities. Cuddle up on a carriage ride or treat the tykes to amusement rides and live animals. Chase away the chills as you bond over bonfires. Food and drinks available. Open on weekends from November 19th – December 19th 2021 and Nightly December 20th through December 30th. Advance reservations are required.

Address: 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road Dayton, Ohio 45459
Website: www.woodlandlights.org
Phone: 937-433-0130
Cost: $9, children under 2 are free.

The Christmas Ranch

As seen on HGTV and Good Morning America, The Christmas Ranch lights up on Friday, November 19th – December 23rd, 2022, drawing visitors from all over the state of Ohio as well as Kentucky and Indiana. You’ll find lights, wagon rides, a train ride, pictures with Santa and shops to browse.

Address: 3205 S Waynesville Rd, Morrow, OH 45152
Website: https://www.thechristmasranch.com/
Phone: 513-444-9362
Cost: $20 per carload and $30 for oversized van (10+ visitors) no buses or RV’s.

Tip: Purchase your tickets online before arrival to access Santa’s VIP Pass to receive 10% off all food, train rides, wagon rides, pictures with Santa and any purchases in the shops.

Holiday In Lights at Sharon Woods

If you are in the Cincinnati area, you will definitely want to visit the Holiday In Lights in Sharonville. This exhibit features over a mile of lights and displays that can be viewed from the comfort of your own vehicle, Don’t let bad weather scare you away, Rain or shine, this display is open nightly November 19th – December 30th, 2021.

Note: Holiday in Lights will be cashless this year and only accepting credit cards.

There will be no Santaland this year.

Address: Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Route 42 Sharonville, OH 45241
Website: https://www.holidayinlights.com/home.html
Phone:513-769-0393
Cost: Walking tickets $7, Vehicle $17, Buses (15 passenger van) $55. Make sure you snag a coupon for $1 off here before you go.

Lights Before Christmas

Head over to the Toledo Zoo for another fun zoo-based display that is loved by those young and old. With over 1 million twinkling lights and 200 animated animal displays, your family will love this Winter wonderland. Open November 19th – December 31st, 2021.

Address: 2 Hippo Way Toledo, Ohio 43609
Website: https://www.toledozoo.org/lights
Phone: 419-385-5721
Cost: See website for pricing.

Historic Clifton Mill

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill is one of the premier light displays in the Midwest and has been for two decades, with over four million lights brightening up the mill and property.  You will see animated displays, Santa and his workshop and even a twinkling light waterfall. Open nightly November 26th – December 30th, 2021.  You won’t’ want to miss this stop!

Tip: The gate opens at 5 p.m. Plan to arrive early so you’re there to see the lights turn on promptly at 6 p.m.

Address: 75 Water St. Clifton, Ohio 45316
Phone: 937-767-5501
Website: https://cliftonmill.com
Cost: $10 per person age 4 and up. Children 3 and under are free. *The cost remains the same as last year.

PNC Festival of Lights

Over 3 million LED lights brighten the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Guests can ride the BB&T Toyland Express train or watch a Wild Lights show over the lake. Tasty treats to enjoy at the festival include homemade fudge, hot cocoa, and s’mores. Santa also makes the rounds to meet the kiddies (through December 23rd). Open November 19th- January 9th. Reservations are required.

Address: 3400 Vine Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45220
Phone: 513-281-4700
Website: www.cincinnatizoo.org
Cost: Included with zoo admission. See the website for pricing and discount information.

Deck the Hall 2021

Stan Hywet Hall and Corbin Conservatory will serve up a bit of nostalgia this Christmas season with Deck the Hall: Lights, Cameras, Christmas! The first-floor manor rooms, garden and conservatory and gardens will sparkle with over one million lights and you’ll find glimpses of your favorite Christmas movies throughout the property.  View this website for dates. Masks must be worn inside buildings and tickets are required for 2021. Tickets may be purchased daily up until 4 p.m. or until capacity is reached.

Address: 714 North Portage Path Akron, Ohio 44303
Phone: 330-836-5533
Website: www.stanhywet.org
Cost: Member and general admission pricing available on the website.

Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio

You won’t want to miss a visit to Wonderlights! You’ll find 2-miles of lights synchronized to old and new holiday tunes. The lights include several drive-through tunnels, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops and gorgeous giant Christmas trees. Read our review of Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio to see why we loved it.

This display will run from 5:30-10 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 5:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays until January 9th, 2022.

Address: Hartford County Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road Croton, OH 43013
Phone: N/A
Website: Wonderlights in Ohio
Cost: Prices run $7 pp/ $20 a carload and up (Personal vehicle, Limo/Party Bus) and must be purchased in advance.

Guernsey County Courthouse Holiday Light Show

Experience a taste of Victorian life as you meander the streets, shops, and restaurants in downtown Cambridge. The Dickens Victorian Village has 94 vignettes depicting life in the 1800s. Built in 1881, the antique courthouse is transformed as 30,000 lights are synchronized with holiday music to create a spectacular display you won’t want to miss. Open November 1st through January 1st, 2022.

Address: 801 Wheeling Avenue Cambridge, OH 43725
Website: https://yourradioplace.com/courthouse-holiday-light-show/
Cost: Free.

Journey BOREALIS

Located in Hamilton, Ohio, sip your mug of hot cocoa, warm up the car, and sing along to the holiday tunes to begin your tour of Journey BOREALIS, a spectacular drive-through light displays at one of the area’s most loved parks, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. This winter wonderland is a twinkling twilight of Christmas spirit and magic. Journey BOREALIS will dazzle you with over 2 million lights covering the surfaces of their sculptures and transforming the park into a dreamy, seasonal sanctuary.

From November 19th – January 2nd, 2022 Pyramid Hill is a 300+ acre sculpture park that showcases over 60 pieces of monumental sculpture art nestled in the breathtaking meadows and rolling hills of the park by day. But by night, Pyramid Hill turns into the best holiday light display in Hamilton.

Visitors of all ages fall in love with the parks enchanting Christmas spirit and enjoy taking their kids, grandkids, and entire families to the park to see the lights each year. It’s a tradition that you’ll look forward to for years to come. Tip: Make sure you download the app with music prior to arriving.

Address: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013
Phone: 513-868-8336
Website: https://journeyborealis.com/
Cost: rates vary depending on day selected, check website for up to date information

Christmas Cruise-thru at Defiance County Fairgrounds

The Christmas Cruise Thru at the Defiance Country Fairgrounds boasts over 100,000 lights and displays. Check out their website below for a schedule of events and more information. This event runs from November 19th – December 23rd, 2021 from 6-9 p.m.

Address: 530 S Main St, Hicksville, OH 43526
Phone: 419-542-9000
Website: https://christmascruisethru.com/
Cost: Monetary Donation at the Gate

Lights on 193

Head on over to Route 193 in Kingsville and find over 20,000 lights all in a single residential light display!  This display is less than 15 minutes from both the Millard Family Lights Display and the Lights on the Lake allowing you to easily see all 3 displays in one evening, so grab your thermos of hot chocolate and head on out for an evening that will be fun for the whole family! This display kicks off Thanksgiving Day and runs through December 30th, 2021. And don’t forget to enhance your experience by tuning in to 99.1 FM.

Address: 4880 state route 193 Kingsville, OH 44048
Phone: N/A
Website: https://www.facebook.com/christmaslightson193kingsville/
Cost: FREE 

Millard Family Light Display

10 songs and 30,000 lights come to life in this residential display put on by the Millard Family which normally kicks off around Thanksgiving.  This was mentioned earlier, but this display is within 15 minutes of both the Lights on 193 and the Lights on the Lake, so make a night of it and have fun checking them all out! 

Address: 2104 E 40th St Ashtabula, OH 44004
Website: N/A
Cost: Donations accepted. 

Joy of Christmas Light Display

At the Harvey S. Firestone Recreational Park, you will find the Joy of Christmas Light Display.  With over one million lights put to work on 80 different displays, this is the largest drive-thru light show in northeast Ohio. You can spend an entire evening here enjoying this holiday wonderland.  Opening for the 2021 Christmas season on November 19th! Select dates November 18th – December 26th, 2021. New this year is a Walk-it night with no cars allowed. Park your car on Monday, December 6th and stroll through the grounds for $5 per person. 

Address: 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana, OH 44408
Phone: N/A
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Joyofchristmaslightshow/
Cost: 10/vehicle, $3/person (motorcoach) provides access to the drive-thru light show, Gingerbread House & Santa’s Ice Castle or you can pay $25 and get an entire season pass.

City of Bedford Christmas Lights

Take a cruise to the city of Bedford and take a look around the town square.  The entire town square is decorated with twinkling Christmas lights, while your favorite Christmas songs are playing in the background. This cute display will bring back memories of small-town Christmas!  It’s been called the “It’s a Wonderful Life” celebration of Ohio, with its old-fashioned holiday decor.

Address: Downtown Bedford, OH
Phone: N/A
Website: http://christmasinbedfordfalls.com/
Cost: FREE

Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Display

If you are looking for a one of a kind, drive-thru light show, be sure to check out the Magic of Lights Drive-Thru Display in Middleburg Heights.  This display is over a mile long and offers visitors a chance to see over 30 different cutting edge displays, including a light tunnel that is over 100 feet long and kicks off November 24th – January 2nd, 2022.

Address: Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Phone: N/A
Website: https://magicoflights.com/northeastohio/
Cost: Prices run $21-80 online and $30-100 at the gate (Personal vehicle, Limo/Party Bus/Bus Pricing)

Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake

Revel in the largest light display on Lake Erie. Over 70 themed displays light up 54 acres of Lake Shore Park. 2021 dates are: Friday, Saturday and Sunday November 26th – December 31st, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Address: Lakeshore Park 1700 East 1st Street Ashtabula, Ohio 44004
Phone: 440-993-1051
Website: www.aclotl.com
Cost: Suggested Donation of $5 per Car or Van. Buses – $1 per person, Mini Buses – $20

Lenz Family Light Spectacular for Jesus in Carlisle Twp/Grafton

This private display at the Lenz home features over 45,000 lights, covering 3 of their five rural acres! The focal point is a 3 foot by 24 foot long sign that displays, “Happy Birthday, Jesus”. You’ll find the display between Banks Road and Slife Rod on Indian Hollow Road. This is a drive-by display only so be mindful of traffic. 

Address: Between Banks Road and Slife Rod on Indian Hollow Road.
Cost: Free

Christmas Light Spectacular at Cedar Springs Pavilion – NEW for 2021

Visit the Cedar Springs Pavilion in Tipp City and stroll through their “NATURE IN LIGHTS” that runs nightly until December 30th from 6-9 p.m. Highlights of the choreographed Christmas music and Christmas Light Displays include a 72’ long Igloo with Penguins, Polar Bears and Artic Animals, a Gingerbread House in Candy Cane Lane, Grinch’s Whoville Village, Cascading Colorful Waterfalls and more. Plus, Santa visits almost every night for photos. Hot chocolate and snacks are offered in Santa’s Snack Shop.

Address: 7951 S. County Rd 25A, Tipp City, Ohio 45371
Website: cedarspringspavilion.com
Phone: N/A
Cost: $10 per person, children under 3 are free.

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