
There are many things to love about spending the holidays in Ohio. One of our favorite traditions is piling into the car and driving around to see some of the incredible light displays. No matter where in the state you live, you've got some pretty amazing options! Here are a few of our favorites.
3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109
View this post on Instagram
Once again, the Cleveland Zoo is transforming into an illuminated winter wonderland. This is by far one of the biggest and best light displays in Northeast Ohio. This year, they're presenting an all-new display featuring over one million lights! Some of the themes you'll find include Santa's Workshop, Candyland, Conservation Trail, and Enchanted Forest.
You'll enjoy walk-through displays, costumed characters, ice carvers, model train displays, and carousel rides. There will also be festive choirs providing live music and a massive 50-foot tall tree. Keep an eye out, because you're likely to see Santa working in his shop! If you're lucky, he might even smile and pose for a photo!
Since tickets are limited, advance purchases are recommended. The cost for members is $18 each or $54 for a four-pack. For non-members, the price is $20 each or $60 for a four-pack. There's also a drive-through experience, which costs $54 per car for members and $60 for non-members.
Seabury Ave., Fairview Park, OH 44126
There's something really special about an entire community gathering together to spread holiday joy. That's exactly what the residents of Seabury Avenue and Fairview Park have been doing since 2012. What started as just a few homes in the neighborhood getting together and decorating has now grown to over a half-mile of lighted displays. Last year, there were 70 houses participating on Seabury Avenue and about 900 homes throughout Fairview Park.
After you're done strolling through the light show, you're also welcome to stop by the "elf tent," where you can enjoy hot chocolate, cider and meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
While it's free to see the dazzling displays, donations are gratefully accepted. Last year, the event raised $1,100 for the Fairview Park Hunger Center.
4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
View this post on Instagram
One of the most popular light displays in Columbus, Wildlights features thousands of twinkling lights and animated light displays set to festive music. It also features other fun attractions including The S'mores Experience, Polar Bear Express, Camel Rides, The Santa Experience, and more!
This event runs now through January 3rd (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). Reservations are required, so make sure you book your spot ahead of time!
1975 Noble Rd., East Cleveland, OH 44112
You definitely don't want to miss the 95th annual light display at the world headquarters of GE Lighting, Nela Park. This year's theme is "The Magic of Lights," and it will feature more than half a million LED bulbs! Some of the things you'll find here include a 30-foot decorated gingerbread house and a replica of the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. There's also a "selfie station" where you can take photos in front of a giant red ornament.
The lights will remain on 24-hours a day until Jan. 6, and they're visible from Noble Road.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy the magic of the season at the Franklin Park Conservatory's largest holiday event. You'll love the thousands of twinkling lights, incredible train display, and Candyland scene with a life-sized gingerbread house. Traditional favorites, like ornament trees and the rainbow tunnel, are also returning.
In addition to light displays and shows, you can also catch live entertainment, enjoy seasonal refreshments, and even meet Santa and his Reindeer (Dec. 19th and 20th). General admission tickets are $22 ($11 for members). You'll need to reserve your tickets ahead of time. This popular event is likely to sell out, so don't delay!
Bicentennial Park: 233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
Looking for a laid-back holiday light experience? Head to downtown Columbus to check out the holiday display along the Scioto River. This stunning display features over 250,000 LED lights spread throughout Bicentennial park. There's also a life-sized Nativity scene.
While you're in the area, head over to Columbus Commons, which is just around the corner. They'll also have some incredible displays, featuring over 320,000 lights!
6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45230
View this post on Instagram
Prefer to enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of your car? Check out Christmas Night of Lights at Coney Island! This dazzling light show is synchronized to both traditional and rocking holiday music, which you'll listen to through your car radio.
You'll love the lighted tunnels, shimmering snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and larger-than-life trees. The entire drive-through is about two and a half miles and uses over a million lights.
General admission is $7 per person and you can purchase your ticket at the gate when you arrive. The show begins each night at dusk and continues until 10 p.m. until Jan. 9.
3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220
One of the most popular events in Cincinnati, the 38th annual PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is sure to make a lasting memory! It features over 4 million LED lights, a Polar Express train ride, and a Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.
You'll also love the unique decorations in Santa's Village, Roo Valley, and African Penguin Point. While you're there, make sure you roast s'mores at S'more Station, join in on the 2020 scavenger hunt and have a socially-distanced meeting with Santa himself! Reservations are required, so make sure you get your tickets before they sell out.
4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, OH 45150
View this post on Instagram
The Cincinnati Nature Center is lighting up the forests with a beautiful light display! This year's theme is "Peace, Tranquility, and Inspiration." This walking tour will feature holiday shopping, bonfires, and music. Make sure you also stop by Abner Hollow Cabin and the historic Krippendorf Lodge so you can take a look at the period decorations.
The event will run through Jan. 3 (excluding Dec. 24 and 25). Tickets are on sale now. The cost for an adult ticket is $10 for members and $12 for non-members and pre-registration is required.
After you get your fill of socially-distanced holiday light displays, you'll need a few more ways to safely enjoy this unique holiday season. Beginning Monday, Dec. 14th, our Realtors will begin sharing ideas via email for holiday-inspired activities that you and your family can safely enjoy, all the way up to the New Year. Here a few to look forward to:
How will your family celebrate Christmas this year?