Are you ready to embark on a nostalgic journey back to the days of piling into the family car to witness the mesmerizing Christmas lights displays? Well, it’s that time of the year again, and Ohio has some fantastic drive-through Christmas lights experiences waiting for you and your loved ones. So, fasten your seatbelts, grab your thermos of hot chocolate, and let’s explore the best drive-through Christmas lights in the Buckeye State!
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Central Ohio
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights – Delaware
Address: 3311 South Old State Rd., Delaware 43015
Visit the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds for a magical holiday display named in honor of a prominent former resident of Delaware County. In its 24th year, the Fantasy of Lights is a local favorite, featuring dozens of LED light displays, including Olympic and Ohio-themed scenes. Drive through any night from November 17 until January 1, 2024.
Wonderlight’s Christmas in Ohio at the Hartford Fairground – Croton
Address: 14028 Fairgrounds Road Croton, OH 43013
Drive nearly two miles through the Hartford Fairground and witness more than one million lights synchronized to music. It’s the largest fully synchronized Christmas music show in Central Ohio, running every night from November 10 through December 31. Admission is $30 for a car with up to seven passengers.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Northeast Ohio
Lights on the Lake – Lorain
Address: 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain 44052
Experience a lively display along the lakefront at Lakeview Park in Lorain. This 26-acre park is adorned with lights from dusk until 9 p.m. every night from November 25 through December 30. Santa even makes special appearances at Sunset Terrace on select evenings. Best of all, this drive-through event is completely free!
Holiday Lights Cruise Thru – LaGrange
Address: Carlisle Reservation: Equestrian Center 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange
Lorain County offers another magical display at Carlisle Reservation, running from November 25 through December 30 (closed on December 24 and 25). This event includes family-friendly favorites such as Santa’s Castle and the Carousel. You can also enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and popcorn for sale. Don’t miss out on special evenings featuring Little Green Choo Rides, Balloon Artists, and a Santa Shop. While admission is free, they request a donation of non-perishable food for the Second Harvest food bank.
Magic of Lights at Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds – Middleburg Heights
Address: 19201 E. Bagley Road Northeast, Middleburg Heights 44130
Be a part of a North American holiday tradition at the Magic of Lights display. Running nightly from November 22 through December 30, this event showcases your favorite holiday scenes recreated using the latest LED technology. Proceeds benefit Coats for Kids and the Ohio Farm Bureau.
Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park – Chesterland
Address: 9760 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland 44026
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas with over two million LED lights at Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park. Explore 40 animated scenes, including a Candy Cane Village, a Nativity, a Christmas Carnival, and Santa’s Workshop. Tickets start at $25 for up to seven people in one vehicle. You can cruise through the 1.5-mile display throughout the Berkshire Hills Golf Course, open daily starting at 5:30 from November 24.
Joy of Christmas Light Display at Firestone Park – Columbiana
Address: 338 E. Park Ave., Columbiana
Sponsored by the Columbiana Tourism Bureau, this drive-through holiday display runs on select evenings from November 17 through December 24. Enjoy concessions, cocoa, popcorn, hot dogs, photos with Santa, gingerbread house displays, and story time with Mrs. Claus on Sundays and Thursdays. Admission is $20 per vehicle or $40 for a season pass.
Wachtel Christmas Lights – Big Prairie
Address: 13079 Township Road 503, Big Prairie
While we can’t list every neighborhood light display in Ohio, the Wachtel family tradition deserves a mention. For nearly 70 years, the Wachtel family has been delighting friends and neighbors with an expansive light display. Drive by any evening from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve, and feel free to make a donation.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Southwest Ohio
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve – Troy
Address: 2645 E. St. Rt. 41, Troy
Experience over 60 lighted and animated displays at this drive-through attraction. The 1.25-mile drive through the woods and farmland is a labor of love by volunteer groups, with a $10 cash-only entry fee per car supporting local non-profits. Open weekends from November 25 through December 23, with additional weekdays from December 18 – 21.
Park Lights at Ceasar Ford Park – Xenia
Address: 520 South Stringtown Rd., Xenia 45385
Check out several displays, including Winter Wonderland, Festive Festival, and the North Pole Car Show at this free family event at Ceasar Ford Park. Open every night from 6-9 through from December 1 – 31.
The Christmas Ranch – Morrow
Address: 3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow 45152
Featured on shows like HGTV and Good Morning America, The Christmas Ranch offers a drive-through light show, Christmas shops, Santa’s Bakery, and train rides. For $37 per carload or $47 for an oversized vehicle, you can enjoy the lights from November 17 through December 23.
Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island – Cincinnati
Address: 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati 45230
Experience over one million lights along the 2.5-mile drive while listening to traditional and modern holiday music on your car radio. Light tunnels and dancing candy canes are part of the fun every night from November 10 through December 31, 2023. Your $30 ticket price per carload (up to 8 passengers) will support local causes, including Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army.
Pyramid Hill Lights – Hamilton
Address: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd. Hamilton 45013
Formerly known as Journey Borealis, the Pyramid Hill Lights event remains a tri-state area holiday favorite. From November 17 through December 31, enjoy over one million lights from the comfort of your car. Entry fees are $25 per car for non-members and $15 for members.
Light Up Middletown – Middletown
Address: 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown 45042
Support local causes while enjoying a fun evening with your family at this non-profit event. The drive-through display is open every night from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, and admission is whatever you choose to donate (cash only).
Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion – Middletown
Address: 8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown 45042
In its sixth year, Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion is quickly becoming a local favorite. Featuring nearly four million lights and a 45-foot Christmas tree, this event offers more than just lights. Enjoy covered fire pits, Santa’s Workshop, a petting zoo, and a Christmas Village. Tickets are just $12 per person, and they are open nearly every night from November 23 through December 30, with a few exceptions.
Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods – Sharonville
Address: 11450 Lebanon Rd., Route 42, Sharonville 45241
Paused for 2023; we’ll be anxiously awaiting news in 2024!
For over 30 years, Cincinnati families have been experiencing the joy of a drive-through lighted woods display at Sharon Woods. Over one million lights combine to create more than 250 individual light displays. Besides Santa, you’ll even see every animal that was on Noah’s Ark! For extra fun, you can buy special effects glasses to wear through the display.
Best Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Northwest Ohio
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights – Upper Sandusky
Address: 525 East Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky 43351
Kickstart your holiday spirit with a 26-year tradition at Harrison Smith Park. Witness millions of lights and delightful displays while supporting local non-profits through suggested donations of $10 per carload. Carriage rides are also available on select evenings by reservation only.
Mercy Health Bright Lights at Allen County Fairgrounds – Lima
Address: 2750 Harding Hwy, Lima 45804
Get ready for a 20-25 minute enchanting drive through more than 200 LED Christmas light displays at the Allen County Fairgrounds. As you marvel at the lights, enjoy the Nutcracker performed by the Lima Symphony Orchestra. This weekend-only event runs through December 24, 2023, and admission is just $10 per car.
4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show at Van Wert County Fairgrounds – Van Wert
Address: 1055 S. Washington St., Van Wert 45891
Support the local 4-H Club by visiting the Van Wert Fairgrounds Christmas lights display. With over 100 individual displays and Santa visits throughout the month, it’s a heartwarming experience. Don’t miss the horse-drawn carriage rides on select dates by reservation only. Admission is a steal at $5 per car or $15 for a season pass.
Christmas Cruise Thru – Hicksville
Address: 530 South Main St., Hicksville, OH. 43526
Prepare to be dazzled by the Tri-State area’s largest light show, featuring over 3 million lights. Running every night from November 20 through December 24, 2022, this display offers more than just lights. You might encounter special weekend events like carriage rides, crafts, and s’mores. Ice skating is also available at Santa’s workshop. Donations to Goodwill are appreciated.
Ohio has truly embraced the holiday spirit with these enchanting drive-through Christmas lights displays. Make sure to check the details on their respective websites and confirm the information before you go. It’s time to create new memories and relive the magic of your childhood by exploring these dazzling light shows with your loved ones. Merry Christmas, Ohio!
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