As the holiday season descends upon us, there’s a magical transformation that takes place in Central Ohio and its surrounding areas. Streets adorned with twinkling lights, homes aglow with festive decorations, and the crisp winter air filled with the spirit of joy – it’s the time of year when communities come together to create dazzling displays of lights. If you’re eager to immerse yourself in the enchantment of the season, you’re in for a treat.
Here are some of our favorite activities and hidden gems.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Dates: November 22 – January 5
Where: Columbus Zoo Central Ohio’s favorite family holiday tradition is Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Dates: November 29 – January 5
Where: 9360 Frabell Dr. Powell OH 43065
This 7-acre drive-through display is put together by a group of neighbors on private property in Powell.
Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights
Dates: November 22 – January 1
Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 South Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday 3-mile drive thru light show.
Dates: November 23 – January 5
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden
The annual Conservatory Aglow features thousands of lights twinkling and glowing in stunning displays.
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
Dates: November 22 – February 16
Where: Columbus Commons, 160 South High Street Columbus, OH 43215
Experience more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle in the park.
Dates: November 15 – January 5
Where: 14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013
A drive-through Christmas light show.
Dates: November 15 – January 5
Where: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
This is a 2.5-mile drive-through light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Butler County.
Easton Town Center has over 2 million lights and a 56-foot tree on the Town Square.
They also have special holiday experiences all season long, including photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides.
Dates: November 23 – January 3
The Scioto Mile is lighting up the riverfront with over 250,000 lights along the Promenade, stretching from Rich Street to Broad Street.
Fields Family Christmas Lights
Dates: November 29 – January 1
Each year the Field’s family adds more lights to their musical holiday display.
Where: 288 Fox Glen Drive East Pickerington, Ohio 43147
