10 Breathtaking Christmas Light Displays in Ohio That Will Leave You Spellbound This 2025 Holiday Season

Every winter, Ohio lights up with Christmas shows in cities and towns all over the map. Families, friends, and travelers flock here for a dose of holiday spirit.

Here’s my guide to Ohio’s best 2025 Christmas light displays—hopefully it’ll help you plan a trip and get the most out of your holiday adventure. You’ll find the essentials: where to go, when to visit, and a few travel tips to make things easier.

1) Light Up Middletown

I always think of Light Up Middletown as one of Ohio’s classic holiday light traditions. Back in 1999, Florella Randall wanted more lights in her community, so she and some volunteers put together the first show with just a handful of displays.

Now, it’s a much bigger deal. The event draws over a million visitors a year, and local businesses and volunteers—including the “Grandpa Gang”—team up to build and maintain the displays.

Community organizations and extra volunteers pitch in to help make the setups even larger each year. Light Up Middletown takes place in Smith Park, and you get to drive through the whole thing with your family.

There’s no entrance fee, but they do appreciate donations. All the money raised goes back into local organizations and improving the event for next year.

Rating: 4.8 (568 reviews)
Location: Light Up Middletown, Google Maps
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	6–10 pm	500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042	Donation only	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	lightupmiddletown.org

2) WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio

When I went to WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio, I saw more than a million LED lights, all blinking and dancing to Christmas music. I just tuned my car radio to 89.9 FM and watched the show from inside my warm car.

You can visit every night from mid-November to early January. They sell tickets per car, and if you’ve got a group, there are special rates.

The drive takes about 45 minutes since cars move slowly through the displays. Each ticket comes with a time window, so traffic doesn’t get too crazy.

Pets can tag along, but they have to stay in the car. They don’t allow limos, RVs, or anything over 25 feet, though.

You’ll find portable toilets at the start and end of the route. I really suggest buying tickets ahead of time—lines at the entrance can get long.

Rating: 4.7 (183 reviews)
Location: 14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 15, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025	5:30PM – 10:00PM	14028 Fairgrounds Rd, Hartford, OH 43013	$30 per car (up to 7 people)	Hartford hotels	wonderlightschristmas.com/ohio

3) Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park

If you’re near Burton, you’ve got to check out Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park. It’s a drive-through with over forty displays and two million lights stretched out over 1.5 miles.

Every year, the lights sync up with holiday music you play on your car radio. The event happens at the Great Geauga County Fairgrounds, usually opening around Thanksgiving and running until late December.

Last time I checked, tickets were about $25 per car. Families love coming here for the music, the lights, and the different holiday traditions on display.

Some displays focus on nativity scenes and religious themes, which a lot of visitors appreciate. For 2025, you’ll want to check the official website closer to winter for exact dates and tickets.

Rating: 4.2 (236 reviews)
Location: 14373 N Cheshire St, Burton, OH 44021
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
TBA (check site)	TBA (evenings)	14373 N Cheshire St, Burton, OH 44021	$25/car	Burton hotels	christmaslightsohio.com

4) Christmas Ranch

Whenever I need a big holiday light display, I head to Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio. They set up thousands of lights, plus shops, bonfires, and even train and wagon rides.

Families from Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana all seem to show up every year. The ranch also gives back to the community.

They support groups like Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude’s, Neediest Kids of All, and the Little Miami Food Pantry. I always notice donation boxes and info about how guests can help.

Santa and Mrs. Claus usually make an appearance to meet kids and families. Santa hands out candy canes during photo ops, which is a highlight for a lot of folks.

Rating: 4 (746 reviews)
Location: 3205 S Waynesville Rd, Morrow, OH 45152
Contact: (513) 444-9362
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Mid-November to Dec 31	5:00 pm – 9:00 pm*	3205 S Waynesville Rd, Morrow, OH 45152	Varies	View Hotels	https://www.thechristmasranch.com/

*Hours sometimes change, so check their website for updates.

5) Magic of Lights

I go to Magic of Lights every December for a drive-through holiday light show. Cars follow a route lined with LED displays shaped like holiday scenes and characters.

Sometimes they mix up the themes or add new installations, which keeps things interesting. You’ll find this show in Middleburg Heights, Ohio, at a big venue that handles a lot of cars.

I always see families with kids in pajamas and couples snapping photos from their cars. You never have to leave your vehicle, which is a relief when it’s freezing or raining.

You can buy tickets online or sometimes at the gate. They charge per vehicle, not per person.

For hotels, Middleburg Heights and Cleveland have good options—I usually check Booking.com for deals. Magic of Lights opens late November and runs until early January.

Hours go from evening to pretty late, but I’d double-check their website for the latest info before heading over.

Rating: 3.4 (108 reviews)
Location: 19201 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Late Nov – Early Jan	Evening to Late PM	19201 Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights	Per vehicle entry	Booking.com Hotels Nearby	https://magicoflights.com/northeastohio/

6) Wachtel Christmas Lights

I think Wachtel Christmas Lights is a great classic drive-through spot in Holmes County, Ohio. The display lights up a rural property with bright, colorful scenes, and it’s perfect for families.

The setup is simple and festive, with traditional holiday themes throughout. You just stay in your car and take in the decorations at your own pace.

It’s usually a calm, uncrowded place—no big crowds or loud attractions to worry about. The display is open to the public and easy to find from the main roads.

Before you go, check for their hours and dates since the schedule can change. Nashville doesn’t have a ton of lodging, so if you’re coming from out of town, Wooster or Millersburg are your best bets for a place to stay.

Rating: 4.8 (54 reviews)
Location: OH-39, Nashville, OH 44661

Dates (2025)	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December (TBD)	Evenings (TBD)	OH-39, Nashville, OH 44661	Free	The Wooster Inn – Wooster, Comfort Inn Millersburg	N/A

7) Lights on lincoln

I stopped by Lights on Lincoln in Elida, Ohio, just to see what all the fuss was about. It’s a small local light show with some surprisingly creative arrangements and family-friendly themes.

You’ll find it right along a main road, so it’s not hard to spot, even if you’re not from around here.

Most people just drive through to check out the lights, which honestly makes sense when it’s freezing outside. The display changes up every year, but you’ll always see classic Christmas shapes and lots of color.

It’s not a huge show, but they put real thought into the setup, and the place looks well cared for.

No one charges admission, so you can come and go as you like. The crowds never seem overwhelming since it’s a neighborhood event.

I found street parking close by, and it looked like most folks just cruised past slowly or stopped for a bit to soak it in.

Rating: 5 (4 reviews)
Location: 1621 Lincoln Hwy, Elida, OH 45807

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Late Nov–Dec*	Dusk until late*	1621 Lincoln Hwy, Elida, OH 45807	Free	Nearby hotels	N/A

*Dates and times may change yearly; check locally for updates.

8) Garvas Family Christmas Lights

I checked out the Garvas Family Christmas Lights in Macedonia, Ohio, and honestly, it’s a pretty well-organized holiday display. This one’s a local tradition, so you’ll see families and small groups coming to enjoy festive lights in a laid-back neighborhood.

It’s not some massive commercial thing—just a residential display that neighbors and travelers seem to really appreciate.

The Garvas family covers their property with colorful lights and classic Christmas themes. Visitors drive by to take it all in, and no one’s selling tickets, so it’s a nice free outing.

You’ll have to park on the street, and honestly, it gets tight during busy nights. I’d say go on a weekday if you can swing it.

The lights kick on at dusk and usually stay on for a few hours into the evening.

Rating: 4.8 (27 reviews)
Location: 9821 Firestone Ln, Macedonia, OH 44056

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025	Dusk–10pm	9821 Firestone Ln, Macedonia, OH 44056	Free	Nearby hotels on Booking.com	N/A

9) Clawson Lights

I made my way to Clawson Lights in Troy, Ohio, and honestly, it’s a residential Christmas light show that locals seem to love. The display sits at a private home, and a steady stream of visitors shows up every December.

Families come back year after year to see the creative setups and the lights synced to music.

They set up thousands of lights that blink and dance along with holiday tunes. People usually stay in their cars, tuning into a local radio station for the full effect.

There’s no admission fee, which is always nice for families looking for something festive but affordable.

You’ll find parking along the street, though it gets busy in the evenings. Since it’s a neighborhood thing, I’d suggest arriving early and being respectful of the residents.

Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)
Location: Clawson Lights, Troy, OH
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025*	Evenings*	1955 Fox Run, Troy, OH	Free	Hotels in Troy, OH	https://www.facebook.com/ClawsonLights

*Dates and times to be confirmed for 2025.

10) Jenkins Family Light Show

I try to hit as many holiday displays as I can, and the Jenkins Family Light Show in Wadsworth really does have that local charm. The house sits in a quiet neighborhood, so you can drive by without any hassle.

They cover both the house and yard with lights, making it a fun scene for anyone passing through.

This show is perfect for families or small groups just looking for a simple drive-by. No one charges admission, and you can enjoy the lights from your car.

Parking is on the street, and the area stays pretty calm, so there’s not much stress.

Every year, the Jenkins Family changes things up a bit. I always notice new features or music, so it never feels exactly the same.

Downtown Wadsworth is close if you want to grab a bite or shop before or after.

Rating: 5 (2 reviews)
Location: 364 Oak St, Wadsworth, OH 44281

11) Historic Clifton Mill

Historic Clifton Mill puts on one of Ohio’s most famous holiday light shows, the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill. Every year, the mill glows with millions of Christmas lights covering the building, the bridge, and the riverbank.

The light show starts up nightly from November 28, 2025.

You can show up when the gates open at 5 p.m. The lights turn on from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every night, except on December 24 and 25, when they run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Weekends and holidays get crowded, so if you don’t love big crowds, try to go earlier in the season or on a weekday.

Besides the lights, Clifton Mill has a restaurant with classic American food. You can also shop for gifts and pancake mixes at their store.

Walking paths wind around the property, so you can take photos of the lights and historic buildings.

Rating: 4.4 (4,419 reviews)
Location: 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316
Contact: (937) 767-5501
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025	6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (daily); Dec 24-25: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.	75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316	Not listed	Nearby hotels	Visit Website

12) Shonk Family Lights

I stopped by Shonk Family Lights in Alliance, Ohio, and found a cozy Christmas display run by a local family. They set it up at their home, and it brings in folks from nearby neighborhoods.

People come to see the lights, check out the decorations, and listen to music synced up with the display—all from their cars.

This isn’t a business, so you don’t need tickets or cash. Most visitors just stay in their vehicles and watch.

Parking can be tight when it’s busy, but the friendly vibe makes up for it.

The light display gets tweaked every year. The Shonk family usually adds something new for visitors.

Downtown Alliance is close if you want to grab food or shop before or after.

Rating: 4.9 (43 reviews)
Location: 2812 Belleflower Dr, Alliance, OH 44601

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Early Dec – Dec 31*	Dusk–10pm*	2812 Belleflower Dr, Alliance, OH	Free	Hotels in Alliance	Not available

*Dates and times may vary year to year; check local listings or social media for updates.

13) Christmas @ the Hormanns

I made it out to Christmas @ the Hormanns, and wow, it’s one of the biggest private Christmas light displays in northern Cincinnati. There are more than 41,000 computer-controlled RGB bulbs, all synced to over 30 minutes of music.

Visitors can vote for the next song, pick a snowman, or even see their names pop up in the show.

The Hormanns started this tradition back in 2001 and have expanded every single year. They went from simple light controls to some pretty advanced tech, including pixel lights and software that lets them control every bulb.

Every light can switch color and pattern along with the music, which is wild to see.

You can tune your car radio to hear the music as you watch. The show is family-run, and you can really tell they put their hearts into it.

Rating: 4.9 (210 reviews)
Location: 6656 Devon Dr, Liberty Township, OH 45044
Website: Visit Website

14) Light of the World: Christmas Light Display

I stopped by the Light of the World: Christmas Light Display in Columbus, Ohio. This one’s set up at a local church and runs throughout the Christmas season.

The setting feels really welcoming and family-friendly.

The church property is full of lights, with nativity scenes and bright decorations everywhere. I saw plenty of easy walking paths, and kids seemed to love spotting holiday characters.

You’ll find parking right at the church. Entry is free, but they do encourage small donations to help support the event or local charities.

It’s best to show up after sunset for the full effect.

Location: 1389 E Cooke Rd, Columbus, OH 43224

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 1–31, 2025	5:30–9:30 PM nightly	1389 E Cooke Rd, Columbus, OH 43224	Free (donations welcome)	Hotels near E Cooke Rd, Columbus on Booking.com	N/A

15) Draper Family Light Show

I checked out the Draper Family Light Show in Kenton, Ohio, and honestly, it felt welcoming for everyone—kids, adults, whoever. A local family puts the whole thing together, and it’s turned into a fun tradition for folks in Northwest Ohio.

The show’s free, and the lights are set to music all season long. Each year, the Draper Family comes up with themed displays for different holidays, but their Christmas show always draws the biggest crowds.

You’ll see strings of lights, bright decorations, and sometimes special events. It’s the kind of place locals get excited about every winter. They get creative with tech, too, which makes the whole thing feel fresh.

I saw families and people from nearby towns stopping by to check out the lights together. You don’t need tickets—just drive up or walk at your own pace. The community really gets involved, and I felt the vibe was friendly and safe for kids.

Rating: 4 (4 reviews)
Location: 352 N Cherry St, Kenton, OH 43326
Contact: (567) 749-0858
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
December (Exact dates vary by year)	Evenings	352 N Cherry St, Kenton, OH 43326	Free	Hotels near Kenton, OH	https://www.draperlightshow.com/

16) Great American Christmas Lights

Great American Christmas Lights handles lighting installations all over Greater Cincinnati and surrounding areas. They take care of homes and businesses, and their service stretches into parts of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

Their team does everything—design, installation, maintenance, removal, and storage. They usually kick off installs at the end of October. If you want a spot, you’ll need to book early since it’s first-come, first-serve.

You can pick from different packages and choose what you want, like gutter lights, roofline displays, or lighted wreaths. The price depends on your property’s size and the package you choose.

Rating: 5 (32 reviews)
Location: 1800 Pheasant Hills Dr, Loveland, OH 45140
Contact: (513) 869-0036
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Installs start 10/31	By appointment	1800 Pheasant Hills Dr, Loveland, OH 45140	$750 and up	Hotels near Loveland, OH	Visit Website

17) Axe Family Light Show

I stopped by the Axe Family Light Show in St. Marys and found a small local holiday event. The lights are set up at a home and you can see the display right from the street.

It’s in a quiet neighborhood, so it’s easy to find. Families usually swing by in the evenings—some stay in their cars, others walk up for a closer look.

You don’t have to pay anything to see the lights. Just show up and stay as long as you like. Since it’s someone’s house, don’t expect public restrooms or snacks.

This show works best for families who want something simple and local. You’ll park along the street, and if you’re from out of town, there are a couple of hotels nearby in St. Marys.

Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)
Location: 1813 Nagel St, St Marys, OH 45885

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
December 2025*	Evenings*	1813 Nagel St, St Marys, OH	Free	St Marys Hotels	N/A

*Dates and times are based on typical holiday schedules and may vary.

18) North Pole Christmas Lights

When I want a pro-level display, I go to North Pole Christmas Lights. Their crew installs custom-fitted, professional grade LED lights on homes and businesses in the Miami Valley and nearby towns.

If a bulb burns out or something breaks, they fix it at no extra charge all season. North Pole Christmas Lights gives free estimates and doesn’t sneak in hidden fees or long contracts.

They’ll match competitor quotes, so you can compare easily. When the holidays end, they come back, take down the lights, label everything, and store it for you in their own place—no extra cost. I love not having to cram all those decorations in my garage.

At the end of the season, I actually own the lights, so I can add more next year if I want. Businesses can lease if they prefer. They use pro tools and careful clips, so your property stays safe during install and removal.

You can pick regular LED lights or a permanent OLEO LED system, depending on your style. If you’re tired of hauling out boxes or climbing ladders, this service really covers all the bases.

Rating: 5 (15 reviews)
Location: 6165 OH-201, Tipp City, OH 45371
Contact: (937) 524-4113
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
November–January	Varies	6165 OH-201, Tipp City, OH 45371	Varies by project	Click here for nearby options	northpolelights.org

19) Ghostly Manor Thrill Center

I checked out Ghostly Manor Thrill Center in Sandusky during the holiday season. This place is packed with family-friendly entertainment, especially at Christmas.

You’ll find indoor Christmas light displays and themed decorations everywhere. Kids and adults were having a blast with mini-golf, arcade games, and roller skating under all the lights.

The haunted house adds a quirky twist, even in winter. Sometimes the 3D theater shows holiday shorts for families, which is a nice touch.

You can spot the center right off a main road, and there’s plenty of parking. They sell tickets for each activity, so you just pick what you want to do. There are a bunch of hotels nearby if you’re planning to stay overnight.

Rating: 4.4 (1599 reviews)
Location: 3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870
Contact: (419) 626-4467
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December 2025 (TBA)	Afternoon-Evening	3319 Milan Rd, Sandusky, OH 44870	Varies	Sandusky Hotels	https://ghostlymanor.com/

20) Dazzling Christmas Lights

I stopped by Dazzling Christmas Lights this season to check out their custom light show. You’ll find this display tucked away in Westerville, Ohio, and it’s kind of famous for letting guests pick the songs that play during the event.

They’ve got this “jukebox” feature, so you can toss your favorite holiday tunes onto the playlist. It’s a fun twist you don’t see everywhere.

Parking’s just on a regular residential street. The lights are all LED and sync up with the music, which looks pretty cool in person.

Since it’s in a neighborhood, I made sure to keep the noise down and be considerate of folks living nearby. I just stayed in my car and watched from the street.

The show doesn’t cost anything and runs through the holiday season. The hours can change, so I checked their website before heading over.

You’ll find hotels close by in Westerville, just a short drive away.

Rating: 4.8 (9 reviews)
Location: 649 Old Coach Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where To Stay Nearby (booking.com)	Website Address
Nov-Dec (TBD)	Varies (TBD)	649 Old Coach Rd, Westerville, OH 43081	Free	Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel	https://www.dazzlingchristmaslights.com/