NORTH POLE EXPRESS – Findlay - The North Pole Express runs every weekend between November and January. The Northwest Ohio Railroad Association sponsors this unique winter wonderland. 

You get to ride a quarter-scale train through a North Pole-themed light display, which features the decorated museum and barn. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be present on several nights!

 

LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN – from Nov 28th to Dec 31st, 6-10pm, Donation only, 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.

 

LIGHTS ON LINCOLN – Elida 1621 Lincoln Hwy, Elida, OH 45807 - 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.

 

 

HISTORIC CLIFTON MILL – 75 Water St., Clifton, 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.

From November 28, - Dec 31, 2025 6pm – 9pm

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.

 

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY – 1389 E COOKE RD., COLUMBUS – 5:30pm – 9:30pm nightly - stop 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.

 

DRAPER FAMILY LIGHT SHOW – 352 N CHERRY ST., KENTON, OH - evenings - 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.

 AXE FAMILY LIGHT SHOW, 1813 Nagel St., ST MARYS OH, evenings, 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,

 

NORTH POLE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, 6165 OH-201, TIPP CITY OH – November – January – Times Varies - 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. t 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.

 

DAZZLING CHRISTMAS LIGHTS – 649 OLD COACH RD., WESTERVILLE ON, Nov-Dec, Times Varies, 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.

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory  - wo of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ popular holiday exhibitions, Holiday Blooms and Conservatory Aglow, are now open for the season. Both exhibits will be open from Nov. 22 to Jan. 4, 2026, except closures on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Downtown Columbus

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, - This event will feature millions of lights, train and carousel rides, Santa Claus and many more attractions. This marks the 37th year the Columbus Zoo has transformed the park into a twinkling winter wonderland. Powell

 Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights - The three-mile drive-thru experience at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds takes about 30 minutes, featuring twinkling holiday displays and dazzling tunnels, with the perfect holiday music. Lewis Center

Lake of Lights -  Kenton