SPECIAL EVENTS AROUND OHIO

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Wildlights  

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is also a popular destination for families during the holiday season. From Friday, November 18, 2022 – Sunday, January 1, 2023, you can check out the Columbus Zoo Christmas lights and festivities featuring displays of millions of LED lights and holiday fun. Now in its 33rd year, Wildlights just keeps getting better and better! (It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.)

Scioto Mile Holiday Lights

Just steps from Columbus Commons, you’ll find another fun Christmas light display. The Scioto Mile 233 S Civic Center Drive, is a highlight of any trip to Columbus any time of year. With 175 acres of riverfront property contain eight individual parks along the route. Each night between November 23 and January 2, the Scioto Mile lights up from dusk to dawn. Don’t miss this free holiday display in downtown Columbus!

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, Delaware

This drive-thru holiday light show also features pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate and cookies and gift shops. It is open from November 18th until January 1st on Sunday - Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Friday - Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Formerly Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights) (Address 2911 S Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015.)

The North Pole Express, Findlay  

Board a quarter-scale train and ride through holiday lights and decorations at this family fun destination, which also features a railroad gift shop, a decorated museum and pictures with Santa. The display begins Nov. 25th and ends Jan 1st Hours are Friday, Saturday5:30pm – 9:00pm and Sunday from 5:30 p.m. -8:30 p.m. (It will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.) Board the North Pole Express at 12505 County Rd. 99, Findlay, OH 45840.

Uppers Winter Fantasy of Lights, Upper Sandusky

Bring the whole family to enjoy this Christmas light extravaganza, which runs from December 1st to December 30th. It is open on Friday - Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on Monday - Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights is located at Harrison Smith Park (525 East Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.)

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill (Clifton)

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are featured nightly from 6 p.m. to 9p.m. (weather permitting) starting the day after November 25th until December 30th.  (On Christmas Eve, Christmas the display is open from 6pm to 8pm.) (Clifton Mill address 75 Water St., Clifton, OH 45316.) Every night until the night before Christmas Eve you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see a live Santa at work and then, every 15 minutes or so, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh.

Woodland Lights Washington Township

This half-mile wonderland of lights, displays and festival activities in Countryside Park is a popular holiday family fun attraction. Open on weekends from November 18th to December 23rd from 6pm to 9pm. (Closed Dec 24th & 25th) (Address 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Road Dayton, Ohio 45459)

PNC Festival of Lights (3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45220)

Over 3 million LED lights brighten the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Guests can ride the BB&T Toyland Express train or watch a Wild Lights show over the lake. Tasty treats to enjoy at the festival include homemade fudge, hot cocoa, and s’mores. Santa also makes the rounds to meet the kiddies. Open November 18th through January 8th – 10am -9pm