I’ve partnered with Ohio. Find it Here. to share this list of holiday lights in Central Ohio. All pictures and opinions are my own unless noted otherwise.
It’s that time of year again – holiday lights! There’s nothing better than enjoying the holiday season with a drive-through light show or a walk through a twinkling winter wonderland. Central Ohio has so many great ways to enjoy the festive lights.
Looking for a charming town to visit this holiday season? Read this. For a 30-stop self-guided tour of the brightest festive light displays in Ohio, read this.
Whether you want to walk through a mesmerizing experience or feel the magic from your car – here are some of the best ways to view them around Central Ohio.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Located at Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio, Butch Bandos Fantasy Of Lights offers a 3 mile light show featuring over 160 displays. Best part? It is a drive-through experience. This means you get to enjoy the beautiful lights from the warmth of your car.
The show benefits A Kid Again, Recreation Unlimited, Steps for Sarcoma, and 3rd & Goal.
It was just announced that you can bring your letters for Santa to the show! Mrs. Claus will deliver them to the North Pole! {Nov. 27th-Dec. 23rd} Santa’s Elves will scan the letters back so you know what your little ones wished for this holiday season. Your valid legible email address must be included – no postage is necessary.
When: November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Sunday-Thursday 5:30 PM-9:30 PM (ticket booths close at 9 PM)
Friday and Saturday 5:30 PM-10:30 PM (ticket booths close at 10 PM)
Where: 3311 South Old State Road Delaware, OH 43015
Admission: Tickets can be purchased at the ticket gate
and/or online
Cars/Minivans/SUVs:
Monday-Thursday (weekday discount): $20
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: $30
Limos, Motorhomes and Motor Coaches up to 30 people: $60
Buses and Large Motor Coaches: $100
Season Pass: $60
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Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights has been a family fun Holiday tradition that allows for social distancing for over 20 years. You can find more COVID-19 information here.
Columbus Zoo’s Annual Wildlights
One of Central Ohio’s most cherished holiday traditions, Wildlights, will transform the entire Zoo into a winter wonderland covered in millions of LED lights. Some of the main Wildlights attractions include animated music light shows, Santa, reindeer, and other holiday festivities.
When: November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Member Night – November 19, 2020
Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Admission: Members are Free
Franklin County Residents
Under 3 – Free
Ages 3-9: $11.99
Ages 10-59: $16.99
Ages 60+: $11.99
Outside of Franklin County
Under 3 – Free
Ages 3-9: $16.99
Ages 10-59: $21.99
Ages 60+: $16.99
Parking – $10
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To manage the number of guests entering the Zoo during Wildlights, beginning on Member Night (Thursday, November 19) and for the remainder of the Wildlights season, Members can enjoy the Zoo BEFORE 3 p.m. without a reservation. Members will then be required to reserve an entry time for admission after 3 p.m. to enjoy Wildlights. All of our other guests will continue to be required to make advance reservations for timed entry throughout the entire day/evening. No walkups will be permitted. More info on their COVID-19 response here.
Conservatory Aglow
Franklin Park Conservatory will be twinkling, glowing, and magical with thousands of lights illuminating the winter nights. New this year is a Candyland scene complete with a life-size gingerbread house and the magical train display, Paul Busse Garden Railway. You’ll also see familiar holiday favorites – such as the rainbow tunnel, ornament trees, and more!
When: November 14th – January 10th, 2021
5PM – 9PM
Where: 1777 E. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43203
Admission: Conservatory Aglow is NOT included with your membership. However, the tickets are discounted.
Member Pricing
Under 3: Free
Ages 3 – 12: $6
College Student + ID: $9.50
Ages 13-59: $11
Ages 60+: $9.50
Non-Member Pricing
Under 3: Free
Ages 3 – 12: $12
College Student + ID: $19
Ages 13-59: $33
Ages 60+: $19
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Tickets available now and must be pre-purchased. All guests (including for Members) are required to have a timed ticket. More info on their COVID-19 response here.
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
A downtown Columbus holiday tradition since 1931, State Auto’s Christmas Corner is a family favorite. From a rooftop Santa Town with thousands of lights and hundreds of Christmas trees to the current display which includes a life-sized Nativity scene, State Auto’s Christmas Corner is recognized around the world for its beauty and attention to artistic and historic detail.
When: TBD – January 4, 2021
Daily from 6 – 8 AM; 5 – 11:30 PM.; until 12:30 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.
Christmas Eve: 3 PM until 8 AM Christmas Day
Where: 518 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: Free
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Due to COVID-19, they will not be holding their annual lighting ceremony, weekend musical performances, or Christmas Eve ceremony. Face coverings and appropriate physical distancing will be required of all guests.
Easton Holiday Lights
The holidays at Easton are the most magical time of year. While things might look a bit different, they’re still bringing us the magnificent grand illumination! You’ll have the chance to experience the delight of over two million lights as they illuminate the Center at 7 PM on Friday, November 20th. After the 56-foot Christmas tree is lit, you’ll have all holiday season to experience a one-of-a-kind light display that will have your whole family “ooh-ing” and “ahh-ing.”
When: November 20, 2020 – January 2, 2021
Download the 2020 Holiday Hours Calendar
Where: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio 43219
Admission: Free
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Due to COVID-19, they will not be doing a parade. Also, Santa will not be arriving at Easton on November 20. He is respecting social distancing and staying safe at the North Poth with Mrs. Claus, the reindeer, and all the elves – his quarantine crew! They do have a virtual option that will be available for order mid-November. To read Easton Town Centers COVID- 19 Statement, click here.
Columbus Commons
More than 400,000 LED lights will dazzle the Columbus Commons, turning it into a festive wonderland. Located downtown, it is the perfect spot to explore after supporting one of our lovely downtown restaurants.
When: November 20, 2020 – January 3, 2021
Where: Columbus Commons, 160 S High St
Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: Free
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Convenient parking is located at 55 E. Rich St. in the Columbus Commons Main Garage. Masks and physical distancing are encouraged on-site to keep all families safe this holiday season. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, restroom facilities are temporarily closed. For more updates, click here!
The Scioto Mile/Bicentennial Park
Downtown Columbus is a magical spot in itself, but when you sprinkle in thousands of holiday lights – it sure is a sight worth seeing. Hundreds of thousands of sparkling lights will lite up The Scioto Mile – a stunning addition to our already beautiful city skyline.
When: November 20, 2020 – TBD
Where: The Scioto Mile
233 S Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: Free
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Creekside District
With beautiful fountains and stone architecture immersed into nature, Creekside is a lovely area in Gahanna to walk around all year round. Still, there is something even more magical about it when twinkling lights illuminate it.
When: November 22nd
Where: Creekside District, 117 Mill St., Gahanna, OH
Admission: Free
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They will be hosting a virtual tree lighting ceremony on November 22nd at 6:30 PM with virtual entertainment leading up.
Looking for a Holiday Staycation?
The charming Village of Yellow Springs is lovely and provides all that you need for a wonderful weekend. It is home to many independently owned businesses, including restaurants, a brewery, and unique gift and clothing shops. If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air, there is a 1,000-acre nature preserve. Visitors can view spectacular 400-year-old trees, limestone cliffs with waterfalls and overhangs, and the beautiful yellow spring, which is why the town has its name.
STAY Arthur Morgan House: The only bed and breakfast located in downtown Yellow Springs is the historic home of Arthur and Lucy Morgan. Furnished with a fresh, clean, modern look with thoughtful attention to detail, it features six suites, each with a private bath. AMH offers a tranquil and relaxing environment without televisions, radios, or in-room phones.
EAT Emporium Wines & Underdog Cafe: Where the locals gather for coffee and conversation. Serving coffee, tea, espresso, breakfast, and lunch, they also offer extensive wine and specialty beer selections. They’re currently open for carry-out and delivery. Read this for more food suggestions and to learn what is open for in-person vs. carryout dining.
VISIT Clifton Mill Legendary Christmas Lights: The light display, featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine, is absolutely stunning with over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees, and bridges. There is even a 100-foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights.
SHOP Urban Handmade: A one-of-a-kind shopping experience where you’ll find over 70+ artists and makers specializing in jewelry, accessories, clothing, handbags, paper goods, bath and body, original art, and much more. The perfect spot to get all of your holiday shopping done.
Please be aware when visiting Yellow Springs: Masks, social distancing, and hand washing/sanitizing are REQUIRED in the downtown business district by Village Ordinance. Read more about their COVID-19 response here.
