Ultimate Guide to the Best Christmas Attractions in Ohio
Ohio knows how to do Christmas right. From dazzling light shows that stretch for miles to small towns that could star in a Hallmark movie, the Buckeye State shines during the holidays. Families, couples, and friends can all find something special to enjoy—carriage rides through glowing streets, festive markets filled with local charm, and warm cups of cocoa shared under twinkling lights. This guide brings together the best Christmas attractions in Ohio, where simple moments turn into lasting memories.
Curated from the Ohio Road Trips Facebook Group, looking for more Ohio travel tips, this is the group to join!
Things to Do at Christmas in Northeast Ohio
Castle Noel, Medina, Ohio: Castle Noel in Medina is a year-round Christmas wonderland filled with movie props, festive displays, and nostalgic holiday magic that brings out everyone’s inner child. Link to more information: Castle Noel $$
Stan Hywet Hall, Akron, Ohio: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Akron shines during the Christmas season with its Deck the Hall event, featuring stunning decorations, thousands of twinkling lights, and beautifully themed rooms throughout the historic mansion. Link to more information: Stan Hywet Hall $$
Christmas Story House, Cleveland, Ohio: The Christmas Story House in Cleveland lets fans step right into the classic holiday movie, complete with authentic props, vintage decor, and plenty of nostalgic charm. Official Link to Christmas Story House $$
Ohio Christmas Factory, Canton, Ohio: I couldn’t get a feel for this place as I researched it. Official website link: Ohio Christmas Factory $$
Christmas Candlelighting at Historic Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio: Historic Roscoe Village’s free Christmas Candlelighting Ceremony invites visitors to step back in time and celebrate the season with Santa visits, carolers, roasted chestnuts, hot cider, and festive cheer. As evening falls, the village comes alive with the warm glow of candlelight during the traditional Christmas tree lighting, capturing the spirit of an old-fashioned holiday. Guests can also enjoy a self-guided Roscoe Christmas Tour to experience how the holidays were celebrated in the 1800s. Official website link Christmas Candlelighting $$
Things to Do at Christmas in Northwest Ohio
Lights Before Christmas, Toledo Zoo, Toledo, Ohio: Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is a beloved holiday tradition featuring over a million shimmering lights, animated displays, an impressive 85-foot-tall tree, and festive activities like ice carving, carousel rides, and visits with Santa, all set against the enchanting backdrop of the zoo’s historic architecture. Official website link Lights Before Christmas $$
Allen County Museum Christmas Tree Festival, Lima, Ohio: This beloved holiday tradition, a collaboration between the Allen County Museum & Historical Society, the Allen County Master Gardeners, and the Johnny Appleseed Park District, features more than 100 beautifully decorated trees and wreaths by local businesses and organizations, along with festive activities, including the crowd favorite, Evergreen the Talking Tree. Official website link: Christmas Tree Festival FREE Donations appreciated
Things to Do at Christmas in Central Ohio
Conservatory Algow at Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio: Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus turns the grounds into a breathtaking holiday spectacle, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, artfully illuminated gardens, seasonal horticultural displays, and immersive installations that create a festive experience both indoors and out. Official website link: Conservatory Aglow $$
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights, Delaware, Ohio: Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek State Park in Delaware, Ohio, is a drive-through holiday tradition featuring dazzling light displays, festive music, and family fun, all enjoyed from the comfort of your car. Official website link Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights $$
WonderLights Christmas Drive Through, Hartford Fairgrounds, Hartford, Ohio: WonderLights Christmas in Ohio is a dazzling drive-through experience where over a million LED lights dance in perfect sync to classic and modern Christmas music, all broadcast through your car’s stereo for an unforgettable holiday show. Official website link: WonderLights Christmas $$
Lucy Depp Park Light Show, Powell, Ohio: Once a year, over 12 acres are transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for a free drive-through light show that fills the night with holiday magic. Official website link: Lucy Depp Park Light Show — FREE. Donations appreciated!
Lights of Glenross, Delaware, Ohio: This is a neighborhood drive-through! Super fun and FREE! Utilize the website for the best way to navigate these neighborhoods. Official website link: Lights of Glenross FREE
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Powell, Ohio: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is one of Ohio’s most dazzling holiday events, featuring millions of colorful LED lights, animated displays, live entertainment, and festive attractions like the Sparkling Spruce light show, visits with Santa, and glimpses of winter-loving animals, all creating an unforgettable seasonal experience for the whole family. Official website link Wildlights at the Zoo $$
Things to Do at Christmas in Southeast Ohio
Steubenville Nutcracker Village, Steubenville, Ohio: The Steubenville Nutcracker Village in Steubenville brings the holidays to life with over 200 life-sized nutcrackers, charming downtown festivities, and a joyful small-town Christmas spirit. Official website link: The Steubenville Nutcracker Village (FREE)
The Christmas Cave, Minford, Ohio: The Christmas Cave in Minford, Ohio, offers a unique underground holiday experience where visitors walk through beautifully lit caverns filled with nativity displays, music, and the story of Christmas. Official website link: The Christmas Cave (FREE)
Gallipolis in Lights, Gallipolis, Ohio: Gallipolis in Lights transforms Gallipolis City Park into a glowing riverside wonder with thousands of dazzling lights, holiday displays, and a welcoming small-town Christmas atmosphere. Official website link: Gallipolis in Lights (FREE)
Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge, Ohio: Dickens Victorian Village in Cambridge, Ohio, transports visitors back in time with life-sized scenes, old-fashioned charm, and a festive celebration of Christmas in true Victorian style. Official website link: Dickens Victorian Christmas (FREE)
Dogwood Pass at Christmas, Beaver, Ohio: Christmas at Dogwood Pass brings a Wild West twist to the holiday season, running from Thanksgiving through Christmas with festive cowboy shows, appearances by Santa and the Grinch, and family fun each Thursday through Sunday. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, weekend Wild West shows, and plenty of holiday cheer as this Old West town transforms into a one-of-a-kind Christmas destination where the spirit of the season meets frontier fun. Official website link Dogwood Pass at Christmas $$
Things to Do at Christmas in Southwest Ohio
Christmas Ranch, Morrow, Ohio: The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio, dazzles visitors with millions of twinkling lights, festive shops, holiday music, and family-friendly activities that make the season truly shine. Official website link: Christmas Ranch$$
Kings Island Winterfest, Kings Island, Ohio: Kings Island WinterFest turns the park into a dazzling holiday celebration with millions of lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, festive shows, and classic Christmas treats. Official website link: Kings Island Winterfest$$
Festival of Lights, Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, Ohio: The Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights transforms the zoo into a sparkling winter wonderland with millions of lights, festive displays, and holiday fun for the whole family. Official website link Festival of Lights $$
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill, Clifton, Ohio: The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio, is one of the state’s most spectacular holiday displays, featuring more than 4 million lights illuminating the historic mill, covered bridge, gorge, and riverbanks. Visitors can also enjoy a miniature Christmas village, a Santa Claus Museum, and the magical moment each evening when all the lights come to life in a dazzling synchronized show. Official website link: Clifton Mill Christmas Lights $$
Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival: Lebanon, Ohio, The Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival is a cherished holiday tradition featuring beautifully decorated carriages pulled by majestic horses, festive music, and downtown streets filled with old-fashioned Christmas cheer. Official website link: Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival is Free; however, you can $$ tickets for preferred seating for the parade.
Ohio shines bright during the holiday season, offering everything from massive light displays to small-town celebrations full of local charm. Each place brings something unique, historic tours, drive-through light shows, family events, and classic traditions that make the season special. No matter where your road trip takes you, you’ll find plenty of reasons to slow down, enjoy the view, and make a few new Christmas memories across the Buckeye State.
Happy Christmas adventures,
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