Where to View Christmas Lights in Columbus Ohio & Nearby
by Jenna Mendez
10 min read
Columbus has a blend of traditional charm and modern displays that make it a must-visit for holiday light enthusiasts. Each holiday season, there’s always a delightful mix of family-friendly spots, historic districts, and festive events that make this city stand out for holiday lights.
We’re sharing the best places to see Columbus Ohio Christmas Lights! From zoos to neighborhood attractions, don’t miss out on your chance to rein in the holiday with lights that are close to home.
Zoo and Park Light Displays
Looking for the best way to delight in Columbus Christmas lights? How about doing so by visiting the Columbus Zoo and light displays at the park? You can also explore light displays at local parks where dazzling lights reflect off the riverfront, or take a drive through the festive streets of German Village.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Wildlights transforms the zoo into a dazzling display of over a million lights. Enjoy lighted animal displays, holiday music, and festive decorations throughout the zoo. The Columbus Zoo Christmas lights display features over a million lights! Other attractions include visits from Santa, giant inflatables, and VIP tours.
Location: 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
Admission: Paid. $35 for guests 10-59, $28 for guests 3-9, and free admission to those under three. These prices may differ if you have a membership, so be sure to check your membership benefits. Your general admission ticket includes entrance to Wildlights at no additional cost, allowing you to enjoy this special attraction as part of your zoo visit.
Schedule: November 22nd to January 5th, Sunday – Thursday: 5pm – 9pm, Friday – Saturday: 5pm – 10pm.
Getting Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.
Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory Christmas Lights
Enjoy the Franklin Park Conservatory Christmas lights with dazzling wonders across the biomes and gardens! Franklin Park Conservatory’s Christmas Lights event “Conservatory Aglow” features breathtaking displays of illuminated art installations, sparkling pathways, and more.
Some of the highlights from Conservatory Aglow include a 90s-themed party and cozy festive igloos. Also returning this year: a life-size gingerbread house and a magic train display.
Location: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
Admission: Paid. $16-$26.50 per person depending on age and membership status.
Schedule: November 23rd, 2024 – January 5th, 2025. 5-9pm nightly; 5-10pm on Fridays and Saturdays in December.
Tickets: Available online or at the gate.
Booking Online: Recommended to secure tickets online for faster entry.
Winter Wonderland at Creekside Park
Creekside Park’s Holiday Lights features festive light displays along the creek and park paths. It includes a large Christmas tree, light tunnels, and holiday decorations. Be sure to catch the event before it’s gone! This event only lasts one night but is brimming with holiday joy featuring food trucks and family-friendly activities.
Location: 123 Mill St, Gahanna, OH 43230
Admission: FREE
Schedule: Sunday, November 24th from 3pm – 6:30pm.
The Dawes Arboretum Christmas Lights – Winter Wonders Walk
Winter Wonders Walk at The Dawes Arboretum features a spectacular light display set against the arboretum’s natural beauty. The Dawes Arboretum Christmas lights include illuminated paths, lighted trees, and festive outdoor decorations. On the last few nights, visitors can expect a visit from Santa and his reindeer!
Location: 7770 Jacksontown Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055
Schedule: December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 from 6 – 9pm.
Booking Online: Both members and non-members must pre-purchase a ticket online.
Drive-Through Christmas Lights in Columbus Ohio
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Christmas Lights Display at Alum Creek State Park)
This spectacular drive-through light display features over 1.5 million lights and numerous themed sections. Enjoy festive music synchronized with the light show from the comfort of your car. Butch Bando’s Christmas lights show has been family owned and operated for nearly 20 years!
On select nights, the Butch Bando’s Light Show features “Santa Mail” where young visitors can bring their letters to Santa and have their letters personality delivered by Mrs. Clause. Mrs. Clause also accepts unwrapped toys, coats, and hats to benefit PIN, People in Need, INC. of Delaware.
If you’re looking for Alum Creek State Park Christmas lights, you’re in the right place! Butch Bando’s show takes place at Alum Creek State Park.
Location: 3311 South Old State Road, Delaware, OH 43015
Admission: Paid. $20 – $30 per vehicle.
Schedule: Late November to early January, from 5:30pm to 9:00pm Sunday through Thursday and 5:30pm – 10:00pm Friday and Saturday.
Tickets: Available online or at the gate.
Booking Online: Recommended for faster entry and to avoid long lines.
The Lucy Depp Park Light Show
This neighborhood lights show is known as one of the most technologically advanced shows in Central Ohio. Spanning over six houses in the Lucy Depp Park private neighborhood, this synchronized light show is a community effort that features thousands of lights, intricate designs, and holiday music all choreographed together.
It’s a perfect stop for families and anyone looking to enjoy a unique Christmas light experience that stands out from traditional displays! Read all about the tech and effort put into this display here.
Location: 9360 Frabell Dr. Powell OH 43065
Admission: Free. Donations are encouraged to support Peace for Paws Ohio.
Schedule: Black Friday to January 7th. Dusk to 10pm, Sunday through Thursday. Dusk to 11pm Friday to Saturday.
Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets allowed.
Christmas Lights in Downtown Columbus Ohio & City Light Displays
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
The Columbus Commons Christmas lights feature a captivating display of holiday lights. Set in Columbus Commons Park, this Christmas lights display features festive installations, holiday decorations, and occasional live entertainment. It’s great for a leisurely stroll or family outing!
On select nights, the display of Columbus Common Christmas lights features free hot chocolate, a free carousel, food trucks, and live music!
Location: 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: Free
Schedule: Every day, mid-November to early January from 5pm to 11pm
Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets allowed.
Scioto Mile Holiday Lights
The Scioto Mile Holiday Lights bring together a stunning light display along the river front. This holiday lights display features vibrant illuminated sculptures and festive decor, which is perfect for an evening walk with beautiful views of the river.
Location: 233 Civic Center Dr, Columbus, OH 43215
Admission: Free
Schedule: Late November to early January, daily from dusk until 10pm
Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets allowed.
Easton Town Center Holiday Light Display
Kicking off the holiday season, the Easton’s Grand Illumination features a sky full of lights. This elaborate light spectacle is set in the Easton Town Center shopping area, featuring festive lights, a giant Christmas tree, and holiday-themed decorations.
This event takes place on one night only! Don’t miss your chance to rein in holiday cheer with lights, fireworks, musical performances, and story time from Santa!
Location: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Admission: Free
Schedule: Mid-November to early January
German Village Christmas Lights
The historic German Village neighborhood transforms into a holiday wonderland with charming light displays and festive decorations. This is the perfect picturesque area to explore on foot, showcasing the community’s holiday spirit.
The German Village in Columbus Ohio comes alive with a holiday German-inspired Striezlemarkt with holiday treats and local shops to explore.
Location: German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206
Admission: Free
Schedule: December 8th 5pm – 9pm
Pet Friendly: Yes, leashed pets allowed.
Residential Light Displays
Dazzling Christmas Lights in Westerville’s Annehurst Neighborhood
This festive neighborhood display features numerous homes decked out in holiday lights and decorations, creating a dazzling effect throughout the area. It’s perfect for a scenic drive.
Location: 649 Old Coach Rd, Westerville, OH 43081
Admission: Free
Schedule: Early December to early January, nightly from 5pm to 10pm
Fields Family Christmas Lights
This stunning light display set up by the Fields family features a large array of holiday lights and decorations that attract visitors from all around the area. The Fields Family light display comes with synchronized lights to the tunes of your favorite Christmas music.
Location: 288 Fox Glen Drive East Pickerington, Ohio 43147
Admission: Free
Schedule: Nightly, from Thanksgiving until New Year’s Day.
Lights of Glenross
The Glenross neighborhood light display features homes decorated with elaborate holiday lights and festive decorations. Their light show spans between four subdivisions including the Glenross, Glenross North, Braumiller, and Dornoch Estates subdivisions.
Location: Glenross neighborhood, Delaware, OH 43015
Admission: Free
Schedule: Shows begin on Thanksgiving and run until early January, nightly from 5pm to 9pm Sunday – Thursday and 5pm to 11pm Friday and Saturday.
Upper Arlington Holiday Lights & Winter Festival
The most wonderful time of the year is in full swing in the Upper Arlington neighborhood! Along with dazzling Christmas lights through the subdivision, Upper Arlington also hosts a fun Winter Festival event.
While the neighborhood stays lit throughout the holiday season, the Upper Arlington Winter Festival is one day only. Don’t miss ice sculpting, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, and visits with Santa!
Location: Mallway Park, 2096 Arlington Ave, Upper Arlington OH 43221
Admission: Free
Schedule: Winter Festival: December 6, 2024.
Grove City Holiday Lights
This is a popular area for holiday lights, featuring numerous homes and businesses decked out in festive decorations and lights, making it ideal for a family outing. This is also an annual contest for the houses in the area where you can vote for the best interactive house, best outside tree and more!
Location: 3395 Farm Bank Way, Grove City, Ohio
Admission: Free
How to Plan the Ultimate Christmas Light Tour
- Create itineraries based on different areas (North, South, Downtown Columbus) or by event type (Drive-Through vs. Walking).
- Identify which events or displays are closest to each other, and group them based on proximity.
- Use a map app to plan the most efficient route, factoring in parking availability for walk-through displays and optimal driving routes for drive-throughs.
- For walking tours, consider starting in areas where the lights are most vibrant early in the evening and working your way through the less crowded spots.
- Tailor your itinerary to your preferences, whether you’re focusing on free displays, family-friendly events, or romantic outings.
Suggestions for Timing, Peak Traffic Hours, and How to Maximize Your Experience
- To avoid peak traffic times and large crowds, try to visit popular light displays during weekdays or non-peak hours (typically before 7pm or after 9pm).
- For the best viewing experience, plan your visit after dusk for the full impact of the lights but aim to arrive early if parking is a concern.
- Consider checking for special events or peak hours on social media or the venue’s website ahead of time.
- Carry hot drinks, dress warmly, and bring blankets for longer drive-through experiences to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
How Columbus Embraces Sustainability in Christmas Lights
Many of the city’s most popular light shows, including the Scioto Mile and Columbus Commons, use energy-efficient LED lights, which consume less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. These LED lights not only reduce the city’s overall carbon footprint but also last longer, contributing to lower maintenance costs.
Additionally, some displays are programmed to use timers and sensors to ensure lights are only on during peak viewing hours, further conserving energy. This eco-friendly approach allows residents and visitors to enjoy beautiful holiday lights while supporting environmental initiatives.
Columbus transforms into a magical holiday destination, blending traditional charm with modern light displays that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying iconic shows at the zoo or parks, exploring neighborhood displays, or opting for cozy, drive-through experiences, the city’s festive atmosphere is undeniable.
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Jenna loves to use her voice to spread awareness about reforestation, eco-friendly initiatives, and protecting planet Earth. She's passionate about making the world a better place and is driven by her desire to give back to the planet. She is committed to learning more about the environment and its preservation and is a strong believer in the power of education and activism.
