The holidays are a magical time in Ohio, with or without snow. (And no, Ohio usually doesn't get a white Christmas, but that doesn't mean Ohioans lose hope!) All throughout the state there are captivating Christmas light displays that make you feel as if you're experiencing a real-life winter wonderland. The following are what we consider to be some of the very best Christmas lights in Ohio. They're incredible -- and guaranteed to get us all in the spirit for the season!

1. Clifton Mill (Clifton)

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill are featured nightly once the holiday season starts, until early January. Make sure to visit the Clifton Mill website for all up-to-date information about visiting these amazing Ohio Christmas lights!

2. The Christmas Ranch (Morrow)

This popular family fun attraction features a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, Christmas shops, pictures with Santa, wagon and train rides, and hot food and drinks. It is open from just after Thanksgiving to early January. For hours and operations, and to learn more about this old-fashioned Christmas experience, check out The Christmas Ranch website.

3. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights (Columbus)

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is also a popular destination for families during the holiday season. From late November through early January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a magical winter wonderland. The zoo's calendar of events will keep you updated!

4. 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. Visit the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation's website for the dates and times of this awesome event!

5. Lights Before Christmas (Toledo)

Looking for "places to see Christmas lights near me?" Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is fun for the whole family. The zoo features more than a million lights, making it a magical winter wonderland until early January each year. The best Christmas lights in Ohio are a wonderful treat, year after year!

Take a look at this previous year's video by @ToledoZooAndAquarium:

6. Light Up Middletown (Middletown)

Light Up Middletown is open through New Year's Eve and features a drive-thru light display. Admission is by donation. This is one of the best drive-thru Ohio Christmas lights!

7. Woodland Lights (Dayton)

This half-mile wonderland of lights, displays, and festival activities in Countryside Park is a popular holiday family-fun attraction. It is open for limited hours through the holiday season until New Year’s Eve. Stay up-to-date on their dates and hours when you visit their website.

8. PNC Festival of Lights (Cincinnati)

The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden runs from late November to early January. In addition to an abundance of lights, they also debut a themed gingerbread village! Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is the perfect play to spend a holiday evening.

Take a look at this video by @cincinnatizoo:

9. Holiday In Lights (Sharonville)

Editor's note: This event is on pause for the 2023 season.

Open nightly until early January, this family-favorite drive-through light display in the Cincinnati area features more than a mile of dazzling lights. This drive-thru light display is guaranteed to dazzle! Buy your tickets on their website.

10. Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights (Delaware)

This drive-thru holiday light show also features pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate, and cookies and gift shops. Visit the Butch Bandos Fantasy of Lights website for up to date hours of operation, and information about this fun holiday tradition with some of the most spectacular Christmas lights in Ohio!

Take a look at this video by @butchbandosfantasyoflights:

Do you think these are the best Christmas light displays in Ohio? Are we missing any fantastic Ohio Christmas lights? How many of these light displays have you seen? Where is your favorite place in Ohio to view Christmas lights? Share your photos and experiences with us in the comments below!

If you’re on the hunt for more Christmas spirit, be sure to check out the top 13 Christmas Towns In Ohio. We can't believe how all of these towns go to make the holidays the best time of the year! If you decide to take a road trip to visit any of Ohio's Christmas towns, check out our road trip packing list before you hit the road.