One of the Country’s Biggest and Brightest Christmas Lights Displays Is Right Here in Ohio

Here in the Buckeye State, we're pretty serious about our Christmas lights displays—and we don't disappoint. During the holidays, the quaint little town of Clifton Mill, Ohio, lights up the night with more than 4 million festive holiday lights. It's a truly spectacular, award-winning spectacle that belongs on your yuletide bucket list. From the gorge to the treetops, Christmas cheer is everywhere you turn when you visit The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill.

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill is an award-winning, nationally renowned display that features millions of Christmas lights guaranteed to brighten up your season more than any other light display in Ohio could. With more than 4 million twinkling lights comprising the spectacle, there's something new to see at every turn. Unless you've visited Clifton Mill before, you've never experienced Christmas lights quite like this before.

The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill has won numerous awards and competitions, including ABC's The Great Christmas Light Fight. The display has also been included multiple times in USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Public Holiday Lights Displays.

In addition to the millions of awe-inspiring Christmas lights, there's a Santa Claus Museum, an Antique Toy Collection, and a synchronized show of holiday lights and music. You'll also find hot chocolate and other refreshments at the on-site restaurant.

The 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights is downright mesmerizing. The sound of water rushing below in the gorge, combined with the cascading lights, truly brings the illusion to life.

Be sure to take some time to admire the miniature village. You'll spot the iconic house from the beloved holiday movie, A Christmas Story—which was filmed right here in Ohio—as well as a drive-in movie theater, a replica of Frisch's Big Boy, and so much more. You might even spot Santa himself, atop the roof and peeking out of the chimney. This is one enchanting light display the whole family will absolutely love.

You'll find The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH, 45316. The lights are open daily from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from the day after Thanksgiving through December 30, with the exception of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, when the display closes at 8:00 p.m. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. For more information about The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill, visit the official Clifton Mill website.

Have you ever been to this massive holiday light display in Ohio before? If so, share your thoughts, photos, and experiences, and be sure to tell us about your favorite Christmas lights in Ohio over on our Nomination page.

When you're thinking about your next holiday adventure in the Buckeye State, be sure to check out Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner for some extra inspiration. It may point you to some of the state's superlative holiday events, like the longest drive-thru light show in Ohio.