'Tis the season for piling in the car, playing holiday music, and marveling at Christmas lights displays in Ohio. Here in The Buckeye State, Christmas is a magical time of year when small towns, parks, and even fairgrounds light up the night with stellar Christmas light displays. It's the perfect way to get in some quality family time while embracing the holiday season — and you don't even have to leave the warmth of your car. The following are some of our favorite drive-thru Christmas lights in Ohio that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy. (Note: Be sure to click on the links beneath each destination for admission rates and other important information.)
1. Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights (Upper Sandusky)
Bring the whole family to enjoy Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights, which runs from December 1 through 30. It is open every night of the week so there is an opportunity for everyone to visit! It's one of the best places for drive-thru lights in the state.
Take a look at this aerial footage by @cityofuppersanduskyohio7414:
2. Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights (Delaware)
This drive-thru holiday light show also features pictures with Santa, free hot chocolate and cookies, and gift shops. It is open from mid-November until just after the new year Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday/Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Get all of the details of one of the best drive-thru Christmas light displays on the Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights website.
Take a look at this video by @butchbandosfantasyoflights:
3. Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake (Ashtabula)
Searching for "drive-through Christmas lights near me?" Lake Shore Park in Ashtabula, Ohio features more than 70 displays against Lake Erie's gorgeous backdrop. It opens for the season in late November each year. To stay up to date on hours of operation, rates, and other information, follow the Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake Facebook page.
4. Light Up Middletown (Middletown)
Light Up Middletown is open beginning Thanksgiving night until New Year's Eve and features a drive-thru light display. (Donations are encouraged.) View the lights every night from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., regardless of weather (including holidays.) Learn more about this long-running display on the Light Up Middletown website.
5. Journey Borealis (Hamilton)
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park transforms into a winter wonderland from late November until January. View the lights on a 2.5-mile drive through the park. It's one of the best places for drive-thru Christmas lights in Ohio. Learn more on the Journey Borealis Facebook page.
Take a look at this video by @hoosiertours:
6. Land of Illusion Christmas Glow (Middletown)
Beginning in late November, Land of Illusion will transform into a winter wonderland. The 1.5-mile-long drive-thru display features more than 3 million dazzling lights. For more information about Christmas Glow or to purchase tickets, check out Land Of Illusion's website.
Have you ever been through any of Ohio's best drive-through Christmas lights? If so, we want to know what your experience was like! Are there any other displays you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments!
For more festive fun in Ohio this holiday season, check out our coverage of the North Pole Express at the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation.
Looking for gifts to give this year? Check out the unique items on the Uncommon Goods website!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!