Walk Through an Amazing Holiday Light Display, Then Stay in a Christmas-Themed Inn for a Holly Jolly Ohio Adventure

The holiday spirit is alive and well here in the Buckeye State, with our small towns and big cities showing up for Old Kris Kringle. While there are lots of festivals and winter activities in Ohio to fill your days and evenings throughout the holiday season, we put together an overnight adventure that's a fun little getaway in the midst of this busy season. Featuring one of the best walk-through light displays in Ohio and the most charming Christmas inn, this is one holly jolly adventure sure to put you in the proper holiday spirit for Christmas in Ohio!

There's no place like home for the holidays. We know we're lucky to call the Buckeye State home, and we put together a holly jolly adventure that celebrates the magic of the season. First up: a visit to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for Wildlights. This annual festival is one of the most beloved holiday light displays in Ohio; and this year, you can delight in 3 million twinkling lights and displays through January 4, 2026.

This family-favorite festival also features animated musical light shows, visits with Santa, live reindeer, and other holiday festivities unique to the Columbus Zoo. This holiday light display never fails to take our breath away. While there are lots of great drive-thru displays in Ohio, there's something magical about bundling up in your warmest winter jacket and immersing yourself in a dazzling winter wonderland. Pro tip: Arrive early enough so that you and your crew can still visit with the animals before they retreat for the evening.

Visit the Columbus Zoo website for more information on Wildlights.

After an evening spent outdoors, it's time to head inside to warm up and retire for the night. Just half an hour east of Columbus, you'll find the Welsh Hills Inn, Ohio's very own Hallmark movie B&B! You'll find the Welsh Hills Inn tucked away on 15 wooded acres, with a welcoming wraparound veranda. During Christmas in Ohio, this gorgeous inn fully embraces the season, decking its halls with lights and Christmas trees and its porches and windows with wreaths and bows.

Inside, you'll find a crackling fire and cozy blankets, and we suggest grabbing a mug of hot cocoa and playing some board games by the hearth. There are six well-appointed rooms to choose from, with the suite offering a private screened-in porch and a large soaking tub. Plus, the reviews speak for themselves. The inn has more than 150 5-star reviews! Folks rave about the hosts' attentiveness, the homemade breakfasts, and the plush bedding. Guests should note that there are two dogs that live at the inn, adding to the welcome committee!

Visit the Welsh Hills Inn website to book your stay this holiday season. If you're lucky, you might even get some snow. Can you imagine a more delightful holiday adventure in Ohio?

What's your favorite way to celebrate Christmas in Ohio? This season will be gone before you know it, so plan a holly jolly holiday adventure in Ohio to savor this most wonderful time of year. There are many more fun things to do in Granville—it's a historic treasure trove.

If you're ready to start mapping out your own holiday adventures in the Buckeye State, head over to Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner for some inspiration.