There’s no better way to get yourself and your family some post-Thanksgiving, pre-Christmas holiday cheer than to visit some amazing light displays! Some are synchronized to music, and some are static displays. But all of them will make you dream of pine-fresh air, a sprinkling of snow, and a whole lot of presents. So without further ado, the following are some of the absolute best Christmas lights near Cleveland!

1. Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights (Strongsville)
Crown Point Parkway, Crown Point Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Eric Hanson/Facebook
Everything is ablaze for the annual Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights, which is by far one of the best neighborhood light festivals in Cleveland! There's over 32,000 lights, a moving train and merry-go-round. It runs from Thanksgiving night to January 1st, and hot chocolate and cookies will be served for only $1! Located: Crown Point Parkway, Strongsville, OH
2. Strongsville Winter Wonderland (Strongsville)
Strongsville, OH, USA
David Ellis/Flickr
They're certainly strong on the Christmas displays down in Strongsville, with the city whipping up one of the most impressive displays around. The Strongsville Winter Wonderland generally runs from the Monday before Thanksgiving until the New Year. The festival has extra attractions like fireworks and horse and wagon rides. Santa himself might even make an appearance! Located: Corner Royalton Road and Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH
3. Public Square (downtown)
Public Square, Cleveland, OH, USA
Samia Mustafa/Google Maps
Christmas in Cleveland takes on an entirely new dimension when you go to the center of town. It is here where you will see some of the most festive light displays. One of the most popular spots is at the city’s Public Square, where you can join the excited crowds reveling in its awe-inspiring transformation into a Magical Winter Wonderland. Located: Public Square, Cleveland, OH
4. City of Independence Light Display (Independence)
Independence, OH, USA
Andy Arthur/Flickr
Be there for the annual tree lighting festival where there will be caroling and Christmas cheer as Santa arrives just in time to help light the tree in the Town Square. For an extra-special winter treat, roasted marshmallows and hot cocoa will be served! Donations of non-perishable food items are also collected, giving the holiday a bit more meaning. (Side note: if you or someone in the family gets hungry, there is a truly unique McDonald’s restaurant in town that is not to be missed!) Located: Public Square, Independence, OH
5. Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake (Ashtabula)
Lake Shore Park, Lakeshore Dr, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake/facebook.com
As the biggest light display on Lake Erie, Ashtabula County uses the lake to its advantage. See double with the lights reflecting off Lake Erie to create a true Christmas spectacular. Some displays are as big as a truck! It's generally open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Thanksgiving to New Year and a small fee applies for cars and buses, so be sure to check this information before you go. By the way: Did you know that Ashtabula County is known as Ohio’s wine country? You might add an adventure here to your bucket list once the warmer weather rolls around! Located: Lakeshore Park, Ashtabula, OH
6. Tagg's Candy Cane Lane (Mayfield Heights)
1156 W Miner Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124, USA
gwen/Flickr
Among the best drive-thru Christmas lights near Cleveland and further afield are those found at what is known as Tagg's Candy Cane Lane in Mayfield Heights. This one-house wonder is a synchronized music/light display featuring over 8,500 lights dancing to Christmas favorites. While in the car you can tune in on 107.1FM. Located: 1156 W Miner Road, Mayfield Heights, OH
7. Seabury Avenue Light Display (Fairview Park)
Seabury Avenue, Seabury Ave, Fairview Park, OH 44126, USA
Russ Allison Loar/Flickr
Christmas in Cleveland is just not quite the same without a trip to the Seabury Avenue Light Display in Fairview Park. Here you will find the entire length of Seabury Avenue completely lined with glittering Christmas lights on both sides. Some of the displays are nothing short of remarkable, making it worth the journey. If you prefer to stay in your vehicle to keep warm, it is a great drive-through light display as well Located: Seabury Avenue, Fairview Park, OH
8. The Lighting of the Greens at Chagrin Falls (Chagrin Falls)
Chagrin Falls, OH 44022, USA
Kevin Stolecki/Flickr
The Lighting of the Greens at Chagrin Falls is truly something special! There's hot cocoa to keep you warm and caroling to bring in the festive season. Don't worry if you miss the opening lighting ceremony towards the end of November. The lights will be up to delight for the entire holiday season, and there's never a bad time to bring the family and enjoy the lights at your leisure. Located: Triangle Park, Chagrin Falls, OH
9. Rus Family Musical (Highland Heights)
5649 Hawthorne Dr, Highland Heights, OH 44143, USA
Philip Bouchard/Flickr
There's a magic picture window at this house in Highland Heights. Take a peek inside and you might see Santa Claus, and maybe even the Grinch! If you're brave enough, roll down the windows and listen to the music. Otherwise you can tune in on 96.3FM. Located: 5649 Hawthorne Drive, Highland Heights, OH
10. Church Lights Experience (Middleburg Heights)
Middleburg Heights, OH, USA
ChurchLights/Facebook
Among the most vibrant Christmas lights near Cleveland (and in Ohio for that matter) is the Church Lights Experience in Middleburg Heights. This family event disappeared for a few years, but it's back, and even better than ever! There's an indoor and an outdoor display with varying run dates and hours, so be sure to check these out before you head on over. Once here, you'll marvel at the over 50,000 lights presented on 700 channels and synchronized to lively music. Other activities here include face painting, crafts, and snacks. Located: 13200 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
11. Lizanich Family Christmas Lights (Strongsville)
11838 N Churchill Way, Strongsville, OH 44149, USA
Ryan Lane/Flickr
The Lizanich family have been doing Christmas lights for years, and every year it just gets better. The light display is synchronized to 93.3FM, which plays modern Christmas favorites, as well as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The display is usually nightly from Thanksgiving to New Year. While you're in the area, be sure to check out the awesome toboggan run too! Located: 11838 N Churchill Way‎ Strongsville, OH

Have you been to any of these awesome Christmas light displays near Cleveland? Does your neighborhood or neighbor have a light display that should be on this list? We’d love to see your photos and hear about your experiences in the comments section!

If you’re looking for other fun holiday-themed activities in Ohio, then check out this list of enchanting things to do!

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The Holidays in and around Cleveland

Lysa Allman-Baldwlin | October 17, 2022

I'm looking for some quaint Christmas towns in Ohio.

You're in luck because there are lots of quaint Christmas towns in Ohio and they really do it up for the holidays. Among them are Morrow, Delaware, and Cambridge, just to get you started.

Can you suggest a holiday lights road trip?

That is a great way to celebrate the holiday season and we do have one for you that's nothing short of magical! This holiday lights road trip goes from the waterfront at the Cleveland Museum of Art to the Strongsville Winter Wonderland, to Nela Park in East Cleveland, and numerous other points in between.

Where is a good restaurant to dine at during the holidays?

There are so many wonderful places to dine during the holidays, each one offering its ow unique seasonal tastes and flair. If you want to try one that seems like it was named for this time of year, try the Dashing Diner (perhaps Reindeer Dasher’s little brother or sister?). In addition to the great food, they really go all out with the decorations.

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