8 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays In Ohio The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Tis the season for piling in the car, playing holiday music and marveling at drive-thru 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 8 of our favorite drive-thru Christmas lights displays 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.)
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1. Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights (Upper Sandusky)
Bring the whole family to enjoy this Christmas light extravaganza, which runs from December 1 through 30. It is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and each Monday - Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights is located at Harrison Smith Park (525 East Wyandot Ave., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351). See more of this charming event on its website.
Open nightly from mid-November until just after the new year, this family favorite drive-through light display in the Cincinnati area features more than a mile of dazzling lights. See them on Sunday - Thursday from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Holiday In Lights is located at Sharon Woods Park (11450 Lebanon Rd., Route 42 Sharonville, OH 45241). Learn more on the Holiday in Lights website.
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 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Ticket booths close a half hour before the event does, so be sure to plan accordingly. Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, formerly known as The Alum Creek Fantasy of Lights, is located at 2911 S Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015. Get all of the details on the event's website.
4. Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake (Ashtabula)
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 Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake on Facebook. This event takes place at Lakeshore Dr, Ashtabula, OH 44004.
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.) It is located at 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, OH 45042. Learn more about this long-running display on the event's website.
Another family favorite drive-thru Christmas lights display, this event takes place at the Marion County Fairgrounds, which opens in late November and operates from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on select nights. Don't forget to check to see which nights have a live nativity! Admission is $6 per car. For more information, click here. Don't miss this annual attraction at 220 E Fairground St, Marion, OH 43302.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park transforms into a winter wonderland from late November until January. View the lights on Monday - Thursday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday - Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is located at 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013. Learn more on the Holiday Lights on the Hill website.
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. The drive-thru light display will take place daily and is open from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. For more information about Christmas Glow or to purchase tickets, check out Land of Illusion's website. Check out this annual attraction at 8762 Thomas Rd., Middletown, OH 45042.
Have you ever been through any of these drive-thru Christmas lights displays in Ohio? 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!
Address: 525 E Wyandot Ave, Upper Sandusky, OH 43351, USA
Address: 11450 Lebanon Rd, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Address: 2911 S Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015, USA
Address: Lakeshore Dr, Ashtabula, OH 44004, USA
Address: 500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042, USA
Address: 220 E Fairground St, Marion, OH 43302, USA
Address: 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA
Address: 8762 Thomas Rd, Middletown, OH 45042, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays In Ohio
November 08, 2020
Where can I visit Santa in Ohio?
There are all sorts of annual events worth checking out around the holidays, and everyone’s favorite jolly old elf is the guest of honor at many. As a general rule, most Ohio malls and city centers have some kind of Santa appearance… and you can even meet him virtually in this cool modern age!
Longing to dash through the snow in a nice old fashioned sleigh? There are plenty of places to do so! Ma and Pa’s is a quaint little gift shop that is absolutely scenic in the winter, and Gervasi offers an elegant take on this old-fashioned wintertime activity.
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
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