8 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Displays In Ohio The Whole Family Can Enjoy
Tis the season for piling in the car, playing Christmas music and marveling at holiday light displays.
Here in Ohio, Christmas is a magical time of year when small towns, parks and even fairgrounds light up the night with drive-thru 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.)
1. Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights (Upper Sandusky)
Bring the whole family to enjoy this Christmas light extravaganza, which runs from December 1 - 30. It is open on Friday - Sunday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on 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 November 16 until December 31, 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 - Saturday 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 November 15 until January 1 on Sunday - Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and on Friday - Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 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 on November 29 this year. To stay up to date on hours of operation, rates and other information, follow Ashtabula County Lights on the Lake on Facebook.
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 on November 28 - 30, December 1, December 5-8 and on December 12-25, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $6 per car. For more information, click here.
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park transforms into a winter wonderland from November 22 to January 5. 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 on November 22, 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 Monday - Thursday from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Friday - Sunday from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. For more information about Christmas Glow or to purchase tickets, check out Land of Illusion's website.
Have you ever been through any of these drive-thru displays? 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!
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 local 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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