There are countless light displays around Cincinnati that will put you in the holiday spirit this season. If you’ve seen them all, or just want to experience something a little different, we have the ultimate destination for you. Just northeast of Cincinnati, in the beautiful town of Clifton, is the iconic Clifton Mill. This attraction is worth a visit on its own, but at Christmas time this one unique light display nearby is so worth the drive. If you’re looking for the best Christmas lights near Cincinnati, look no further!

The historic Clifton Mill is a one-of-a-kind destination, just a short drive from Cincinnati.
Flickr/Stanislav Vitebskiy
Facebook/Clifton Mill
The property is open all year long as one of the largest water-powered grist mills still in existence. It is also a restaurant and shop and an eye-catching spot to walk around. But at Christmastime, the property really illuminates.
Thanks to over 3.5 million twinkling lights, the Mill is transformed into a magical winter wonderland.
Flickr/Steve Grant
Facebook/Clifton Mill
The Mill itself, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges, are all covered in an enormous amount of lights. When you roam the property, you'll find a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, a Toy Collection, and an amazing synchronized lights and music show that features the old Covered Bridge.
This particular display is unique in that the lights cover almost every surface of this historic location.
Facebook/Clifton Mill
Facebook/Clifton Mill
There's a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights. Everywhere you turn, you'll discover your new favorite section and feature.
The Christmas Light Display is $10/person for ages 7 and up. The gates open at 5 p.m. and the lights come on at 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.. On Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year's Eve, the venue closes at 8 p.m.
Facebook/Clifton Mill
Facebook/Clifton Mill
If you'd like to make an entire day of your trip, head over to the Mill and Restaurant, a delightful waterfall restaurant in Ohio that boasts some jaw-dropping views!
Clifton Mill is a shining star this season when it comes to mesmerizing Christmas light displays.
Facebook/Clifton Mill
Make the Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill part of your family's annual holiday tradition!

Clifton Mill is a stunning spot during the holidays, and definitely worth the drive from Cincinnati. Have you visited this legendary light display? Let us know in the comments!

Clifton Mill is located at 75 Water St., Clifton, OH, 45316. For all of the details, visit their Facebook page.

If you’d like to visit the Clifton Gorge nearby, check out all the info in our previous article where we wax poetic on this special place.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

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best Christmas lights near Cincinnati

Sarah M. | October 18, 2022

What are some other amazing light displays near Cincinnati?

Our little corner of the Buckeye State really goes all out for the holidays! In addition to the Lights at Clifton Mill, other must-visit holiday lights in Cincinnati include the PNC Festival of Light at the Cincinnati Zoo, Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods, Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill, Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island, Light Up Middletown, and the Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion in Middletown.

If you're willing to travel just over the river to the beautiful Bluegrass State, Scuba Santa at the Newport Aquarium is always delightful, as is Light Up the Fair in Burlington! With regard to the latter, Light Up the Fair is a newer holiday event that's actually the only drive-thru light display in Northern Kentucky. Held at the Boone County Fairgrounds, Light Up the Fair in Kentucky is a mile and a half of twinkling lights and dazzling displays that’s worth the drive and definitely worth a visit if you live in the area. As the sun sets, the lights come on and the fairgrounds in Boone County become a magical holiday wonderland. The lights line a 1.5-mile route that winds through the property and gives you different views and perspectives with every turn. Grab your family, crank up the holiday tunes, and enjoy this delightful holiday light display near Cincinnati!

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75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA