Do you love the magical twinkling lights of the holidays? Well, you’re in luck, because Columbus holds some of the best holiday light shows around. Grab your family, a couple of blankets, and a camera, and head out on this epic road trip to see the best holiday lights in Columbus, Ohio. Twinkle twinkle!

1. Fantasy of Lights at Alum Creek
Alum Creek, Ohio, USA
Alum Creek Fantasy of Light's Santa House/Facebook
This is a drive-thru lights display in Ohio, so you can stay warm and cozy in your car as you enjoy the ride, and you can pick up free hot chocolate and cookies at the Santa House! The Fantasy of Lights display is generally open beginning mid-November.

Alum Creek Fantasy of Light's Santa House is located at 3190 S Old State Rd., Delaware, OH, 43015.
2. Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065, USA
Sam Howzit/Flickr
Who wants to celebrate the holidays with the cutest and wildest members of the animal kingdom? Each year, Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo is a grand show of millions of lights, rides, and other fun holiday activities. There's no holiday event in Columbus quite like Wildlights!

The Columbus Zoo is located at 4850 W Powell Rd., Powell, OH, 43065.
3. Easton Town Center Holiday Lights
Easton Town Center, 160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219, USA
Easton Town Center/Facebook
Each year, Easton Town Center features a 50-foot-tall Christmas tree, carriage rides, photos with Santa, live entertainment, and tons of lights decorating the charming streets. The holiday entertainment is typically available from mid-November 17 through the end of the holiday season.

Easton Town Center Holiday Lights is located at 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH, 43219.
4. Creekside Gahanna Holiday Lights
Creekside Gahanna Holiday Lights
Creekside Gahanna/Facebook
Experience a wonderful lights show at one of Gahanna's favorite locations - Creekside Park. Enjoy this beautiful lights display from mid-November through the end of December.

Creekside Holiday Lights are located at 117 Mill St., Columbus, OH, 43230.
5. Gardens Aglow at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203, USA
Franklin Park Conservatory/Flickr
Each year from mid-November through New Year's, the Franklin Park Conservatory becomes even more magical than usual during Gardens Aglow. You'll see beautiful poinsettia displays, incredible lights, and seasonal foliage decorated for the holidays.

Gardens Aglow is located at 1777 E Broad St., Columbus, OH, 43203.
6. Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons, 160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Columbus Commons/Facebook
One of the best Christmas towns in Ohio, each year, the Columbus Commons are decked to the nines with lights, trees, and whimsical holiday displays! In addition, there is other holiday entertainment offered throughout the season, making this a family favorite. There is no excuse not to experience this dazzling event!

Columbus Commons Holiday Lights is located at 160 S High St., Columbus, OH, 43215.
7. Scioto Mile Grand Illumination
Scioto Mile Fountain, Columbus, OH 43215, USA
Scioto Mile
The lights at the Scioto Mile typically light up in the middle of November and stay on display until the end of the holiday season. Enjoy the beautiful views of downtown Columbus with over 150 illuminated trees that give the city a truly magical atmosphere.

Scioto Mile Holiday Lights is located at 233 S Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH, 43215.

Do you have a favorite holiday event? We’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your photos of these dazzling light displays on the Only In Columbus Facebook page or by tagging us on Instagram (@onlyincolumbus) for a chance to see your photos featured!

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Best Holiday Lights in Columbus, Ohio

Sarah M. | October 16, 2022

What are the best Christmas towns in Ohio?

As evidenced by the above road trip to the best holiday lights in Columbus, the state capital of Ohio definitely isn't lacking in Christmas spirit! Ohio's capital city wholeheartedly embraces the Christmas season, in fact, making it one of the best holiday towns in the state. The area's popular outdoor shopping mall, Easton Town Center, is decked out in Christmas lights and decor for the season. The shopping center also features Santa visits, ice skating, and carolers. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights is also a popular destination for families during the holiday season. From circa late November through early January, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a magical winter wonderland. You'll easily see why locals love visiting Ohio's capital during the coolest season of the year! 

Of course, Cleveland is not lacking in the holiday spirit, either. For starters, you can tour the iconic "A Christmas Story" House or spend the night for a dose of nostalgia. For even more family fun, check out the festive blooms and Christmas activities at the Cleveland Botanical Garden during their holiday show Glow. If that's not enough to give you the perfect holiday outing, don't forget to explore the holiday lights placed throughout Downtown Cleveland for Winterfest.

In terms of smaller towns, Lebanon is a little locale in Southwest Ohio that's truly enchanting during the holiday season. The Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival takes place in downtown Lebanon in early December. Whether or not you're able to catch this event, the city is well worth visiting. Historic architecture, holiday lights, and small-town charm will make you feel like you're in your very own Christmas movie. In addition, the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad offers a magical holiday train excursion each year that's sure to get you in the Christmas spirit!

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