Holiday light shows have popped up all over in anticipation of the festive season. With Thanksgiving officially behind us, it’s pretty much open season on Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and everything in between. For Ohio natives or travelers visiting family, you’ll be pretty busy touring the state’s many holiday light shows and displays.
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Bring the kids to the heart of Powell, Ohio, to celebrate the 30th year celebration of Wildlights — a beloved local tradition lining the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with around 3 million lights. Check out the winter wonderland Nov. 16–Jan. 6, 2019, with the zoo’s 500 acres completely covered in holiday cheer.
Enjoy family-friendly activities from the holiday star light seek-n-find games and visits to Santa’s home to light shows, camel rides, the Polar Bear Express and the historic carousel. What would a day at the zoo be without seeing some animals? Bring the little ones to meet Rudolph and friends, visiting resident lions, reindeer, apes and polar bears.
Christmas Lights Tunnel Public Square in Cleveland Ohio © Kenneth Sponsler | Dreamstime.com
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Over in Delaware County, Ohio, families drive through Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights holiday park. The display is open Nov. 16–Jan. 1, 2019, and even on the holidays. Drive through three miles of more than 450 displays, covered in more than 1 million lights. Sync the holiday lights and sounds through the park’s own radio station, playing along with the lights as you pass. Warm up in Santa’s other home with some hot chocolate.
You can feel good about your scenic ride for more reasons than one — this park is truly a community effort. The displays are all made by local high school students in a welding program and a portion of the proceeds from rides goes to Recreation Unlimited and A Kid Again. Each organization helps kids with life-threatening diseases and disabilities enjoy fun activities with other children. Children with sensory sensitivity can experience a special display event offered on three nights of the year, helping kids with autism enjoy the display.
Another drive-through experience, Hamilton, Ohio, welcomes guests to Holiday Lights on the Hill through the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum. Guests enjoy the award-winning winter wonderland displays along the ride, complete with more than 2 million lights decorating the park’s 300 acres. Sip hot cocoa and check out the park’s massive sculptures and monuments amid a holiday ride on the scenic hill.
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