The holiday season is officially kicking off, which means it’s time for my favorite thing this time of year: Twinkling, sparkling, colorful, holiday lights!
Maybe I just watched Christmas Vacation too much as a kid, but I can’t help but feel happy and in the holiday spirit when I’m looking at lights. Luckily, there is no shortage of illuminated displays around Columbus.
Here are The 9 Best Holiday Light Displays In Columbus.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
What: This drive-thru holiday light experience is marking its 18th year. The Fantasy of Lights will cover Alum Creek State Park with LED lights. This year, Santa’s house will be located at Cross Creek Campgrounds. The cost for the event varies by vehicle. Cars will cost $20 Monday through Thursday, and $30 Friday through Sunday. For pricing of larger vehicles, please click here.
When: November 17, 2017 – January 1, 2018, Sunday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Alum Creek State Park Campground
Wildlights
What: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the most well loved holiday traditions here in Central Ohio. This year, the event is going all out (as usual) with millions of lights, fun activities, food, animals, and more. Regular Zoo admission prices apply. If you are a Zoo member, you can experience a special Wildlights preview on November 16. Click here for more details.
When: November 17, 2017 to January 1, 2018, Sunday-Thursday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival
What: Once again, a celebration of Chinese culture will come to the Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds. Get ready to experience Columbus in a whole new light with exquisite silk lanterns, traditional performances, and amazing food!
When: November 17, 2017 – January 7, 2018, nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Ohio Expo Center & State Fairgrounds
Holiday Lights
What: If you find yourself downtown after dark, be sure to stop by the Columbus Commons. Presented by AEP, more than 320,000 lights sparkle in the park, every night. The lights are free to view and encouraged for visitors of all ages.
When: November 23, 2017 – January 2, 2018, nightly from dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons
Gardens Aglow
What: Enjoy one of central Ohio’s most beautiful holiday shows at Gardens Aglow! Travel through lush rainforests, mountain landscapes, a forest of cacti and other exceptional botanical wonderlands under a glow of bedazzling light displays during this horticultural holiday tradition. Regular admission rates apply.
When: November 18, 2017 – January 3, 2018, Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 9 p.m. in December.
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
Grand Illumination at Scioto Mile
What: Thousands of lights and illuminated decorations will line the Scioto Mile. The lights come on at dusk each night, turning downtown Columbus, brining festivity to the river front.
When: Begins November 17, 2018 at dusk
Where: The Scioto Mile
Holiday Lights at Easton
What: Easton Town Center will kick off their Holiday Lights in mid-November. Hundreds of twinkling lights will illuminate Easton Town Square as well as other areas around the mall. At the lighting event, children can watch the tree lighting and wait for Santa’s entrance!
When: November 17, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. The lights will remain up through New Year’s Day.
Where: Easton Town Center
State Auto’s Christmas Corner
What: State Auto’s Christmas Corner, including its historic life-sized Nativity display, returns to 518 E. Broad St. in December. The display will remain lit through the new year. The Official Lighting ceremony will include performances by the Colubmus Children’s Choir. Various choirs will perform on Friday and Saturday evenings every weekend in December.
When: Tuesday, December 5 at 5:30 p.m., Remaining open until January 2, 2018 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Open until 12:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
Where: The corner of East Broad and n. Washington Ave.
Village Lights
What: The brick-lined streets of German Village will be illuminated with twinkling lights that greet visitors from across Central Ohio with holiday spirit the moment they arrive. Follow the lights from shop to shop to recieve sweet treats and beverages.
When: Sunday, December 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Historic German Village
