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 many times as a kid, but I can’t help but feel happy and in the holiday spirit when I’m looking at colorful, sparkling lights. Luckily, there is no shortage of illuminated displays around Columbus.
Due to COVID-19, some of these displays may have unexpected changes. Be sure to check with each display before heading out for a holiday adventure. And, of course, be sure to wear a mask, use good hand hygiene, and practice physical distancing when around others.
Without further delay, here are the 7 Best Holiday Light Displays In Columbus.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
What: This drive-thru holiday light experience is back again. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights will cover Alum Creek State Park with LED lights. The cost of 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: Open through New Year’s Day, 7 days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 3311 South Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
What: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the most well-loved holiday traditions here in Central Ohio. Regular Zoo admission prices apply and all guests over 10 and medically able are required to wear a mask.
When: Open through New Year’s Day, 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
Holiday Lights
What: If you find yourself downtown after dark, be sure to stop by the Columbus Commons. Presented by AEP, more than 400,000 lights sparkle in the park, every night. The lights are free to view and if you’re feeling hungry, there are tons of great local spots around the Commons where you can grab a bite to eat.
When: Open through January 3, nightly from dusk to 11 p.m.
Where: John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons
Conservatory Aglow
What: Enjoy one of central Ohio’s most beautiful holiday shows at Conservatory Aglow! Travel through a glow of bedazzling light displays during this horticultural holiday tradition. Regular admission rates apply and tickets must be purchased in advance. Face masks are required for all guests.
When: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through January 10
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory
Holiday Lights 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 into a legit winter wonderland.
When: November 25 through January 3, from dusk til dawn.
Where: The Scioto Mile
Holiday Lights at Easton
What: Easton Town Center has decked all of their halls! Spend an evening admiring the lights… all 2 million of them. Don’t forget to check out the 56-foot tall animated Christmas tree on the Town Square! This year, Easton has implemented COVID-19 precautions, which you can view here.
When: Open at dusk nightly through the new year.
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. This year, there won’t be any live performances due to COVID-19. Visitors are asked to wear face coverings and practice proper physical distancing when viewing the display.
When: The opening date is TBD, but the display will be up from early December through January 4.
Where: The corner of East Broad and N. Washington Ave.
