Skip to content Skip to sidebar Skip to footer

The 7 Best Holiday Light Displays In Columbus

? This post is sponsored by Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. But rest assured, all thoughts and opinions are our own. ?

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. Without further delay, here are the 7 Best Holiday Light Displays In Columbus.

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

via Facebook

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 and Saturday.
When: Open through New Year’s Day, Monday-Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 3311 South Old State Rd, Delaware, OH 43015


Holiday Lights

via Facebook

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. On Fridays, there will be a little extra holiday cheer with free hot chocolate and carousel rides as well as live music.
When: Open through January 2, nightly from dusk to 11 p.m. Special Friday events from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: John F. Wolfe Columbus Commons


Conservatory Aglow

via Facebook

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 reservations are recommended.
When: Light display from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. through January 8
Where: Franklin Park Conservatory


Holiday Lights at Scioto Mile

via Facebook

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: Open through January 2, from dusk til dawn.
Where: The Scioto Mile


Holiday Lights at Easton

Photo by Steve Brady, courtesy of 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 a special show put on by the impressive 56-foot tree every five minutes on the Town Square, daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. They have special holiday experiences all season long, including photos with Santa and Horse Drawn Carriage Rides.
When: Open at dusk nightly through the new year.
Where: Easton Town Center


State Auto’s Christmas Corner

via Facebook

What: State Auto’s Christmas Corner, including its historic life-sized Nativity display, returns to 518 E. Broad St. in December. There will be special choir performances throughout the month and you can see the full performance schedule here. Unfortunately, there won’t be hot chocolate this year, so make sure you bring your own warm beverages!
When: Open daily from December 7 through January 3 from 6 – 8 a.m.; 5:00 – 11:30 p.m. and until 12:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Where: The corner of East Broad and N. Washington Ave.


Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Photo by Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

What: Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium is one of the most beloved holiday traditions here in Central Ohio. Regular Zoo admission prices apply.
When: Open through January 2, 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