Sponsored: Family fun night is right around the corner at Alum Creek Campgrounds. Enjoy three miles of dancing animated holiday lights from the comfort of your car. Central Ohio’s only all LED drive-thru light show – buy your tickets here!!
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 back for their 20th season. 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, 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 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. 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.
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 encouraged for visitors of all ages.
When: Open through January 5, 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 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: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through January 4
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, bringing festivity to the riverfront.
When: Open nightly through New Year’s Day
Where: The Scioto Mile
Holiday Lights at Easton
What: Easton Town Center has decked all of their halls! Spend an evening walking through the lights, shopping, taking a carriage ride, or visiting Santa.
When: Open at dusk nightly until January 1. Hours for Santa, Carriage Rides vary.
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 until early January. The Official Lighting ceremony will include performances by the Columbus Children’s Choir. Various choirs will perform on Friday and Saturday evenings every weekend in December.
When: Tuesday, December 3 at 5:30 p.m., Remaining open daily until January 2, 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 receive sweet treats and beverages. The event is one night only, so don’t miss out!
When: Sunday, December 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Historic German Village
