Top 10 Holiday Light Displays in Central Ohio

Apologies to Thanksgiving for getting short shrift, but it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go.

Many folks are in the midst of gift-shopping madness, while some have even finished (showoffs). Radio stations are going from Halloween straight to Mariah Carey telling us all she wants for Christmas (it’s you).

It’s no surprise, then, that holiday lights are already in full glow around central Ohio, and several big displays will open to the public soon.

Some attractions are long-running, others are single-day events, but you're guaranteed to take a shine to them all!

If you want to go walking — or driving, in some cases — through a twinkling pre-winter wonderland, here are 10 places where you can go to check out some holiday lights.

Franklin County

Wanderlights

Where: Columbus Commons, 160 S. High St.

When: 5-10 p.m. Nov. 21-Feb. 15

What: Wanderlights extends from the Commons to West Town Street to Bicentennial Park, offering a kaleidoscope of color, from a 40-foot Christmas tree and illuminated tunnels to holiday decorations and a seasonal mural. The Downtown riverfront will be aglow as the Scioto Mile Fountain glimmers with more than 40 sculptural lights.

The Wanderlights Trolley Tour runs from 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 and Dec. 19-20. The route includes the Commons, the Lazarus Building and Scioto Mile before heading to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the butterfly light show on the front lawn along Livingston Avenue.

Cost/info: Free; downtowncolumbus.com/wanderlights

Wildlights

Where: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W. Powell Road, Powell

When: 5-9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 21-Jan. 4

What: Now in its 37th year, Wildlights will brighten the night with new animated musical light shows featuring animal light figure, laser lights set to festive music, an illuminated tunnel stretching more than two miles, and other astonishing LED displays.

A wealth of other attractions and returning favorites include Dave the Snowman greeting guests at the entrance, 12 Days of Wildlights Train rides and "Sounds of the Season," with local community bands and choirs performing at 7 p.m. each night.

Tickets/info: columbuszoo.org/wildlights

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

Where: Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds, 3311 S. Old State Road, Delaware

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 21-Jan. 4

What: The Bando family celebrates the 26th season of their drive-through light show with highlights including a tribute to late Columbus Blue Jackets star Johnny Gaudreau and his family and new displays at the exit for photo opportunities. The show will also feature displays at Nationwide Arena.

The light show benefits charities such as Recreation Unlimited, A Kid Again, Children of Valor, Alicia’s Closet and Steps for Sarcoma.

Tickets/info: butchbandosfantasyoflights.com

Conservatory Aglow

Where: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E. Broad St.

When: 5-9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 5-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 22-Jan. 4; closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

What: Wander through thousands of lights including a penguin village and a life-size Candyland board game, a 100-foot light tunnel and a tree with 1,400 ornaments. Dance parties, games and other activities will take place.

In partnership with the Jewish Community Center, a pre-Hanukkah celebration will be part of Conservatory Aglow from 5-7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.

Tickets/info: bit.ly/3K3mj7Z

Season of Celebrations

Where: COSI, 333 W. Broad St.

When: Nov. 22 through Jan. 4; closed Nov. 27, Dec. 24-25. Please note that COSI will be open on Dec. 22-23 and Dec. 29-30.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays through Dec. 31, as well as Jan. 4; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 1-3

COSI will welcome the holiday season with twinkling lights, garlands and yuletide décor, including a 40-foot holiday tree and the beloved Community Tree display of more than 40 trees decorated by local schools, cultural groups, and nonprofit organizations.

Additionally, The Dapper Yeti, a pop-up holiday speakeasy, will offer seasonal food and beverages. Interactive experiences include the Progress exhibition, where guests can learn how winter celebrations looked in 1898 and 1962.

Tickets/info: cosi.org/season-of-celebrations

Holiday Lights Celebration

Where: Creekside District, Gahanna

When: 3-6:30 p.m. Nov. 23

What: Creekside Park will be decked out with more than 300,000 lights and Santa Claus will arrive by 6 p.m. for the annual tree lighting and fireworks display. Other festivities will include live entertainment, trackless train rides, live animals, ice sculpting and more.

Cost/info: Free; visitgahanna.com

Village Lights

Where: Historic German Village

When: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7

What: Luminaries will light your path as you stroll through German Village, where seasonal décor and festive surprises await. Participating businesses will be open late offering special deals. Visit the German Village Society Meeting Haus, 588 S. Third St. for warm drinks and good cheer!

Cost/info: Free; germanvillage.com/events/lights

Easton Town Center

Where: 160 Easton Town Center

When: During daily operating hours (see website for holiday hours)

What: With two million lights aglitter all around and a 56-foot tree casting a multicolored aura, Easton is a good place to get into the holiday spirit.

For a light show of a different variety, stop by The Yard at Easton for the Holiday Drone Show presented by Calpine Energy Solutions. Beginning at 6 p.m. Dec. 11, the evening will include treats, costumed characters and other family-friendly fun, culminating in two holiday-themed drone shows.

Cost/info: Free; bit.ly/4i2TcOR

Licking County

WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio

Where: Hartford Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Croton

When: 5:30-10 p.m. daily, including holidays; open rain, shine or snow

What: Tune your radio to 89.9 FM and jingle bell rock! More than 1 million LED lights dance in sync to traditional and contemporary Christmas music this two-mile drive-thru attraction.

Tickets/info: wonderlightschristmas.com

Winter Wonders Walks and Light Display

Where: Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark

When: 6-9 p.m. Dec. 5-6, Dec. 11-13

What: The .8-mile, nature-friendly walk features hundreds of lights positioned in the ground to illuminate the trees from below instead of wrapping them with strands of lights. There's also a video screening of the outdoor lights for those who opt to stay inside.

Special events will be offered each night, including a sensory-friendly hours from 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. Free fidget devices and sunglasses will be available.

Tickets/info: Must be purchased in advance; bit.ly/4oEToGl