Columbus Christmas lights displays, and a Google map to find them!

Columbus LOVES Christmas lights! From free but amazing neighborhood displays, to immersive paid Christmas lights experiences, you’ll find plenty of holiday joy around the city with the best Christmas lights in Columbus. 

Driving around to see Christmas lights is going to be one of the safer activities you can do this holiday season. Gather your family, pack some snacks and hot cocoa, and you’ve got an evening of Christmas spirit. Scroll down for a map to see all of the locations so you can plan your stops!

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FREE displays of Christmas Lights in Columbus

If your neighborhood has an amazing display, please email us at info@columbusonthecheap.com to be added!

Columbus Christmas Lights

All Season. Drive around Columbus and enjoy the display of lights in various neighborhoods – for free!  Check out the Christmas Lights Finder website to search near your neighborhood – or use it to take a tour around Columbus! Make sure you check the details and links to see if the display is running for 2021.

Easton Town Center Grand Illumination

Easton is beautiful during the holidays! From the giant tree to the train display, and the lights strung up everywhere! Walk around, or take a horse drawn carriage ride check out the holiday lights of Easton – it’s beautiful during the season.

The season at Easton kicks off on November 19 with the Grand Illumination.

Lights at the Scioto Mile

November 24 through January 3, 2021. Downtown Columbus with be lit with more than 200,000 lights for the Holiday Light Display. This spectacular display will span Columbus Commons, the Lazarus Building and along the Scioto Mile.

Columbus Commons Holiday Lights

Late November through January 3, 2022, every day from 5pm until to 11 pm. Check out more than 400,000 LED lights dazzle Columbus Commons park, thanks to a generous contribution from American Electric Power. 

Enjoy the free, self-guided display with family and friends as a way to get in the holiday spirit this season. No concessions or restrooms will be available, and the carousel will be closed. Dine in or order takeout from local restaurants and enjoy it in the park, or take it to go when you leave! See some area options here.

State Auto Christmas Display and Life-Sized Nativity

December 1, 2021 through January 2, 2021. This stunning long-standing holiday tradition will be lit nightly at State Auto Downtown through the season. The nativity scene and story of Christmas is a tradition that is loved by many. The holiday season in downtown Columbus officially kicks off with the lighting of Christmas Corner and a performance by the Columbus Children’s Choir on December 1. Located at 518 E. Broad St. 

Flying Horse Farms “Light Up Camp” drive-through event

Flying Horse Farms in Mt. Gilead will “flip the switch” on “Light Up Camp” on Thanksgiving, November 25, and will be open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening through Sunday, December 26, including Christmas Eve and Christmas. The half-mile drive through the property will feature festively decorated camp buildings and showcase a 12-minute animated light show at the center of camp. All visitors must remain in their cars for the entire event.

The light display will include more than 8,000 individual bulbs and more than 3 miles of lights. The event is free, but donations are highly appreciated and suggested. Donations are used for camps and programming to allow children with severe medical conditions to enjoy a camp experience. 5260 OH-95, Mt Gilead, OH 43338

Creekside Park Lights Display

Creekside Park in Gahanna is lit up for the season each night with a quarter of a million lights until early January. The light display plays along to music, and includes a Gingerbread Village. Creekside Park is within CORA limits, so grab a festive beverage and stroll through the Holiday Wonderland.

Lights are programmed to change with the music from 5pm-8:30pm Sun-Thur and 5p-10p Fri & Sat.

Lights of Glenross

Thanksgiving – January 1, 2022. Glenross subdivision in Delaware and has around 250 houses with light displays choreographed to Christmas music played on 94.1FM. The displays will run from 5-9pm Sunday-Thursday and 5-11pm Friday & Saturday. Check out the website at www.lightsofglenross.com or like Lights of Glenross on Facebook for more info. Ballater Dr., Delaware, Ohio 43015.

Columbus Metro Parks December Twinkling Lights 

Walk under the twinkling lights at Battelle Darby Creek, Blacklick Woods, Highbanks, Homestead and Inniswood during the month of December. Enjoy hot chocolate every Sunday from 5-7pm at these parks. Consider dropping off canned food donations for Mid-Ohio Foodbank as well. 

Clotts Rd Gahanna

Frosty the Snowman on Clotts Road, Gahanna

In addition to great holiday lights on Clotts Rd. near Hamilton in Gahanna, Frosty the Snowman will be outside many evenings to bring holiday cheer! You’ll find Frosty at the first house after 104.1 The River radio station most evenings through December 23 from 5:30-6:30 pm. If you want photos or high 5’s with Frosty, pull off the road and into the driveway for photos. 

Check the Facebook page to ensure Frosty will be outside before you go. Any changes will be posted to Frosty’s Facebook page.

Frosty the Snowman at Clotts Rd; photo courtesy of Frosty

Stanfield Dancing Lightshow

Shows run 5:30-9:30 on weeknights and 5:30-11:30 on weekends. Tune to 88.3FM. 5362 Polor Dr Lewis Center Ohio.

Dazzling Christmas Lights in Westerville’s Annehurst neighborhood

Day after Thanksgiving through December. Display features 100,000 Christmas Lights that dance to music. The show is every night (weather permitting) from 6:00pm – 10:00pm Sunday thru Thursday and 6:00pm – 11:00pm Friday and Saturday. Check Facebook to see the coordinating radio station and details for 2021. Address: 649 Old Coach Rd. Westerville Ohio 43081. 

The Lucy Depp Park Light Show

This drive-thru Christmas light experience features 6 houses over 7.5 acres. The show runs from Black Friday to the first week of January, dusk until 10pm Sun-Thurs and until 11 on Friday and Saturday. In order to manage traffic, there is a loop to drive. You enter at Frabell Dr and exit on Springdale Dr. Make sure you read about the history of Lucy Depp Park – it’s fascinating! Address: Frabell Dr. Powell, OH 43065

There is a donation box located at the entrance to the show for Peace for Paws Ohio, an amazing non-profit dog rescue organization. Please consider making a donation!

Sawmill Meadows Lights

This is just one house, but they DO IT UP for Christmas (and Halloween)! They’ve been featured on news stations for their decorations. There are other nicely decorated houses in the neighborhood as well, and it’s on the way to the Zoolights at the Zoo! Follow the Facebook page for opening day and hours. Address: 2691 Sawmill Meadows Ave., Columbus (just off of Sawmill Rd. N of Hard Rd). 

Fields Family Christmas Lights

This annual Christmas Light show combines sequencing the lights to some favorite Christmas songs. They are also a drop off location for the annual Toy Drive for the Violet Township Fire Department (see details here). The show starts November 26th and runs until New Years Day. Sunday – Thursday 5 PM to 9 PM, Friday – Saturday 5 PM to 10 PM. Address: 288 Fox Glen Dr E. Pickerington, Ohio 43147. 

The Gibbswold House

Check out the Gibbswold house! Located in Butler Farms in Obetz, Ohio, this awesome light show starts at 7 pm every night – Making Obetz Glow Again! 1069 Gartner Ct, Columbus, OH 43207

D’Andrea Christmas Display

The D’Andrea Christmas Display is a 30,000 LED light show synchronized to upbeat music, including today’s top 40 and more. The show runs from November 30- January 1; weekdays 5:30pm -10pm, weekends 5:30 pm -11 pm. Tune your radio to 88.5 to hear the music, or there are outdoor speakers to listen to the music. Contact or find more details on Facebook for opening date. Address: 140 Garston Ct., Gahanna Ohio, 43230 

Christmas Lights Extravaganza

Free Drive thru Christmas Lights display. Donations are accepted. Open daily 6pm till 1130pm until after New Years. Follow on Facebook for exact opening/closing dates when announced. 3595 Mcdonald Rd, Lancaster Ohio 43130

Christmas Lights Attractions in Columbus with Admission

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

November 19, 2021 –  January 2, 2022  Don’t miss the Columbus Zoo Christmas lights for 2021 featuring Columbus Zoo Christmas lights and festivities featuring displays of millions of LED lights and holiday sights and sounds. Regular admission applies, except for free nights listed below. Members get free admission. Parking is $10/car for non-members.

• November 18 is Member Preview Night from 5 – 9 p.m.
• December 3 is Stuff a Truck Food Drive – bring 6 cans of food per guest for free admission and parking.
• December 26 – January 2: First Responder and Public Safety Appreciation Days and Healthcare Professionals Appreciation Days(limited tickets available; see details)

Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Easton Holiday Carriage Rides

Check out the beauty of Easton during the holidays on a Easton Holiday Carriage Ride! Available weekends from November 20 – December 19, 2021; Saturdays from 5-9 p.m., and Sundays from 3-7 p.m.

Admission is $10, children under 15 ride free with paying adult.  

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights

November 19, 2021 – January 2, 2022. Enjoy 3 miles of holiday lights at Alum Creek light, and stop by Santa’s House after the show $20-$30 per car.

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

November 20, 2021 – January 9, 2022. Admission is $12 – $22. Members pay reduced admission. Holiday displays and activities at the Franklin Park Conservatory, including live entertainment, gingerbread contest, and more. There are both in person and virtual events. Reservations are required for all visits, and safety protocols are in place.

Conservatory Aglow is free for members on Nov. 19, 22-24, 2021.

Segaway Holiday Lights Tour

December 1 – December 23, 2021, beginning at 6 p.m. or 8:15 p.m. Take a festive ride on a segway through downtown Columbus and the Scioto Greenway to enjoy seasonal decorations, lights, and holiday music. Training + tour is about 1.5 hours and costs $49 per rider. Columbus Convention Center, 50 E. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus, OH 43215.

Take a drive for these out-of-town Christmas Experiences!

WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio at Hartford Fairgrounds

November 12, 2021 – January 9, 2021 from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm (11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays). Open rain, shine, or snow. Hartford Fairgrounds, 14028 Fairgrounds Road, Hartford, OH 43013

Come see over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show. Admission is $7.00 per person. Children age 3 & under are FREE! Get a Carload Special for up to 7 passengers for only $30. Weekend pricing, $30 per car (up to 7 passengers).

Magical Lights of Winter at National Trail Raceway

November 15, 2021 to January 9, 2022 Let the Magical Lights of Winter take you on a dazzling drive-thru Christmas Lights show. The new show will feature over 2 miles of synchronized Christmas lights dancing to music for everyone to enjoy. 

Purchase tickets online in advance. $20 per car Monday – Thursdays and non peak nights. $30 per car Friday – Sunday and peak nights.

Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio

Friday, November 19 through December 23, open every day except Thanksgiving. Located about an hour and fifteen minutes SW of Columbus, the Christmas Ranch features a Christmas Village with a combination drive-thru/walk-thru experience featuring approximately 1 Million LED lights which dance with the music. Drive through to see the lights and park to visit areas of Christmas Ranch. Shop in 6 Christmas shops, grab a treat at Santa’s Bakery or the Elves food truck (walk-up window and outdoor seating), and visit with Santa.

Admission is $20 per carload or $30 per oversized van (10+ visitors) Free parking! Tickets must be purchased online at thechristmasranch.com for a date and an approximate time frame for your arrival. All purchases at the attraction must be made via credit card.

Fairfield County Festival of Lights

Starts November 25, 2021. Drive-through Holiday Light Display at the Fairfield County Fairgrounds. Admission: $10 per Car/Mini Van $15 per Shuttle Bus/Passenger Van. Every Friday and Saturday night see Santa & Mrs. Claus. Sunday – Thursday 5pm to 9pm and Friday & Saturday 5pm to 10pm. Fairfield County Fairgrounds, 157 E. Fair Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio.  See updates on Facebook.

Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill

November 26 – December 30, 2021 from 5 – 9 p.m. (lights turn on at 6 p.m.) On Christmas Eve and Christmas they close at 8 pm. Enjoy 4 million lights, outdoor miniature village, Santa Claus Museum, and nostalgic Toy Collection. You can’t visit Santa, but you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see Santa at work until December 23. Every 15 minutes or so, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh. Food is available for purchase except on Christmas.

Cost is $10 ages 4 and older; under 3 are free.  Food and drink for sale. Saturday is the most crowded night; the attraction is less crowded on weekdays. Located near Yellow Springs, 40 miles SW of Columbus.

Christmas at Kingwood Center

November 26, 2021 through January 2, 2022, every Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4 pm. Kingwood Center in Mansfield offers a variety of activities such as live music, dozens of uniquely trimmed themed Christmas trees in rooms throughout the hall, a beautifully decorated Greenhouse, and outdoor light displays.

Reservations must be made in advance due to capacity limits. Walkup available only if space permits. Admission is $5, ages 12 and under free.

ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park

December 1-31, 2021. FREE! Caesar Ford Park in Xenia will deck the park with dazzling lights, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la. Wind your way through the Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival, then wave to Santa at the North Pole. Drive through once, and you’ll want to do it again. The lights are on daily from 6 pm – 9 pm. For more information call 937-562-6440. Caesar Ford Park, 520 South Stringtown Road, Xenia, OH 45385

No admission or registration, so if you’re in the area or up for a drive, just drive through!

Kings Island Winterfest

Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday from November 26-December 12, and daily from December 17-31, 2021 Kings Island Winterfest features all of the sounds, traditions, and activities of the Christmas season, plus the fun of Kings Island.

Map for Christmas Lights in Columbus and Central Ohio

Check out these other special event light displays around town!

Friday, September 30, 2022

Saturday, October 1, 2022

Sunday, October 2, 2022

Sunday, October 9, 2022

TBA or Cancelled for 2021

Griswold Delaware Christmas Display

This amazing display will not be available in 2021, but plans to return in 2022! This is a MUST SEE! This Award Winning Christmas Display features over 120,000 lights. Lights are on starting November 27 from 6pm to 12am daily, until January 2. Listen to the music from the safety and comfort of your own vehicle on 88.3 FM to hear the 9 song light show. 7840 Overland Trail, Delaware, OH

Holiday Lights in Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks

TBA for 2021. Holiday Lights in the Columbus Metro Parks – Trails at Blacklick Woods Metro Park, Highbanks Metro Park, Homestead Metro Park and Scioto Grove Metro Park are decorated with holiday lights through January 3! Visit the parks between 5 pm – 8 pm each night to enjoy the twinkling in nature! See locations below and see Facebook for details.

• Scioto Grove: REI River Trail near The Grove, and check out the “A Christmas Story” display
• Homestead Metro Park: Covered Bridge
• Inniswood Metro Garden: Throughout the gardens
• Blacklick Woods Metro Park: Buttonbush Trail only
• Highbanks Metro Park: Dripping Rock Trail behind the nature center

While you’re there, get some hiking done or the Winter Hike Series!

Metro Parks Annual Winter Hike Series – For the 2020/2021 series, the hikes are not guided or scheduled. Simply visit the parks and hike any trail on your own schedule, pace, and distance. After hikes at 7 parks, you’ll get a reward!

Holiday Village Window Display at DeFourny Realtors

TBA for 2021. This isn’t a traditional Christmas lights display, but it’s a lit up Holiday Village Window Display that you’ll want to check out.

DeFourney Realtors have created a “Pop-Up” Holiday Village window display at 4443 N. High St. This free, convenient, and socially distanced display can be enjoyed through the front windows anytime and will be lit from 3 PM – 10 PM each day through Christmas. The miniature village features many neighborhoods modeled after Clintonville / Beechwold / Tremont Gardens. There are hundreds of little details to discover! Knowing our community’s need, a collection box for non-perishables for CRC will also be on hand for any wishing to donate items. 

Holiday Lights Drive-thru at Coffman Park Night

TBA for 2021. Drive thru Coffman Park and see displays with over 40,000 LED lights throughout the park, as well as the City’s 30 foot illuminated Christmas tree. Coffman Park Drive will be lit each evening from December 4 through January 3, 2021.

Village of Obetz Trail of Lights

TBA for 2021. from 6-8 pm. Free, socially distanced Christmas lights drive through display to kick off the holiday season. At 6pm, Recreation Trail will be lit up with Christmas joy. Enjoy 1 mile of lighted Christmas displays, take photos of the giant inflatable structures, and see the live reindeer, all from the comfort and safety of your car. Bring your camera because Santa will make an appearance for a socially distanced photo. Tune into a Christmas radio station for some festive tunes during your drive: 93.3 the Bus or 94.7 Sunny 95

The lights on the trail will remain up through Christmas, but Santa, the reindeer, and some of the bigger decorations will only be there on December 5th. 

Entry from both Alum Creek and Orchard Lane is permitted. The start of the route is 4100 Orchard Lane. Use 4100 Orchard Lane, Obetz Ohio 43207 to get to the start of the route.

Inniswood Illuminated at Inniswood Metro Gardens

TBA for 2021 from dusk to 8 pm. 

BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley

TBA for 2021. Tour of Columbus to see seasonal attractions, lighting displays and holiday landmarks on a Holiday Trolley. All tours are private tours, so gather your family or friends and book now! 

Lights at the Brickyard

TBA for 2021 Lights at the Brickyard features dozens of colorful displays totaling more than three million bright lights on a 2-mile course through the IMS infield and historic oval, including the front stretch and world-famous “Yard of Bricks” start-finish line. The standard lane entrance is Gate 2, off of 16th St. $25 Mon.-Wed., $30 Thurs.-Sun., or purchase a Speedy Pass for quickest access to the course to skip the longer lines and arrive through a special entry near the IMS golf course. Speedy Pass for 1-15 passengers are $40 online or $50-$60 at the gate.