Discover 30 verified christmas lights in Cincinnati and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Cincinnati Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, the magic of Cincinnati Christmas lights offers something special for everyone.
Among the beloved neighborhood favorites, the Cincinnati Nights of Lights drive-through show at the Clermont County Fairgrounds and the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo stand out as must-see experiences near Cincinnati. Both offer unique ways to enjoy holiday lights, from dazzling synchronized displays to immersive walking trails.
This guide covers a variety of options including free neighborhood displays, ticketed events, drive-through lights, and walkable trails. Discover these festive spots and make the most of your holiday visit in Cincinnati.
Dazzling holiday light displays illuminating downtown streets.
Experience the magic of Downtown Dazzle, a spectacular holiday light display transforming Cincinnati's urban core into a festive wonderland. Wander through streets adorned with dazzling illuminations, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere for all to enjoy during the holiday season.
Nutcracker-inspired story walk and holiday lights
Immerse yourself in a magical holiday experience at Washington Park's Winter Wonderland. This enchanting installation, a collaboration by Cincinnati Ballet and local partners, features a captivating Nutcracker-inspired story walk with six scenes created by Art Academy of Cincinnati students. Dazzling...
Holiday-themed underwater wonderland with aquatic animals.
Dive into Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium, where playful penguins, festive music, and dazzling holiday lights create a magical underwater holiday experience. While Scuba Santa may be resting, the wonderland continues, offering a unique way to celebrate the...
Annual tree lighting with fireworks and Santa visit
Join the celebration at Newport on the Levee for 'Light Up The Levee,' an enchanting holiday kickoff event. This festive evening features live music from The Groove Crew and Hi-Fi Honey, a spectacular 50-foot Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and a...
79th season of Duke Energy Holiday Trains
Step into a winter wonderland at Holiday Junction, featuring the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains. This signature holiday experience brings generations together with its dazzling display of over 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives. Explore the enchanting Northern Lights, embark...
Botanical model of Cincinnati with trains and ferns.
Step into a world of botanical wonder at Krohn Conservatory's 'Festival of Ferns.' This enchanting holiday show features a stunning botanical model of Cincinnati, complete with miniature landmarks and charming trains. Wander through diverse fern collections and vibrant poinsettias, creating...
Millions of lights and animal lanterns at a renowned zoo.
Step into a winter wonderland at the Cincinnati Zoo's 43rd annual PNC Festival of Lights! Be dazzled by over 5 million LED lights, explore whimsical fairy statues, and discover 65 larger-than-life animal lanterns. Enjoy festive treats, seasonal concessions, and the...
Magical winter wonderland with farm animals and holiday activities.
Step away from the holiday rush and discover a new winter wonderland tradition at Holidays on the Farm. This magical escape in Winton Woods promises joyful, heartwarming moments for the whole family. Under the glow of glimmering lights, enjoy hayrides,...
Millions of lights and on-field ice skating at a baseball stadium.
Step into a dazzling winter wonderland at Deck the Y'alls Lightfest, transforming Thomas More Stadium with over 2.5 million brilliant lights and eight immersive themed displays. This spectacular event offers a magical walk-through light show, an on-field ice rink for...
Illuminated dinosaur sculptures in the Garden of Lights
Step into a magical holiday season at the Creation Museum's annual Christmas event. Stroll through the dazzling Garden of Lights, adorned with illuminated dinosaur sculptures and vibrant displays. Experience the true meaning of the season with a live nativity and...
Indoor forest of community-decorated trees
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Fairfield Festival of Trees. This enchanting event features an indoor forest of uniquely decorated trees, sponsored and created by local businesses and organizations. Stroll through the festive displays, cast your vote...
Illuminated parade and community holiday celebration
Join the City of Fairfield for the 7th Annual Parade of Lights and Holiday Shop on Saturday, November 22, 2025. This cherished tradition illuminates the night with a spectacular parade featuring decorated floats and performances. Festivities include a Holiday Market...
Drive-through light display amidst monumental sculptures
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Pyramid Hill Lights, a breathtaking drive-through event featuring over one million lights. Local artists have transformed the park's unique landscape and monumental sculptures into a dazzling spectacle. It's a perfect, enchanting outing...
Millions of lights and Eiffel Tower Christmas tree.
Kings Island transforms into a magical holiday wonderland for WinterFest, Cincinnati's premier holiday event. With over seven million lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, dazzling entertainment, and a spectacular WinterFest Wonderland Parade, the park offers a truly enchanting experience....
Over one million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to music.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at The Christmas Ranch, featuring over a million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music. This old-fashioned family experience offers train and wagon rides, seven themed Christmas shops, and visits with Santa Claus. Enjoy...
Two horse-drawn carriage parades, one by day and one by candlelight.
Get ready to kick off the holiday season at the 36th Annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival! This beloved event features two magical parades: a daylight procession at 1:00 PM and a captivating candlelight parade at 7:00 PM. Enjoy...
Drive-through fantasy light display with hot air balloon glow
Light Up Middletown transforms Smith Park into a breathtaking drive-through fantasy light display. Open nightly from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, this beloved event features over a million lights. A special highlight is the 'Balloon GLOW,' where hot air balloons...
Ohio's largest Christmas Village and drive-thru light display.
Discover Ohio's largest Christmas Village and a spectacular 2-mile drive-thru light display featuring over 3.8 million lights. Visit Santa at his workshop, explore the festive Christmas Village, and warm up by the fire pits. It's a dazzling holiday celebration for...
Life-size Noah's Ark illuminated for the holidays.
Experience an unforgettable holiday season at the Ark Encounter with dazzling lights, live music, and festive dining. This annual event transforms the life-size Noah's Ark into a winter wonderland, offering a magical experience for the whole family. Enjoy free admission...
Annual parade and tree lighting ceremony
Experience the magic of the Miamisburg Holiday Celebration, an annual downtown tradition! The evening begins with a festive parade down Main Street, culminating in the ceremonial lighting of the community Christmas tree. Families can visit Santa for photos, enjoy hands-on...
European-style Christmas market with Santa and Krampus.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Yuletide Village, where dazzling lights, festive shows, and unique market finds await. Explore the Yuletide Market for handcrafted gifts, enjoy enchanting entertainment, and meet Santa. For a unique twist, beware of Krampus! Cozy...
Enchanting woodland light displays
Step into a magical holiday wonderland at Woodland Lights, where the natural beauty of the woods is illuminated by thousands of dazzling lights. This enchanting event offers a captivating experience for all ages, transforming the landscape into a festive spectacle....
Award-winning, 300-foot RGB tunnel light show.
Prepare to be awestruck by Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland, a drive-through light show synchronized to music. Journey through custom-built displays, including a 300-foot RGB tunnel, towering Christmas trees, and a football-field-sized carpet of lights, all designed to immerse you in the...
Dayton's newest holiday tradition at a 65-acre open-air history museum.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at A Carillon Christmas, where Carillon Historical Park is transformed with thousands of lights. Experience festive holiday traditions, meet Santa Claus, enjoy live music, and explore historical exhibits. Delight in seasonal treats and find...
53rd annual festival with tree lighting and parade
Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the 53rd annual Dayton Holiday Festival. This beloved community event features the spectacular Grande Illumination tree-lighting ceremony and the dazzling Dayton Children's Parade Spectacular in Lights. Enjoy live entertainment, meet Santa's reindeer,...
Month-long holiday celebration with free family activities.
The Dayton Holiday Festival is a cherished community tradition that kicks off the holiday season with the Grande Illumination tree lighting and a dazzling parade. Throughout December, families can enjoy free activities like the Candy Cane Clubhouse, Rike's Holiday Windows,...
Free drive-thru holiday light show with synchronized music
Experience the magic of the season with the Downtown Jingle Lights, a spectacular drive-thru light show in Dayton. Streets are transformed into a dazzling display, choreographed to holiday music broadcast on 95.1 FM. It's a free, festive way to enjoy...
Over 1.1 million dazzling lights at a ballpark.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at Day Air Ballpark for the Deck the Diamond spectacular. This enchanting walk-thru event features over 1.1 million dazzling lights, captivating light shows set to music, and festive decorations. Families can enjoy activities like...
Drive-through holiday light display with themed zones
Experience the magic of ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park, a spectacular drive-through holiday light display. Wind your way through themed areas like the Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival, culminating in a wave to Santa....
Over 889 decorated trees in a cellar.
Madison, Indiana's annual Festival of Trees transforms the Lanthier Winery cellar into a breathtaking holiday spectacle. Wander through a forest of over 889 glittering, decorated trees, heralding the start of the festive season. This beloved event offers a magical experience...
See the location of all christmas lights around Cincinnati and nearby areas
Open Map →Top displays include the Cincinnati Nights of Lights drive-through show at the Clermont County Fairgrounds and the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo. Both feature millions of lights and unique holiday themes that attract visitors each year.
Drive-through options like Cincinnati Nights of Lights allow you to enjoy millions of lights from the comfort of your vehicle, ideal for families or those preferring a seated experience. Walkable displays, such as the PNC Festival of Lights at the Zoo or Light in the Forest at the Cincinnati Nature Center, offer interactive trails and closer views of themed light installations.
Most major Cincinnati Christmas light displays begin in mid to late November and run through early January. For example, Cincinnati Nights of Lights and the PNC Festival of Lights usually open around the third week of November.
Yes, several neighborhoods offer free holiday lights and neighborhood displays that anyone can enjoy. Additionally, some events like the Creation Museum’s Garden of Lights provide free access to certain holiday light experiences.