Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
Over five million holiday lights illuminate the mill, gorge, riverbanks, and covered bridge, complemented by a 100-foot light waterfall and a 20-foot twinkling tree. Visitors can explore the outdoor Miniature Village, watch a synchronized light and music show at the covered bridge, and look inside Santa's Workshop. The display also includes an indoor Santa Claus Museum and a toy collection.
What to Expect
Features over five million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, and riverbanks.
Event Details
Ages
Children 3 and under are free. Admission is $15 per person for ages 4 and older.
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Historic Clifton Mill
Food & Drink
Every night except Christmas and New Year’s Eve, visitors can get hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies, pie, popcorn, and soft drinks.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-light fans
Vibe
Bright and festive
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Hours: 6pm to 9pm; gates open at 5pm; Dec. 24th & 25th close at 8pm.
- Parking: Free parking.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and stroller accessible, though strollers are not permitted inside buildings.
- Pets: Pets are not allowed.
Tips & Advice
- Come Monday through Thursday if you can, because those nights are much less crowded than weekends and Saturday is the busiest night of all.
- Bring cash for admission, because it gets you through the gate much quicker and cards come with a convenience fee at the gate.
- Get to the covered bridge just before the top of the hour, when all the lights go dark and the synchronized music and light show begins.
- Visit before the night before Christmas Eve if you want to see the live Santa at work in his workshop.
- Stop at the new 20-foot Twinkling Tree of Lights beside the water wheel for a photo, and dress warmly since most of the display is outdoors.
Special Events & Promotions
- November 28: Governor Mike DeWine flips the lights to kick off the season.
- December 1: Greene County Commissioners night, with part of the night's proceeds going to the Greene County Fish Pantry.
- December 5 and 12: Dayton Children's Hospital Ambassadors are the VIP light flippers.
- New this year: a 20-foot Twinkling Tree of Lights with 7,000 lights, beside the water wheel.
- Groups of 15 or more get a per-person discount if one person pays for the whole group.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best night to visit?
Monday through Thursday nights are much less crowded. Saturday is the busiest night.
Is food served during the lights?
Yes, every night except Christmas and New Year's Eve. There are hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies, pie, popcorn and soft drinks.
Can kids sit on Santa's lap for a photo?
No. Santa is in his workshop making toys. About every 15 minutes he checks his list and goes up the chimney to load his sleigh. He's there every night until the night before Christmas Eve.
Is the display indoors or outdoors?
Both. The Gift Shop and Santa Museum are inside. The Miniature Village and the light display are outside.
Does it open in rain or snow?
It stays closed in severe weather or heavy rain. Closures are posted on Clifton Mill's Christmas lights page, or you can call 937-767-5501.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
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