Discover 16 verified christmas lights in Columbus and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Columbus Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city transforms into a festive wonderland each winter. Whether you're a local or visiting, you'll find plenty of ways to enjoy the season's glow.
Some beloved neighborhood favorites include the dazzling Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and the enchanting WonderLight's Christmas drive-through show near Columbus. These spots offer unique experiences that capture the holiday spirit beautifully.
This guide covers everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed drive-through lights and walking trails. Explore these light displays and make the most of your holiday visit in Columbus.
Science museum transformed into a holiday wonderland with interactive exhibits.
COSI's Season of Celebrations transforms the science museum into a dazzling winter wonderland for the 2025 holiday season. Explore new themed zones, including a life-sized yeti and a cozy speakeasy, alongside exhibit-inspired trees celebrating Pixar and Wild Kratts. Step back...
Historic life-sized Nativity display
Experience the magic of State Auto's Christmas Corner, a cherished Central Ohio tradition celebrating its 91st year. This beloved event features a stunning, life-sized Nativity display and dazzling light installations. Enjoy nightly illuminations and a schedule of live choir performances,...
Vibrant botanical displays with a focus on color palettes
Step into a world of vibrant color and festive cheer at the Holiday Blooms exhibition. This enchanting botanical experience showcases a stunning array of over a thousand poinsettias in ten unique varieties, harmonizing with a rich tapestry of tropical and...
Annual holiday illumination event at a premier retail destination.
Easton's Grand Illumination marks the festive start to the holiday season. This highly anticipated event transforms the popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destination into a winter wonderland. While specific details are still emerging, attendees can expect a magical evening as...
Annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Olde Village Holiday Gathering! This festive community event, organized by the Pickerington Village Association and the City of Pickerington, culminates in a heartwarming Christmas tree lighting ceremony. It's a perfect evening...
Millions of dazzling LED lights and animated musical shows.
Step into a world of holiday magic at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights! This beloved tradition features millions of dazzling LED lights, captivating animated musical light shows, and festive activities. Explore themed areas like Adventure Cove and Asia Quest,...
Sensory-friendly holiday lights experience
Experience the magic of Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium during a special Sensory-Friendly Light Stroll. This event offers a calmer, less stimulating environment with limited background sounds and smaller crowds, making it ideal for guests with sensory sensitivities....
Spectacular drive-through holiday light display
Embark on a magical journey through Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, a spectacular drive-through holiday spectacle. This beloved event transforms Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds into a winter wonderland with dazzling light displays and animated scenes. It's a cherished, family-operated...
Multi-day holiday celebration with tree lighting, parade, and Santa visits.
Experience the magic of the holiday season in Downtown Delaware with 'Christmas in Downtown'! This multi-day celebration features a spectacular Tree Lighting Ceremony, a festive Christmas Parade, and a charming ice skating rink. Families can enjoy visits with Santa, enchanting...
Over 1 million synchronized LED lights in a drive-through show.
Experience the magic of WonderLight's Christmas in Ohio, Central Ohio's largest drive-through light show. Over 1 million LED lights dance to the rhythm of holiday music, creating a dazzling spectacle for the whole family. Tune into the dedicated radio station...
Annual WinterFest and Tree Lighting celebration.
Celebrate the holiday season in Downtown Lancaster at the annual WinterFest and Tree Lighting. This festive event offers a magical experience with free horse-drawn carriage rides, opportunities to meet Santa Claus, engaging family activities, a scavenger hunt, and uplifting holiday...
Over 4 million lights in a historic mill setting.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill, a nationally recognized holiday spectacle. Over 4 million lights transform the historic mill, gorge, and riverbanks into a breathtaking display, complete with a 100-foot light waterfall....
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....
Community-wide holiday lighting contest
Discover the festive charm of North Pole Nelsonville, a community event that transforms neighborhoods into a winter wonderland. Residents are encouraged to participate in the North Pole Neighborhoods Lighting Contest, showcasing their holiday spirit through dazzling decorations. It's a wonderful...
Over 150,000 lights illuminating a castle for the holidays.
Experience the enchantment of Christmas at the Castle: The Kingdom of Lights, a beloved holiday tradition. Wander through the castle grounds illuminated by over 150,000 dazzling lights and festive outdoor Christmas trees, all set to your favorite holiday tunes. Meet...
Illuminated gardens and decorated Kingwood Hall
Experience the enchanting 'Christmas at Kingwood' event, a beloved holiday tradition set to return in late November. Visitors can marvel at the festive decorations transforming Kingwood Hall into a winter wonderland. The gardens are also expected to be beautifully illuminated,...
See the location of all christmas lights around Columbus and nearby areas
Open Map →Top displays include Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, known for millions of LED lights and animated shows, and WonderLight's Christmas, a large drive-through light experience near Columbus. Additionally, neighborhood displays like those at Creekside Park offer festive walking trails.
Drive-through lights, such as WonderLight's Christmas, allow you to enjoy holiday lights from the comfort of your car, often featuring synchronized music. Walkable options like Wanderlights downtown offer a chance to stroll through illuminated trails and enjoy interactive experiences.
Most Columbus Christmas lights and holiday displays begin in mid to late November, with events like Wildlights starting around November 21 and continuing through early January.
Yes, several free displays are available, including the Wanderlights path downtown and neighborhood light displays at places like Creekside Park. These provide festive experiences without admission fees.