Let’s face it: winter in Ohio can be rough. It’s cold, it’s gray, and your driveway has probably turned into an ice skating rink by mid-December.
But there’s one magical thing that makes bundling up and braving the elements totally worth it – holiday lights. And Central Ohio knows how to light it up (literally). From drive-through displays to immersive experiences, here are the top 5 holiday light displays that will make your season merry, bright, and maybe a little warmer (emotionally, at least).
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
4850 W Powell Rd, Powell, OH 43065
If there’s one thing the Columbus Zoo knows how to do (besides making you fall in love with baby manatees), it’s throwing a holiday party with lights. Wildlights turns the zoo into a twinkling wonderland, complete with millions of lights, synchronized displays, and maybe even a kangaroo wearing a Santa hat (okay, not guaranteed, but let me dream).
Grab a hot chocolate, meander through the glowing paths, and try to figure out how the penguins feel about all this. Pro tip: show up early because this place gets packed – and no one wants to miss the light show on Conservation Lake.
Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
160 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Think of Wanderlights as a scavenger hunt meets a winter wonderland. Start at the Columbus Commons, where the trees are wrapped in so many lights it feels like a Hallmark movie set. Next, head down Town Street, which has a glow-up this year with expanded decorations, projection shows, and a seasonal mural.
The best part? Penguin spotting! There are 32 of these little guys hidden between High Street and Civic Center Drive. Your prize for spotting them all? Smug satisfaction – and possibly frostbite. Finish your trek at the Scioto Mile Fountain, where the riverfront glimmers in festive cheer.
Conservatory Aglow
1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
The Franklin Park Conservatory heard you like lights, so they put lights inside your lights and then added poinsettias for good measure. Conservatory Aglow is a full sensory overload in the best way. We’re talking biomes lit up like a holiday fever dream, glowing Chihuly glass that looks like something an artsy elf cooked up, and festive vibes for days.
It’s magical, it’s mesmerizing, and it’s a great way to feel like you’re starring in your very own Hallmark movie. If there were an award for “Most Extra Holiday Display,” the Franklin Park Conservatory would win every year.
Easton Grand Illumination and Holiday Happenings
160 Easton Town Ctr, Columbus, OH 43219
Ah, Easton. The place where shopping meets “whoaaaaaaa… everything’s glowing.” The Grand Illumination kicks things off with live music, festive characters, and enough lights to make Clark Griswold jealous. Oh, and did I mention the holiday drone light show on December 12? Yes, drones are officially part of Christmas now.
If that’s not your vibe, hop in a horse-drawn carriage and pretend you’re in a Victorian novel – just don’t forget your credit card because, let’s be honest, you’re not leaving Easton without buying something.
The Lucy Depp Park Lights
9360 Frabell Dr, Powell OH 43065.
This one’s for the people who really love Christmas. Lucy Depp Park in Powell has turned into a full-on holiday destination, complete with 250,000 lights programmed to custom music. That’s right, custom music. I struggle to sync my phone to my AirPods, and these people are out here creating a full-blown Christmas symphony.
It’s a drive-through experience, so you don’t even have to leave the warmth of your car. Just roll down the window, crank the music, and marvel at how these folks managed to make their neighborhood brighter than my future!
Shine Bright Like Rudolph’s Nose
Holiday light displays are proof that even when it’s freezing and everything else is dead, we can still have a little sparkle in our lives. So throw on your coziest hat, grab some cocoa, and prepare to feel a little less Grinch-y. Plus, there’s only like 4 months until spring, I say with a single tear rolling down my cheek.
Did we miss one? Did one of these places close? Send us a note!