Your Complete Guide to Holiday Light Displays Around Columbus, Ohio
Welcome to Columbus, Ohio's most comprehensive guide to Christmas lights and holiday displays! Whether you're a local looking for new displays to explore or visiting Columbus for the holidays, this guide will help you find the perfect festive experiences throughout the Columbus metro area.
I've been covering Columbus's Christmas light scene, and each year I'm amazed by the creativity and spirit our community brings to the season. From iconic downtown displays to hidden neighborhood gems, Columbus transforms into a winter wonderland every December.
This guide includes everything from free neighborhood displays to ticketed events, drive-through experiences to walkable trails. I've covered Columbus proper as well as nearby areas. Each listing includes practical details like dates, times, parking tips, and what makes each display special.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, discover something new, or just want to make the most of your holiday light adventures in Columbus, Ohio, I hope you'll find this guide helpful!
Most major displays in Columbus, Ohio begin the weekend after Thanksgiving, around November 28, 2025. Neighborhood displays typically start around mid-December and run through New Year's Eve.
Columbus offers several fantastic free displays including neighborhood light shows, downtown tree lightings, and community celebrations. Check our events list for the complete guide to free holiday experiences!
Yes! Columbus has both drive-through and walkable options. Drive-through displays are perfect for staying warm in your car, while walkable displays offer a more immersive experience.
Check our featured displays to find the largest and most spectacular drive-through experiences in Columbus, Ohio!
Experience one of Ohio's favorite holiday traditions at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium's Wildlights! Millions of dazzling LED lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland, featuring animated musical light shows and festive activities. Explore themed passages, enjoy unique rides like the '12 Days of Wildlights' train, and even catch glimpses of select animals. It's a magical holiday celebration for the whole family.
Learn More & View Details →Step into a world of vibrant color and festive cheer at Holiday Blooms, a breathtaking botanical exhibition. This enchanting display features bold palettes of reds, blues, pinks, and citrus tones, accented by over a thousand poinsettias in ten unique varieties. Explore a serene woodland garden and be captivated by stunning floral compositions designed to inspire and delight.
Learn More & View Details →Wanderlights illuminates Downtown Columbus with a spectacular free light display spanning Columbus Commons, Town Street, and the Scioto Mile. From November 21, 2025, to February 15, 2026, visitors can immerse themselves in a winter wonderland featuring a 40-foot tree, illuminated tunnels, and festive decorations. Special 'Wander Nights' offer additional free activities like hot chocolate, carousel rides, movie screenings, and Santa visits.
Learn More & View Details →Experience Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights, a beloved 26-year-old family tradition in Delaware, Ohio. This expansive 3-mile drive-thru light show features over 300 dazzling displays, including tunnels and light walls, all synchronized to holiday music broadcast on 88.3 FM. On select dates, Mrs. Claus is present to collect letters for Santa, offering a magical touch for younger visitors. The event also supports local toy banks, making it a festive and charitable experience.
Learn More & View Details →Easton Town Center transforms into a winter wonderland for the 2025 holiday season, beginning with the spectacular Grand Illumination on November 14th. Visitors can experience dazzling light shows on a 56-foot tree, enjoy festive music, and meet Santa Claus. The center also hosts engaging DIY workshops, a memorable holiday drone show, and a special Menorah Lighting ceremony, offering a variety of activities for all ages.
Learn More & View Details →Wanderlights offers a magical holiday escape in downtown Columbus, transforming the city into a vibrant winter wonderland. Stroll through Columbus Commons to see a 40-foot tree, over 150 illuminated trees, and an enchanting archway tunnel. Continue the festive journey along Town Street to the Lazarus Building for special displays, and end at Bicentennial Park for a dazzling riverfront light show.
Learn More & View Details →Planning your route? Our interactive map shows you exactly where every light display, event, and festive attraction is located around Columbus and nearby areas!
Click on any marker to see photos, dates, times, and get directions. Perfect for planning your holiday lights road trip!
View Interactive Map →Experience Santa 95's Christmas Lights Ohio, a dazzling new drive-thru holiday spectacular at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Journey through 1.5 miles of over 40 displays and 2 million lights, all synchronized to festive Christmas music. This event offers a convenient and cheerful way to celebrate the season, with a single price per carload making it an accessible outing for the whole family.
Learn More →Experience the magic of Christmas Lights Ohio, a spectacular 1.5-mile drive-through light display at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. With over 2 million lights and more than 40 dazzling displays, this event offers a captivating visual and auditory experience. Tune your radio to 98.7 FM to enjoy Christmas music perfectly synchronized with the animated lights, creating a truly immersive holiday spectacle for the entire family.
Learn More →🎄 From the Editor: I started this guide to help you discover the best Christmas lights in Columbus, Ohio. This isn't just a directory—it's a carefully curated guide to help you make the most of your holiday light adventures!