
Few things can conjure up the joy and wonderment of the season like the dazzling holiday light displays that transform some of your favorite Columbus destinations into magical, enchanted places. These events feature fun for all ages, with many light displays offering exciting extras like ice skating, photos with Santa, great shopping, delicious treats, and a wide variety of fun activities geared toward the youngest members of the family. Start planning with our guide to eight amazing places to enjoy the holiday lights around Columbus.
160 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
Looking for a fun, free light show you can enjoy during a holiday night out around Columbus? Then be sure to stop at the Columbus Commons Holiday Light Show featuring more than 400,000 LED lights spread around the 6-acre park with a prime location near some of the city's best dining and shopping destinations. On Festive Friday nights in December, you can enjoy extras like carousel rides, holiday refreshments, and live music. The display is open every evening from November 18, 2022, to January 1, 2023, starting at dusk and ending at 11 p.m.
4850 Powell Rd., Powell, OH 43065
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An annual favorite for families around the Columbus area, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Wildlights display regularly ranks as one of the most impressive in all of Ohio. With an incredible 3 million lights on display, this beloved family attraction is truly transformed for the holiday season. And that's just the start! There are tons of other activities for the kids to enjoy, including photos with Santa, ice skating, carousel rides, stations for making delicious s'mores, and even camel rides. This event can be enjoyed most evenings from November 18, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
3311 S. Old State Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
A locally owned and operated holiday light show that also raises money for a variety of local non-profits, Butch Bando's Fantasy of Lights has been delighting families in the Columbus area for nearly 25 years. The display is a short drive from downtown Columbus at Alum Creek State Park Campground and is more than worth the trip. Start by exploring the dazzling drive-through light display taking you through the whole campground, then be sure to leave time to visit Santa's house at the end for photos, gifts, and holiday treats. Purchase your tickets online, then enjoy the show any evening between November 18, 2022, and January 2023.
1777 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43203
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Do you prefer your holiday lights with a side of horticulture? The Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens event offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and holiday cheer. Your favorite gardens will be bathed in lights, with special displays for seasonal plants like poinsettias and evergreens. There will be live entertainment on select evenings, and you'll also get a sneak peek at some of the best entries from the Gingerbread Competition. Reserve your tickets online for this event, which takes place nightly between November 19, 2022, and January 8, 2023.
160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Easton Town Center is an excellent place to check items off your holiday shopping list, enjoy a delicious meal, and see some seasonal sights along the way. The shopping center will be lit with more than 2 million lights, including on the towering 50-foot Christmas tree in the town square. There will also be exciting extras like holiday carriage rides and photos with Santa. The lights can be enjoyed every night through January 2, 2023.
233 S. Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215
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With eight riverfront parks spread over 175 connected acres, the Scioto Mile is one of the most scenic places in the city at any time of year. It's especially beautiful during the Lights at the Scioto Mile display, which can be enjoyed for free every night between November 23, 2022, and January 2, 2023. The Scioto Mile is located around the corner from the Columbus Commons, making it easy to enjoy both displays in one night.
German Village Neighborhood, Columbus, OH 43206
Sure, parks, shopping centers, and drive-through displays all offer fantastic ways to see the lights, but what about when you want to see a whole neighborhood decorated for the holidays? All you have to do is head for the German Village neighborhood in Columbus, where countless homes, businesses, and public places get in on the holiday fun. Starting on December 4, 2022, with the annual Village Lights kickoff event, you can see the whole neighborhood decorated in holiday lights and festive décor before you head to the Christmas Market for some shopping. After the kickoff event, the lights and decorations will be on display for the rest of the holiday season.
14028 Fairgrounds Rd., Hartford, OH 43013
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While visiting Wonderlights Christmas in Ohio will require about a 30-minute drive from Columbus, it's more than worth the trip. This drive-through light display features more than a million holiday lights, all synchronized to some of your favorite classic and contemporary holiday tunes. This is one of the most popular displays in Central Ohio, so reservations are strongly recommended. You can enjoy the display on evenings from November 11, 2022, through January 1, 2023.
Where will you and your family find your own holiday magic this year?

Is heading to the Christmas tree farm or lot with the family to pick a perfect tree one of your favorite holiday traditions? Ohio offers so many great Christmas tree farms to choose from, whether you're from Columbus, live in Cincinnati, or are celebrating the holidays in Northeast Ohio. Start your search for the perfect tree with our guide to nine Christmas tree farms around Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
4338 Shreve Rd., Wooster, OH 44691
One of Ohio's oldest and largest Christmas tree farms, The Farms at Pine Tree Barn is an excellent place to shop if you want to maximize your selection. There are more than 75,000 Christmas trees to choose from on this 150-acre farm, along with wreaths, boughs, roping, and swags. After you pick out your tree, be sure to check out the other activities, like rides on the Pine Tree Express, family holiday photo sessions, horse-drawn carriage rides, sledding, and dining at the Village Cafe.
9500 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, OH 44026
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With both cut-your-own and pre-cut Christmas trees available, Sugar Pines Farm makes it easy to fit tree shopping into your busy schedule. Of course, you might want to leave some time to enjoy the other activities available during the holidays on this 100-acre farm. Take a ride around the scenic farm on the hay wagon, or settle in by the warm comfort of the fire with kettle corn, hot chocolate, and all sorts of other holiday treats. Santa will also be making appearances at Sugar Pines Farm on December 3 and 10 from 1 p.m. through 4 p.m.
11762 Coal Bank Rd., Doylestown, OH 44230
Whether you want a pre-cut tree, a cut-your-own-tree experience, or even wholesale-cut Christmas trees, the team at Galehouse Tree Farm has you covered. They're open every day from November 1 through December 23, with tons of ready-cut trees to browse at the Tree House Gift Shop for a convenient shopping experience. The Tree House is more than just a place to find your next tree. It's a shop filled with little holiday wonders to decorate your home, from ornaments to lights, figurines, and lovely, rustic country décor.
4971 Cackler Rd., Delaware, OH 43015
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Since 1989, Cackler Family Farms has been helping families in the Cincinnati area celebrate their favorite holiday traditions. The combination of an extensive selection, friendly, personalized service, and reasonable prices keeps many families coming back here year after year. If you're planning to shop here, be aware that reservations are required for the 2022 holiday season, and you can easily make your reservation on the Cackler Family Farms website.
2340 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Linworth, OH 43235
In addition to choosing from a wide selection of Fraser Fir, Scotch Pine, and Douglas Fir trees of all sizes, shopping at the HTH Christmas Tree Lot is also a way to support a good cause during the holiday season. The non-profit Hope Thru Housing organization operates this lot, and all proceeds are donated to the cause. While you're there, be sure to check out the selection of wreaths, garland, tree stands, and other items to help decorate your home.
2030 Timbuk Rd., Granville, OH 43023
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For a full family tree shopping experience, it's tough to top what you'll find at the Timbuk Farms Christmas Tree Farm. Shop from a huge selection of locally grown trees, then check out fun holiday activities like Santas Sleigh, the photo fun park, an antique car collection, and a giant haystack for the kids to climb. Stop by the Timbuk Lodge to warm up by a crackling fire, shop for holiday gifts, and enjoy some delicious seasonal refreshments on the weekends.
3215 Hamilton New London Rd., Hamilton, OH 45013
For stress-free, professional service while Christmas tree shopping, the team at John T. Nieman Nursery & Landscaping has you covered. They've been in business for over 75 years, with over 60,000 trees currently growing on the 125-acre farm. Head to the fields to pick the perfect tree, then the team will help you cut, shake, haul, and secure your tree to your vehicle. The Christmas Barn is where you can shop for all of your other holiday decorating needs while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
1651 Bolender Rd., Hamersville, OH 45130
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A convenient, hassle-free experience is what you can expect when you visit Corsi Tree Farm, where every tree, no matter the size, is priced at $75. Stop by on a chilly fall day to cut your own tree, then head to the Broken Stone lodge to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a bowl of authentic Italian chili. There's also a free petting zoo for the kids and live music on the weekends.
625 Monmouth St., Newport, KY 41071
Serving Newport, KY, and the greater Cincinnati area for more than 50 years, Tom Mitts Christmas Trees offers an outstanding selection of trees from its convenient location in the heart of Newport. The shop is open every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. while supplies last, with trees ranging in size from 3 feet to over 14 feet. You can also pick up handy supplies like tree stands, nets, garland, and wreaths, along with free candy canes for the kids.
With so many great farms to choose from, where will you pick your own tree this year?

Holidays usually mean a table full of food finished with a few scrumptious pies. Whether your favorite is apple, pecan, buckeye, or a cream pie like banana or coconut, pies help create delicious holiday memories that can be handed down from generation to generation. But with all the baking and other hustle and bustle associated with the holidays, why not leave the pie baking to the experts? You'll have many varieties to choose from and will surely enjoy the fresh, local ingredients used in many of them. Many bakeries also often put a twist on traditional favorites, such as a Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie.
Check out the following Columbus and Central Ohio bakeries, look over their menus or stop by and place your holiday pie orders.
4061 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Generations of Columbus area residents have stopped by Resch's Bakery throughout its over 100 years of serving up treats like cakes, donuts, and pies. The bakery is dedicated to using the best ingredients to make tasty treats from scratch and to providing the highest level of customer service. Pies include pecan, cinnamon apple, Dutch apple, Dutch cherry, and sweet potato, and throughout the holidays, you'll find them on many local tables.
3335 N. High St., Columbus, OH 43202
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Dough Mama started as a home kitchen business for classically trained pastry chef Perrie Wilkof, who supplied pies to many notable Columbus-area restaurants, and has since grown into a successful cafe and bakery. Everything is made from scratch using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Popular seasonal holiday pies include the Brown Butter Pumpkin Pie, a spiced pumpkin and roasted sweet potato blend custard, giving it a rich texture and flavor. The Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie is also a favorite choice, with a bottom layer of rich dark chocolate loaded with pecans. It's also made with Kentucky Bourbon and organic maple syrup.
901 High St., Worthington, OH 43085
Mrs. Goodman's Baking Co. was originally known as Mrs. Goodman's Pie Co., and they're still known for baking pies with flaky, buttery crusts and filling made from the best ingredients. Many pies are available, including apple, cherry, peach, pecan, and pumpkin. In addition to the traditional pecan pie, the bakery also puts a twist on it to create chocolate pecan and white chocolate pecan pies. If you prefer cream pies, you'll also have plenty of options, including banana, coconut, and chocolate peanut butter.
Columbus Area
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Ohio Pies is a licensed home bakery, so it doesn't have a storefront, but don't let that stop you from ordering their mouthwatering pies. The bakery's mission is to source seasonal, local ingredients and, in the process, feed your soul and nourish the community. That's why, for example, all the eggs for Ohio Pies come from the free-range hens at Harrison Farm, and all the butter comes from Minerva Dairy. Blueberries are sourced from Blueberried Alive's organic crops, and all milk and cream come from Snowville Creamery. Order favorite holiday pies like apple, blackberry, buckeye, s'mores, sweet potato, and pumpkin, made with local pumpkins. Hand pies are also available by the half-dozen in apple, blackberry, caramelized pear, and cherry.
2116 Tremont Center, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
The Original Goodie Shop is a family-owned bakery that's served sweet treats to satisfied customers for 67 years. They've earned a generational following over the years and have customers who buy goodies for their children after growing up ordering the same thing from the bakery. Everything is hand-made from scratch, including donuts, cakes, cookies, and, of course, pies. Pies are available in small and large sizes in flavors such as apple, cherry, mince, pecan, and pumpkin.
3341 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232
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With The Witten Farm Market at Smith Farm, you get the best of both worlds: The chance to buy produce and fresh foods for your holiday needs from the farm market as well as tasty baked goods like pies from Smith Farm Bakery. Made fresh daily, pies are available in many different flavors, including Dutch apple, apple, caramel apple nut, cherry, pumpkin, pecan, sweet potato, rhubarb, mincemeat, blackberry, and blueberry. Cream pie options include banana, chocolate, coconut, buckeye, lemon meringue, and key lime. All are baked fresh daily.
39 S. Yearling Rd., Whitehall, OH 43212
Matt's Bakery is kosher, and all its items are parve. All baked goods are milk and dairy-free, with eggs used in the baking, and they're also nut-free (except for the pecan pie, which is baked separately). Before the holidays, pre-order pies such as apple crumb, blueberry, cherry, double-crust apple, peach, and strawberry. And while you're at it, order some challah, the signature bread item that the bakery's best known for.
What's your go-to holiday pie (or pies!), and where are you planning to order them from?

The holiday season is fast approaching, and now is the perfect time to start planning for some enchanting family fun. With events like the Christmas Connection in Northeast Ohio, A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage in Columbus, A 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour near Cincinnati, and many more, you have tons of great options no matter which corner of Ohio you call home. Here are some events to look forward to as you plan for the holidays in Ohio.
605 N. Market Ave., Canton, OH 44702
Featuring former members of The Temptations, The Miracles, and The Contours, A Motown Christmas puts a soulful spin on your favorite classic holiday tunes. This family-friendly performance will be held on November 17, 2022, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at the gorgeous Canton Palace Theater, and is sure to have you dancing in the aisles. Bring the whole family for a memorable night of music, choreography, and fun surprises to kick off the holiday season in style.
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Settle in for an evening of holiday music, spectacular acrobatics, and unforgettable performances when you attend Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Edwin J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall on the University of Akron campus. Featuring performers from around the world, a spectacular stage set, and an original score mixed with holiday classics, this show is sure to dazzle audience members of all ages. The show kicks off on December 6, 2022, at 7:30 p.m., with 20 unique acts leading you through an evening of holiday wonder, whimsy, and delight.
250 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, OH 43215
Enjoy sweet, holiday-themed fun for the whole family when you attend Holiday Cookie Camp with the Kids at Mitchell Hall on the Columbus State Community College Campus. Learn how to dazzlingly decorate holiday treats from chocolate-dipped pretzel rods to sweet sugar cookies, then finish off the event by sampling some of your creations paired with a delicious mug of hot chocolate. The fun starts on December 10, 2022, at 11 a.m., with instruction from chef Shawnie Kelley.
1 I-X Center Dr., Cleveland, OH 44135
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Get a head start on your holiday shopping while enjoying plenty of attractions and activities for younger family members when you visit the Christmas Connection in Cleveland. The event will take place November 18-20, 2022, at the International Exposition Center, with hundreds of vendors selling gifts for even the hardest to shop for people on your list. The kids will love visiting Santa Land, where they can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. There's even a Sugar Plum Shoppe featuring thousands of pre-wrapped, affordable items perfect for kids with their own shopping lists.
34 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Turn back the clock and enjoy a true holiday classic for all ages with A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage at the Palace Theater in Columbus. This new touring show brings A Charlie Brown Christmas to the theater stage with all of your favorite characters and songs. The show starts at 6 p.m. on November 27, 2022, the perfect family activity to wrap up Thanksgiving weekend this year.
160 Easton Town Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43219
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Get ready for a night of dazzling lights, shopping, entertainment, and family fun with Easton's Grand Illumination at the Easton Town Center. There will be live music, costumed characters, holiday decorations, and plenty of fun activities for the youngest members of the family. The evening is highlighted by the Grand Illumination at 7 p.m. when more than 2 million lights will be turned on simultaneously to light up Easton Town Center. Easton's Grand Illumination will take place on November 18, 2022, from 6-9 p.m.
650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
Prepare to be amazed by incredible illusions and marvelous magic for the whole family with The Illusionists – Magic of the Holidays at the Aronoff Center for the Arts in Cincinnati. This fun, fast-paced show has delighted audiences around the globe, featuring some of the world's most talented illusionists and magicians. The show starts at 7:30 PM on November 25, 2022, ideal for an evening of family fun after a day of Black Friday shopping.
11500 Lebanon Rd., Sharonville, OH 45241
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The Heritage Village Museum is a living history museum that will transport your family to a different era, and the holiday season is an excellent time to visit. The museum will host A 19th Century Guided Holiday Tour, which will take your family throughout the historical Heritage Village to enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while learning how holiday traditions have evolved over centuries. Tours leave every hour on November 30 – December 3 and December 7-9, 2022, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.
Where will you be celebrating the season in Ohio this year?

Summer weather, fantastic food, family fun, and fabulous fireworks can only mean one thing in Northeast Ohio. It's time to celebrate the 4th of July, and, as always, communities across Northeast Ohio will be pulling out all of the stops to celebrate this special day. You're sure to find a great place to celebrate July 4th close to home, and many local events include so much to see that they're spread across multiple days. Get ready to celebrate Independence Day with these eight amazing July 4th events around Northeast Ohio.
Cahoon Memorial Park East – 27134 Lake Rd., Bay Village, OH 44140
The fun starts early in Bay Village, with the Bay Days 2022 Festival kicking off on June 30 and lasting all the way until the big day on July 4. There will be live music from a different band every night at the park gazebo, along with a Classic Car Cruise-In with live DJ, a Vintage Baseball Game featuring two local club teams, and a Children's Bike, Trike & Wagon Parade. Throughout the festival, attendees can also enjoy carnival rides, delicious food from local vendors, and informative booths from community organizations. It's all capped off by the Gala Fireworks Display, which takes place after dark on the 4th of July.
Weiss Field – 33401 Webber Rd., Avon Lake, OH 44102
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The Avon Lake Independence Day Celebration, Concert & Fireworks begins at 5:30 pm on Friday, July 1 and lasts until the fireworks light up the sky late in the evening. In between, you'll enjoy an on-stage Independence Day Celebration, along with live performances from Anne E. Dechant, Seeing Scarlet, and a Dave Matthews Tribute Band. Some of your favorite local food trucks will be there all evening to provide outstanding meals, with Jones Bones BBQ, Off the Griddle, Fired Up Tacos, Cathy's Cle & Kona Ice, and Kountry Krunchins among the food trucks set to appear at the celebration.
Mill Stream Park – 1200 Maple St., Valley City, OH 44280
For a full day of fun on the 4th of July, try a trip to the Valley City 4th of July Parade, Car Show, Music & Fireworks celebration at Mill Stream Park. Begin your day with the 4th of July Parade, which travels down State Route 303, West River, School Street, and Maple Street before ending at Mill Stream Park. Then stick around at the park for the Classic Car Show in the afternoon while enjoying some great concessions for lunch. The evening features a live performance from Soundcheck, followed by a wonderful fireworks display after dusk.
Hoover High School – 525 7th St. NE, North Canton, OH 44720
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Held on the large lawn in front of Hoover High School, the North Canton Community Celebration & Fireworks Display is packed with fun for the whole family. It all starts at 5:30 PM when the food vendors, face painting stations, and children's activities open for the evening. The Scenic Route will be taking the stage a bit later in the evening, playing all of the hits from the past five decades in a free outdoor concert. Of course, you won't want to miss the fireworks display, which takes place shortly after the band leaves the stage.
Bicentennial Park – 115 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora, OH 44202
Looking for a healthy, fun way to start your July 4th celebrations? The Aurora July 4th Fun Run, Parade, Festival & Fireworks starts early in the morning with a 5k fun run with awards for the top three finishers in every age bracket from kids to seniors. The July 4th Parade starts after the fun run is complete, followed by the Festival & Grand Marshall Celebration, which lasts all afternoon into the evening, and the fireworks display, which kicks off after dusk.
Tuscora Park – 161 Tuscora Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663
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One of Northeast Ohio's largest July 4th celebrations takes place in New Philadelphia, where the 45th annual First Town Days Festival, Parade & Fireworks features five days packed with events from morning through evening. Whether you're interested in a Fishing Derby, Frog Jumping Contest, Turtle Races, Wiffleball Tournament, or some more conventional Independence Day fun, you're sure to find it during this festival. Events take place throughout New Philadelphia, with many of the biggest attractions being located at Tuscora Park.
Orr Park – 440 N. Elm St., Orrville, OH 44667
The Orrville Fire in the Sky 4th of July Celebration is part carnival, part softball tournament, and all family fun. The softball tournament is a major attraction, with three days of games at Orr Park to crown a champion. While the tournament is happening, visitors of all ages can enjoy a free carnival featuring food, carnival games, and rides that the kids are sure to love. It all wraps up on the evening of July 3 with one of the biggest fireworks displays in Northeast Ohio.
Lock 3 – 200 S. Main St., Akron, OH 44308
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Always one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Akron, the Rib, White & Blue Festival is a four-day event focused on fantastic food and live music. There will be a free concert during every night of the festival at Lock 3 in downtown Akron, with Monica Robbins & The Whiskey Kings, Bruce in the USA, Georgia Players Guild Best of Queen, and Creedence Relived all taking the stage on separate nights. The fireworks in Akron take place after the conclusion of the Rubberducks game on July 4, and Lock 3 offers great views of the display.
Where will you celebrate the red, white, and blue this July?