Did you know Ohio features over a million holiday lights at some displays? Families flock here each year for the cheer.
Ohio turns into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. People gather for lights, markets, and traditions. Cities like Columbus and Cleveland host top events. Smaller towns such as Sandusky and Medina join in too. How Ohio celebrates the holidays mixes old customs with new fun. You get twinkling lights, live music, and hot chocolate everywhere.
Iconic Light Displays in Ohio
Light shows draw crowds across the state. They run from late November through December. Drive through or walk around them. Bring warm clothes for cold nights.
Columbus Light Spectacles
Columbus shines bright with Wanderlights at Columbus Commons. It starts November 21 and lasts until February 15, 2025. See colorful trees and a carousel from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It’s free. Head to 160 S. High St. for photos.
Christmas fun and the new Wanderlights in Downtown Columbus
Northeast Ohio Glows
In Akron, Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo runs November 28 to December 30, 2025. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., see over a million lights and holiday decorations. Spot animals too. It’s at 500 Edgewood Ave.
10 best Christmas light displays in Columbus, Ohio – Axios Columbus
Cleveland’s A Christmas Story House offers a movie-themed display. Lights mimic the film. Nearby, Castle Noel in Medina has indoor lights and props. Light Up Lakewood happens in downtown Lakewood. It includes a parade, lighting ceremony, and beer garden. Live music plays all night.
Other Regional Highlights
In Dayton, the Holiday Festival kicks off November 28, 2025. Watch the tree lighting downtown. Fairfield’s Parade of Lights is on November 22. Schools and groups march with lit floats. Sandusky’s Lights on the NorthCoast brightens the lake area. Cedar Point Sports Center hosts related events.
Christmas Markets and Shopping Spots
Markets pop up for unique gifts. Shop local artisans. Sip mulled wine or hot cocoa. Many run weekends in November and December.
Sandusky Christmas Market
The Sandusky Christmas Market sets up in downtown. Vendors sell hand-crafted goods. See the tree in Schade-Mylander Plaza. Food trucks offer festive treats. It’s family-friendly.
Sandusky Christmas Market
Nearby, Catawba Island Holiday Market features local wines from Gideon Owen Wine Company.
Columbus Market Scene
Columbus has several markets. The Holiday Hop in Short North lets you sip, shop, and stroll. Galleries and shops stay open late. Village Lights in German Village lights up December evenings. Over 100 retailers join. Carolers sing in the streets. For books and treats, follow the Columbus Booklovers Trail or Buckeye Treat Trail. Use the CBUS Rewards App for deals.
5 Best Columbus Holiday Markets — Arbor Apartments | Apartments …
Small Town Markets
In Port Clinton, the Olde Fashioned Christmas Celebration includes a market. Oak Harbor hosts one too. Ashland’s Candy Cane Trail guides you to sweet shops. Bellefontaine has Christmas Expo. Mulberry Creek Herb Farm’s Christkindlmarkt offers herbs and crafts.
Family Events and Traditions
Families build memories at these gatherings. Meet Santa. Enjoy rides and shows. Many are free or low-cost.
Columbus Family Fun
Noon Year’s Eve at Columbus Zoo rings in the new year early for kids. Ball drops at noon. Hollyfest Arts & Crafts Show at Hilliard Davidson High School sells handmade items. Proceeds fund scholarships from Hollyfest Scholarship Foundation. The Columbus Festival of Lights parade is December 6, 2025. It winds through downtown.
Can’t Miss Holiday Events in Columbus
Northern Ohio Celebrations
In Huron, Winter Fest includes ice skating and fireworks. Perkins Township WinterFest adds more lights. The Firelands Symphony Orchestra performs holiday concerts. Catch The Burning River Brass Holiday Concert. Lakeside Chautauqua hosts Lakeside Christmas with carols and tea.
Statewide Traditions
Ohio observes Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. Sweetest Day in October starts the season. Visit the RB Hayes Presidential Library & Museum for Hayes Home Holidays. Tours show 19th-century decor. The Ohio Christmas Factory offers lights and no-fright fun. It’s new for 2025.
Planning Your Ohio Holiday Trip
Pick a region like Northeast Ohio or central areas. Use a 3-Day Attractions Pass for savings. Stay at places like Sawmill Creek Resort near Sandusky. Eat at Danny Boy’s Italian Restaurant. Drive safely on snowy roads. Check weather apps.
How Ohio celebrates the holidays creates lasting joy. Grab your coat and head out. You’ll find warmth in the cheer.
