Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail: Small-Town Magic Across the State

Ohio shines bright during the holiday season thanks to its Holiday Lights Trail, a curated journey of 79 light displays that stretch from Cleveland to Cincinnati and everywhere in between. The trail highlights both major attractions and small-town celebrations, making it a true reflection of Ohio’s diverse communities.

Big Highlights

• Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights – One of the nation’s largest zoo light displays.

• Kings Island WinterFest (Mason) – A theme park transformed into a winter wonderland.

• Columbus Zoo Wildlights – Millions of LED lights paired with animal exhibits.

  
  

Small-Town Sparkle

While the big cities bring scale, the small towns bring heart. Here are a few standouts:

• Hicksville – Christmas Cruise Thru

  This northwest Ohio town offers a drive-thru experience with thousands of lights, animated displays, and community-built decorations. It’s a perfect example of how small towns create big holiday joy.

  

  Photo from: https://christmascruisethru.com/

• Gallipolis – Gallipolis in Lights

  A riverside town that transforms its park into a glowing wonderland, complete with community-decorated trees and festive displays.

  

  Photo from:https://visitgallia.com/gallipolis-in-lights/

• Clifton – Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill

  Famous for its historic mill draped in over 4 million lights, this small-town tradition is one of the most breathtaking in the Midwest.

  

• Columbiana – Joy of Christmas Light Show

  A drive-through display featuring more than 80 holiday scenes, animated lights, and a Christmas village.

  

  Photo from: https://tourcolumbianaohio.org/joy-of-christmas/

• Van Wert – 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show

  A community-driven display that highlights the power of local volunteers and small-town pride.

The Holiday Lights Trail isn’t just about festive cheer—it’s an economic driver. Small towns like Hicksville and Gallipolis see increased foot traffic, dining, and shopping during the season. For local businesses, it’s a chance to:

• Offer holiday specials tied to the light trail.

• Create themed products (hot cocoa kits, ornaments, or festive treats).

• Build community pride by sponsoring or participating in displays.

Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail proves that holiday magic lives in small towns as much as big cities. From Hicksville’s drive-thru lights to Clifton’s glowing mill, these displays remind us that community spirit shines brightest when neighbors come together.

Here is Ohio's Official Holiday Light Trail Guide:  

Ohio Holiday Lights Trail – Official Guide