Columbus has so many great holiday lights! Do you have a favorite place you or the family go to every year to bask in the awe and wonder? We have so many great places to go! Discover a symphony of colors and joy that will make your holiday memories truly unforgettable. Join us in celebrating the spirit of Christmas through a radiant display that captures the heart of the season.
Columbus Zoo Wildlights
Celebrating their 35th year, Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Wildlights are a Columbus classic! The Wildlights are a holiday tradition featuring millions of LED lights, Christmas light displays, animated musical shows, and other festivities. It is a local fan favorite when talking about holiday light shows and could not be omitted from this list. They do a light show on the lake in the middle of the zoo every so often as well, so keep your eye out!
Many of the zoo animal exhibits will also be open, including North America, Asia, and parts of Australia. Do you have a favorite animal you like to see at the Zoo?
Conservatory Aglow
Conservatory Aglow is the light show put on by the Franklin Park Conservatory located at 1777 E Broad St in Columbus. As you walk the outdoor grounds and indoor greenhouses, you will be delighted by lights of all kinds. Who hasn’t taken an Instagram pic in the rainbow tunnel? On select nights, The Amazing Giants, a group of performers and acrobats, will be roaming the grounds. The show features a variety of performers, including acrobats, stilt walkers, and LED jugglers.
Additional highlights comprise a life-sized gingerbread house, the regionally renowned Whirly Tree, and a captivating model train exhibit. Live musical entertainment will also be featured on weekends as an added attraction. The entirety of the conservatory also remains accessible throughout Conservatory Aglow, inviting visitors to explore the Holiday Blooms showcasing poinsettias, seasonal horticulture, and winter-themed container gardens.
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is located at 3311 South Old State Road in Delaware. Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is an annual holiday drive-thru event at the Alum Creek State Park campgrounds. They are celebrating their 24th year of operations this year!
They are open every night of the week. On Sunday through Thursday you can drive through from 5:30 PM – 9 PM. On Friday and Saturday nights, you can drive through from 5:30 PM to 10 PM! They are also open on Christmas Day, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day!
Columbus Commons Holiday Lights
Columbus Commons located in Downtown Columbus will host an annual tradition of festive lights from November 17 to January 1, featuring over 400,000 LED lights, thanks to a partnership with the American Electric Power Foundation.
The first four Fridays in December will be extra festive at Columbus Commons! Here is what you can expect:
- Free hot chocolate served up by the staff at Tortilla. Find them in the Tortilla Mexican Streetfood café space.
- Free carousel rides from 5 pm – 9 pm, weather permitting
- Tortilla and Zaki Grill Food Trucks will be onsite serving food from 5 pm – 9 pm
- Bar serving boozy beverages from 5 pm – 9 pm (credit card only)
- Live music near the carousel thanks to the Greater Columbus Arts Council from 5 pm – 8 pm
- Roaming photo booth from H&H Luxury Events from 6 pm – 8 pm
Easton Town Center Holiday Lights
Easton hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including seasonal celebrations, concerts, and community gatherings. We particularly enjoy the festive light arrangements, such as the Christmas trees adorning the fountain in the Luxury District, the tree located in the courtyard near Pottery Barn and the Cheesecake Factory. Additionally, we appreciate the menorah positioned in the same courtyard, along with the charmingly adorned street lamps along the well-known Easton streets.
Easton also has holiday horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekend. The pickup is in front of Zara. Santa Claus is visiting Easton and will be taking photos in Easton’s Luxury District in the old Smith Wollensky building across from Tiffany & Co.
Easton Town Center is situated in the northeast part of Columbus, near the intersection of I-270 and Easton Way. Do you have a favorite light display at Easton?
What is Your Favorite Place to See Holiday Lights in Columbus?
Columbus is a great place to see holiday lights. Do you have a favorite spot that you and your family like to visit every year? This list only scratches the surface! Many neighborhoods will also host differnet light displays. As you explore Columbus, you will see all the many places that make Columbus the unique and vibrant place it is to live. While you are at it, check out our guide to Holiday Events Happening in Columbus!