MIAMI VALLEY & BEYOND
HOLIDAY LIGHT DISPLAYS: 2026 SCHEDULE
Find a favorite hometown tradition or plan an evening trip to see something new. Explore walk-through and drive-through light displays across Dayton and the Miami Valley, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, and Columbus and Central Ohio.
DAYTON & THE MIAMI VALLEY
CBH SPONSORED EVENT
DECK THE DIAMOND AT DAY AIR BALLPARK
Dayton | Select nights November 13, 2026 – January 2, 2027
Monday–Thursday: 6–9 p.m.; Friday–Sunday: 5:30–9 p.m., on operating dates
Coldwell Banker Heritage is proud to return as a sponsor of Deck the Diamond this holiday season.
Day Air Ballpark becomes a walk-through holiday destination filled with more than 1.5 million lights. Explore festive photo stops, enjoy seasonal treats, and make time for family crafts along the way.
Plan your visit: Add a ride on the North Pole Express or s’mores around the fire pits for an extra charge. Check the calendar for operating nights and activity availability.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
A CARILLON CHRISTMAS
Dayton | November 24 – December 30
Sunday–Thursday: 5–9 p.m.; Friday–Saturday: 5–10 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
The Carillon Tree of Light rises above illuminated grounds at Carillon Historical Park. Trains, seasonal activities, and visits with Santa bring Dayton history into a festive evening out.
Plan your visit: Leave time to explore the park’s holiday activities as well as the lights. Some rides and purchases carry additional charges.
WOODLAND LIGHTS
Washington Township | November 20–22 and 27–29; December 4–6, 11–13, and 18–23
Lights only December 26–30 | 6–9 p.m.; gate closes at 8:30 p.m.
Stroll past seasonal lights and whimsical displays at Countryside Park, with a different format for the event’s 35th anniversary.
Different this year: Park construction means an abbreviated walking route, and viewing the lights is free. Santa visits require advance registration and cost $10 per family.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
LEGENDARY LIGHTS OF HISTORIC CLIFTON MILL
Clifton | November 27 – December 30
Lights: 6–9 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: closes at 8 p.m.
The mill, covered bridge, riverbanks, and surrounding landscape become part of an elaborate holiday scene featuring more than five million lights. A miniature village, Santa Claus Museum, and synchronized covered-bridge show give visitors more to discover as they explore.
Something new to look for: A 20-foot Twinkling Tree of Lights beside the water wheel adds another photo stop to this Clifton tradition.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT
PARKLIGHTS AT CAESAR FORD
Xenia | December 1–31 | 6–9 p.m.
Enjoy a holiday outing from the comfort of your car as Caesar Ford Park becomes a route through themed scenes, including a winter farm and North Pole car show.
Free to enjoy: Admission is free, and donations at the exit help support future displays.
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT LOST CREEK RESERVE
Troy | Weekends November 28 – December 27; nightly December 11–23
6–9 p.m.
Follow more than a mile of illuminated landscapes through woods, along farm lanes, and past the historic Knoop Homestead for a holiday drive with a distinctly local setting.
Planning detail: Admission is $10 per car with cash payment at the gate; advance tickets are also available online.
FORT ST. CLAIR WHISPERING CHRISTMAS
Eaton | November 27 – December 31 | Begins at 6 p.m.
Plan a holiday visit to Fort St. Clair for Eaton’s seasonal light display, a local tradition to include on a winter evening out.
CINCINNATI & NORTHERN KENTUCKY
YULETIDE VILLAGE: SEASON OF LIGHTS
Waynesville | Fridays and Saturdays, November 27 – December 19
Fridays: 5–9 p.m.; Saturdays: 3–9 p.m.
Explore the illuminated village at Renaissance Park, where artisan shopping, live entertainment, seasonal food, and wandering characters turn a light-viewing outing into a fuller holiday experience.
LIGHT UP MIDDLETOWN
Middletown | Nightly November 26 – December 31 | 6–10 p.m.
Take a drive through Smith Park’s holiday displays and enjoy a community tradition supported by donations.
Planning detail: The organizer lists admission by cash donation, with visitors choosing the amount.
CHRISTMAS GLOW AT LAND OF ILLUSION
Middletown | Select dates in November and December; closed Christmas Day
Explore a two-mile drive-through light display and Christmas Village attractions. December 26–30 is drive-through only; check the organizer’s calendar for operating dates and hours.
PYRAMID HILL LIGHTS
Hamilton | November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Follow a festively decorated route where illuminated art installations and holiday displays highlight the sculpture park’s landscape.
PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Cincinnati | November 19, 2026 – January 3, 2027; closed November 26, December 24 & 25
Explore the Cincinnati Zoo after dark with five million LED lights, a musical light show on Swan Lake, and festive activities throughout the grounds.
COLUMBUS & CENTRAL OHIO
WILDLIGHTS AT THE COLUMBUS ZOO & AQUARIUM
Powell | November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027
See millions of LED lights, animated musical shows, and seasonal activities at the Columbus Zoo. New Starlight Safari sculptures represent the zoo’s seven regions.
CONSERVATORY AGLOW
Columbus | November 21, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Closed Thanksgiving, December 2–3, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Explore Franklin Park Conservatory’s seasonal evening display, where illuminated gardens and holiday installations offer a different way to enjoy this Columbus destination.
WANDERLIGHTS
Columbus | November 20, 2026 – February 14, 2027 | 5–10 p.m. daily
Enjoy a free walking outing through more than half a million lights at Columbus Commons, West Town Street, and the Scioto Mile Fountain.
BEFORE YOU GO!
Check each organizer’s website for operating dates, weather updates, admission, and activity availability before heading out. Select-night schedules and holiday closures vary by display.
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