Enjoy the festive season in Bowling Green with our ultimate holiday guide. For Bowling Green locals and global nomads alike, this guide is your key to unlocking seasonal delights.
One enchanting highlight of the holiday season is the WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio, where dazzling light displays transform the landscape into a winter wonderland. With a focus on family-friendly activities and captivating decorations, it’s a treat for all ages. The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill also draws visitors, showcasing thousands of twinkling lights that bring this historic site to life. And the Wildlights at Columbus Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring festive illuminations and opportunities to see your favorite animals in a unique setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Bowling Green Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Bowling Green
- WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio (Hartford)
- The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill (Clifton)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton (Dayton)
- Wildlights at Columbus Zoo (Powell)
- Land of Illusion Christmas Glow (Middletown)
- Holiday in Lights (Lebanon)
- Akron Zoo Wild Lights (Akron)
- Magic of Lights (Middleburg Heights)
- Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park (Atwater)
- Light Up Middletown (Middletown)
See these and even more events listed below!
Bowling Green Holiday Light Displays
WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
What to Expect:
Synchronized LED lights and music drive-through display.
Description:
Over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer, rocking Christmas music create a heart-warming drive-through experience at Hartford Fairgrounds. This family-friendly event is perfect for packing your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the festive lights and holiday cheer.
Where: Hartford | More Info: WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show on historic mill and bridge.
Description:
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill features over 4 million lights illuminating the mill, gorge, riverbanks, trees, and bridges. The display includes a 100-foot "waterfall" of twinkling lights, a Miniature Village, a Santa Claus Museum, and a spectacular synchronized lights and music show. Every night, visitors can peek into Santa's Workshop to see a live Santa at work.
Where: Clifton | More Info: The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with synchronized light and animal exhibits.
Description:
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, including animal encounters and seasonal treats.
Where: Powell | More Info: Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with a 300-foot RGB tunnel.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Dayton, Ohio, features cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm. Drive through custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies, including a mesmerizing 300-foot RGB tunnel and multiple 50-foot-tall Christmas trees.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
Holiday in Lights
What to Expect:
Unique drive-through light show with special effects glasses.
Description:
Holiday in Lights is an outdoor light display at Armco Park in Warren County, featuring over 1 million lights and 250 displays, showcasing holiday themes including Santa Claus and every animal on the ark.
Where: Lebanon | More Info: Holiday in Lights
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Southwest Ohio's largest Christmas lights drive-thru event.
Description:
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow features over 3.8 million lights in a 2-mile drive-thru experience, a Christmas Village with Santa's Workshop, and festive activities like a petting zoo and gas fire pits.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Akron Zoo Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Akron Zoo Wild Lights event features over one million lights, fun photo-ops, and special displays, including the Grinch and Santa Claus. Enjoy holiday treats and beverages while listening to local choirs and exploring the zoo's winter wonderland.
Where: Akron | More Info: Akron Zoo Wild Lights
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
What to Expect:
State-of-the-art animatronics and LED displays in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park at Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds features all-new LED displays, the latest animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes. Visitors can stop by the Santa Shack for a visit with Santa and Mr. Grinch, and take pictures on Photo Op benches. This event will entertain families and guests from Northern Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Where: Atwater | More Info: Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling drive-through holiday light display with interactive elements.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday lights display featuring over 2 million sparkling lights, life-sized dinosaurs, and iconic holiday characters. Enjoy themed areas like Winter Wonderland, 12 Days of Christmas, and Toyland while staying cozy in your vehicle.
Where: Middleburg Heights | More Info: Magic of Lights
Foxtail Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Annual theme changes with holiday and music sequences.
Description:
Foxtail Holiday Lights in Copley, Ohio, features a dynamic light display that changes annually, incorporating holiday and music themes from various genres. The show runs from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day.
Where: Copley | More Info: Foxtail Holiday Lights
Light Up Middletown
What to Expect:
Unique animated light displays in a 100-acre park.
Description:
Light Up Middletown is a drive-through fantasy light display featuring thousands of twinkling LED animated lights, including themed displays like Santa's Workshop, a penguin village, and a floating sea serpent. The event is open every night from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, with admission by cash donation.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Light Up Middletown
Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display with Santa appearances.
Description:
Stroll through the grounds of Landoll's Mohican Castle, adorned with over 150,000 lights and outdoor Christmas trees, surrounded by festive tunes. Meet Jolly Old Saint Nick every Friday and Saturday from 5 to 8 PM. Enjoy a hearty winter meal at The Copper Mug Grille after your walk.
Where: Loudonville | More Info: Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
Woodland Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with family-friendly activities.
Description:
Woodland Lights is an annual holiday event at Countryside Park, featuring a half-mile path of twinkling lights, festive decorations, and various family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll through the displays, take a ride on the Rieck Express train, and enjoy activities like Santa's Cabin, horse-drawn carriage rides, and scavenger hunts.
Where: Washington Township | More Info: Woodland Lights
Yuletide Village Season of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday celebration with light displays and unique shopping.
Description:
Yuletide Village is a holiday event at Renaissance Park in Warren County, Ohio, featuring thousands of twinkling lights, unique shopping experiences, seasonal food and beverages, and opportunities to meet Santa and Krampus. The village includes themed lit areas, live music, and festive entertainment.
Where: Waynesville | More Info: Yuletide Village Season of Lights
Christmas Cruise Thru
What to Expect:
Unique holiday light display with over 3 million LED lights.
Description:
The Christmas Cruise Thru in Hicksville, Ohio, transforms the Defiance County Fairgrounds into a spectacular holiday light display featuring over 2.5 miles of outdoor displays and 3 million brilliant LED and RGB lights. Enjoy the festive atmosphere from the comfort of your vehicle, with exciting surprises around every corner. The event includes family-friendly entertainment, ice skating, and special nights like the annual Winter Massive Fireworks Show.
Where: Hicksville | More Info: Christmas Cruise Thru
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
What to Expect:
Animated light displays along a scenic driving tour.
Description:
Explore over 60 animated light displays on a 1.25-mile driving tour through woods and charming farm lanes, including the historic Knoop Homestead.
Where: Troy | More Info: Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
Parklights at Caesar Ford
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light display with festive activities.
Description:
Drive through a dazzling display of over 250 LED lights at Caesar Ford Park, featuring a Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival.
Where: Xenia | More Info: Parklights at Caesar Ford
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Unique light displays and charitable donation component.
Description:
Upper's Winter Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The event features 33 acres of twinkling lights and unique light displays along a drive-through path. A donation per car is requested, with proceeds benefiting a local charitable organization. The event also includes Fantasy Walk Events and offers gift certificates and postcards.
Where: Upper Sandusky | More Info: Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
Whispering Christmas Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Drive-through holiday lights display with Santa waving from a gazebo.
Description:
Fort St. Clair Park in Eaton, Ohio, is transformed into a spectacular holiday lights display featuring nearly 2 million lights. The event is a drive-through only, with Santa waving from a gazebo as visitors pass through. There is no admission charge, but a $5 donation per vehicle is welcomed.
Where: Eaton | More Info: Whispering Christmas Holiday Lights
Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive Thru
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with classic and new scenes.
Description:
Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive Thru features a spectacular holiday light display at Farmpark, with twinkling lights and dazzling decorations along winding roadways. Enjoy beloved holiday classics and new scenes throughout the park.
Where: Kirtland | More Info: Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive Thru
A Carillon Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with historical exhibits and festive activities.
Description:
Carillon Historical Park transforms into a holiday spectacle with thousands of lights, live music, and festive activities, featuring the Carillon Tree of Light, Santa Claus, and historical exhibits.
Where: Dayton | More Info: A Carillon Christmas
The Joy of Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with festive activities and treats.
Description:
The Joy of Christmas Light Show in Columbiana features sparkling displays, Santa's Ice Castle with treats and photo opportunities, and a Gingerbread House for Mrs. Claus Story Time.
Where: Columbiana | More Info: The Joy of Christmas Light Show
Nature’s A-Glow at Beech Creek Gardens
What to Expect:
Dazzling light displays with synchronized patterns and festive activities.
Description:
Nature's A-Glow at Beech Creek Gardens features over 350,000 dazzling lights, synchronized patterns, and mesmerizing designs. Enjoy hot cocoa, campfires, and marshmallows, visit Santa's Workshop, and participate in a Williamsburg Wreath Workshop.
Where: Alliance | More Info: Nature’s A-Glow at Beech Creek Gardens
Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Colorful light display with family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Merry and Bright Christmas Lights event at the Mercer County Fairgrounds features a beautiful display of lights, offering a delightful experience for families. The event is open on Thursdays and Sundays from 6-9 PM for $10 per car, and on Fridays and Saturdays for $15 per car. It also includes special pricing for 10+ passenger vehicles.
Where: Celina | More Info: Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show
What to Expect:
Over 160 themed light displays with Santa appearances.
Description:
The 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show in Van Wert, OH, features over 160 lighted and animated displays with over 250,000 lights. The event is open from 6-9 p.m. on various nights throughout the holiday season, with Santa Claus present each Saturday to hand out candy canes.
Where: Van Wert | More Info: 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light display on Lake Erie.
Description:
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake is a holiday light display featuring over 70 dazzling displays at Lakeshore Park, set against the majestic backdrop of Lake Erie. This annual event offers a driving tour through 54 acres of rolling hills, creating a picturesque setting for family fun and memorable experiences.
Where: Ashtabula | More Info: Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
Gift of Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with over 150 separate displays.
Description:
The Gift of Lights at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds features over a mile of holiday lights and displays, offering a festive and colorful journey through the fairgrounds. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful lights from the comfort of their cars, making it a delightful holiday activity.
Where: Wapakoneta | More Info: Gift of Lights
The Christmas Ranch
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with holiday music and activities.
Description:
The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio, features 1 million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music, seven Christmas shops, Santa's Bakery and Cafe, and train and wagon rides. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions, including pictures with Santa and supporting local charities.
Where: Morrow | More Info: The Christmas Ranch
Sandusky County Fairgrounds Winter Wonderland
What to Expect:
Free advertising opportunity for sponsors with over 33 displays.
Description:
The Sandusky County Fairgrounds Winter Wonderland is a festive holiday event featuring daily drive-thru light displays from 6-8 PM, with extended hours on December 15th and 16th for a walk-thru experience from 6-9 PM. The event showcases over 33 displays by local businesses and organizations, offering a free advertising opportunity for sponsors.
Where: Fremont | More Info: Sandusky County Fairgrounds Winter Wonderland
Bowling Green Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindl Market of Bryan
What to Expect:
Unique vendors and specialty food in a festive setting.
Description:
The Christkindl Market of Bryan is an outdoor, European-style Christmas market featuring unique vendors, hot drinks, specialty food, and nightly entertainment under the Christmas lights around Bryan’s courthouse square.
Where: Bryan | More Info: Christkindl Market of Bryan
Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Largest collection of life-size nutcrackers in a festive holiday setting.
Description:
The Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market features a world's largest collection of life-size nutcrackers on display in historic downtown Steubenville. The event includes various activities such as the Advent Market, Gluhwein Garden, Hayrides, Lantern Parade, and Children's Corner.
Where: Steubenville | More Info: Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market
Toledo Craftsman’s Guild’s Winter Festival of Crafts
What to Expect:
Last-minute holiday gift shopping with local, handmade crafts.
Description:
The Toledo Craftsman’s Guild’s Winter Festival of Crafts features fine handmade juried crafts, gifts, and holiday decorations in a beautiful setting, with no imports.
Where: Toledo | More Info: Toledo Craftsman’s Guild’s Winter Festival of Crafts
Bowling Green Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Christmas at Dogwood Pass
What to Expect:
Christmas celebration in an Old West town setting.
Description:
Step back in time to an authentic Old West town in southern Ohio, where Christmas is celebrated with colorful lights, holiday-themed performances, and festive decorations. Explore the saloon, jail, general store, bank, and other period buildings, each decked out in holiday cheer.
Where: Beaver | More Info: Christmas at Dogwood Pass
Holiday shopping trip to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum
What to Expect:
Free community event with hot chocolate, cookies, and Polar Express story in a historic railcar.
Description:
The Historic RailPark & Train Museum offers a festive holiday event where families can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while listening to the Polar Express story in the Duncan Hines Diner Rail Car. This free community event promotes the preservation of the historic L&N Depot and its vintage railcars.
Where: Bowling Green | More Info: Holiday shopping trip to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum
Bowling Green Other Holiday Activities
Dayton Holiday Festival
What to Expect:
Traditional tree lighting with over 50,000 gold lights.
Description:
The Dayton Holiday Festival is a family-friendly celebration in downtown Dayton, featuring live entertainment, holiday window displays, and festive activities like horse-drawn wagon rides and a gingerbread contest.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Dayton Holiday Festival
Winterfest
What to Expect:
Ice skating and carriage rides amidst twinkling lights.
Description:
Winterfest in Portsmouth transforms Market Square Park into a vibrant holiday celebration. Enjoy ice skating, browse charming craft vendors, and indulge in delightful food trucks. Live music and cozy carriage rides add to the festive atmosphere, making it a joyful event for all ages.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Winterfest
Christmas in the Village
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
Christmas in the Village is a community event featuring a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts show, music performances, horse-drawn wagon rides, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The event includes various activities such as a cookie cutter bake sale, story times, and an ugly Christmas sweater contest.
Where: Mechanicsburg | More Info: Christmas in the Village
Heritage Village Museum Holly Days
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a 19th-century village setting.
Description:
Heritage Village Museum's Holly Days feature a village aglow with snow, hot cocoa, and cookies, offering a glimpse into holiday traditions of the past.