Experience the best of the holidays in Westlake with our comprehensive guide. Whether you're a Westlake regular or a once-in-a-lifetime guest, this guide makes your holidays magical.
Popular events during the festive season include the Columbus Winterfair, a vibrant celebration featuring local artisans and craftsmen showcasing their unique wares. Additionally, the Wildlights at Columbus Zoo transforms the zoo into a dazzling spectacle with thousands of twinkling lights illuminating the exhibits. And the Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill is something you definitely don’t want to miss, offering a breathtaking display that has become a cherished tradition. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Westlake
- Wildlights at Columbus Zoo (Powell)
- Columbus Winterfair (Columbus)
- Akron Zoo Wild Lights (Akron)
- Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas (Toledo)
- The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill (Clifton)
- Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton (Dayton)
- The Christmas Ranch (Morrow)
- Holiday in Lights (Lebanon)
- Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Delaware)
- Land of Illusion Christmas Glow (Middletown)
See these and even more events listed below!
Westlake Holiday Light Displays
Yuletide Village Season of Lights
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with light displays and live entertainment.
Description:
Yuletide Village Season of Lights features a winter fairy land, scenic holiday village, spectacular lights, live music, and festive food and drink. Wander through themed lit areas like Rivers of Lights and Gum Drop Alley while costumed carolers serenade you. Meet Santa and Krampus, and explore the Yuletide Market for unique gifts.
Where: Waynesville | More Info: Yuletide Village Season of Lights
Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
What to Expect:
Over 150,000 lights and festive atmosphere.
Description:
Stroll through the grounds of Landoll's Mohican Castle adorned with over 150,000 lights, outdoor Christmas trees, and festive tunes. Meet Jolly Old Saint Nick every Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Where: Loudonville | More Info: Christmas at the Castle: A Kingdom of Lights
Woodland Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light displays with train rides and character appearances.
Description:
Woodland Lights is a festive holiday event at Countryside Park featuring a half-mile path of sparkling lights, whimsical displays, and family-friendly activities. Visitors can stroll through the ten acres of lighted exhibits, 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
The Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and music show on historic mill grounds.
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 featuring the old Covered Bridge. 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
Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
The Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas features over one million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images, and a revitalized Winter Village. Enjoy festive activities like ice carvings, live animal encounters, and holiday train rides.
Where: Toledo | More Info: Toledo Zoo Lights Before Christmas
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
Unique 3-mile drive-thru light show with over 16 million color shades.
Description:
Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a locally owned and family-operated holiday light show featuring over 170 LED displays, RGB tunnels, and a 500-foot long RGB light wall. The event takes place at Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds and includes a new layout and new displays each year.
Where: Delaware | More Info: Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
Gallipolis in Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday light display with live music and reindeer.
Description:
Gallipolis in Lights is a spectacular holiday light display in Gallipolis City Park, featuring thousands of lights and festive decorations. The event includes live music, free hot chocolate and cookies, and even live reindeer. It is a community-driven event that brings joy to visitors of all ages.
Where: Gallipolis | More Info: Gallipolis in Lights
The Joy of Christmas Light Show
What to Expect:
Sparkling light displays with Santa's Ice Castle and gingerbread house visits.
Description:
The Joy of Christmas Light Show in Columbiana features sparkling displays, Santa's Ice Castle, and gingerbread house displays. Enjoy hot chocolate, popcorn, and other treats while taking photos with Santa and visiting Mrs. Claus.
Where: Columbiana | More Info: The Joy of Christmas Light Show
Holiday in Lights
What to Expect:
Unique drive-through light show with special effects glasses available.
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
Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo features millions of LED lights, animated musical light shows, and various holiday festivities, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Where: Powell | More Info: Wildlights at Columbus Zoo
Akron Zoo Wild Lights
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting with synchronized lights and animal exhibits.
Description:
The Akron Zoo Wild Lights event features over one million lights, fun photo-ops, and festive activities like meeting Santa Claus and the Grinch. Enjoy holiday treats, live music, and educational animal stories during this holiday celebration.
Where: Akron | More Info: Akron Zoo Wild Lights
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights
What to Expect:
33-acre light display benefiting local charities.
Description:
Upper’s Winter Fantasy of Lights is a spectacular holiday light display at Harrison Smith Park in Upper Sandusky, Ohio, featuring 33 acres of twinkling lights and unique displays. The event is the result of volunteer efforts from many individuals, organizations, and businesses.
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 decorated with millions of holiday lights each year. The annual Whispering Christmas display features spectacular lighting displays and includes a visit from 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
Parklights at Caesar Ford
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light displays along a mile-long driving path.
Description:
Drive through Caesar Ford Park to see hundreds of dazzling LED light displays, including the Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival. Wave to Santa at the North Pole as you exit.
Where: Xenia | More Info: Parklights at Caesar Ford
Christmas Cruise Thru
What to Expect:
Over 2.5 miles of festive holiday lights and family-friendly activities.
Description:
The Christmas Cruise Thru in Hicksville, Ohio, transforms the fairgrounds into a spectacular display of over 2.5 miles of Christmas lights and imagination, featuring 3 million brilliant LED and RGB light configurations. The event includes a Walk, Bike, Cart event on November 27, followed by 25 nights of family-friendly entertainment with ice skating, live music, and special events like the Winter Massive Fireworks Show.
Where: Hicksville | More Info: Christmas Cruise Thru
The Christmas Ranch
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound display with multiple attractions.
Description:
The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Ohio, features over 1 million synchronized Christmas lights, seven Christmas shops, Santa's Bakery and Cafe, and train and wagon rides. It is a family-friendly holiday destination with various activities and attractions.
Where: Morrow | More Info: The Christmas Ranch
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
What to Expect:
New LED displays and animatronics in 50 holiday scenes.
Description:
Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park features all-new LED displays, latest animatronics, and over 50 holiday scenes at the Portage County Randolph Fairgrounds. Visitors can stop by the Santa Shack, take photos at Photo Op benches, and enjoy a special Christmas tradition.
Where: Atwater | More Info: Elegant Illusions Christmas Drive Through Park
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show with interactive 300-foot RGB tunnel.
Description:
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Dayton, Ohio, features cutting-edge technology and traditional holiday charm in a drive-through light show. The event includes custom-built light displays synchronized to joyful Christmas melodies, a 300-foot RGB tunnel, multiple 50-foot-tall Christmas trees, and a sprawling carpet of lights the size of a football field.
Where: Dayton | More Info: Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland: Dayton
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Dazzling LED light displays and digital animations.
Description:
Magic of Lights is a dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience featuring over a mile of spectacular light displays, including holiday classics and larger-than-life characters.
Where: Middleburg Heights | More Info: Magic of Lights
Foxtail Holiday Lights
What to Expect:
Dynamic light display with changing themes and music.
Description:
Foxtail Holiday Lights in Copley, Ohio, features a dynamic light display that changes annually, incorporating holiday themes and music 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 a variety of themed displays, including Santa's Workshop, 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
Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
What to Expect:
Largest holiday light display on Lake Erie with over 70 professional displays.
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. The event offers a driving tour through 54 acres of rolling hills, creating a picturesque setting for family fun and holiday memories.
Where: Ashtabula | More Info: Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
What to Expect:
Spectacular 2-mile drive-thru light display with festive lights and holiday activities.
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 a petting zoo.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Merry and Bright Christmas Lights
What to Expect:
Colorful light display with varying admission prices.
Description:
The Merry and Bright Christmas Lights at the Mercer County Fairgrounds feature a spectacular display of holiday lights, open on Thursdays and Sundays from 6-9 PM for $10 per car, and Fridays and Saturdays from 6-9 PM for $15 per car.
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 themed light displays, including animated exhibits and over 250,000 lights. The event is open from 6-9 PM, with Santa appearing each Saturday night.
Where: Van Wert | More Info: 4-H Exchange Club Holiday Light Show
Holiday Lights at Lost Creek Reserve
What to Expect:
Animated light displays on 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
Nature’s A-Glow at Beech Creek Gardens
What to Expect:
Synchronized light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
Beech Creek Gardens transforms into a winter spectacle with over 350,000 lights and dozens of synchronized displays. Enjoy hot cocoa, campfires, and marshmallows while visiting Santa's Workshop and creating a festive holiday wreath.
Where: Alliance | More Info: Nature’s A-Glow at Beech Creek Gardens
Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive Thru
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday light display from the comfort of your vehicle.
Description:
Drive through Lake Metroparks Farmpark to see an illuminated winter display featuring twinkling lights and festive decorations.
Where: Kirtland | More Info: Lake Metroparks Country Lights Drive Thru
A Carillon Christmas
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration featuring a 65-acre campus with extensive light displays and historical activities.
Description:
Carillon Historical Park transforms into a vibrant holiday destination with thousands of lights, live music, historical craft demonstrations, and festive activities like visits with Santa, model train displays, and holiday shopping.
Where: Dayton | More Info: A Carillon Christmas
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, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy from the comfort of their cars.
Where: Wapakoneta | More Info: Gift of Lights
Westlake Holiday Markets and Shopping
Wagner's Holiday Craft Boutique
What to Expect:
Unique blend of handmade crafts and holiday items.
Description:
Attend Wagner's Holiday Craft Boutique to find treasures from holiday to everyday, vintage to present. Enjoy homemade crafts, Christmas decor, jewelry, and apparel, along with items from Santa’s workshop.
Where: Westlake | More Info: Wagner's Holiday Craft Boutique
Home Improvement Expo
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with a mix of home improvement and holiday crafts.
Description:
The Home Improvement Expo at Wagner's of Westlake offers a variety of vendors for all your home needs, providing an excellent opportunity to find and purchase essential items for your home. Guests can also enjoy homemade crafts, Christmas decor, jewelry, and apparel.
Where: Westlake | More Info: Home Improvement Expo
The Holiday Shop at Market Square
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local vendors and artisans.
Description:
The Holiday Shop at Market Square offers a curated selection of gifts and seasonal items, showcasing local vendors and artisans.
Where: Westlake | More Info: The Holiday Shop at Market Square
Columbus Winterfair
What to Expect:
Unique handcrafted items and gourmet market offerings.
Description:
Columbus Winterfair is an annual arts fair featuring unique jewelry, glass, paintings, photographs, and ceramics. The event includes a Gourmet Marketplace with finely crafted soaps, lotions, chocolates, and dips. Meet the artists and find perfect gifts for everyone on your list.
Where: Columbus | More Info: Columbus Winterfair
Christkindl Market of Bryan
What to Expect:
Unique vendors and nightly entertainment.
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 lights of downtown Bryan's courthouse square.
Where: Bryan | More Info: Christkindl Market of Bryan
Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Largest life-size nutcracker display in the world.
Description:
Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market features a world's largest collection of life-size nutcrackers in historic downtown Steubenville, with 200 nutcrackers on display 24 hours a day. The event includes various activities like Advent Markets, Gluhwein Garden, Hayrides, and a Lantern Parade.
Where: Steubenville | More Info: Steubenville Nutcracker Village and Holiday Market
Westlake Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Crocker Park Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live performances and festive food trucks accompany the tree lighting ceremony.
Description:
Crocker Park's Tree Lighting features live performances, food trucks, and a visit from Santa to light the iconic 50-foot Christmas tree.
Where: Westlake | More Info: Crocker Park Tree Lighting
Christmas at Dogwood Pass
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in an Old West town setting.
Description:
Step into a life-size replica of an Old West town during Christmas at Dogwood Pass. The town transforms into a colorful holiday setting with decorated saloons, jails, and shops. Enjoy holiday-themed performances, special appearances by the Grinch and Santa Claus, and an Old West show.
Where: Beaver | More Info: Christmas at Dogwood Pass
Westlake 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 the Grande Illumination tree lighting, Dayton Children's Parade, live reindeer, gingerbread homes contest, and various holiday activities.
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 joyous event for all ages.
Where: Portsmouth | More Info: Winterfest
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- North Olmsted (3 miles)
- Rocky River (4 miles)
- Avon (6 miles)
- Lakewood (6 miles)
- Avon Lake (7 miles)
- North Ridgeville (7 miles)
- Parma Heights (9 miles)
- Strongsville (11 miles)
- Parma (11 miles)
- Elyria (12 miles)
- Cleveland (12 miles)
- Lorain (14 miles)
- North Royalton (14 miles)
- Brunswick (16 miles)
- Garfield Heights (16 miles)
- Glenville (16 miles)
- Maple Heights (18 miles)
- Cleveland Heights (19 miles)
- Collinwood (19 miles)
- Shaker Heights (20 miles)
- South Euclid (21 miles)
- Medina (22 miles)
- Euclid (22 miles)
- Solon (25 miles)
- Hudson (29 miles)
- Willoughby (29 miles)
- Wadsworth (31 miles)
- Cuyahoga Falls (32 miles)
- Stow (32 miles)
- Akron (33 miles)
- Mentor (33 miles)
- Barberton (35 miles)
- Kent (36 miles)
- Sandusky (41 miles)
- Green (42 miles)
- Wooster (45 miles)