Welcome to OHIO! The holidays have arrived, and whether you live here year round, you're visiting family and friends, or just passing through; you'll find something for everyone. Winter is the official season of fun and there is no better place to celebrate than right here in OHIO. So come on in, we've been waiting for you.
Spectacular Holiday Lights
After a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, many families will be piling into their cars, vans or SUVs to catch a glimpse of one of Ohio's favorite holiday traditions - light displays.
Homes, parks, zoos and village squares all across the state will be aglow with the warmth and spirit of the holiday season.
More than 3.5 million lights adorn Clifton Mill, the nation's largest operating gristmill, and its grounds. This place is holiday magic. Lights cascade like water down cliffs and waterfalls. A covered bridge shines radiantly with thousands of tiny bulbs. Don't miss the collection of more than 3,000 Santa Claus figures and a stack of homemade buckwheat pancakes at the mill's cozy restaurant.
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a long-standing holiday tradition featuring 2.5 million twinkling lights and more than 50 light sculptures throughout the park. Stop by and see Santa and his reindeer, grab a snack at Mrs. Claus' Cookie Kitchen and go on a virtual sleigh ride in the zoo's wild motion theater.
The town of Belpre is aglow with more than 120 beautiful displays of lights during the holiday season. Magnificent lights embellishing bridges are reflected in the smooth, calm waters of the Ohio River. Don't miss the Christmas tree on top of the fire department's training center.
The Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo is one of the largest holiday lights displays in northwest Ohio. The display features more than a million twinkling and chasing lights, more than 200 images of your favorite animals and ice-carving demonstrations on Thursdays. Enjoy carolers, hot chocolate, the carousel and visits with Santa Claus.