The best spots in Cincy to be dazzled by holiday lights
Nothing captures the magic of the holiday season quite like being surrounded by thousands of dazzling lights. I’ve pulled together a list of the best spots to see Cincinnati holiday lights in 2025. Here you’ll find both drive thru and walkable light displays.
Cincinnati Holiday Lights 2025
Drive Thru Light Displays
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights (formerly located at Coney Island) is now at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville. This display will be open nightly from 5:00pm to 10:00pm beginning November 26, 2025 through January 3, 2026.
This year, you must buy tickets in advance for a 30-minute time slot. Tickets are $33 ($30 + a $3 service) per vehicle with 1-8 passengers and $54 ($50 + a $4 service fee) per vehicle with 9+ passengers. Again, you must buy tickets in advance online, as none will be sold at the gate.
This is our go-to drive through holiday lights display, and is well-worth the cost.
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds is located at 1000 Locust St, Owensville, OH, 45160
Pyramid Hill Lights
Pyramid Hill Lights is a drive thru light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum. This light display runs from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Pyramid Hill Lights is open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Tuesday to Thursday, and from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Friday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday.
Admission is by the carload and tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online. The cost is $25 per carload for non-members and $15 per carload for members.
Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013
Light Up The Fair at The Boone County Fairgrounds
Light Up The Fair is a 2-mile drivable light display through the Boone County Fairgrounds. This attraction is open nightly from dusk to 10:00pm from November 21 to December 27, 2025.
Admission is $15 per vehicle with 1-2 passengers, and $25 per vehicle with 3-8 passengers. Tickets can be purchased online. No reservations are needed
Light Up The Fair at The Boone County Fairgrounds is located at 5819 Idlewild Rd, Burlington, KY 41005
Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion
The Christmas Drive Thru at Land of Illusion’s Christmas Glow will be open November 20 through December 30, 2025, but closed Christmas Day. This attraction is open nightly from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Only the Christmas Drive Thru light display will be open the week after Christmas (December 26-30).
Christmas Glow tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Adult tickets (ages 13+) are $15 each, while kids (4-12) are $10 each. Kids ages 3 and under are free. Senior and military discount tickets are available at the gate only.
Admission includes the Christmas Drive Thru and the Christmas Village. After you enjoy the lights, explore the Christmas Village on foot, where you can find Santa in Santa’s Workshop, peruse the gift shop, or enjoy the petting zoo.
Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion is located at 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, OH 45042
The Christmas Ranch
The Christmas Ranch is a drive thru light experience in Morrow. The ranch will be open from November 21 through December 23, 2025 (closed on Thanksgiving). The hours are 5:00 to 9:00pm Sunday though Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $37 per carload, and can be purchased online (for $5 cheaper!).
Take time to explore the ranch after viewing the light displays. There are Christmas shops, photos with Santa, and train and wagon rides.
The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, OH 45152
Light Up Middletown
Light Up Middletown is a drive thru light display at Smith Park in downtown Middletown. It is open nightly from 6:00pm to 10:00pm beginning Thanksgiving to New Years Eve (November 27 to December 31, 2025). Admission is by cash donation only.
For more holiday fun, checkout nearby Very Merry Middletown (formerly Holiday Whopla), where you’ll find Santa, ice skating, and more.
Light Up Middletown is located at Smith Park at 500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park is a drive thru light display in Xenia. It is open nightly from 6:00pm to 9:00pm December 1 to December 31, 2025. This event is free!
Caesar Ford Park is located at 520 South Stringtown Road, Xenia, OH 45385
Northern Lights at Perfect North Slopes
Back again is the Northern Lights drive through experience at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This attraction runs nightly beginning November 21 to December 23, 2025 (closed November 26 & 27). Gates open at 6:00pm, with last entry at 9:30pm.
NEW for 2025 – guests will be able to walk the mile-long loop on Friday and Saturday evenings only.
Tickets $9 per person ages 13+ and $4.50 for ages 3-12. You can purchase your tickets online or when you arrive.
Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Place Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Walkable Light Displays
PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The most magical time to visit the Cincinnati Zoo is during the PNC Festival of Lights. Millions of lights adorn the zoo during this outdoor, walkable event that runs from November 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, but closed on holidays. The Cincinnati Zoo opens at 10:00am, with festivities beginning at 4:00pm. New this year are extended hours, with the zoo closing at 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, at 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 10:00pm from December 20-31.
While at the Festival of Lights, make sure to also check out the light show on Swan Lake, the North Polar Express train ride, blacklight puppet show, visits with Santa and Mrs. Clause, and more. Admission to the Festival of Lights is included in zoo tickets and passes.
PNC Festival of Lights at The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220
Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm
Holidays on the Farm is the annual holiday event for Great Parks of Hamilton County. This replaced the Holiday in Lights drive thru display in 2022. Holidays on the Farm will be open nightly 5:00pm to 9:00pm from December 4 to 23, 2025.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the door – although it is cheaper to buy tickets in advance. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12 and seniors 62+, and children 2 & under are free.
At Holiday on the Farm, you can expect a walkable light display through nature trails, Santa, animal encounters, hayrides, interactive train display, food and drink options (including a beer garden!), and more.
Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center is located at 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231
Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres
The Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres is a lighted forest walk with interactive installations along a 1/3 mile mulched trail. From November 6, 2025 through January 3, 2026, the forest walk will be open 5 days a week (closed Sundays and Mondays) starting at 5:00pm. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This attraction is great for families with kids of all ages (from toddlers to bigger kids), or even for date night!
Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and include both the forest walk and mini golf. Tickets are $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 4-9, $10 for seniors + veterans, and free for 3 & under.
The Lighted Forest Walk has a bunch of interesting and interactive displays. Our favorites were the LED zip line, the black light flowers, and of course, the giant see saw. The trail is mulched but it’s pretty flat. If you are coming with an infant, I would recommend baby-wearing or bringing a jogging stroller. Plan at least 30 minutes for the Lighted Forest Walk, plus time for mini golf and food.
Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres is located at 9941 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241
CAM Nights & Holiday Lights at Cincinnati Art Museum
New for 2025
The Cincinnati Art Museum has revamped its holiday lights display for 2025 with CAM Nights & Holiday Lights In Partnership with BLINK®. Visitors can enjoy a holiday-themed projection light show outside in the Alice Bimel Courtyard on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 8:00pm beginning December 5 to 26, 2025.
The museum’s collection galleries and 3 exhibitions will be open during this time. Exhibitions are free on Thursdays, but will be ticketed on Fridays.
CAM Nights & Holiday Lights at the Cincinnati Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202
A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park
A Carillon Christmas is a holiday event at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. This event begins November 25 through December 30, 2025, excluding holidays. It is open 5:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm Friday and Saturday. In addition to the light displays throughout the park, there will be train rides, model train display, a carousel, puppet show, Santa, a Christmas village, and more.
Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 60+, $10 for children ages 3-17, and free for children 2 and under. Dayton History Members also get in free. Tickets can be purchased online.
A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park is located at 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45409
Winter Nights & River Lights on the Purple People Bridge
The Purple People Bridge is a bright purple, pedestrian-only bridge that connects Cincinnati, Ohio to Newport, Kentucky. From November 14, 2025 through January 4, 2026, the bridge is decked out with festive lights and holiday music, in a display known as Winter Nights & River Lights. This event runs nightly and is FREE!
The Purple People Bridge is located at 1 Levy Way, Newport, KY 41071
WinterFest at Kings Island
WinterFest at Kings Island features the amusement park decked out in holiday lights, along with holiday shows, games, and attractions galore. This attraction runs on select nights beginning November 28 through December 31, 2025. Tickets to WinterFest can be purchased online. Admission is included for Gold Pass members.
Some of the most popular rides are also open during the winter festivities, including the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad. Attractions include ice skating, photos with Santa, baking cookies with Mrs. Clause and more.
WinterFest at Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park
Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park is the Renaissance Fair’s winter holiday attraction. Yuletide Village offers holiday light shows, food and drink, holiday market, Yuletide Express train, and photos with Santa – and Krampus. This attraction is open Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00pm and Saturdays from 3:00pm to 9:00pm beginning November 28 to December 20, 2025.
Admission is $17 per person, with children ages 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online.
Renaissance Park is located at 10542 East State Route 73 Waynesville, OH 45068
Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center
Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center features light installations along a trail through the woods. The display runs from 5:30pm to 9:00pm on select dates December 5 to December 28, 2025. Light in The Forest is closed Monday to Wednesday, except the week of Christmas, when it will be open Monday and Tuesday, but closed Wednesday and Thursday. Please plan for an hour to complete the trail.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online, as this attraction tends to sell out. Tickets are $15 for member adults, $20 for non-member adults, $6 for member child, and $8 for non-member child.
Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150
Still here, but not this year
Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium
Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium is a walkable light display. This event has been paused for 2025 due to preparations for the 2026 Frontier League Y’all Star Game.
Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium is located at 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042
Thank you for checking out my Cincinnati holiday lights guide for 2025! I hope you find the best spot for your family to enjoy the magic of holiday lights around Cincinnati. Happy Holidays, friends!
If you enjoyed my guide to Cincinnati holiday lights, make sure to also check out my Santa in Cincinnati, Holiday Trains, and Cincinnati Ice Skating guides for all the holiday fun around Cincinnati.
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