I’ve spent the last 15 years within an hour of Columbus, Ohio, so I’m finding I’m ready to get out and explore more of my home AND neighboring states. Ohio and bordering states Indiana, Michigan, and West Virginia offer a plethora of events to relish in Yuletide joy! Here is my guide to Christmas & holiday displays, including light shows, festivals, and shopping opportunities within a days drive of Columbus.
Ohio
Ohio Girl Travels gives a rundown of Ohio’s Best Christmas Lights Displays.
Clifton Mill is less than an hour’s drive from Dayton or Columbus. The day after Thanksgiving, the lights come on- over 3.5 million Christmas lights draping the banks around this historic grist mill. You can read more about this breathtaking destination on Adventure Mom‘s blog, Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill.
Did you know that A Christmas Story
Michigan
I’ve always wanted to go to Bronner’s Christmas store in Frankenmuth, Michigan! Bronner’s is the largest Christmas store IN THE WORLD. Check out this post from Kana at Life in Wanderlust for more information on visiting!
Indiana
Indiana is full of holiday cheer for the family. Here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
Downtown Fort Wayne offers the Night of Lights on November 27 (Thanksgiving Eve). The night offers an appearance by Santa and his reindeer and concludes with fireworks at Parkview Field. Fort Wayne also offers the Embassy Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre. This runs from Nov 27th – Dec 4th.
Click here for more on visiting Fort Wayne.
Indianapolis has some fun holiday events of its own. Lindsay from Let Me Give You Some Advice recommends Garfield Park’s Crossing at the Conservatory. This is a family-friendly & budget-friendly holiday display.
Men may be even more excited than the ladies about Lights at the Brickyard, a drive-thru holiday display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Yes, you can actually drive your vehicle on the oval and across the Yard of Bricks! How fun?! Before you go, purchase your tickets online!
If historic homes bursting with holiday decor are your thing, check out Madison, Indiana’s tour of homes taking place Nov 29 & 30th, and Dec 6 & 7th. Madison is just 1.5 hours from Cincinnati!
West Virginia
I’d be amiss if I didn’t mention the Oglebay Festival of Lights. Oglebay, outside of Wheeling, is one of the nation’s largest outdoor light displays. They offer special programs like breakfast with Santa and Good Zoo’s reindeer training program. Overnight packages are available, too!
What are some of your favorite holiday happenings in Ohio and her bordering states?
For more holiday events in Ohio – check out these FREE Christmas events in Columbus, Ohio.
*This is not a sponsored post but may contain affiliate links.*
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Thanks for including me! I?m going to do a post all about Indy?s Christmas offerings next week and will share your ideas for traveling a little further! Great post ??
You’re very welcome! Thanks for reciprocating!
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