Kingwood Center Christmas Lights in Mansfield, Ohio (2023)
Ohio is lucky to have plenty of amazing Christmas light displays and Mansfield is host to some of our favorites. (Yes, here’s our list of the best Christmas lights in Mansfield). One of the places we have incorporated into our Advent celebrations is “Christmas at Kingwood Center.” Kingwood Center Gardens hosts the most amazing Christmas lights and holiday home tour that is budget-friendly for families.
Where is Kingwood Center Gardens?
Kingwood Center Gardens is located near downtown Mansfield, Ohio in North Central Ohio. It is approximately 80 minutes from downtown Cleveland and 70 minutes from downtown Columbus.
What is Kingwood Center Gardens?
Kingwood Center Gardens is a 47-acre estate located in the heart of Mansfield. The mansion was once the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kelley King. Mr. King made his money working for the Ohio Brass Company – he went from being their first electrical engineer to the President and Chairman of the Board. He had no children when he passed away in 1953, so he left his estate to a private foundation that still operates Kingwood Center.
Kingwood Center recently underwent a major renovation providing the grounds a new building known as the Garden Gateway Center. This Center is home to the Gateway Cafe, a gift shop, a nursery, and a convention hall. This is also the place to learn the history of the King’s residence! My kids are always perplexed by Mr. King’s original Zenith TV.
Kingwood Center at Christmas
Christmas at Kingwood Center 2023 takes place from November 25-December 30. The display is closed on Mondays and Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Tickets must be purchased in advance (click here for the website). Tickets are $8 for adults and ages 13+. Kids 12 & under are FREE! When booking tickets, you must select a 30-minute time slot. You must arrive during that time but are free to stay as you like. The Gardens are open from 4-9 and the Garden Gateway Center & Cafe are open throughout the evening!
This year we chose to go at 5. It wasn’t quite dark, but it gave us time to explore with a bit of daylight left to keep an eye on the toddler. 😉
The Christmas Tree Walk is a room of fresh Christmas trees decorated by local businesses. Our children’s favorite was the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum tree because it had so many recognizable ornaments (i.e. toys).
We then decided to tour the King Mansion. The Mansion is a 3-story home with enough rooms to easily fit the Yoder Toter brood. Ha! A special feature during Christmas is the opening of the third floor! The floor is usually off-limits to the public, but during Christmas at Kingwood, Mr. and Mrs. King’s bedrooms and bathrooms are on display! Even the toilet was decorated! Be prepared – my kids had many questions about why Mr. & Mrs. King had separate bedrooms, and I didn’t leave without Googling, “Boudoir room.”
Visiting the King home with kids? The railings are typical of a 1920s home and not up to our 2023 safety codes! In other words, the railings are low and the spaces between the bars are wide! Make sure you keep toddlers and little ones close at hand.
Outdoor Christmas lights at Kingwood Center
The highlight for most families will be the outdoor light display! The most popular photo-op is the 28-foot string light tree. Christmas at Kingwood was even featured in Ohio For the Holidays Light trail!
This is the perfect place to bundle up with your loved ones and enjoy the holiday season! There are so many excellent photo ops, too! Don’t miss the beautiful doorways with pine swag and the twinkling light backdrops. Maybe your toddler will cooperate more than ours. Ha!
Christmas at Kingwood is located at 50 N. Trimble Rd, Mansfield, Ohio. Call ahead with questions – (419) 522-0211
Making a day of it? Check out my list of our favorite restaurants in Mansfield and things to do with kids in Mansfield, Ohio.
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