Northeast Ohio’s Must-See Christmas Lights This Season

If twinkling lights and holiday music are your thing, Northeast Ohio is packed with magical spots that feel straight out of a Christmas movie. From big-ticket shows to cozy neighborhood streets, you can easily turn an evening drive into a full-on holiday tradition.​

Big, show-stopping displays

Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo transforms the zoo into a glowing wonderland with tunnels, themed zones, and towering displays, with both walk-through and select drive-through nights. Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in North Ridgeville is a fan-favorite drive-thru, featuring massive light tunnels, animated scenes, and music synced to your car radio. Country Lights Drive-Thru at Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland offers a countryside-style route through glowing trees and farm scenes that kids love.​

Free city and neighborhood magic

Downtown Cleveland’s Public Square lights up with a huge tree and glittering walkways, perfect for photos and pairing with dinner or hot cocoa. Coe Lake in Berea delivers a free, small-town-style lakeside village of lights that locals rave about, with reflections dancing on the water. Strongsville’s Crown Point area and Fairview Park’s Seabury Avenue are neighborhood legends, where house after house goes all-out with lights, inflatables, and music for slow holiday drives or evening walks.​

Build your own lights tour

Pick one “anchor” event like Wild Winter Lights, Magic of Lights, or Country Lights as your main stop, then add a walk-through display such as Public Square or Coe Lake. Finish the night cruising a decorated neighborhood street, playlist on and cocoa in hand, starting around dusk to catch every twinkle. Always double-check dates, hours, and any ticketing before you go so your Northeast Ohio lights tour runs as smoothly—and magically—as it looks in your photos.​

Whether you're chasing Instagram-worthy shots or just cozy family memories, these displays turn ordinary December nights into pure holiday sparkle. Grab the thermoses, hit the road, and let Northeast Ohio's lights light up your season!