9 Christmas Light Displays that will blow you away in Columbus, Ohio 

Plus: A Bonus Holiday Lights Photography Guide from a Columbus, Ohio Family Photographer

There’s something magical about Christmas lights in Columbus. Whether you’re a parent chasing memories with your little ones, grandparents looking for festive traditions, or simply a family who loves a good winter outing, Central Ohio transforms into a glowing wonderland every holiday season.

As a Columbus, Ohio family photographer, I’ve spent years exploring the best light displays—both as a mom and as someone who captures families for a living. If you’re searching for the most magical spots to take your family this year, here are my top 10 favorites—complete with tips to make your experience unforgettable.

Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

Why families love it:
Wildlights is a dazzling, multi-million-light extravaganza that wraps the entire zoo in color. Kids can enjoy animated shows, meet Santa, sip hot chocolate, and walk through glowing tunnels.

Perfect for: Families with kids of any age, especially those who love animals.
Bonus: There are warm indoor exhibits for break time! Find out more about Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo here!

Wanderlights Downtown (Columbus Commons → Town Street → Scioto Mile)

Why families love it:
It’s free, walkable, stroller-friendly, and absolutely magical. Columbus Commons lights up with glowing trees, tunnels, and festive displays. Continue down Town Street into Bicentennial Park and the Scioto Mile for even more sparkle.

Perfect for: Families who want a cozy evening stroll or a budget-friendly night out.
Tip: Go on “Wander Nights” for free cocoa, carousel rides, and music.  You can learn more about Wanderlights Downtown here!

Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory

Why families love it:
A mix of indoor + outdoor warmth. Light tunnels, towering ornament trees, whimsical plant displays—all while staying mostly warm and toasty inside the conservatory.

Perfect for: Younger kids, grandparents, or anyone who prefers less walking and more warmth.  You can learn more about Conservatory Aglow at Franklin Park Conservatory.

Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights (Drive-Through)

Why families love it:
Stay warm in the car and enjoy miles of animated lights. No walking, no lines, no stress—just pure holiday comfort.

Perfect for: Toddlers, sensory-sensitive kids, cold nights, or relaxed family outings.  You can learn more about Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights.

WonderLight’s Christmas (Drive-Through)

Why families love it:
A synchronized light show timed to holiday music playing through your radio. It’s immersive, magical, and a perfect way to enjoy lights without leaving your vehicle.

Perfect for: Families wanting a long, musical drive-through experience.  You can learn more about WonderLight’s Christmas here.

Easton Town Center Lights

Why families love it:
Easton always goes big for Christmas—from towering trees to glowing archways to festive storefront displays. You can shop, grab dinner, and walk through thousands of lights in one trip.

Perfect for: Shopping days, teen families, or date-night holiday outings.  You can learn more about Easton Town Center Lights here.

German Village Christmas Glow

Why families love it:
Brick streets, lantern-lit shop windows, evergreen garlands—it feels like stepping into an old-world Christmas village. Magical at night!

Perfect for: Older kids, adults, or families who love holiday nostalgia.  You can learn more about that here.

 

Winter Wonders Walks Dawes Arboretum

Dec. 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 | 6 – 9 p.m.

Head to Dawes Arboretum  for the seventh annual Winter Wonders Walks. Guests will experience a guided walk through the paved Parkwoods Trail surrounded by illuminated trees and then get to enjoy music, coffee, food trucks and an appearance from Santa afterward. With three time slots available nightly, there are plenty of opportunities to experience the wonder and wilderness at Dawes Arboretum. Get tickets.

Neighborhood Light Tours (DIY Style!)

Why families love it:
You don’t need an event to enjoy Christmas lights. Many neighborhoods around Columbus create spectacular displays—especially in Hilliard, Powell, Westerville, Gahanna, and Canal Winchester.

Perfect for: Last-minute holiday fun, cozy pajamas-in-the-car nights, and spontaneous outings.

BONUS: Holiday Lights Photo Guide for Families

A Free Mini-Guide from Whispy Shades Photography — Columbus, Ohio Family Photographer

Taking photos at night can be tricky, whether you’re using a phone or a DSLR. Here are my go-to tips for getting magical holiday light photos—whether you want to document your evening or plan a festive DIY photoshoot.

Phone Photography Tips

1. Tap to focus

Phones often struggle in low light. Tap on your subject’s face to help the phone sharpen it.

2. Turn on “Live Photo” or burst mode

This helps you capture motion—especially helpful with wiggly kiddos.

3. Avoid flash

Flash washes out faces and ruins the light glow. Use available light instead.

4. Find soft, warm light sources

Stand near:

• A glowing tree

• A lit tunnel

• A streetlight

• A bright storefront

Let that light illuminate faces naturally.

Creative Ideas for Holiday Light Photos

Try these fun, easy setups:

• Silhouette in front of a light tunnel

Stand your family in a glowing arch or tunnel and expose for the lights.

• Kids looking up at lights

Capture genuine wonder!

• Snuggled family moment under glowing trees

Hold hands, cuddle, or walk together.

• Foreground blur magic

Hold Christmas lights or ornaments close to the lens to create a dreamy bokeh effect.

A Final Note From your Columbus Family Photographer

Christmas in Columbus truly brings out the sparkle of the season. Whether you’re exploring Wildlights, wandering downtown, or simply driving through neighborhood displays in pajamas, these are the moments your family will remember.

If you ever want customized holiday light family photos, I’d love to create something magical for you. Until then — enjoy the glow, stay warm, and cherish every sparkle.