Light displays bring holiday dazzle to region
by Emily Canning-Dean
Whether it is a quick jaunt to the county fairgrounds or a two-hour road trip to a popular tourist location, there are plenty of chances to take in all of the bright lights and cheer this holiday season.
Thanks to the help of the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will once again transform into a winter wonderland for the sixth holiday season in a row.
The program, Wild Winter Lights, includes 1.5 million lights across holiday-themed areas in the zoo.
“This year guests will experience over a dozen walk-through displays, including larger than life holiday favorites,” said Kelly Manderfield, chief marketing officer for the Cleveland Metroparks. “Wild Winter Lights continues to be a timeless holiday tradition, and we are grateful to our community partners who help bring the holidays to life at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.”
Along with the multiple light displays, the event includes music, a 50-foot tree, carousel rides, festive costumed characters and model train displays. Guests can also purchase a ticket for the holiday-themed Cleveland Metroparks Railroad and enjoy treats including holiday-themed donuts, gourmet popcorn and hot chocolate.
Wild Winter Lights and the Wild Winter Lights Drive-Through experience runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on select days through Dec. 30. Advance online reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets purchased in advance are $21 for members and $24 for non-members, or a four-pack for $63 for members and $73 for non-members.
Tickets for the drive-through experience must be purchased in advance and are $45 per vehicle for Zoo members and $55 per vehicle for non-members. Visit futureforwildlife.org/lights to make reservations.
For the 10th year in a row, the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds will host the Magic of Lights drive through display and the Jolly Holiday Village.
Visitors can enjoy dozens of displays from their vehicles including Prehistoric Christmas with life-sized dinosaurs, a 32-foot tall, animated Mattel Christmas Barbie and a Bigfoot Monster Truck. Displays also include the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights. Guests can also stop by the Jolly Holiday Village and walk through a majestic holiday area that includes Santa photos, ice skating, snacks and other holiday activities.
“We’re excited for Magic of Lights to return to Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds,” said Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Live, the organization that produces Magic of Lights. “We hope Magic of Lights has become a part of the northeast Ohio holiday tradition and will for many years to come.”
Magic of Lights runs from Nov. 27 through Jan. 4, from 5-10 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit magicoflights.com.
For those looking for more of a road trip, Oglebay in Wheeling, West Virginia offers Festival of Lights, which includes a six-mile driving route filled with more than 100 lighted holiday attractions. Guests can enjoy this tour in their own vehicles or via a guided tour inside the Oglebay Trolley.
Festival of Lights takes place nightly from dusk until midnight through Jan. 9. Oglebay recommends taking advantage of reduced wait times by visiting Monday through Wednesday or beating the rush by arriving between 5-6 p.m.
A donation of $30 per vehicle is suggested, and each $30 donor will receive a 2024 Festival of Lights Vehicle Pass, which is valid through the holiday season and an Oglebay Rewards book that contains more than $500 in money-saving coupons. For more information, visit oglebay.com/lights-drive.