There’s something so magical about Christmastime in Ohio, and that seems to be especially true here in Cleveland. The town truly transforms into a holly-jolly destination, and for proof of this, look no further than our Christmas lights road trip. Along the way, you’ll get to see one epic drive-thru display in Cleveland after another. So load up the car with your friends and family, curate the perfect holiday playlist, and prepare to be dazzled!

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1. Winter Lights Lantern Festival at CMA
Christmas Lights
The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Cleveland Museum of Art/clevelandart.org
The Cleveland Museum of Art brings the multicultural tradition of lantern-lighting festivals to Cleveland in this beautiful display. The display starts on the 4th December with a day of activities both inside the museum and across the road on Wade Oval. For dates and other details, be sure to check out the Cleveland Museum of Art online. Location: 10820 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
2. Public Square
Christmas Lights
Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA
Erik Drost/Flickr
Enjoy the bustling Public Square in downtown Cleveland with the Winterfest lights! With Terminal Tower lit up in the background, the light tunnel and Christmas tree, this is a display that will wow the whole family. Lights are typically up through December. Location: Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44115
3. Seabury Avenue (Fairview Park)
Christmas Lights
City of Fairview Park/Flickr
Four streets lined with glittering, varied Christmas lights. Every house has its own character, but they all come together to create one beautiful drive-through display. Take a short drive around the block to take in all the different displays put together in the spirit of community celebration. The fun usually happens all of December until New Year. Check out the Facebook Page for Fairview Park Holiday Lights in Cleveland for more information. Location: Seabury Avenue, Fairview Park, OH 44126
4. Strongsville Winter Wonderland
Christmas Lights
Strongsville Commons, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
David Ellis/Flickr
The next stop on this trip is Strongsville Commons. Winter Wonderland is right, with glittering light tunnels, and a magical gazebo. See Santa and his reindeer taking off into the night! Light displays are up from November 23rd. Location: Corner Royalton and Pearl Roads, Strongsville, OH 44136

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5. Crown Point Parkway
Christmas Lights
Crown Point Parkway, Crown Point Pkwy, Strongsville, OH 44136, USA
Eric Hanson/Facebook
See Santa on Saturdays and Sundays, plus moving light diaplays including a train and merry-go-round in this little neighborhood cul-de-sac. There's over 32,000 lights on just one house. Send a letter to Santa, and wait, because he will send one back! The event typically runs nightly through January 1st. For more information, check out the Facebook listing for the Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights. Location: Crown Point Parkway, Strongsville, OH 44136
6. Church Lights Experience
Christmas Lights
13200 Bagley Rd, Cleveland, OH 44130, USA
ChurchLights/Facebook
This outdoor display is a returning family favorite. The Pleasant Hills United Methodist Church make this a treat for the whole family, with snacks, puppets, face painting, and of course, lots and lots of lights! The outdoor display runs every evening from Thanksgiving until New Year, with the indoor display running Every Sunday until the 18th December. Location: 13200 East Bagley Rd, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130
7. City of Independence Light Display
Christmas Lights
Public Square, Independence, OH 44131, USA
corydalus/Flickr
The tree lighting takes place in early December with all the fanfare: caroling, hot cocoa, toasted marshmallows, and even an appearance from Santa! Non-perishable food donations are accepted. Lights will be up in the town square for the holiday season. And, while you're there, don't miss out on the chance to visit one of the most unique McDonald's restaurants in the world. Location: Public Square, Independence OH 44131
8. Chagrin Falls Christmas Light Display
Christmas Lights
Kevin Stolecki/Flickr
Triangle Park in the center of Chagrin Falls lights up with Christmas cheer through the month of December. The tree and gazebo form the centerpiece of this display, which is best viewed with hot chocolate and maybe some Christmas cookies! Location: Triangle Park, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023
9. Nela Park
Christmas Lights
1975 Noble Rd, East Cleveland, OH 44112, USA
buschap/Flickr
It makes sense that the GE headquarters would provide the most impressive light display in Cleveland, and this is exactly where we end our road trip! Every year, Nela Park is the biggest, brightest, most elaborate Christmas light display in town. This year's theme is 'GE in the CLE', and you'll recognize some Cleveland landmarks reimagined in beautiful lights. Location: 1975 Noble Rd, East Cleveland, OH 44112

Don’t be afraid to take a few detours from the road trip if you see a particularly enticing display along the way! You can see all of these displays from the comfort (and warmth!) of your car, but it’s always worth getting out to stroll around. You never know, you might even get a cookie and hot cocoa out of it!

What are your thoughts on this Christmas drive-thru display in Cleveland? Is this an adventure you would take? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you!

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drive-thru display in Cleveland

Beth C. | October 17, 2022

What is Christmas in Cleveland like?

If you're planning to spend Christmas in Cleveland, you can look forward to a festive, family-friendly experience. Cleveland during the holidays is not to be missed, not only because of the enchanting winter light displays but also because of the sheer excitement and wonder that exudes from the city. Local shops, restaurants, and all kinds of local businesses take part in the merriment. One of the most traditional Cleveland Christmas experiences is Winterfest, which typically takes place towards the end of November (usually the Saturday after Thanksgiving). This one-day event offers live music, carriage rides, ice skating, and much more. Plus, you can get a jump start on your holiday shopping as you visit the one-of-a-kind pop-up shops. The best part of all? The event is free! Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is another fantastic destination during the holidays. The zoo offers an interactive and family-friendly winter lights display that has become a beloved annual tradition for many.

How much snow does Cleveland get?

You've probably heard that winters in Ohio can get pretty rough, but it's also true that the Buckeye State is magical during the winter. And, if you're curious about snowfall in Cleveland, you'll be happy to hear that the city receives about 52 inches a year. This is almost double the national average of 28 inches per year. Some of our favorite destinations for spending winter in Cleveland include Lakefront Reservation, North Chagrin Reservation, the Chalet, Malabar Farm, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, Public Square, Polar Blast Snow Tubing, and Berea Falls Scenic Overlook.

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