Where to Find the Brightest Christmas Lights in Cleveland, Akron, and Beyond
A Brighter Season in Northeast Ohio
When winter rolls across Lake Erie, Northeast Ohio transforms into a glittering wonderland. From Cleveland’s glowing Public Square to Akron’s historic gardens and small-town neighborhoods that outshine even the biggest displays, the region knows how to celebrate the holidays.
Whether you’re planning a self-guided drive or letting someone else handle the wheel, there’s no shortage of twinkling lights, holiday music, and festive cheer to explore. These are the top 10 holiday light displays in Northeast Ohio that will make your Christmas season unforgettable.
Planning your own route? Don’t miss our guide on how to plan a Cleveland Holiday Light Tour for route ideas and insider tips.
Want to relax and enjoy the lights? Book your Cleveland Holiday Lights Tour with Platinum Party Bus and experience them all in luxury and comfort.
1. WinterLand at Public Square — Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland’s most iconic holiday celebration kicks off each November with the lighting of the massive Christmas tree in Public Square. The entire area comes alive with live music, carriage rides, and dazzling lights stretching from Tower City to The Arcade.
What You’ll See:
- 50-foot Christmas tree surrounded by thousands of lights
- Ice-skating rink, fire pits, and hot cocoa stands
- Festive backdrops perfect for family photos
Best For: Families, couples, and anyone who loves a classic Christmas downtown.
Pro Tip: Arrive early for parking or make it part of your chauffeured holiday lights limo tour for a stress-free evening.
2. Illuminate CLE — Public Square, Cleveland
This permanent, immersive light installation runs nightly throughout the winter and features color washes, synchronized effects, and custom music. It’s designed to make downtown Cleveland sparkle year-round, but it feels especially magical during the holidays.
What You’ll See:
- Dynamic LED lighting displays that change nightly
- Custom soundtrack that makes the Square come alive
- Stunning photo ops around the Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument
Best For: Date nights, post-dinner strolls, or adding an extra stop after WinterLand.
Pro Tip: Stay for dinner at one of the nearby downtown restaurants, then enjoy the light show from a cozy spot in your limousine or Sprinter van.
3. Nela Park Christmas Lights — East Cleveland
No list of Ohio’s best holiday lights is complete without Nela Park, the historic home of GE Lighting. For over a century, this East Cleveland landmark has illuminated the season with nostalgic displays and nearly a million LED bulbs.
What You’ll See:
- Vintage GE holiday displays from decades past
- Themed exhibits celebrating Cleveland’s history
- A miniature replica of the National Christmas Tree
Best For: Holiday traditionalists and those who love classic Christmas charm.
Pro Tip: Enjoy this display from the comfort of your vehicle, it’s a drive-by experience that fits perfectly into a larger light tour itinerary.
4. Wild Winter Lights — Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
If you’re looking for a walk-through winter fantasy, Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is an absolute must. With over a million lights, themed areas, and massive animal-shaped lanterns, it’s an immersive blend of wildlife and holiday wonder.
What You’ll See:
- Light tunnels and animated animal displays
- Santa sightings and live entertainment
- Drive-through and walk-through options
Best For: Families with children and anyone who enjoys interactive light experiences.
Pro Tip: Opt for the drive-through on chilly nights or grab tickets early for walk-through weekends, they sell out fast.
5. Deck the Hall — Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron)
Step back in time at one of Ohio’s most elegant holiday traditions. The Deck the Hall event transforms the 65-acre Stan Hywet estate into a glowing masterpiece with over one million lights, holiday music, and the grandeur of the historic mansion itself.
What You’ll See:
- Themed light shows in the gardens and courtyards
- Festively decorated rooms inside the Tudor Revival mansion
- Christmas shopping at Molly’s Shop and gingerbread house displays
Best For: Date nights or anyone looking for a touch of Gilded Age holiday glamour.
Pro Tip: Visit during “Date Night Fridays” for shorter lines and a quieter, more romantic atmosphere.
6. Festival of Lights — Crown Point Parkway (Strongsville)
This small-town spectacle in Strongsville brings the community together in one of the most spirited neighborhood displays in Northeast Ohio. Residents coordinate synchronized light shows, music, and motion to create a drive-through festival right in their neighborhood.
What You’ll See:
- Houses lit from rooftop to driveway
- Timed music you can sync to your car radio
- An authentic hometown holiday feel
Best For: Families and local light enthusiasts who love a community-driven event.
Pro Tip: Tune your radio to the broadcast frequency listed on signs as you enter the neighborhood to sync your experience with the show.
7. Magic of Lights — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds (North Ridgeville)
For those who prefer to enjoy the holiday sparkle from a warm car, Magic of Lights is a top pick. The fairgrounds host this massive drive-through show featuring more than two million LED lights, dazzling tunnels, and digital animations set to holiday music.
What You’ll See:
- 200-foot light tunnels and themed sections
- Animated digital displays
- Seasonal music synced to your radio
Best For: Large groups, families, or couples looking for a cozy night in the car.
Pro Tip: Go early in the season to avoid long lines; weekend evenings can get packed.
8. Seabury Avenue Holiday Lights — Fairview Park
This neighborhood tradition has turned Seabury Avenue into one of the most festive residential displays in the Cleveland area. Nearly every home participates, creating an immersive holiday block party of lights, inflatables, and creativity.
What You’ll See:
- Dozens of homes decked out in themed displays
- Walkable sidewalks for close-up viewing
- Holiday music playing throughout the neighborhood
Best For: Families with young kids or anyone looking for that cozy hometown Christmas vibe.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the evening to beat the crowds and park safely before strolling.
9. Cleveland Botanical Garden – FROST
Northeast Ohio’s favorite indoor/outdoor holiday experience returns to the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Winter botanical displays, holiday lights, and immersive themed rooms will transport you to an enchanting world.
What You’ll See:
- Immersive: Enter a dozen themed rooms bursting with winter spirit. Sparkling lights, charming sounds, and delightful plants guide the way.
- Family-Friendly: Crafts, activities, and endless photo ops make for an unforgettable winter adventure.
- Open Late: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the gardens stay open until 9 p.m.
Best for: Families and couples seeking a cozy, festive evening close to home.
10. The Arcade — Downtown Cleveland
Known as one of Cleveland’s most beautiful historic landmarks, The Arcade shines even brighter during the holidays. With its glass ceilings and ornate ironwork draped in lights, it’s one of the most picturesque holiday photo stops in the city.
What You’ll See:
- Elegant Victorian-era architecture illuminated in gold and red
- Holiday wreaths and garland adorning every level
- Nearby restaurants for a cozy dinner stop
Best For: Indoor strolls, romantic evenings, or holiday photoshoots.
Pro Tip: Combine this stop with WinterLand and Tower City for a full downtown holiday itinerary.
Bonus Stop: Lake Metroparks Farmpark – Drive-Thru Holiday Lights (Kirtland)
This family-friendly drive-through display lets you enjoy festive tunnels, illuminated farm scenes, and holiday music right from your car. It’s a top choice for families with small children or anyone who prefers to stay warm and cozy.
Pro Tip: Bring a thermos of cocoa and stream your favorite Christmas playlist to complete the experience.
Plan Your Light Tour Like a Local
Now that you’ve got your list of Northeast Ohio’s best holiday lights, it’s time to plan your route. For DIY adventurers, grouping nearby displays; like Public Square, The Arcade, and Nela Park; makes for an easy evening drive. Akron-area displays, such as Stan Hywet and Farmpark, pair well for weekend getaways.
If you’d rather skip the driving, let the professionals handle the logistics.
Pro Recommendation:
Book a Cleveland Holiday Lights Tour with Platinum Party Bus and enjoy multiple destinations in one night; no parking, no traffic stress, and no one stuck as the designated driver.
Platinum’s fleet of luxury limos and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans features plush leather seating, holiday LED lighting, a premium sound system, and BYOB options so you can sip hot cocoa (or something stronger) between stops.
Conclusion: Make It a Tradition
From the timeless glow of Nela Park to the grandeur of Stan Hywet Hall and the downtown sparkle of Public Square, the holiday season in Northeast Ohio is something truly special. Every light, song, and smile reminds us that Christmas is about slowing down and sharing joy with the people who matter most.
Grab your friends and family, turn up the holiday tunes, and let Platinum Party Bus take you on a stress-free tour of Northeast Ohio’s top holiday light displays.
Because when someone else handles the driving, all that’s left to do is sit back, sip your cocoa, and enjoy the glow.
