Columbus Zoo has been running Winter Wild Lights since 1998 and each year proves to be even more spectacular than the last. With more than three million lights, all donated by the city of Columbus, the zoo is fully decked out, boasting animated sequences and model train displays. The zoo is open all through the festive season with the exception of Christmas Day and Thanksgiving. The light displays run from 5 to 9 p.m. and are included in the zoo admission price.
Franklin Park Conservatory boasts a rooftop garden of illuminated Christmas trees; a garden of poinsettia plants, one more than 10 feet high; and the always popular Ginger Bread House competition, taking entrants in child, youth and family categories. The weird and wonderful entries are on display for all to see. The conservatory also hosts a number of family craft workshops. Running from December 2 until New Year's, admission is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children under 12, as of 2010.
This is two-mile driving tour of more than 130 spectacularly decorated properties around the marina area. Highlights include animated displays, an enormous American flag and Santa's Grotto in the boathouse building. The display runs from November 21 to December 30. As of 2010, the entrance price is $10 per car during the week and $15 on Fridays and weekends, and $15 every day beginning on December 18, with some of the proceeds gong to support Recreation Unlimited, a charity for disabled people.
The residents of Hail Ridge Drive in Pickerington makes an unbelievable effort to celebrate the Christmas season, with 23 houses coordinating their lights to music in a computer-animated spectacular. The electricity is sourced from solar power and donations of non-perishable food items for the Mid Ohio Food Bank are gratefully accepted. Beginning at the end of November, the display is run from 5 p.m. until midnight and keeps going until New Year's Eve. To get the full effect, tune your radio to 93.9 FM, which plays the music to which the lights are coordinated. If you visit later in the evening, keep the volume to a minimum, since many of the families living on the street have children.
