Downtown Painesville Featured on the 2024 Ohio Holiday Lights Trail

Find Holiday Cheer to Last the Year
on the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail!

“If you’re looking to experience the magic of the season with the best light displays in the state, the Holiday Lights Trail is a great place to start,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “Following the trail gives families the opportunity to bundle up and explore some of the most enchanting holiday experiences in the heart of it all.” 

The Ohio Holiday Lights Trail can be viewed online or downloaded on the Holidays in Ohio featured page on TourismOhio’s website Ohio.org.

“The magic of the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail lies in the dedication of the communities who help bring these displays to life,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development, which oversees TourismOhio. “Each display reflects the creativity and passion of the many Ohioans who are spreading holiday joy and helping families make memories together.”

Displays along the self-guided trail include the impressive seven million lights at Winterfest at Kings Island, the nationally recognized and locally beloved Steubenville Nutcracker Village, six beautifully lit botanical gardens to stroll through, five illuminated zoos to explore, and four merry museums and historic parks to wander.

Nearly all the displays have over 100,000 lights, with many exceeding one million.

Downtown Painesville is once again on the trail, featuring well over 150,000 lights lining Painesville Square and Main Street. Visitors are welcome to walk through the park, take a picture in the gazebo and enjoy the beautiful storefront displays. Gartman Model Bakery’s gingerbread window is a must see every year (located at 30 N State Street).

Painesville Holiday Lights are displayed dawn to dusk, November 21 through January 1. For dates and times on when Santa will be in Painesville Square, visit www.painesville.com/holidays.

“Ohio’s Holiday Lights Trail is a twinkling treasure hunt full of festive surprises that light up the season in unexpected ways,” said Sarah Wickham, Ohio state tourism director. “It’s the perfect way for Ohioans and visitors to experience our state’s holiday spirit and make spirits bright, one sparkling light at a time.”

This year’s featured photo includes a family enjoying the multi-colored lively display at Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo, one of the featured stops on the trail.

TourismOhio opens the call for applications for the Ohio Holiday Lights Trail annually in late summer. TourismOhio staff review each submission to ensure attractions meet trail criteria and that all regions of the state are well represented.

For even more festive holiday cheer, TourismOhio encourages Ohioans and visitors to download the newly released Ohio Holiday Events Guide. The guide spotlights five events from each of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Operating within the Ohio Department of Development, TourismOhio works to showcase all Ohio has to offer as a place of adventure, a place of promise, and the place for you.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.