One of the big downfalls of winter is having the daylight savings time change. It gets darker earlier, we get tired earlier, and it just makes the evenings seem dull and boring at times. Though this may the case, we also have to remember that on the bright side, there is one thing that you can do to take advantage of the darkness and that is to go see some Christmas lights. Of course, all Ohioans know that the Columbus Zoo has a display of lights every year, and that is just the thing...everyone knows about it. In the past few years when I have personally gone to see the lights, the lights and music are amazing but the overcrowded area and the price per person just were not my cup of tea. So, I have done some googling and found some Christmas light viewings in Ohio that are either free or have a low fee in which all the proceeds go to charity. In no specific order or listing, I picked out nine of the light shows that are unique in their own way.

Up in the northeast area of Ohio we have some of the following:

In Conneaut, there is a place called Renn's Lights for Charity. When you get there, the price is free but they do accept donations that will be given to the charity program, Ride 4 ThEm, which gives proceeds to families who are having financial strains due to having a child that is hospitalized. Here you can drive around in your warm car and tune in to 96.7 FM to hear the music that goes along with the light show.

Over in Strongsville, there is the Crown Point Parkway Festival of Lights (pictured below). It has free admission and you can either walk around or drive to see the lights. On Fridays and Saturdays they have the big guy himself, Santa, make an appearance (this would be fun to take little cousins or family members to).

Within Lorain County, there is a place that has a light show with inflatables all around over at the Musical Christmas Light Display in Avon. This is another free admission viewing and also has the FM radio feature.

In Medina at Pilz's Holiday Light Show, they mean some serious business when it comes to putting on a show. The show consists of four songs and has just one intermission. Not only do they have regular Christmas lights, they also have strobe lights and a mega tree that they decorate every year. Yes, you called it, it is free and yes, they have FM radio, but you can also roll down the windows and listen to the speakers outside if you wish.

At Gelna's Christmas House in Macedonia, unique is what they are all about. During the free viewing, they play 25 songs per day and they change the songs daily so if you go more than once, it won't be the same music as before. Plus, when you get there, Santa along with Mrs. Claus and some elves will give you candy canes...who can say no to that?

In Wayne County, there is the Eichels Christmas Tree Farm Light Display over in West Salem (pictured below). Obviously it is on a farm and they give free admission but they also accept donations. Not only can you see some lights but you can get your Christmas tree there as well. If you already have that then you can stop by their gift shop or grab some free popcorn, hot chocolate, or coffee.

Now let us move on to the southern part of Ohio:

One place that popped up on my screen during my googling was The Christmas Ranch. Apparently this place is a big deal—it was featured on Good Morning America and it looks like a fun and different place to go. It is located in Morrow and they charge up to $20 but all the proceeds go to The Gift of the Lights, which donates to three different charities: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Neediest Kids of All, and Shriners Hospitals for Children. When you are there you can ride in the train or the wagon, go to the Christmas shops, go to Santa's Bakery and Santa will even be there...also a great place for little ones.

At the Holiday Fantasy of Lights in Delaware, you can take a nice drive through the Alum Creek State Park and enjoy some Christmas lights. There is a charge depending on your vehicle but you are given free hot chocolate and cookies while you are there.

Finally, in Grove City there is the Winter Lights Christmas Celebration (pictured below). Here you can enjoy a holiday parade, free horse drawn carriage rides, and get some pictures with Santa. (That guy sure is busy with all these appearances.) Not only will Santa be there but his reindeer will be as well. Another cool thing about this place is the free ice sculpting show.

So if you want to go somewhere less crowded and different this year, just check out some of the links to get some more information and have a great time! Happy Holidays!