The Joy of Christmas Light Display
Located just south of Youngstown, in the small town of Columbiana, an army of volunteers have come together to create northeast Ohio’s biggest holiday light show. This drive-thru holiday display has been delighting guests for over a decade.
THE LIGHT DISPLAY
For $10 you can drive your vehicle through a mile long path featuring over 80 displays and thousands of holiday lights. From toy soldiers, to a moving train, the display honors veterans, pays tribute to America, features a lighted Grist Mill, and includes many holiday favorites. The displays are spaced nicely to allow time to view each display. Every year thousands make their way to Firestone Park to enjoy the magical lights in the Joy of Christmas Lights Display.
THE GINGERBREAD HOUSE
This is one stop that you are not going to want to miss when visiting the Joy of Christmas Light Display. Located inside the gingerbread house and on display are more than 100 decorated gingerbread houses created by area children. A lot of thought and hours have been put into each and every one these creative designs. Each one would make a great pin on Pinterest.
I had a very hard time finding my favorite among all the houses. However, I do need to give a few extra claps of applause to the one who made a gingerbread tree house and used a donut for a tire swing. Very imaginative.
You will also find Mrs. Claus in the Gingerbread House, Thursday – Sunday and opening weekend from 6pm-8pm. Throughout the season she will also be doing story time.
SANTA’S ICE CASTLE
At the end of the tour you are invited to stop and enjoy time with Santa in the Ice Castle. Photos with Santa are available for a nominal price. Local groups take turns to oversee the snack area, where you can purchase hot cocoa, cookies and more. New this year is Santa’s Train display.
Throughout the season guests will be treated to live music, and children can enjoy one of the many activities available including, face-painting, a coloring contest and more.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
Location: Firestone Park
298 East. Park Ave., Columbiana, OH
Show Dates: (2023)
Friday – Sunday | Nov 17, 18, 19
Thursday – Sunday | Nov 23-26
Thursday, Nov 30 – Sunday, Dec 24
Donation:
$20 per vehicle – Season passes available.
Proceeds support Firestone Park restoration efforts.
Light Show Events:
- Hayride/.Petting Zoo – November 16
- Annual Christmas Parade – November 22
- Senior Night – December 7
- Santa’s Special Night – December 10
- 5-K Race Night – December 11
For additional information about “Christmas in Columbiana” contact the Columbiana Area Tourism Bureau at 330-482-2282 or [email protected].
#MyOhioFun Road Trip Notes:
Columbiana is located:
- 83 miles from Cleveland
- 61 miles from Akron
- 44 miles from Canton
- 60 miles from Pittsburgh
This year Columbiana, Ohio was named the “Nicest Place in America” by Reader’s Digest. (Make sure you check out the video to learn why they earned the title.)
If your planning on a road trip to see the lights, I would suggest you plan to leave a little early so you can check out the unique shops located in downtown, including the Shop on Main, the Rustic Birdcage, the Pewter Peddler, and the Old Clutter’d Corner. Great places to find antiques, unique home decor, holiday decorations and gifts.
If your looking to add to your holiday menu a stop at Rankin’s Meat Market should be on your list. Don’t forget the cooler. I noticed that they offer an Apple Butter BBQ Chipped Ham Sandwich as a special. Did you grow up with a little jelly on top of your chipped ham sandwich?
Need to find a gift for Fido? Stop at Paws on Main. This all natural pet boutique has a dog bakery!
Get your java fix at the Generations Cafe’. In addition to coffee, mochas, and lattes, you can enjoy bagels, bakery and Panini sandwiches. Waffles are served on Saturday and Sundays from 8am-Noon. Open 7am – 4pm (M-F) and 8am-4pm (Sat-Sun)
One place we did not have to time to visit is the Homestead Kitchen & Cocktails. We have on good authority that a stop at the kitchen is a must and you need to try the pots de creme. Looks like another road trip is in order.
Please note that many of the downtown shops close at 4 p.m..
If a glass of wine by a fireplace is more your speed, a quick 10 minute ride from the park is The Vineyards at Pine Lake Winery. This 42 acre winery offers a modern-rustic atmosphere and delectable wine selection.
This holiday season, why not take a family drive to Columbiana, Ohio to do a little shopping, enjoy a nice meal and experience the largest light show in northeast Ohio.
Article and photos: Diane Rock
Rocky Hill | MyOhioFun.com
Editor’s note: Any use of the above article or images without prior permission, will be in violation of copyright laws.