Are you looking to create a core memory this holiday season? Forget fighting the crowds and the cold a drive-thru light show is the perfect festive solution! And if you're in Central Ohio, look no further than WonderLight's Christmas!
This dazzling drive-through spectacular is located at the Hartford Fairgrounds in Croton, Ohio (14028 Fairgrounds Road, Croton, OH 43013). It’s Central Ohio’s largest show, featuring over one million LED lights.
For our family, this event has become a cherished annual tradition. Having experienced countless light shows over the past two decades, we can honestly say WonderLights offers one of the best synchronized light and music displays we’ve ever seen. Since moving to Ohio, it's become our must-do event!
Ready to make your visit unforgettable? Here are our top family tips for getting the most magic out of your WonderLights experience, including the scoop on the surprisingly awesome music!
✨ Pro Tips for a Core Memory Night
A little planning goes a long way in turning a fun drive into a truly special family tradition.
1. Go Early, Get Festive, and Create a Tradition
- Go Early: Whether it’s early in the season (The show runs from November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026) or early in the evening (it opens nightly at 5:30 PM), arriving early helps you beat the heaviest weekend traffic. A smoother drive means a more relaxing experience for everyone!
- The Power of Tradition: Making it an annual tradition is how you build those lasting "core memories."
- PJs for All Ages: This is a top-tier tip! Have everyone dress in their pajamas it’s festive during the show and you can simply carry the little ones straight into bed when you get home. Teens can treat it like a cozy, laid-back "night in" (in the car!).
- For Teens: Make it a Night Out! Give them options! They can stay cozy in pjs, or you can make it a full-on "Night Out" experience. Grab a quick dinner, a specialty coffee for the show (hello, Starbucks!), or their favorite treat beforehand. It shows them the tradition evolves with them.
2. Pack the Perfect Car Kit
Think of your car as a mobile movie theater and game room!
- Hot Cocoa & Snacks: A thermos of hot cocoa is non-negotiable! Pack fun, festive snacks like popcorn, Christmas cookies, or candy canes. It's an instant mood-booster.
- Get Cozy: Bring blankets! Turn up the heat, snuggle in, and enjoy the show. We even saw one truck with the kids spread out in the back, all bundled up what a fun idea!
- Car Games for the Line: Waiting in line can be a drag, but not if you're prepared! Keep the focus on family fun with classic games:
- Story Time: Take turns adding a sentence to build a fun, ridiculous family story.
- The Name Game (Categories): Choose a category (like Christmas movies or animals). The first player names an item, and the next player must name another item that starts with the last letter of the previous item.
- Know Your Car Settings: When you arrive, you will be asked to turn off your headlights for the best viewing experience. Know how to switch them off (or just leave on your parking lights) to keep the line moving smoothly. Please turn off your headlights. It really affects the car in front of you. No one wants bright lights shining on them!! Can you tell the truck behind us did not turn theirs off?!?!
- Tune In: Be ready to tune your radio to the show's dedicated station: 89.9 FM. This station plays the music that is perfectly synchronized to the lights!
- The "Just in Case" Bag: We don't like relying on screens, but sometimes traffic is heavy! Pack a bag with devices or small toys just in case the wait is long, but keep them hidden and use the car games first.
3. Prepare for the Music (Our Favorite Surprise!)
This is where WonderLights truly shines! The light synchronization is incredible, but the music is what makes it so much fun.
- The Soundtrack is Fire: The music selection is a delightful surprise, perfectly timed to the lights. If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, you are going to be jamming out!
- Think Rock Anthems: We’re talking unexpected holiday cheer with songs from bands like Metallica ("Enter Sandman") and Journey. We were immediately Shazaming some of the songs! It's not just the same old carols it's magical and immediately added new songs to our family Christmas playlist.
- Double the Fun: Because the song selection is so great, a second trip might be in order! Hearing different songs could offer a completely new experience.
📍 Visitor & Location Details (Columbus Area)
The show is located at the Hartford Fairgrounds in Hartford, OH. While the event is worth the drive from anywhere in Central Ohio, if you live on the northeast side of Columbus, you're in for a shorter commute. From NW Columbus, the drive might seem long, but as folks who used to drive a similar distance for the original family-run light show in Pittsburgh, trust us it is totally worth it for this caliber of show.
🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Win a Night of Wonder! We're giving away a FREE CARLOAD PASS to WonderLight's Christmas so you can start your own magical tradition!
The main way to qualify is by completing the official entry form:
- FILL OUT THE FORM: Click the link to complete the Official Entry Form and share your favorite Christmas tradition!
Extra Entries (Boost Your Chances!):
Complete these steps after filling out the form for bonus entries (1 extra entry for each action):
- FOLLOW WONDERLIGHT'S: Follow the official WonderLight's Christmas in Ohio Facebook or Instagram page (confirm on the Google Form).
- FOLLOW MACARONI KID: Follow the official [Your Macaroni Kid Facebook/Instagram Page Name] Facebook or Instagram page (confirm on the Google Form).
- TAG FRIENDS: Tag two friends who need a little holiday magic on an upcoming post for the giveaway!
Contest ends Friday, December 12, 2025, at 8:00 PM EST. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via DM. No purchase necessary. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with Instagram/Facebook.
This article was created with a little help from my holiday helper: Gemini
