Located in Northeast Ohio, the Magic of Lights is a captivating holiday light display that brings joy and wonder to visitors of all ages. This spectacular event takes place at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, where a drive-through experience allows visitors to witness a stunning array of colorful lights and festive holiday scenes. As soon as the sun sets, the Magic of Lights comes to life, enveloping the fairgrounds in a vibrant glow. Visitors are greeted by an enchanting entrance adorned with dazzling lights, setting the stage for the magical journey ahead. The entire site is transformed into a winter wonderland, with millions of lights twinkling and illuminating the night sky. Driving through the Magic of Lights is like entering a different world, filled with whimsical displays and holiday cheer.
In addition, the popular synthetic ice-skating rink returns for a second year.
By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy. According to Joey Jarmatcki, a senior at Columbia High School who has worked the event for several years, visitors come from across the area, and a few even travel from out of state, to enjoy the display and find that sometimes elusive holiday spirit.
Driving through the Magic of Lights is like entering a different world, filled with whimsical displays and holiday cheer. As visitors make their way along the designated route, they are treated to a magnificent display of lighted tunnels, shimmering arches, and towering Christmas trees. Scenes of Santa Claus and his reindeer, snowmen, and other holiday characters create a sense of nostalgia and excitement.
Magic of Lights helps those ready to move past Thanksgiving embrace holly jolly festivities
When you ask people from Northeast Ohio when the holiday season starts, you'll get very different answers.
Posted at 10:47 PM, Nov 24, 2022 and last updated 2022-11-24 23:20:00-05MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio — When you ask people from Northeast Ohio when the holiday season starts, you'll get very different answers.
For some, like Ritu Jain Viswanath, she's ready to deck the halls as soon as she can.
"If it were up to me we’d be celebrating Christmas all year long," Jain Viswanath said. "It’s a battle, my husband is basically a Grinch so it’s always like trying to fight. I try to put the Christmas stuff out like right around Halloween."
For others, like her husband, getting through Thanksgiving is a must.
"I stick to Thanksgiving for the start, for setting up that tree, yeah," Rue Viswanath said. "The night after Thanksgiving, the night of Thanksgiving."
The Viswanath's compromised though and after a day celebrating Thanksgiving with family took the kids and loved ones out to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds to see some holiday lights at Magic of Lights.
Magic of Lights opened Wednesday and on Thanksgiving Day was open for families to drive through and enjoy the festivities. So for Tony Ballachino, the operations manager, the holiday season is in full swing.
"Yes, this is the start of Christmas to me, start of Christmas for us. Of course we all celebrated Thanksgiving with our families this morning but as you can see I think people are transitioning," Ballachino said. "I've been listening to Christmas music now for two weeks so we started setting up the first week of November and that’s really when I started getting into the spirit."
Ballachino has always loved holiday lights, so this job is perfect for him.
"The holiday season for me is special. I remember jumping in the car as a kid with my family, going down to Nela Park, taking trips to Oglebay. It was just special," Ballachino said. "So this place while I’m looking around it’s magical to me."
There's no denying the holidays have begun at the fairgrounds With more than 26 different displays and themes, over 1.5 million lights and 1.6 miles of decorations to admire, Magic of Lights is as festive as it gets.
Halfway through the drive sits the Holiday Village display, which allows guests to park and take pictures in front of a large, lit tree and other displays before heading into an indoor facility where Santa is waiting to take pictures with families. Guests can purchase hot cocoa and snacks, and adults can warm up with some beverages of their own. The building also features skating and a bounce house.
Vicki Dadesky is grateful for the Magic of Lights attraction, which brought her and her family out to take them all in Thursday evening.
"It’s never too early to see Christmas lights and you’re playing Mariah Carey All I Want For Christmas, it’s very festive so absolutely," Dadesky said. "We’re ready, Christmas bring it on."
Her niece, Delaney Ferguson, agrees and has a message for anyone who disagrees.
"Mmm, I say where’s the holiday spirit?"
Magic of Lights is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with advanced tickets on sale for $21 per vehicle until Dec. 10 and $26 after that. Tickets at the gate until Dec. 9 are $30 per vehicle on weekdays and $35 on weekends. After Dec. 9, gate tickets are $35 on weekdays and $40 on weekends.
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The Magic of Lights offers something for everyone, from families with young children to couples looking for a romantic evening out. Children's eyes light up with delight as they spot their favorite characters, while adults can't help but be mesmerized by the beauty and artistry of the light displays. One of the unique features of the Magic of Lights is the ability to tune in to a special holiday music station on your car radio. As you drive through the display, the synchronized music enhances the enchanting experience, making it even more immersive and magical. In addition to its stunning beauty, the Magic of Lights promotes a sense of community and giving back. Each year, a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales is donated to local charities, making the event not only a celebration of the holiday season but also an opportunity to support those in need. The Magic of Lights is truly a must-see attraction during the holiday season in Northeast Ohio. It captures the true essence of the season, bringing joy, wonder, and a touch of magic to all who visit. Whether you're young or young at heart, this spectacular light display is sure to create lasting memories and leave you feeling filled with holiday spirit..
Reviews for "Marvel at the Mystical Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio"
1. John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio. First of all, the ticket prices were way too expensive for what was offered. The light displays were lackluster and not very impressive. The whole event felt like a money grab, with long lines and overpriced food and drinks. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time and money on this.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - The Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio was a huge letdown for me. The advertised "spectacular light displays" were underwhelming and not very exciting. It felt like they just put some random lights together without much thought or creativity. The event was also overcrowded, making it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. I expected more from an event that claims to be magical.
3. Mark - 2 stars - I was really expecting a magical experience at the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The light displays were average at best and there were long lines everywhere. The traffic management was poorly handled, leading to frustrating wait times just to enter the event. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and wishing I had spent my money elsewhere.
4. Emily - 1 star - I regret wasting my money on the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio. The event was overpriced for what it offered. The light displays were mediocre and nothing to write home about. It felt like a tourist trap with expensive food and drinks. The whole experience left me feeling unimpressed and unsatisfied. I'll definitely be skipping this event in the future.