The Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio is a spectacular drive-through Christmas light show that takes place annually in the Northeast Ohio region. This event is no ordinary Christmas light display – it is a dazzling, immersive experience that brings joy and wonder to all who visit. The Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio features over one million twinkling LED lights, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. The lights are arranged in various themed displays, including whimsical holiday characters, enchanting landscapes, and iconic Christmas scenes. As you drive through the course, you are transported into a world of sparkling lights and festive cheer. One of the highlights of the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio is the Tunnel of Lights.
Mark's Retreat is a gorgeous, newly renovated lodge just minutes from Ohiopyle State Park and Fallingwater.
This cottage and the surrounding summertime community area are so special that Jenny and many of the other homeowners don t talk about its exact location for fear of attracting visitors who may want to change the way of life there. This cottage and the surrounding summertime community area are so special that Jenny and many of the other homeowners don t talk about its exact location for fear of attracting visitors who may want to change the way of life there.
One of the highlights of the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio is the Tunnel of Lights. This tunnel is a magical passage adorned with thousands of lights, creating a breathtaking and immersive experience. Driving through the tunnel feels like being enveloped in a shimmering wonderland.
My Magical Cottage in the Woods
When you design high-end kitchens and baths for a living, it’s hard to pick your five or even 10 favorite projects. And that’s how it was with Jenny Rausch from Karr Bick Kitchen & Bath. I might as well have asked her to choose her favorite child. Instead, she offered, “My favorite thing I have ever designed is our family’s cottage in the woods.” After I looked at photos and heard the story of the cottage, it was easy to see and understand why.
The cottage rests in a summer camp-like setting on the bluffs of the Mississippi River just south of Grafton, Illinois. The confluence of the rivers reminds me of my own childhood in the Catskills of New York. Other families live on the same land (which is owned by the community with 100-year leases), each with their own private setting. Personally, I can’t imagine anything more special than the site of Jenny’s cottage.
This rustic gem dates back to around the same time as the St. Louis World’s Fair although the stone foundation is from the original settlement in 1885. Jenny and her husband Todd – both creative types - had a shared vision for the cottage. With Jenny’s design expertise and Todd’s carpentry skills, they have restored this cottage to look like something from a Ralph Lauren catalog or the set of the Netflix hit series Virgin River. From a distance as you approach, what immediately captures your eye are the wrap-around screened-in porch accented by string lights, painted wood siding with contrasting window frames, old stone stairs set high on a stone foundation (once used for tents), a reclaimed antique screen door, the outdoor furniture, flags and other Americana accessories.
Once inside, you’ll be amazed at the intimacy of this less than 1,000 square foot retreat. It’s clearly been designed for the family to be close, and it’s hard not to imagine someone strumming a guitar, kids playing games, and lots of memories being made as the smell of dinner wafts from the custom kitchen. The walls are made from six-foot high beadboard, stained palette-wood, and shiplap planks found at area lumber yards. With gothic-inspired arches and stair details, six-foot high wainscotting, wood ceilings, collections of pictures, horns and antlers, and even belt-driven ceiling fans, the cottage is as authentic and nostalgic as they come.
But behind all the details are the conveniences you would expect from Jenny and Karr Bick including a hidden washer and dryer, fine plumbing fixtures, recessed lighting, a chef’s kitchen with a Viking oven and six-burner cooktop, and air conditioning. With the windows wide open, the sounds of the wind, chirping birds, crunching leaves, and kids on bikes fill the air.
This cottage and the surrounding summertime community area are so special that Jenny and many of the other homeowners don’t talk about its exact location for fear of attracting visitors who may want to change the way of life there. There are a couple of cottages for sale but ownership must be approved by the community and you cannot own the land. Jenny’s cottage reminds me of a doll house-sized model of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, but it’s so much more.
While it’s perfect as is, Jenny’s dream is to build a mother-in-law style guest cottage on the property to allow more family to spend time together there. Currently the cottage is only used in the summer and special holidays like Thanksgiving. With its Native American roots, you can just imagine the earliest Thanksgivings with a long table outside, bonfires and hayrides, and the coming together of community, family, and friends.
Jenny had the good fortune of spending childhood summers in the same community but a different cottage. “My parents discovered the community when I was eight years old. Our cottage was a classic Victorian with a beautiful turret in my bedroom.”
When I first spoke with Jenny to get more details of the cottage, she was preparing for the annual dance performance by the 120 children, aged three to 18, who live there in the summer. Of course, Jenny is the director, not to mention the grounds manager overseeing the community’s self-contained power, water, and sewer systems. Jenny reflects, “I just find this place magical, and I am grateful to have come here as a child and now share it with my family. The cottage is a labor of love. It’s so perfect, I hate to leave it.”
House in Confluence
Another enchanting feature of the event is the synchronized light and sound shows. Some sections of the drive-through display feature lights that dance in sync with popular Christmas music, creating a truly magical atmosphere. These synchronized displays add an extra layer of wonder and excitement to the overall experience. The Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio is a family-friendly event that appeals to people of all ages. Children, in particular, are mesmerized by the colorful lights and whimsical displays. This event provides a unique opportunity for families to create lasting memories together and start their holiday season on a joyful note. In addition to being a delightful experience for visitors, the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio also supports a good cause. A portion of the proceeds from the event goes to local charities, making it a feel-good activity that gives back to the community. Overall, the Magic of Lights Northeast Ohio is a magical and awe-inspiring Christmas light show that brings joy and wonder to countless visitors each year. Whether you are a local resident or visiting the region during the holiday season, this event is certainly worth adding to your must-see list. Prepare to be dazzled by the beauty and magic of the lights and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime..
Reviews for "Enchanting Light Installations in Northeast Ohio: Unveiling the Magic"
1. John Doe - 2 stars - The Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio was a huge disappointment for me and my family. The light displays were lackluster and unimpressive. Many of the lights were not even working properly, which took away from the overall experience. The advertised "magic" was nowhere to be found. We expected a dazzling and enchanting display, but instead got a subpar and underwhelming event. Save your money and find a better light show in the area!
2. Jane Smith - 1 star - I had high hopes for the Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio, but sadly, it didn't live up to my expectations at all. The displays were minimal and uninspiring. The whole event felt rushed and thrown together, with little effort put into making it truly magical. The ticket prices were quite steep for what we got, and I left feeling disappointed and ripped off. I would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a truly enchanting light display experience.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - The Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio was a letdown for me. The lights were dim and the displays were unimpressive. It lacked the wow factor I was expecting. The event felt overcrowded and rushed, with little opportunity to fully enjoy and take in the lights. The organization and flow of the event could have been better. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and wished I had spent my money on a different holiday attraction.
4. Michael Thompson - 2 stars - I was excited to visit the Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The light displays were average at best, and the overall atmosphere was lacking in that magical holiday spirit. The ticket prices were quite high for what was offered, and it didn't feel like a good value for money. I would suggest exploring other light displays in the area that offer a more enchanting experience.
5. Emily Davis - 1 star - The Magic of Lights in Northeast Ohio was a complete disappointment. The displays were underwhelming and lacked creativity. It felt like the organizers just threw some lights together without any thought or effort. The long wait in line to enter was not worth it, as the actual event was lackluster. I wouldn't waste my time or money on this event again. There are much better light displays out there.