‘Tis the season for cozy evening drives and gazing at festively decorated homes while holiday tunes play on the radio. There are plenty of large-scale light displays and attractions across the Queen City, but while these suburban gems are smaller-budget, family-run operations, they are overflowing with passionate holiday spirit. Here are two of our favorites on either side of the Ohio River.

 

 

 

Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Zapf’s Christmas Display in North College Hill 2032 Galbraith Road, North College Hill Every Christmas, a slice of suburban North College Hill becomes awash in a glorious twinkling, festive glow. Zapf’s Christmas Display has been lighting up the neighborhood since 1970, originally created by Bill “Santa Z” Zapf. After Bill died in 2008, his son — who has the same name — kept the tradition alive. Roll up to 2032 Galbraith Road and you’ll be greeted by an an array of illuminated figures: reindeer, cheery snowmen, suited-up Santas and candy canes. Twinkling lights pepper trees and line the house’s borders; even an iteration of A Christmas Story’s infamous leg lamp glows in a window. Photo via Facebook.com/ZapfsChristmasDisplay
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Sam Locey
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Sam Locey
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Sam Locey
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Sam Locey
Newport Light Display with a View 100 W. Broadway St., Newport This extravagant light display comes with a spectacular view of downtown Cincinnati framed by an enormous 25-foot lit wreath. Drive through colorful light arches down the Broadway Street hill and gaze upon a dazzlingly entertaining display of sparkling lights, inflatable holiday characters, a model trains, an illuminated snowman family inside a parked van, a giant projection screen featuring holiday movies, and mosey past the North Pole to check out a magical view of the city.  Photo: Hailey Bollinger