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Just because its a little cold outside, doesnt mean theres nothing to do but Netflix and chill. Cincinnati has numerous winter events in which to take part, including light displays you can enjoy from the warmth of your own car or even bundle up and walk through.
Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden does its annual glow-up with the 36th-annual Festival of Lights, the No. 1 zoo light show in the country (as voted by USA Today). More than 3 million LED bulbs will transform the park into a Wild Wonderland with festively adorned foliage, glowing animal sculptures, the ever-so-instagrammable rainbow-light tunnel and fun holiday and nature scenes depicted in twinkling bulbs. There will also be a black-light puppet show, Toyland Express train ride, everyones favorite synchronized holiday music-and-light display on Swan Lake and assorted smores stands. Nov. 17-Jan. 1, 2019. Free with zoo admission: $19 adult; $13 child/senior; online discounts available. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Photo: Derek DammannFestival of Lights
Photo: Kathy NewtonFestival of Lights
Photo: Cassandre CrawfordFestival of Lights
Photo: Kathy NewtonChristmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
Whats cuter than dazzling lights depicting gleeful snowmen, colorful trees, grooving candy canes and snowflakes? Not much. Bonus: You can see it all in the warmth of your own car. Listen to tunes via the radio Coney Island has their own station thats synchronized to the light dis-play and shamelessly jam to as much holiday spirit as you please. Even if youre still getting over the prior nights Thanksgiving feast. Seriously, no judgement here. The display show winds through two and a half miles of the park so theres plenty to take in before you head home to dream of dancing sugar plums. Through Jan. 6. $6 per person. Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.
Photo: ProvidedChristmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
Photo: ProvidedChristmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
Photo: ProvidedHoliday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill
The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is no stranger to outdoor beauty, but why not ramp it up this winter with a holiday-themed display? Load up the van and drive through the looped two-mile glowing hybrid sculpture and light display. This year, Brave Berlin the creative team behind last years BLINK art and light festival and the previous Lumenocity events has crafted something extra special. Entry fee is by the carload so the kids can bring a friend. Nov. 16-Jan. 1, 2019. $20 per carload Monday-Thursday; $25 per carload Friday-Sunday; $15 for members all days. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
Photo: ProvidedHoliday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill
Photo: ProvidedHoliday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill
Photo: ProvidedHoliday in Lights at Sharon Woods
For 28 years, this annual event has transformed into a staple Cincy holiday tradition. Kick back in your car and take a joy ride through a mile-long stretch of Sharon Woods. Dial the radio to Warm 98 the lights are synchronized to the music. After or before, take the kiddos to the wonder-filled Santaland, open through Dec. 23 (just in time for him to get his sleigh in gear.) 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Through Dec. 31. $15 per vehicle. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, holidayinlights.com.
Photo: ProvidedHoliday in Lights at Sharon Woods
Photo: ProvidedChristmas Glow at Land of Illusion
This haunted Halloween attraction transforms for the season. Instead of ghosts and ghouls, find a glowing drive-through light display commemorating Christmas Around the World, with a twinkling Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and Big Ben. 6-10 p.m. Monday-Wednesday (drive-through only); 6-10 p.m. Thursday and Sunday (drive-through and Christmas Village); 6-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday (drive-through and Christmas Village) Nov. 21-Dec. 30. $16 per vehicle; $20 with Christmas Village admission. Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, landofillusion.com.
Photo: ProvidedChristmas Glow at Land of Illusion
Photo: Provided