Cleveland’s Public Square chases away the early darkness of the winter evenings with its spectacular lights.

In the darkest days of winter, when the sun sets early and the nights grow long, the festive lights of Northeast Ohio offer an escape and some fun. Students shared their favorite spots to bask in the glow of these holiday illuminations. As you look ahead, past the papers and exams, you may also be interested in getting out and into the spirit of the season under the warmth of the lights with your own family and friends.

Emily Freund, a junior, finds a special kind of magic in Cleveland’s Public Square. “There’s something about the lights at Public Square that just lifts your spirits,” she said. “On these winter nights, the bright colors and the huge, sparkling tree make everything feel more festive,” Emily recalled with a smile.

Freshman Brook Tercek echoed this feeling, but about the Wild Winter Lights exhibit at the Cleveland Zoo. “The zoo becomes a winter wonderland,” she described. “Walking through the displays, with all the lights reflecting off each other, makes the early nighttime feel kinda fun. The trees are wrapped in lights and the other lights show the shapes of animals along the paths of the zoo.”

Tommy Mercer, a junior, spoke about the sophistication of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. “The way the lights drape over the gardens and buildings is pretty cool and awesome,” he noted. “It makes me think that even in the dark months, there can be light and something to do outside. The inside of the house is so historical and cool during the holidays.”

McKayla McGee finds similar joy in Strongsville’s Winter Wonderland. “It’s like stepping into a holiday movie on Hallmark,” she shared. “The lights make everything bright and happy. The glow from the decorations, the hot chocolate, and the laughter of others light up the evening.”

“Going to the Wild Lights at Akron Zoo was pretty cool,” Dom Romanini said. “The lights were everywhere, making the whole zoo look different and out of the ordinary. The lanterns and the light show were my favorite parts, and seeing the animals at night was pretty different. It’s definitely a fun place to check out during the holidays.”

As the holiday season grows brighter, these festive light displays in the Cleveland and Akron areas offer a fun reason to get out of the house. Use this linked information to plan your escape with family and friends.

Cleveland Public Square   The heart of Cleveland lights up with this stunning display, including a giant Christmas tree and lighted tunnels.

Wild Winter Lights at Cleveland Zoo   Explore over a million lights in themes like Santa’s Workshop and the Enchanted Forest.

Strongsville Winter Wonderland   This place is a winter dream come true where everyone gets in the spirit by walking through the lighted displays while Christmas music plays.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens    The historic estate transforms into an elegant holiday light display and  offers a beautiful atmosphere to share with family and friends.

Akron Zoo “Wild Lights”  The zoo is decorated with more than one million lights and features displays and synchronized light shows throughout the zoo. Visitors can also enjoy meeting Santa Claus.