Clifton Mill Christmas Lights 2023

Last Updated on August 26, 2023 by Cindy

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights are a sight like nothing you have seen before. Millions of lights illuminate historic Clifton Mill to create the most perfect Ohio Christmas lights display. 

Visit Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights are touted as one of the best light displays in the state and midwest region! Clifton Mill and the surrounding gorge, bank, trees and bridges are illuminated with millions of lights. 

The lights tradition at Clifton Mill has been going strong for over 35+ years! Traditionally, Clifton Mill Christmas lights can be viewed from after Thanksgiving to the end of December.

You will be mesmerized by the 4 million lights on display. There is even a 10-foot waterfall of twinkling lights. While there you can visit the miniature village they have set up where you can peek into Santa’s workshop where you can see him hard at work!

Hungry? Grab a snack while viewing all the Ohio Christmas lights! You can generally find things like hot dogs, bbq sandwiches, soup, hot chocolate and some sweets!  

FUN FACT: Clifton Mill won the $50,000 grand prize on the ABC's “The Great Christmas Light Fight” back in 2018!

FUN FACT #2: Clifton Mill was once again nominated for USA TODAY’S 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for 2022, and also a contender for Best Public Holiday Lights Display! Very impressive!

Is there food at Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

YES! You can find a delicious selection of snack foods inside. Things like popcorn, giant pretzels, nachos, hotdogs and more! Inside they accept cash and credit.

Outside there is a Hot Chocolate Shack, this is a cash-only purchase.

Parking at Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

The road is closed in front of the mill. Just follow the signs that say free parking, It will lead you to a parking lot across the water from the mill. From there you’ll access the site via the beautiful covered bridge!

What else is at Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

Besides all the beautiful lights on the mill, you can see the covered bridge light show every 30 minutes. The lights dance to the beat of the music and it is a beautiful site! You can see the life-sized manger scene as well as a huge miniature animated town display. Oh, yes, Santa is there too! He is busy working in his workshop but it takes time to wave at everyone through the window. If you are lucky, he'll pop out of the chimney and talk with you! He did that twice when we were there in 2022!

What Others Are Saying About Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

• Simply Spectacular Light Show!!!!! So much fun. (Linda C)
• It is awesome at Christmas with all the lights, however, the entrance fee is a little steep. Fun for kids though. (Ken D)
• First time going and it was amazing. Loved the miniature town setup. Santa came out of the chimney to wave to everyone. The light show on the covered bridge was great. (Kim J)

Fast Facts for Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

• Dates for 2023: November 24th - December 30th
• The gates open around 5 pm - 9 pm each night (Special Hours Dec 24/25 6-8pm) - I would highly suggest going during the week and getting there between 5 and 5:30, it gets busy quick!
• The lights are “on” from 6 pm to 9:30 pm
• Parking is free
• Admission is $10 per person (Mon-Wed) for ages 4+ older - Children 3 and under are free AND $15 a person (Thurs-Sun)
• Major credit cards and cash are accepted
• Visit the website for more information

Personal Review of Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

Clifton Mills Christmas Lights was spectacular! I (Cindy) went with one of my kiddos in December 2022! This was our first time visiting during the holiday season. We have previously seen the mill in all its beauty during the summer months! We arrived around 5:30, the gates open at 5. I would suggest you get there between 5 and 5:30 as it fills up quickly with other onlookers.  There are no lights on until 6 pm. It is beautiful to see the dark night transform into a bright Christmas scene! Totally spectacular! Plan to be there 1-2 hours to view everything. 

There are port-a-potties onsite, the inside bathrooms are closed. Inside you can still shop and purchase food!  It seems that pretzels and popcorn were the popular items I can attest that the popcorn was delicious!  Outside you can find a hot chocolate shack! 

There is a covered bridge light show that happens every ½ hour, so be sure to watch for that. If you don’t have a good view the first time around, just wait a half hour!

They had a life-sized manger scene and a beautiful miniature lighted town on display.  Santa (the real live one) was in his workshop waving to children and adults through the window, then he’d go up through the chimney and talk to children from the top of the chimney!

The Christmas spirit was in full effect, you could feel it!

Parking: the road is closed in front of the mill. Just follow the signs that say free parking, It will lead you to a parking lot across the water from the mill. From there you’ll access the site via the beautiful covered bridge!

Where is Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

Clifton Mill Christmas Lights are located at 75 Water Street, Clifton Ohio 45316

Parking: the road is closed in front of the mill. Just follow the signs that say free parking, It will lead you to a parking lot across the water from the mill. From there you’ll access the site via the beautiful covered bridge!

Let’s go to Clifton Mill Christmas Lights

Have you visited the Clifton Mill Christmas Lights in previous years or even this year? We would love to know! Drop us a comment below to share your thoughts and tips from your visit!

If you want to visit at any other time of the year, see our Clifton Mill article.

A HUGE thanks to reader KB for sharing her pictures from a recent visit to see the Clifton Mill Christmas Lights! We love the kids peeking in to see Santa!