For nearly four decades, Clifton Mill has celebrated the Christmas season in a very special way. This road-trip-worthy light display is one of the country’s finest, with around 5 million Christmas lights illuminating the mill, the gorge, the riverbanks, trees and bridges.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill was nominated again as one of USA TODAY’S 10 Best Readers’ Choice Travel Awards for Best Public Holiday Lights Display in 2022, and the 2025 season keeps building on that magic.
Quick Details (2025):
Dates: November 28, 2025, through December 30, 2025
Time: Gates are open every night from 5 pm–9 pm. The lights turn on at 6 pm. *Clifton Mill closes at 8 pm on Dec. 24–25.*
Location: Historic Clifton Mill | 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316
Cost: $15 per person for ages 4 and older; children 3 and under are free
There is even a 100-foot “waterfall” of twinkling lights. The flip of one switch turns all the lights on at once, transforming night into a fantastical winter wonderland.
RELATED ARTICLE: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun around Indianapolis
The lights have been featured in Midwest Living and Ohio Magazine. Families can explore a detailed Miniature Village, wander through the Santa Claus Museum and enjoy a spectacular synchronized lights-and-music show that features the old covered bridge.
Every night through December 23, you can peek into Santa’s Workshop to see a live Santa at work and then, every 15 minutes or so, watch him check his list and go up the chimney to load his sleigh!
Why It’s Worth the Drive from Indianapolis
Clifton Mill is about a 2-hour drive (around 110 miles) from Indianapolis, which makes it an easy same-day road trip or a fun overnight getaway for Indy families. Once you arrive, everything is walkable and packed into one festive stop: millions of lights, a real working mill, food, hot cocoa, and plenty of places for kids to explore and burn off energy.
Because the display overlooks a gorge and river, it feels different from most flat walk-through light shows closer to home. Kids love the “waterfall” of lights and the covered bridge show, while parents tend to linger over the miniature village, toy collections and thousands of Santas in the museum. You can pair your visit with nearby Yellow Springs or a stop for dinner, then head back to Indianapolis the same night.
So gather your family, load up the car and head out to see The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill for an instant “Christmas Spirit” boost.
What You Should Know:
- The gates open at 5 pm, and the lights come on at 6 pm.
- The gates close at 9 pm, and lights go off 30 minutes later.
- On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Clifton Mill closes at 8 pm.
- Parking is free.
- Santa comes to Clifton Mill to make toys in his workshop but is not available for photos or lap visits.
- Admission is $15 per person for everyone age 4 and older. Children 3 and under get in FREE.
- Mastercard & Visa are accepted; a small convenience fee may be charged at the gate.
- Food (like hot dogs, BBQ pork, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies and more) is typically available most nights except on Christmas.
- Check the weather and the Clifton Mill website before you go, as they may close for severe weather.
- Visit cliftonmill.com/christmas-lights for the latest info and updates.
