Sometimes I find myself lost in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and realize that there is so much more to Christmas than mall shopping for gifts. I decided to take an evening to escape the madness and planned a visit to Clifton Mill for their spectacular light show.
Each year, the Mill sponsors a legendary holiday event that takes place in Clifton, Ohio. From the day after Thanksgiving to December 31st, visitors can experience this over-the-top display with more than 3.5 million lights.
For over 20 years, the mill has been lighting up the holiday season by illuminating the mill, the bridge, the gorge, and the riverbank. In preparation for the event, it takes six men approximately three months to put up the light display.
Located just outside of the mill is a miniature village that displays some of Clifton’s local, historic buildings as well as other structures that would be found in town. For example, there is a drive-in movie theater where a movie is actually playing on its “big screen” as well as the county fair with its moving ferris wheel. I watched the men working in the auto mechanics shop and firefighters climbing on a ladder to put out a fire at the village’s log cabin.
A 1950’s re-creation of Clifton Mill, and the Ohio State band creating its script Ohio as the Goodyear blimp hovers over the field are additional displays which are absolutely spectacular. Before Christmas, visitors can see Santa working out of his workshop. through the frosty glass, I stepped up to the window to see what kinds of toys he was making.
The Santa Claus Museum displays the Satariano family’s private collection of over 3,000 Santas. Some of the items date as far back as 1850 and has taken the family about 40 years to collect. You will find a wide variety of Santas from over the years that range from interesting, odd and elegant.
One of my favorite features was the 100 foot “waterfall” of red and white lights along the riverbank. From here I had a wonderful vantage point to view the synchronized light show that includes the covered bridge and gorge.
After perusing the fascinating holiday display, I strolled over to the mill where I had my choice of hot dogs, sandwiches, popcorn, soft drinks, cookies and pies. I just couldn’t resist a hot chocolate.
Have you made visiting the Clifton Mill’s Legendary Light Display a holiday tradition in your family? I would love to hear from you, so leave a message about your experience in the Comments section below! Happy Travels!
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What to See and What to Do:
Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501
The light display begins the day after Thanksgiving and open nightly through December 31st. Gates open daily at 5PM and the light show starts at 6PM. Gates close at 9PM and the lights are turned off 30 minutes after the gates close. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, the gates close at 8PM.
Parking is free and there is an admission of $10 for guests, 7 years and older, while children 6 and under can enter at no charge.
Where to Stay:
Mills Park Hotel
321 Xenia Avenue
Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Telephone: 937 319 0400
Where to Eat:
Clifton Mill
75 Water Street
Clifton, OH 45316
Telephone: 937 767 5501
Clifton Mill is open on New Year’s Eve with a full menu from 5PM to 8PM, and open daily for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is served all day.
One of my favorite meals at Clifton Mill is the order of pancakes. They are huge! Their pies are delish as well.
What to Read:
Not That I Could Tell, by Jessica Strawser
Photo Guide to Yellow Springs:
- Clifton Gorge
- Colorful, Artsy Streets
- Glen Helen Nature Reserve
- John Bryan State Park
- Sunflower Field, located at 4625 US-68, Yellow Springs (The Tecumseh Sunflower Field)
- Wall Murals
- Preparation for Life Work by Axel Horn hangs in the Yellow Springs Post Office
- Village Cyclery is the location of the oldest mural in Yellow Springs
- “Keith’s Alley” located behind the shops on the east side of Xenia Avenue between Cory and Glen Street showcases several murals
- Winds Cafe displays one of the largest murals in town
- Ohio Silver Co. displays a beautiful painting by Maxfield Parrish
- The patio of Sunrise Cafe
- The Smoking Octopus displays the works of Sarah Dickens
- The Xenia Avenue Shops’ painting was created by local Mandy Knaul (Mandy Sue)
- Corner Cone mural designed by Pierre Nagley
- Kings Yard murals
The beautiful Clifton Mill Holiday Light Display
The County Fair, Auto Mechanics Shop and Firefighters at the Scene
1950’s style diner
The Ohio State Football Game
A re-creation of the Clifton Mill
Santa and his reindeer