Light Up Middletown

Light Up Middletown is really interesting because it’s entirely donation-driven. Drop some cash in the box, and you’re in. Want to come back a few more times? That’s fine. Want to drive through multiple times in one night? Go for it. It’s one of the few truly free (or pay-what-you-can) Christmas light spectaculars in the greater Cincinnati area.

Simply Massive

This is one of the longest-feeling light displays we’ve ever driven through. Spanning 100 acres of Smith Park in Middletown, the route just keeps going. And going. You wind past themed displays including a floating sea serpent in the reflecting lake, Santa’s Workshop, an American flag display, Penguin Village, deer leaping over the roadway, a helicopter, whales, and much more—all with thousands of twinkling LED animated lights.

One of the many displays at Light Up Middletown

I love it. It’s beautiful, it’s huge, and the variety of displays keeps it interesting throughout the entire drive.

The display stretches across 100 acres

The Donation Situation

Here’s the one weird thing: it was kind of tricky to actually give them a donation. They have a drop box, but I didn’t even notice it until we were leaving. There’s no card reader or online payment option that I saw—it’s cash only for the drop box.

My recommendation: have cash ready before you arrive, and look for the drop box at the entrance. They deserve the support for putting on such an impressive free event.

Special Events

On select nights during the display, they hold a hot air balloon glow where balloon pilots inflate and light their balloons against the backdrop of the light display. If you can catch one of these nights, it’s supposed to be spectacular.

Practical Details

• Dates: November 27 - December 31, 2025
• Hours: 6pm - 10pm nightly
• Open: Every night regardless of weather, including all holidays
• Location: Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue, Middletown, OH 45042
• Tip: Bring cash for the donation box. Motorcoach tours are welcome—all arches accommodate buses.

Final Thoughts

Light Up Middletown punches way above its weight for a donation-based event. The sheer scale of it—100 acres of lights—makes it feel like an event that should cost $25 per car, not whatever you feel like dropping in a box. I love that it’s accessible to everyone regardless of budget, and I love that you can come back multiple times without worrying about the cost. Just remember to bring cash and find that drop box.