It’s about that time of year again and so many of the neighborhoods and towns around Cincinnati will begin to transform into winter wonderlands. Fight it if you want, but the magic of the holiday season will hopefully win you over eventually and if you’re still feeling like a relative of the Grinch, then head to Clifton, Ohio’s Clifton Mill. This historic mill and charming destination north of the Queen City may just be the best Christmas town near Cincinnati. With millions of lights and abundant enchantment, Clifton is simply a must-visit spot this season.
The historic Clifton Mill in Clifton, Ohio is a wonderful day trip destination from Cincinnati all year long.
Facebook/Clifton Mill At only 90 minutes north of downtown, it really isn’t a bad drive to visit this legendary and visually stunning mill and its property. And at Christmastime, this town illuminates like no other place in our region.
It takes six hard workers three months to hang the lights and decorate the property.
Facebook/Clifton Mill When they are finished, more than four million lights can be found on the buildings, along the pathways, landscape, and even over a covered bridge.
The light display officially begins the day after Thanksgiving and runs daily through December 30th.
Facebook/Clifton Mill The gates open at 5 p.m. and the lights come on for the night at 6 p.m. Most nights the event closes at 9 p.m., but on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day it is over at 8 p.m.
As you may imagine, this festive town and display draw large crowds, eager to take in the magic.
Facebook/Clifton Mill If you’d like to try and avoid the largest crowds, visit Monday through Thursday. Saturdays are the most crowded, but at least you’ll be surrounded by others who are looking for festive fun and holiday cheer.
The illuminated covered bridge is one of many spots to explore during your visit and there are plenty of other things to do as well.
Facebook/Clifton Mill You’ll find that Santa enjoys the Mill as much as the visitors and he is there every night through December 23rd, making toys for good boys and girls. While there are no pictures with Santa, you can watch the jolly elf make toys and prepare for his big day.
During this Christmas event, Clifton Mill offers select food and beverages, including hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies, pie, popcorn, and soft drinks.
Facebook/Clifton Mill Parking for the event is free and admission is $10/person for everyone 4 and older. You may want to bring cash to make the line go faster and to avoid the convenience fee for using a Visa or Master Card.
If you can’t make it up to Clifton’s Clifton Mill after sunset, the property is still stunning during the day.
Facebook/Clifton Mill Visit for a hot breakfast and stroll around, taking in the sites. Especially after a fresh snowfall, this is truly the best Christmas town near Cincinnati.
With a longrunning tradition of incredible lights and decorations, Clifton’s Clifton Mill is easily in the running as the best Christmas town near Cincinnati. Have you braved the crowds and spent time at the legendary Christmas Lights at Clifton Mill? Share your experience with us in the comments!
Facebook/Clifton Mill
At only 90 minutes north of downtown, it really isn’t a bad drive to visit this legendary and visually stunning mill and its property. And at Christmastime, this town illuminates like no other place in our region.
When they are finished, more than four million lights can be found on the buildings, along the pathways, landscape, and even over a covered bridge.
The gates open at 5 p.m. and the lights come on for the night at 6 p.m. Most nights the event closes at 9 p.m., but on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day it is over at 8 p.m.
If you’d like to try and avoid the largest crowds, visit Monday through Thursday. Saturdays are the most crowded, but at least you’ll be surrounded by others who are looking for festive fun and holiday cheer.
You’ll find that Santa enjoys the Mill as much as the visitors and he is there every night through December 23rd, making toys for good boys and girls. While there are no pictures with Santa, you can watch the jolly elf make toys and prepare for his big day.
Parking for the event is free and admission is $10/person for everyone 4 and older. You may want to bring cash to make the line go faster and to avoid the convenience fee for using a Visa or Master Card.
Visit for a hot breakfast and stroll around, taking in the sites. Especially after a fresh snowfall, this is truly the best Christmas town near Cincinnati.
For more information and even more details, visit the Clifton Mill Christmas Lights website.
And for more of the best Christmas light displays around Cincinnati, check out this festive road trip.
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Address: Historic Clifton Mill, 75 Water St, Clifton, OH 45316, USA
