Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill
Over five million holiday lights illuminate the mill, gorge, riverbanks, and covered bridge, complemented by a 100-foot light waterfall and a 20-foot twinkling tree. Visitors can explore the outdoor Miniature Village, watch a synchronized light and music show at the covered bridge, and look inside Santa's Workshop. The display also includes an indoor Santa Claus Museum and a toy collection.
See more Christmas lights near Clifton
Plan Your Visit
Website / Tickets
When
Hours
6pm to 9pm; gates open at 5pm; Dec. 24th & 25th close at 8pm.
Ages
Children 3 and under are free. Admission is $15 per person for ages 4 and older.
Food & Drink
Every night except Christmas and New Year’s Eve, visitors can get hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies, pie, popcorn, and soft drinks.
Parking
Free parking.
Accessibility
Wheelchair and stroller accessible, though strollers are not permitted inside buildings.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Going?
Location
Tips & Advice
- Come Monday through Thursday if you can, because those nights are much less crowded than weekends and Saturday is the busiest night of all.
- Bring cash for admission, because it gets you through the gate much quicker and cards come with a convenience fee at the gate.
- Get to the covered bridge just before the top of the hour, when all the lights go dark and the synchronized music and light show begins.
- Visit before the night before Christmas Eve if you want to see the live Santa at work in his workshop.
- Stop at the new 20-foot Twinkling Tree of Lights beside the water wheel for a photo, and dress warmly since most of the display is outdoors.
Special Events & Promotions
- November 28: Governor Mike DeWine flips the lights to kick off the season.
- December 1: Greene County Commissioners night, with part of the night's proceeds going to the Greene County Fish Pantry.
- December 5 and 12: Dayton Children's Hospital Ambassadors are the VIP light flippers.
- New this year: a 20-foot Twinkling Tree of Lights with 7,000 lights, beside the water wheel.
- Groups of 15 or more get a per-person discount if one person pays for the whole group.
Links & Contact
Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best night to visit?
Monday through Thursday nights are much less crowded. Saturday is the busiest night.
Is food served during the lights?
Yes, every night except Christmas and New Year's Eve. There are hot dogs, BBQ pork sandwiches, soup, cornbread, hot chocolate, cookies, pie, popcorn and soft drinks.
Can kids sit on Santa's lap for a photo?
No. Santa is in his workshop making toys. About every 15 minutes he checks his list and goes up the chimney to load his sleigh. He's there every night until the night before Christmas Eve.
Is the display indoors or outdoors?
Both. The Gift Shop and Santa Museum are inside. The Miniature Village and the light display are outside.
Does it open in rain or snow?
It stays closed in severe weather or heavy rain. Closures are posted on Clifton Mill's Christmas lights page, or you can call 937-767-5501.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.