5 must-see holiday lights shows in Butler County

The Journey Borealis holiday light display was illuminated during a preview event Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

The Journey Borealis holiday light display was illuminated during a preview event Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020 at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park in Hamilton. GREG LYNCH / STAFF

There is considerable controversy over when one should actually start celebrating Christmas. In Butler County, more often than not, it’s a few days before you’ve even pre-heated the Thanksgiving oven.

Here is a list of the local holiday light shows that allow you to celebrate Christmas in November.

Journey Borealis

Here’s a light show where you don’t even have to leave your car. Drive through a two-mile landscape that features Pyramid Hill’s venerable sculptures illuminated by over two million lights. The soundtrack is provided by the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and Cincinnati Boys Choir. (Nov. 19-Jan. 2, 2022. 6-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, 6-10 p.m. Sundays. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road., Hamilton. Admission is $20 per carload Mondays-Thursdays, $25 per carload Fridays-Saturdays, and $15 for members. For more information, call 513-863-8336 or visit www.pyramidhill.org.)

Hamilton’s Music On Main

Downtown Hamilton will formally welcome Christmas with its annual Music on Main event. Shops will be open and music will be played along the route. (Friday, Nov. 19, 5-8 p.m. High St., Hamilton. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-860-4194.) On Saturday, the city will host “Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays” where the tree at Marcum Park will be lit. That event includes live music, Santa for visits, carriage rides, live reindeer and more.

Fairfield’s Parade of Lights

Fairfield residents can kick off their Christmas season with this party at Village Green Park. There will be food, drink, and live music and entertainment, including the Fairfield Starz Dancers and performers from Cincinnati Christian Schools. At 6 p.m., the third annual Parade of Lights will travel through Fairfield and end at Village Green Park. The party will conclude with the lighting of Village Green Park at 7 p.m. with Santa and Mayor Steve Miller. (Nov. 27, 4-7 p.m. Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, Fairfield. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit www.fairfield-city.org.

Light Up Middletown

Middletown’s holiday light show is also a themed drive-through event. Come see Santa’s workshop and sleigh, a penguin village, leaping deer and even a sea serpent floating in a lake. Due to COVID-19, Santa and Mrs. Claus will again not be making an appearance this year. Nov. 25-Dec. 31. 6-10 p.m. Smith Park, 500 Tytus Avenue and Verity Parkway, Middletown. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. All proceeds go to community programs. For more information, visit www.lightupmiddletown.org.

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion

Expanding its repertoire in recent years, Land of Illusion is once again holding their “Christmas Around the World” Christmas Glow. The two-mile drive-through features 3.8 million lights, depicting global landmarks such as Big Ben, the Taj Majal, the Sydney Opera House, and others. Land of Illusion Christmas attractions also include Santa’s Workshop, a Christmas village, fire pits, a gift shop, and a 45-foot Christmas tree. (Nov. 24-Dec. 30, 6-10 p.m. 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. Tickets are $7. For more information, call 513-423-9960 or visit www.landofillusion.com.

About the Author