Woodland Lights offers a fantasy-land of holiday lights and displays along a half-mile wooded path. The 26-night event enters its 20th season with more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors every year.

Nature and nostalgia come together during a month of holiday lighting and festivities at the 20th annual Woodland Lights.

Visitors to the nightly event can enjoy the beauty of lights sparkling along a half-mile wooded path and reflecting against a woodland pond. Along the trail, whimsical characters and illuminated critters prepare for the holidays, while a real-life Santa Claus visits with children inside an historic log cabin decorated as a candyland.

“The front of Woodland Lights feels more like a festival with lighting and animation,” said Linda Madden, Woodland Lights coordinator. “The mood at the back of the park is quieter, more pristine, and emphasizes the park’s natural beauty.”

“When we started Woodland Lights 20 years ago, we wanted it to be something that was magical and enchanting. We’re staying true to that vision,” Madden said.

Woodland Lights opens Friday November 30 and runs through December 30 (closed 12/24 & 12/25) from 6-9pm and includes carriage rides and a number of entertaining detours such as interactive lights, bonfires, and a food booth serving hot chocolate and other treats. Select nights feature live deer, amusement rides, games and activities.

Visit Santa!

At Woodland Lights, it’s easy to find Santa. Just walk down a sparkling path until you see an historic log cabin decorated in lights.

Turn right at the split rail fence and Santa will welcome you to his cozy cabin every night through December 23. The setting offers an inviting alternative to more commercialized visits with Santa. While young visitors whisper their wish lists in Santa’s ear, parents are invited to snap a picture. Photos also may be purchased for $5.

“This is a real, historic log home that originally was located in Hillsboro, Ohio,” says Woodland Lights Coordinator Linda Madden. “Everything about it is authentic – from the large beams over head to the old limestone fireplace.” A fire burns bright each night in a large hearth near Santa’s chair, greenery is draped across the mantle, and a tree is decorated in the corner.

After Christmas, Santa returns to the North Pole but his cabin stays open for visitors to stop and warm themselves by the fire.

Nostalgia Nights Monday & Tuesdays

View the lights, enjoy refreshments, and visit with Santa before Christmas in an historic log cabin. Musical entertainment in the cabin the day after Christmas.

COST: $3 (Free for kids 2 and under)

Festival Nights Wednesdays – Sundays

For visitors who want the most that Woodland Lights offers. Lights, Refreshments & Santa Visits PLUS carriage rides, amusement rides, costumed characters, live deer games, and activities musical entertainment after Christmas.

COST: $6 (Free for kids 2 and under)

(from the WashingtonTwp.org website)

Dayton Most Metro Ticket Contest

We have FIVE FAMILY FOUR-PACKS of tickets to give away to visit the Woodland Lights – simply fill out the form below and then leave a comment saying that YOU would like to see the Woodland Lights Holiday Display in Washington Township. We’ll draw winners on Friday 11/30 after 1pm – GOOD LUCK!

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to our winners!

Terry Bowers Larson.
Kristine Livingston
Rebecca Monce
Tina Gabrielson
Karin Teske