Clifton Mill: A Historic Display of Lights
Recently, my family and I had the opportunity to visit Ohio’s Historic Clifton Mill at Christmastime. They were truly magical! I’m a sucker for a nice covered bridge, and a historic setting, and Christmas lights, and let’s say this place did not disappoint!
The Clifton Mill located about 30 miles east of Dayton, Ohio and is very easy to get to. We went on a Tuesday evening, and while they were busy, I cannot imagine how busy they are on a weekend! The lights display is open from 6pm-9pm nightly, with the parking lot opening at 5:00pm. We arrived shortly before 7:00 and spent a little over an hour.
We were not sure what exactly to expect, but it was beautiful! My 13 year old niece put it perfectly into words when she said, “WHAT in the Hallmark-Christmas-movie is this?!” I quickly told my husband, “If they’ve not filmed a Christmas movie here before, someone’s not doing their job right!” We had perfect weather for a late November evening- we really could not have asked for a better time!
When you arrive at the Clifton Mill, you’re directed to pay before walking through the covered bridge to get to the mill. Each guest above age 3 costs $10. The pathways are all beautifully and festively illuminated. There’s a nativity scene, and the most amazing Christmas village I’ve ever scene. You could very easily spend quite a bit of time just checking out each well-crafted and highly thought-out part of the village- from a drive-in movie theater, to little cafes and homes, to a football game. Santa in his sleigh, guided by his reindeer, hover above the back of the village. There’s an airport and a pharmacy and a church. It is SO fun!
Another unexpected treat is the fact that a live Santa is busy working in his workshop, and every so often climbs up and peeps hid body out of his chimney to say hello to everyone. He also greets all the kids from his workshop window. I’ve never been a fan of sitting on Santa’s lap, and now that we’ve been to the Clifton Mill, it’s obvious to me there are more fun ways to meet Santa!
They also offer a musical light show. Every 15 minutes or so, a voice on the intercom directs you to the river’s edge (don’t worry, you’re completely safe) where you can see the light show best. Did I mention I’m also a sucker for good Christmas music?!
If you’re in the mood for hot cocoa, they have that available for purchase, as well as a few light snacks. Don’t forget to walk through the Santa Museum, located at the back of the mill. It is just a quick but fun walk-through of thousands of donated Santa items. We laughed that if you turned the lights off, it would most definitely turn into a haunted house!
Your visit isn’t complete without checking out the gift shop. We bought Grandma a holiday gnome, and we never leave anywhere without buying a magnet for our travel magnet collection back at home. There’s also an access through the gift shop that allows you to stand under a covered porch and get a better view of the water and the bridge, so be sure to check that out and take some photos!
I had never heard of the light display at the Historic Clifton Mill until just recently, but I am very please that we made it a priority this holiday season!