MIDDLETOWN, OH — In a region rich with long-standing holiday traditions, a newer event has quickly earned its place alongside the classics. Land of Illusion Adventure Park’s Christmas Glow, launched in 2017, has become one of Southwest Ohio’s most distinct and fast-growing seasonal attractions—combining a nearly two-mile drive-thru lights display with a cozy, walkable winter village.
For decades, local families have embraced well-known holiday outings, including drive-thru light displays such as Coney Island’s Christmas traditions and Light Up Middletown, as well as walk-through villages like Clifton Mill’s Christmas Village and WinterFest at Kings Island. These experiences, while beloved in their own categories, typically fall into one world or the other.
Christmas Glow was designed to bridge that gap.
A Hybrid Holiday Concept
The idea emerged in 2016 as Land of Illusion completed its twentieth season. Leadership began exploring how to offer something new to families during the winter months.
According to those familiar with early planning discussions, the team consulted several Midwestern racetracks that convert their facilities into large-scale drive-thru light shows during their off-season. Those meetings provided what one organizer described as “a crash course in the science of winter light displays.”
The park’s layout—compact, self-contained, and easy to navigate—quickly proved ideal for creating a warm, intimate winter village paired with an expansive drive-thru route. Today, the drive-thru stretches nearly two miles, placing it among the longest in the region.
Rooted in Community Impact
Beyond the creative challenge, organizers saw an opportunity to support the local community in meaningful ways.
Not only would Christmas Glow extend employment for dozens of seasonal workers during the financially demanding holiday months, but the event also launched with local partnerships that remain central to its mission. These include Toys for Tots, area food banks, and Hope House Mission, encouraging visitors to donate toys, canned goods, and other essentials.
Affordability has also remained a priority. Tickets originally cost $9 for adults and $7 for children. Now entering its eighth season, pricing remains comparatively low at $15 per adult and $10 per child, making Christmas Glow one of the region’s most accessible holiday attractions.
A Founder’s Perspective
While Land of Illusion is widely recognized for its long-running Halloween attractions, its transformation into a winter destination was shaped by two key figures: founder Brett Oakley and co-founder Derron Oakley.
Both men, lifelong residents of the area, dedicated decades of service as volunteer firefighters for Madison Township. Their shared background in community service helped shape the park’s mission from the beginning. Land of Illusion itself originated in 1997 as a fundraiser to support the local fire department—a tradition of giving back that continues today.
Brett Oakley says the decision to create a traditional Christmas attraction, rather than a holiday-themed spin on the park’s Halloween legacy, was deliberate.
“It’s two completely different worlds,” Oakley said. “The park was built on a Halloween foundation, but you could consider us like the real-life Monsters Inc. Yeah, scaring people is fun, but when you see a family of three to four generations walk through the doors and everyone is smiling—that’s what matters.”
Those close to the project note that Derron Oakley played a crucial role not only in the park’s creation but also in its continued expansion. Over the years, he has been involved in nearly every phase of growth—from infrastructure improvements to major event additions—often sacrificing personal time to help support the park.
As one longtime team member described, “Derron has been there every step of the way. His fingerprints are on everything that park has become.”
A Growing Tradition
Though still young compared to many regional holiday institutions, Christmas Glow has quickly become an emerging tradition for families across Southwest Ohio. Each year, the event welcomes thousands upon thousands of guests, many of whom now return annually as part of their holiday routine.
The combination of a long-form drive-thru spectacle and a compact, cozy winter village has proven to be a successful formula—one that stands apart from both classic drive-thru displays and walk-through villages.
As Christmas Glow enters its next chapter, organizers say the focus remains unchanged: to provide a welcoming, memorable holiday experience that brings families together.
Christmas Glow 2025 is now open nightly through December 24, closed Christmas Day, and open drive-through only December 26–30.
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