Grammy on the Go
By Karen Shadrach
Few holiday traditions are as magical as a drive to see Christmas lights. For families, especially grandparents with grandkids, it’s a wonderful way to share the joy of the season without the fuss of big events or crowds.
Here’s how to make your Christmas lights drive an unforgettable experience:
Begin your adventure by researching the best Christmas lights in your area. Many neighborhoods are known for their dazzling displays, and local websites or social media groups often share lists of must-see spots. You can also look up any drive-through holiday light displays, which usually feature coordinated lights set to music and sometimes have themes or stories. For a longer route, choose a path that takes you through festive neighborhoods or scenic areas that are known for their decorations. If you’d like, plot it on a map and show the kids where you’re going, turning it into a quest, right from the start.
There are so many different viewing opportunities in Northeast Ohio. Drive-thru, stay-in-your-car adventures can be found at the Country Lights Drive-Thru at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, the Magic of Lights at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, as well as the Wild Winter Lights at the Cleveland Zoo. Walk-thru experiences can be found at Wild Lights at the Akron Zoo, as well as the Christmas Lights at Nela Park in East Cleveland. A neighborhood famous for their light displays is the one located on Crown Point Parkway in Strongsville. Park on one of the side streets and walk to view up close the many lit houses along the streets.
As we pull out of the driveway, the anticipation builds. The world outside our windows starts to change. Homes adorned with colorful lights, inflatable snowmen and shimmering icicles come into view. The grandkids press their noses against the glass, their eyes wide with wonder. “Look over there! That house has a giant Santa!” they shout, pointing excitedly. As we drive through the neighborhoods, we stumble upon hidden gems; homes that go all out with their decorations, turning their front yards into winter wonderlands. Some displays are synchronized to music, and we roll down the windows to catch a glimpse of the animated light shows. The kids are captivated, their eyes sparkling.
Since you’ll be spending a bit of time driving, make sure the car is comfy and cozy. Bring warm blankets or even holiday-themed blankets if you have them. Encourage the grandkids to wear cozy Christmas pajamas or bring a holiday-themed stuffed animal. If it’s a cold night, you could even pack some warm hand warmers for everyone.
While planning is important, it’s equally vital to remain flexible and patient, especially with younger children. Be prepared for unexpected changes in weather, traffic, or the energy levels of your grandkids. Keeping a positive attitude and being adaptable ensure that the experience remains enjoyable for everyone involved.
Prepare some festive treats; one of the best parts of the season. Before setting off, bake some holiday cookies or pack a festive snack bag with popcorn, candy canes, or red-and-green candies. For drinks, consider bringing hot chocolate in thermoses and festive straws for sipping. Add whipped cream and sprinkles to make it extra special. Another idea would be to stop between light destinations for a hot chocolate break. Turn on a holiday playlist to fill the car with seasonal cheer. From classic carols to newer pop renditions of Christmas tunes, a festive soundtrack will add excitement and keep everyone in a holiday mood. You could even mix in some songs the grandkids love to make it extra fun. Our grandkids love singing “Jingle Bells” and “Frosty the Snowman”…over and over.
Make the drive interactive with a Christmas lights scavenger hunt. Prepare a list of items to find, such as a Santa figure, a reindeer, snowmen, candy canes, or a house covered completely in lights. Have each grandchild use a checklist to keep track of what they spot. This keeps everyone engaged and makes the drive feel like an adventure.
Bring along a camera or your phone to snap pictures of the most amazing displays. You can also capture moments inside the car—snuggled up in blankets, sipping hot chocolate, or celebrating a successful scavenger hunt. These photos can become treasured keepsakes and reminders of the holiday magic you created together.
Viewing Christmas lights with your grandkids is more than just admiring beautiful displays; it’s about creating a tapestry of joyful memories that will be cherished for years to come. Embrace the twinkling lights, the laughter and the shared moments, and watch as the magic of the season brings your generations together. Finally, make this drive an annual tradition. Kids grow up fast; they’ll always remember the joy of these special nights together, and it gives them something to look forward to each year.
All photos by Karen Shadrach
