Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh,... ok, wait a darn minute. Nowadays it is more like sliding through the snow in a 200 horse power SUV with children in the back seat chanting “Don’t touch me, move over, MOM!!!” So resist the urge to suddenly morph into your parents by saying “Don’t make me pull this car over” or claiming to have Santa on speed dial.
Instead how about a Christmas Light Drive? Pack the thermos of hot cocoa, throw a blanket or two in the back seat (don’t forget a few Christmas cookies) and head on out to an adventure for the season. It used to be that you got in the car and drove aimlessly through the countryside like a scavenger hunt looking for the best Christmas light displays on your friends and neighbors houses. We have all seen the amazing light displays on the internet and often they are from lands far, far away. So I have compiled a list of locations that can mean a successful trip to see some very cool, well done holiday decorations. So pick one or two and set out to make a memorable family outing.
Berkshire Hills Golf Course, located at 976 Mayfield Rd Chesterland Oh, is about an hour and a half drive from Meadville. A golf retreat in the summer, it has been transformed by nearly 2 million LED lights into Bethlehem Hills Christmas Light Park. There is a cost per carload of $25 to drive through this 1.25 mile but 50% of the proceeds will be going to charity. It is being billed as the largest light display in North East Ohio. More information can be found on their web page www.bethlehemhillslights.fun
There are several options in the Canfield Oh area (hours are typically Sun-thurs 5:30-9pm and Fri and Sat 5:30-10pm), including the Hartman’s Christmas Light Show located at 3902 Alvacardo St Canfield Oh (Tune your radio to 97.3FM to hear the music as you approach the display), North Aspen Christmas Display located at 4720 North Aspen Ct. Canfield (tune radio to 107.7FM) and Canfield Christmas Lights at 333 Fairview Ave Canfield (radio to 107.7FM)
Just south of us in New Castle Pa is the Joseph Mancino and Family Christmas Lights located at 804 Whitetail Dr New Castle open weekdays from 6-10pm and weekends from 6-11pm. (tune radio to 100.5FM) This particular display was the brainchild of 16 year old Joseph Mancino. He has been doing these displays for the past 3 years (starting at the age of 14) with the help and support of his family. This year interactive buttons were added to the display which allow young and young at heart to control different light areas. When the buttons have not been pushed for a few seconds the display goes back to its normal operation in time with the music. Joseph is a Junior in High School with a passion for lights and music. His future plans may be to go into Electronics or Electrical Engineering. In the meantime he is a musician and involved with marching and symphonic band. He enjoys sharing these passions with the public during the Christmas Holiday Season by showcasing his family home for locals and adventurers like yourself. For those of you who are on facebook you can find information about the display by searching “Joseph Mancino and Family Christmas Lights” and if you decide to make the journey, be sure to share photos, video and comments with this young man to let him know we appreciate his time and effort.
As always, never forget- Not all those who wander are lost.
