The Canton Light Festival is coming to Ohio in January!

Illumination, an outdoor art experience in downtown Canton, features light displays, projection mapping and other light-art installations at eight locations in the city. The installations are along a 1.4-mile loop and intended to be viewed by car or on foot. The light displays are on view every Friday and Saturday night, 6 to 9 p.m. through Feb. 27, 2021.

At the Cultural Center for the Arts, the work of Columbus agency OBLSK projects 360 degrees onto the ceiling and surroundings between the Cultural Center and the Canton Civic Center. Inside, more Ohio artists are featured, including a wall projection by Stark County artist Megan Wanderer and an immersive light and music experience by OBLSK inside Cable Recital Hall.

The new Centennial Plaza in the heart of the Hall of Fame city, commissioned to celebrate the city’s role in the formation of the National Football League, is another location on the Illumination path. The light show at the Plaza is produced by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame City Ice Rink is also part of the Illumination experience. Enjoy a special light display while skating on the outdoor ice rink in downtown. 

More light art is on display at the Historic Onesto Lofts, Vital Arts art gallery, Buzzbin Art & Music Shop, Arrowhead Vintage & Homemade Goods and Julz by Alan Rodriguez. Five artists, selected in an open art call, created the installations. Their work includes light sculptures, 3D installation, virtual reality video art and light mapping. Each piece is on display in the window front or at the exterior of each of the Illumination locations.

A mobile passport is available to help map out the Illumination experience. Get the pass delivered via text or email and access it just like an app on your phone. Use the map to navigate to each location. Check-in at all eight official Illumination locations and be entered to win an overnight getaway to Canton’s premier winery resort, Gervasi Vineyard. Plus, use the Illumination mobile passport to redeem special deals at participating restaurants, shops and attractions, including a discount off admission to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Also, in downtown Canton this winter “Dancing in the Light: Masterworks from the Age of American Impressionism” is on view at the Canton Museum of Art through March 7, 2021. The museum, connected to the Cultural Center for the Arts, is a great place to start the afternoon. Reserve a timed-ticket admission. Then, after visiting the museum, continue to see the Illumination light exhibition at the Cultural Center and throughout downtown.

The Illumination art experience is a great date night idea. It is a unique way to get outside and find something to do for the weekend, and perfect for anyone looking for fun things to do in Ohio this winter.

To plan your trip, visit cantonlightfestival.com.