JUST IN: Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill places 2nd in USA Today 10BEST competition

The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill have bested all but one display of lights in the United States.

The USA Today 10BEST contest results were just announced and Clifton Mill placed second in the "best public lights in the U.S." category. It was topped only by the Festival of Lights in Riverside, Calif.

It's the second big honor this month for the local light display. Just a few weeks ago, Clifton Mill won the grand prize of $50,000 on an episode of  ABC TV's "The Great Christmas Light Fight."

For more than 30 years, Clifton Mill has been a glowing example of what the holiday season is about in Southwest Ohio.

>> What makes the Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill different from the rest

In November, Clifton Mill was in fourth place, according to the USA Today website, meaning Daytonians came together to rally behind one of the area’s most loved holiday traditions.

"Local experts provide users with original, unbiased and experiential travel content of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Our local experts are well-traveled and well-educated group who are not only experts in their fields — and their cities — but discriminating in their tastes. These local experts live in the city they write about, with constantly updated content," read the USA Today website.

>> The BEST Christmas light displays across the region

As small and mighty as Clifton Mill Lights might be, going up against big city zoos, parks and even entire villages decorated for the season and still coming out so close to the top is impressive to say the least.

>> NOMINATE: What’s your favorite lights display in Dayton or other holiday tradition? Tell us here

Credit: Damon Higgins

Credit: Damon Higgins

Unlike other lighting festivals where the lights are already on when you arrive, Clifton Mill stages a dramatic opening where people who arrive at 6 p.m. get to see all four million lights turn on at once. Throughout the evening, either on the hour or every half hour, the lights will be turned off and then turned on again so the later-comers can experience it as well.

The lights themselves cover Clifton Mill’s scenic attributes, including the mill, a covered bridge, cliffs and riverbanks. There’s also a synchronized light show to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas in Sarajevo.”

Visit cliftonmill.com for all the Lights Display information for the 2018 season.

WANT TO GO?

What: Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill

Where: 75 Water St., Clifton

When: 5-9:30 p.m., Nov. 23-Dec. 31, though Legendary Lights closes at 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

Cost: $10, children 6 and younger are admitted free

More Info: 937-767-5501 | www.cliftonmill.com

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