Have you ever wanted to walk through a real-life winter wonderland? You can, right here in Ohio! For the past few years, the Cincinnati Nature Center's Light in the Forest event has transformed its glorious woodlands into a true winter wonderland, complete with twinkle lights, installations from real-life artists, and, if the stars align, a bit of snow and ice, too. Here's more on this delightful winter walk at the Cincinnati Nature Center in Milford, Ohio:

There's a well-known saying that it's darkest before the dawn. And indeed, it is -- but there is beauty in the darkness, just as there's beauty in the cold of winter.

Because we feel the cold, we can appreciate warmth. And because of the dark, the light is all the more brilliant.

This interplay between cold and warm, light and dark, is what Light Up the Forest is all about.

As 2020 moved to a close and the world essentially shut down and closed up, the Cincinnati Nature Center pivoted, creating a festive Christmas walk that was outdoors and safe to participate in.

This Ohio nature center strung colorful twinkle lights along several of its trails, creating an enchanting, ice-frosted winter walk that's since become a treasured holiday tradition for many Buckeye State families.

I had the pleasure of experiencing Light in the Forest with my family this year and have to say, it exceeded my expectations in every single way.

This year, several regional artists created interactive features for the light show, transforming the Cincinnati Nature Center into a winter wonderland of real-life magic and possibility. My kids and I loved the larger-than-life "wind chimes" that allowed us to bathe in light and music in the middle of an otherwise dark field.

The glowing mushrooms danced before our eyes, transforming the woods into a woodland fantasy more beautiful than anything I could have conjured up.

Light in the Forest was, and is, a beacon of hope in the darkest, coldest days of winter. It's a chance to get out and spend some quality time with those you love most.

This winter walk isn't your typical holiday soiree with flashy displays and dizzying pyrotechnics; rather, it's a chance to be intentional and thoughtful -- a minute of peace, tranquility, and inspiration in the midst of the Christmas season.

Have you been to this holiday event in Ohio before? Did you know about Light in the Forest at the Cincinnati Nature Center! What a fun winter walk to add to your Ohio holiday lineup. Light in the Forest runs select dates from December 1-30 and advanced registration is required. Visit the Cincinnati Nature Center website for more information and to purchase tickets. And don't forget to bundle up and bring the hand warmers when you go!