This, friends, is the holiday guide you have been waiting for!
We have organized all of your holiday events both by date and by category. Looking for something to do this weekend? We have you covered. Looking for that specific family favorite? We have you covered!
This guide is divided into categories, listed below.
Simply click on the category of interest and find the events listed in order of date.
Are we missing something? (We suppose it’s possible…)
Let us know by emailing [email protected]
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
November 8th - January 5th, 2020
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains brings out the wide-eyed wonder in kids of all ages. From the toddler ringing the bell of the riding train to the teen counting every LEGO brick to the grandparent watching model trains zip through a mini metropolis, our signature holiday experience brings families together in ageless joy. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, a staple of Cincinnati holidays since 1946. Watch from above or get a track-level view as hundreds of model trains zip along thousands of feet of track in the historic layout. Take a snowy walk and build a snowman under the mesmerizing northern lights. Walk among a blizzard of bricks in a custom-built LEGO wonderland. Let Santa (arrives November 29th) know what you’re hoping for this year. Increased accessibility for little ones and expanded train layouts, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Carlisle & Finch, Lionel and a riding train, round out a visit.
Guests have the option to buy standalone tickets to see the trains or a package ticket that also includes admission to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.
Cost is General Admission; Members are free.
A Zinzinnati Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 9th - January 5th, 2020
You are cordially invited to discover the beauty of our city’s German history through an immersive Holiday display. Surround yourself with evergreens and poinsettias as you stroll through the historical representations of Cincinnati’s buildings.
Don’t forget to check out the LIVE Nativity located outside.
Open daily 10a-5p (See website for special holiday hours.)
Cost is General Admission, Free for Members. You can download a $1 coupon online.
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
November 16th - January 4th, 2020
The Cincinnati Zoo will once again be transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 37th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 3 million LED lights, visitors can watch a Madcap black-light puppet show, ride the BB&T Toyland Express, search for fairies in Fairyland, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m., an hour before the rest of the festivities begin. NEW in 2019 – Families will enjoy searching for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland and taking holiday photos in the Hippo Hut, which will be decorated to provide a festive backdrop! More giant lanterns, including some that fit the soon-to-be-open Roo Valley theme, will be placed around the Zoo. Guests will feel like they’re blanketed by stars in the new, immersive “Northern Lights” light experience. AND, getting into the Zoo will be much easier this year with the additional entrance on Erkenbrecher Ave. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Sunday-Thursday 5-9p, Friday & Saturday 5-10p
Cost is General Admission, Free for Members. Buy online to save money.
WinterFest at Kings Island
November 22nd - December 31st
Imagine an old-fashioned winter…rosy-cheeked skaters gliding under twinkling lights, the magic of dazzling holiday shows and carolers in traditional costumes, shops filled with ornaments, trinkets and toys, the aroma of freshly-baked treats and the spirit of everyone’s favorite season captured in an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia – a place where memories of holidays past are present; a place where memories of holidays now are waiting to be made. Ring in the holidays with the return of WinterFest at Kings Island. It’s an unforgettable experience with the park transformed into nine enchanting winter wonderlands featuring ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower transformed into a magical Christmas tree, up to 17 rides including Mystic Timbers, more than 5 million lights and 14 holiday characters spreading merriment, like Jack Frost and Sugar Plum Fairy.
See website for select WinterFest nights.
Tickets start at $27; free for season pass holders
Macy's Light Up the Square
November 29th
Festivities will begin at 6pm with live music and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Make sure you’re there to help LIGHT UP this years Macy’s Tree. There will be food trucks, music, ice skating, and a fireworks show that’s sure to be a “blast!”
6-11p
FREE
Macy's Downtown Dazzle
November 30th - December 21st
Each Saturday, see Santa repel off of a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with light thanks to a fabulous Rozzi fireworks display.
5:30 – 7pm
FREE
Santa Skates at Fountain Square
November 30th - December 22nd
Join Santa as he laces up his skates and joins families out on the ice for an hour of holly-jolly fun! Grab your friends, your family and your wish list get down to the Square before Santa makes his way back to the North Pole.
Saturdays & Sundays 12-1p
Cost is $6 to skate; $4 for skate rental
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
November 8th - January 5th, 2020
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains brings out the wide-eyed wonder in kids of all ages. From the toddler ringing the bell of the riding train to the teen counting every LEGO brick to the grandparent watching model trains zip through a mini metropolis, our signature holiday experience brings families together in ageless joy. Get a bird’s-eye view of the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, a staple of Cincinnati holidays since 1946. Watch from above or get a track-level view as hundreds of model trains zip along thousands of feet of track in the historic layout. Take a snowy walk and build a snowman under the mesmerizing northern lights. Walk among a blizzard of bricks in a custom-built LEGO wonderland. Let Santa (arrives November 29th) know what you’re hoping for this year. Increased accessibility for little ones and expanded train layouts, including Thomas the Tank Engine, Carlisle & Finch, Lionel and a riding train, round out a visit.
Guests have the option to buy standalone tickets to see the trains or a package ticket that also includes admission to the Duke Energy Children’s Museum.
Cost is General Admission; Members are free.
A Zinzinnati Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 9th - January 5th, 2020
You are cordially invited to discover the beauty of our city’s German history through an immersive Holiday display. Surround yourself with evergreens and poinsettias as you stroll through the historical representations of Cincinnati’s buildings.
Don’t forget to check out the LIVE Nativity located outside.
Sunday-Saturday 10a-5p
Cost is General Admission, Free for Members.
North Pole Express at LM&M Railroad
November 16th - December 28th
During your hour long journey, Santa and his elves will make their way through the train to visit with each family. Celebrate with festive elves and holiday music while enjoying your hot chocolate and cookie. Every child will receive a bell from Santa’s sleigh. We encourage you to bring your own camera as pictures with Santa are allowed and encouraged. Balloon artists will also be on-board the train. Each child will receive a special “North Pole Express” souvenir train ticket. NEW FOR 2019! All children under the age of 2 are required to purchase a discounted ticket. This ticket includes a juice box, cookie, small toy and child must ride on a lap. (Infant tickets DO NOT include souvenir mug)
See website for departure times and complete ticket information.
Coach fares for the Christmas trains are adults $26; children 2-16 $22; Under 2 $5 (Add $2 to premium departure times)
Christmas at EnterTRAINmentJunction
November 16th - January 1st, 2020
Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole”, where you can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. See the “Main Street Holiday Trains” which offers some beautiful winter train displays.
Extended hours for the holiday displays, see website for details.
Cost is General Admission; Children under 2 are free. Buy online to save money.
The Holiday Trains at the Behringer Crawford Museum
November 16th - January 5th, 2020
This is the 28th year for BCM’s Holiday Toy Trains display with its 250 feet of track and more than 30 guest-activated displays. Guests can also enjoy Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland, a kid-size, animated exhibit based on the children’s book by Kenton Hills author Diana Grady, “The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo & Me,” plus special Polar Express and Wahoo readings, Santa visits, Charles Dickens Victorian Village display, holiday concerts and more.
Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm
Cost is General Admission; Members are free.
Metamora Holiday Excursion at Whitewater Valley Railroad
November 29th - December 14th
Special holiday shopping excursions to Metamora are available in conjunction with Metamora’s Annual Christmas Walk. Reservations must be made in advance. Early reservations are highly recommended, since these trains usually sell out very early due to the trains limited capacity. Note:: These trains are not affiliated with the Polar Express.
Saturdays (and the Friday after Thanksgiving) 4pm departure with 3.5 hour layover
Coach fares for the Christmas trains are adults $29; children 2-12 $19
Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
November 8th - January 5th, 2020
This family event features a 2.5 mile car ride through Christmas displays and light shows consisting of over a million LED lights, driven by more than ten thousand computer channels. Visitors of all ages will be awed by the larger than life trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and fantastic tunnels of lights! In the warmth of your own car, you can sing along to the sounds of the season synchronized to each holiday display.
Nightly, at dusk, runs through 10pm
$6 per person (3 and under are free)
Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
November 16th - December 31st
Built over a mile of wooded roadway, the holiday-themed displays of fantastic seasonal color adorns the woods, depicting everything from Santa Claus and his elves to every animal on the ark. There’s no need to bundle up to enjoy Holiday in Lights; simply warm up the car, turn your radio dial to Warm 98, round up your friends, family, or a special date, and head to Sharon Woods. It’s that easy.
Sunday-Thursday 6p-9p; Friday-Saturday 5:30p-10p
Cost $15 per vehicle ($45 for buses and 15 passenger vans)
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
November 16th - January 4th, 2020
The Cincinnati Zoo will once again be transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 37th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 3 million LED lights, visitors can watch a Madcap black-light puppet show, ride the BB&T Toyland Express, search for fairies in Fairyland, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m., an hour before the rest of the festivities begin. NEW in 2019 – Families will enjoy searching for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland and taking holiday photos in the Hippo Hut, which will be decorated to provide a festive backdrop! More giant lanterns, including some that fit the soon-to-be-open Roo Valley theme, will be placed around the Zoo. Guests will feel like they’re blanketed by stars in the new, immersive “Northern Lights” light experience. AND, getting into the Zoo will be much easier this year with the additional entrance on Erkenbrecher Ave. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas.
Sunday-Thursday 5-9p, Friday & Saturday 5-10p
Cost is General Admission, Free for Members. Buy online to save money.
The Christmas Ranch
November 22nd - December 23rd
Enjoy this spectacular walk-thru Christmas wonderland that boasts 1 million dancing Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music. There are Christmas shops, Santa’s bakery, train and wagon rides, and pictures with Santa!
For more information and mom-to-mom tips, check out our Guide to The Christmas Ranch.
Nightly 5-10p (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Cost is $20 per vehicle
Holiday Lights on Pyramid Hill
November 22nd - January 5th, 2020
Take a leisurely 2-mile drive that winds through acres of sculptures covered in lights.
Open daily, Monday-Thursday 6-9p; Friday-Sunday 6p-10p
Cost is $20 per vehicle (Mon-Thur); $25 per vehicle (Fri-Sun); Members $15
Light Up Middletown
November 28th - December 31st
A driving tour which includes holiday-themed areas including Santa’s sleigh, a train, animated swans, penguin village and a hot air balloon.
Nightly, 6-10pm; Santa and Mrs. Claus are there on Friday & Saturday from 7-9pm through 12/21
Admission is by donation – you set the price!
Elf the Musical presented by La Comedia Dinner Theatre
November 7th - December 31st
A title known the world over, Elf The Musical is a hilarious fish-out-of-water comedy based on the beloved holiday film starring Will Ferrell.
See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
A Magical Cirque Christmas
November 19th
In A Magical Cirque Christmas, experience the magic of Christmas with dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists from all corners of the world, accompanied by your favorite holiday music.
See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Tickets start at $35
A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park
November 27th - December 29th
Give your spirits a lift with this must-see family event and Cincinnati Playhouse classic.
See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Tickets start at $30
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
November 29th
You don’t want to miss this traditional holiday performance. Attendees are in for an amazing laser light show and musical experience.
4pm & 8pm showtime
See website for ticket pricing. Quantities are limited.
The Frog Princess presented by Ensemble Theatre
December 4th - January 4th, 2020
See website for showtimes.
Tickets start at $35; Kids tickets are $25 Ways to save this holiday season: Group Sales (reserve a group of 8 or more and save!); Buy a family 4-pack and get 15% off, or Rush Tickets (2 hours before show time, tickets are half-off purchased in person or by phone)
The Nutcracker presented by School for Creative & Performing Arts
December 5th - December 8th
Start a new holiday tradition with our pint-sized production of the Nutcracker, perfect for a pint-sized audience! Danced for kids by the talented students of the School for Creative and Performing Arts, visions of sugarplums will be dancing in your head.
See website for showtimes.
Tickets start at $10
A Miracle on 34th Street presented by Covedale Center for Performing Arts
December 5th - December 29th
A local production of a Christmas classic.
See website for showtimes.
Tickets $29
Christmas Saengerfest
December 6th - December 7th
See award-winning choirs from the World Choir Games and visit six great venues in Over-The-Rhine. Tour the Churches, Brewery, and Memorial Hall.
See website for full performance line up and showtimes.
Tickets start at $20
CCM's Feast of Carols
December 7th - December 8th
Bring family and friends to CCM to welcome the 2019 holiday season with festive choral favorites performed by CCM’s, UC’s and CCC’s fabulous choirs and outstanding guest choirs.
2pm & 5pm showtimes
Tickets start at $21
A Charlie Brown Christmas presented by The Children's Theatre
December 7th - December 16th
Back by popular demand, bring your family and celebrate the season with our live rendition of your favorite holiday TV special! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holidays get you down. Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang are here to remind us about what’s most important during the Yuletide season. 2019 marks the 54th anniversary of the animated TV special, A Charlie Brown Christmas.
See website for showtimes
Tickets start at $10
Lollipops: The Snowman
December 7th
Introduce your family to The Snowman, a timeless animated classic full of wonder and magic. Get lost in the film as it plays above the stage and the Pops brings Howard Blake’s beautiful score to life.
10:30am
Tickets start at $15 adults & $10 children
Jim Brickman: A Christmas Celebration at Memorial Hall OTR
December 10th - December 11th
The best-selling piano artist of our time, Jim Brickman and his special guests will dazzle audiences with holiday favorites, #1 hits, vibrant vocals, laughter & joy, in this bright, festive winter’s night celebration that the Dallas Morning News calls “Pure Entertainment”.
8pm
Tickets start at $45
Join the Parranda: Holiday Showcase
December 13th - December 14th
The Cincinnati Boychoir presents a holiday showcase: Join the Parranda! La parranda is a Puerto Rican Christmas holiday tradition. Usually after 10pm, a neighborhood surprises a household by singing and playing instruments. A party, replete with good food, constant music making, dancing, and bombas, lasts for a couple of hours until the recently surprised household joins the parranderos as they move on to the next house. This celebration will start and end well before 10pm, but hopes to capture the festive spirit of community of the parranda.
7pm Friday or 3pm Saturday
Tickets start at $18
Holiday Pops presented by the Cincinnati Pops
December 13th - December 15th
Cozy up to warm and inspiring music, and make memories of a lifetime with friends and family. Star of TV’s Smash and Broadway’s Wicked, Megan Hilty joins the Pops to bring your favorite holiday classics. Complete with choirs, dancers, costumed characters and Santa himself, Holiday Pops is the perfect way to spread the joy and cheer of the season.
See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Tickets start at $25 for adults; kid’s tickets are $15
The Nutcracker
December 13th - December 29th
Accompanied by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker, presented since 1974, is Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition. Revel in the magic as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince meet exciting characters, absorb the bright colors of the favorite divertissements and enjoy the classic adventure of The Nutcracker.
See website for showtimes and to purchase tickets.
Ticket prices vary by day and showtime, inventory is limited.
Christmas with NO PROMISES at the Incline Theatre
December 20th
Kindle your holiday spirits with the joyful harmonies of NO PROMISES Vocal Band, as the group embarks on its beloved annual “Christmas With No Promises” tour. George Gerwshin, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Joni Mitchell and Judy Garland will be under the mistletoe as Ohio’s premier vocal jazz ensemble offers a full evening of sacred and secular classics in their west side debut, including selections from the group’s new EP, The Nines.
8pm
Tickets $20
Awaited
December 20th - December 23rd
Experience the wonder of Christmas in a completely new way. Awaited is the creative retelling of the Christmas story brought to life on stage by over 80 performers. Featuring original choreography and music, along with favorite holiday classics, this family-friendly production reminds you why Christmas is the ultimate season of hope.
See wbsite for showtimes
Tickets prices vary. Children under 2 years of age do not require a paid ticket to sit on a parent’s lap. Lap passes are available at the venue on the day of the performance. Everyone is required to have a ticket to enter the theater.
Ice Skating Rink at Fountain Square
November 2nd - February 2nd, 2020
Winter family fun for the big and small in the heart of downtown Cincinnati with views of iconic Fountain Square. Check the ice before you go by calling the Rink Status Line at 513-381-0782.
Mom Tip:Combine skating on Fountain Square with Macy’s Downtown Dazzle for a truly magical Saturday evening. Or check out the schedule for Santa Skates and watch your kids smile as they get to skate with the guy in the big red suit.
See website for hours.
Rink admission is $6 and Skate Rentals are $4
Christmas Town
November 29th - December 30th
Experience the wonder that surrounded the Savior’s birth at this free Christmas event featuring a live nativity, spectacular lights displays, and more!
5pm-8:30pm (Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day)
The event is free. Does not include museum exhibit entry, parking ($5), food, retail items, zip lines, museum shows, or camel rides.
Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa
November 29th - December 31st
Newport Aquarium invites the public to experience a Cincinnati holiday tradition under the sea at Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland. Join the fun as Scuba Santa fills his air tank with magic bubbles – and sends them throughout the Aquarium creating an enchanted Water Wonderland. The all-new Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa is a truly wondrous experience where families connect and interact with the magic of an undersea holiday celebration.
10am-6pm
Cost is general admission.
Hometown for the Holidays in Milford
November 29th - December 5th
Visitors will revel in the sounds and delights of the holidays as they shop local for unique gift items, dine in the town’s restaurants and celebrate the spirit of the season. Holiday attractions include Santa & Mrs. Claus, horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling Victorian carolers, antique fire engine rides, and holiday music.
Friday and Saturday 11am – 8pm; Sunday 12pm – 5pm
FREE
Santa's Workshop at Washington Park
November 30th - December 21st
This year, ditch your annual trip to the mall and venture down to Washington Park to see Santa Claus! Every Saturday in December, Santa and his merry band of Elves will be spending time in Washington Park making gifts, ornaments and other fun creations. Stop by the wish-list station where elves will help you write a list to give to Santa when you meet him- or bring yours from home! Bring your family, your dog, your friends, but most all–be sure to bring your cameras!
Saturdays Only; 1-3pm
This event is free, but you must bring your own camera.
Fairfield Parade of Lights
December 1st
The City of Fairfield is proud to welcome the community to celebrate the holiday season with the first ever Fairfield Parade of Lights! The parade will bring together the entirety of our local community to celebrate the spirit of the winter season. We encourage everyone to visit the City of Fairfield for this unique experience.
4-7pm
FREE
Holiday Themed Jelly Soaps with the Public Library (Clifton Branch)
December 3rd
Attendees will take home their very own beautiful holiday themed soap that you can give as a gift.
4-5:30pm
For adults and teens (11 and up). Registration is required.
Gingerbread House Family Fun Night with the Public Library (Harrison Branch)
December 3rd
Hear a gingerbread story and make a gingerbread house!
6:30-7:30pm
Ages 12 and under with a caregiver. Registration is required and begins 11/1.
Holidays at the Taft - Antique Christmas
December 4th & December 12th
Take a closer look at the ornaments and decorations of Antique Christmas with Kathy and Stewart “Greg” Gregory, lenders to the exhibition.
Securing timed tickets in advance is recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated as available.
Cost is general admission for non-members; free for members.
Taft Jr. Holiday Fun
December 5th
Enjoy a holiday story, make an ornament, and explore the decorations of the Taft’s Antique Christmas display. Taft Jr. welcomes visitors 3–5 years old, along with their caregivers, every first Thursday from September through May. Pre-schoolers have fun with their favorite adults during this interactive experience. Each program features a story time, a close-up with a work of art, and art-making.
Securing timed tickets in advance is recommended. Walk-ins will be accommodated as available.
Cost is general admission for non-members; free for members.
Christmas in Village in Waynesville
December 6th - December 8th
Waynesville takes on the nostalgic feeling of Christmas past as the downtown is adorned in traditional holiday décor. Make plans to visit this holiday season as we have exciting entertainment, strolling throughout the downtown, in our heated entertainment tent, and in store fronts. In addition, we have Santa Claus arriving daily via the Wayne Township Fire Department, horse drawn carriage rides, carolers & choirs, costume characters and so much more.
6-9pm Fri; 12-9pm Sat; 12-5pm Sun
FREE
Olde West Chester Christmas Walk
December 7th
The Merchants of Olde West Chester host a free, family-friendly community event during the day beginning at 2 p.m. along Cincinnati Dayton Road. Holiday-inspired activities include photos with Santa, shopping, kids’ games and crafts, a petting zoo, horse-and-wagon rides, food and beverage, live music and more.
2-9pm (Tree lighting at 8pm)
FREE
Christmas Walk in Independence, KY
December 7th
The City of Independence presents the annual Christmas Walk & Tour on the first Saturday in December. In addition to your favorite attractions in Municipal Square, the event has been expanded to include many fun venues in the downtown Courthouse Square area. With the assistance of the Independence Business Association (IBA) and downtown business owners, there are more attractions full of holiday cheer!
6pm – 9pm
FREE
Lebanon Christmas Parade
December 7th
Lebanon’s largest annual event, always held the first Saturday in December. More than 100 antique carriages pulled by majestic Clydesdales, Percherons, and many other breeds of horses parade through the charming streets of Historic Downtown Lebanon. Early birds line the streets for an afternoon parade, while those who attend the evening procession are treated to a candlelit spectacle. Parade Times 1p and 7p (candlelit parade).
10am-8pm; Parades are at 1pm and 7pm (candlelit)
FREE
Miami Township Tree Lighting
December 7th
Children can visit with Santa, decorate cookies, have their face painted and make holiday crafts. The Miami Township Christmas Tree will be lit at 5:15 p.m.
3-5:30pm
FREE
Christmas in the Country at the Dinsmore Homestead
December 7th - December 8th
Get your family in the holiday spirit with a nice country drive to Dinsmore where you will see beautiful Christmas décor, enjoy hot coco and cookies, and hear live Christmas music as you step back in time.
1-5pm
Adults are $7, children 5-15 are $3; children under 4 are free; members are free.
Candlelight Walk in Caesar's Creek Pioneer Village
December 7th & December 14th
Take a step back into time as the village spends the night illuminated by candlelight. Go back to a time when Christmas time was celebrated in the most basic of ways. All buildings will be open for the public to go through and once it gets dark the whole village will be lit up by candle light along the paths between the buildings and within the buildings themselves.
4pm-9pm
Cost is $5 per person.
Winter Celebration with the Public Library (Hyde Park Branch)
December 10th
Celebrate winter with Looney Ballooney at 5 pm sharing her fun balloon creations. Cookie decorating at 6:00 pm. Learn to decorate cookies from the owner of Delicious Designs Cookies.
5-7pm; cookie decorating begins at 6pm
Registration is required. Cookie decorating is limited to 30 people.
Fun with Candy Canes with the Public Library (Elmwood Place Branch)
December 11th
Children of all ages are invited to come participate in candy cane art and science activities.
4-5pm
Free
An Old Kentucky Christmas
December 12th - December 15th
An Old Kentucky Christmas will take you back in time to the simplicity of a colonial Kentucky Christmas. The smell of Grandma’s cookies, the sound of carols and laughter, the joy of watching children and adults decorating ornaments. And it’s not just picture-worthy, we think it’s memory-worthy.
Thursday & Friday 5pm-8pm; Saturday & Sunday 2pm-8pm
FREE
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
December 14th
The procession through the streets of Mt. Adams will be led by Santa himself, as it has for the last 30 years! Food and vendors will be available before the parade, so join the party ahead of time! Every year a group of celebrity and sponsor judges that help us choose the best costumed dogs for prizes.
2pm (Registration for parade participants starts at 12:30pm)
FREE
Holidays Around the World with the Public Library (Delhi Branch)
December 14th
Join Skool Aid and celebrate the December holidays of different cultures! Students will experience St. Nicholas Day, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa through holiday games, poems, and language! Meet at the Delhi Library to celebrate the traditions of the world!
11am-12pm
Registration required.
Holiday in Lights 5K Run/Walk
November 16th
Get into the holiday spirit at the annual Holiday in Lights 5K Run/Walk at Sharon Woods. This impressive, fun course winds through beautiful Sharon Woods and features the final mile through Holiday in Lights at dusk.
5pm at Sharon Woods
Pre-registration is $32 ($28 for kids 12 and under). Register online at before 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 12th, 2019.
Jingle Bell Run
December 14th
The Arthritis Foundation’s original Jingle Bell Run is a fun way to get decked out and be festive, while racing to raise funds and awareness to cure America’s #1 cause of disability. Put on your favorite holiday costume. Tie jingle bells to your shoelaces. ’Tis the season to live it up and be jolly for a reason!
10am
Egg Nog Jog
December 14th
Come to Mt. Adams for an annual holiday tradition. The scenic and challenging course begins at Jerome and St. Gregory and winds through Mt. Adams and Eden Park offering spectacular views of the city.
10am
Registration $22
Jump with Santa at Pogo Play
December 20th
Santa will be visiting Pogo Play – taking pictures and jumping with the kids! Face painting will be available for $4.
5:30-8p
Event is free with price of admission.
Hearth Warming Holidays in Waynesville
November 1st - November 3rd
Hosted by the Waynesville Merchants Association, the Hearth Warming Holidays is held on the 1st weekend of November. Kick off the holidays with a preview of holiday decor, treats, and sweets.
Fri-Sat 11am-8pm; Sun 12-5pm
FREE
Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
November 8th - November 10th
Located at the spacious Duke Energy Convention Center, you will see aisle upon aisle of unique, one-of-a-kind boutiques and specialty stores from around the greater Cincinnati area as well as out of state offering you an unparalleled selection of home décor, specialty clothing, personal accouterments and gourmet food from the Cincy Specialty Food & Treats Show sprinkled throughout the entire Show floor.
Friday 11a-7p; Saturday 10a-7p; Sunday 9a-5p. Early admission is available on Fri and Sat for VIP ticket holders.
Tickets start at $10 at the door. (Save money by purchasing online ahead of time or save $3 by visiting an area Kroger to purchase your tickets)
Germania Christkindlmarkt
November 22nd - November 24th
The Germania Christkindlmarkt: the oldest and most authentic Christkindlmarkt in the Cincinnati region — all under covered, enclosed, heated tents! With holiday entertainment, German music, a children’s lantern parade, petting zoo, caroling children’s groups, and carriage rides. Plus traditional German food (including our famous dill pickle soup), German Bier, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), holiday cocktail bar, German pastries, cookies, and candies.
Friday 5p-10p; Saturday 11a-10p; Sunday 12p-5p
$3; 12 and under are free
Cincinnati Winterfair
November 29th - December 1st
Fine arts and crafts made in American studios.
Friday & Saturday 10a-5p; Sunday 11a-4p
Cost is $7
Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
November 30th - December 1st
Get your holiday shopping done early in historic Music Hall! Live DJ, hands-on craft activities, local food and free swag bags for the first 100 shoppers.
11am-5pm
Neiderman Family Farm Christmas Market
December 7th - December 8th
This is the perfect opportunity to get some shopping done and see Santa at the same time! In the market, they will be selling products such as jams, jellies, salsa, Niederman Family Farm sweatshirts/mugs, gift baskets and more! They will also be roasting nuts, have a hot chocolate bar, a bonfire, kettle corn and fresh doughnuts to purchase!! There is no charge to visit the Merry Christmas Market or sit at the bonfire! During the afternoon, Santa will be visiting as well and they will be SELLING tickets to see Santa in a stress and rush free environment! Visit their website to buy tickets to see Santa.
Santa visits will be held 9-5pm Saturday and 12-5pm Sunday
The market is FREE, but tickets to see Santa are $12 and times must be reserved ahead of time.
City Flea Holiday Market
December 14th
The City Flea is Cincinnati’s original curated, urban flea market that takes place in Washington Park. The Flea is a place to keep your dollars local, support small business and experience the city in a unique and engaging way. Vendors range from vintage dealers to artisan pizza makers to plant studios. Something for everyone!
4-9pm