For all of your holiday 2021 needs—markets, wondrous local fun, performances, magic, twinkling lights, gift-buying, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on over the next several weeks. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.
Information is not yet available for several attractions and events. This list will be updated as that information becomes available. Please be mindful of COVID protocol. Have a fun, safe holiday season, y’all!
Categories below include:
- Small Business Saturday
- Lights and Displays
- Events and Markets
- Performing Arts
- Santa Paws [coming soon]
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
On November 27 and always, be sure to shop small to give a boost to our local communities. Sopping locally ensures that nearly 70 cents on every dollar remains in the local economy. When you shop small, you help to build a better local economy, reduce environmental impact, put your taxes to good use, create jobs, get better customer service, keep the community unique, and you encourage local prosperity.
Click here for a comprehensive Local Gift Guide with more than 100 gift ideas!
LIGHTS AND DISPLAYS
Trains and Traditions, A Cincinnati Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 6–January 9 (open daily, 10a–8p)
Colorful poinsettias, charming garden railways, and beautiful replicas of Cincinnati landmarks created out of “Botanical Architecture” by local artisans, where holiday traditions take place in the warmth of the tropics.
$10 for adults, $7 for youths (5–17), and children (4 and under) free
cincinnatiparks.com
Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
November 12–January 2 (open daily at dusk through 10p)
2.5-mile drive through light show synchronized to both traditional and rocking holiday music through your car radio.
$7 per person (children 3 and under free)
coneyislandpark.com
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal
November 12–January 5
The beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 75th season
Add Holiday Junction to any museum experience for just $5!
cincymuseum.org
Christmas at the Junction (EnterTrainment Junction)
November 13–January 2
Fun Christmas Displays, as well as virtual Santa and some days with in-person Santa. Check their website Calendar page and choose the Santa experience with which you are most comfortable.
Admission included with Do-It-All ticket
entertrainmentjunction.com
The Christmas Ranch
Open daily November 19–December 23 (closed Thanksgiving)
Lights, shops, bonfires, and train and wagon rides
$20 per car load, $30 per oversized van (10+ visitors), no buses or RVs, free parking
Reservations required for admission
thechristmasranch.com
Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
November 19–December 30 (open nightly including holidays), 6–9p Sunday–Thursday and 5:30–10p Friday–Saturday
Outdoor light display viewed from your vehicle, built with over 1 million lights and over 250 light displays, and has been an established holiday family tradition in Cincinnati for over 31 years.
Admission is $17 per vehicle; $55 for buses and 15-passenger vans; $7 for walking tickets
Due to COVID, no cash will be accepted
holidayinlights.com
Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
November 19–January 2 (Monday–Thursday, 6–9p and Friday–Sunday, 6–10p)
Driving display featuring an artful adventure through the holiday lights. To enjoy the new, festive soundtrack by Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and vocals by Cincinnati Boychoir, please download the OTOCAST APP before arriving to the show.
Admission is $20 (Mon–Th) or $25 (Fri–Su) per carload ($15 for members)
City of Hamilton residents get in FREE on Tuesdays (please bring your ID or a current utility bill)
journeyborealis.com
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
November 19–January 9 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas)
Open Sunday–Thursday until 9p; Friday and Saturday until 10p
The zoo will still be shining bright as it is once again transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 39th annual Festival of Lights, featuring 4 million LED lights, the North Polar Express train ride (starting at 4p), the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snacks at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.
Included with zoo admission
cincinnatizoo.org
Holiday Toy Trains at Behringer-Crawford Museum
through January 17
Eclectic exhibits, all constructed from Legos, join more traditional Christmas displays in Holidays@BCM, Behringer-Crawford Museum’s annual celebration.
10a–3:30p Tuesday–Saturday; 1–3:30p Sunday; closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
Admission included with museum admission (free for members, $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children ages 3–12)
bcmuseum.org
November 26–December 16
Fountain Square’s Winter Wonder Lights
Eight minute light show that dances across the UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank and Fountain Square’s plaza once every 90-minutes.
Wednesday–Saturday, 4–9p
Kings Island WinterFest
November 26–December 31 (select nights)
Step into a world of holiday magic featuring experiences and activities and festive food.
Admission starting at $29.99
visitkingsisland.com
EVENTS AND MARKETS
November 1–December 31
Merry Pop-Up Shop at Liberty Center
Weekend pop-ups showcasing a variety of businesses from homemade candles and self-care products to flower shops and paper goods. There is something for everyone during the 2021 holiday shopping season.
liberty-center.com
November 1–February 22
Skating + Bumper Cars at UC Health Ice Rink presented by 5/3 on Fountain Square
Review pricing, rink rules, bumper car requirements, and COVID19 information here before purchasing your non-refundable spot.
myfountainsquare.com
November 5–7
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
Sip on a cold German bier, or enjoy a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) while shopping for unique gifts from Germany and from local crafters. Based on traditional Christmas markets that are popular throughout Germany—mostly under our covered pavilion and heated tents, with some booths and attractions outdoors.
$5 per person, credit/debit ONLY. FREE admission for 12-under and active or retired military with current ID.
germaniasociety.com
November 12–14
Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at Duke Energy Convention Center
Support local businesses this holiday season for holiday decor, apparel, food and wine, jewelry, toys, and more.
General admission starting at $8. More ticketing info and save $2 by purchasing online here.
cincinnatiholidaymarket.com
November 19–21
Holiday Shopping Expo at the Lawrenceburg Event Center
Weekend of shopping from a selection of boutiques, crafters, upcycled and repurposed goods, specialty stores, local business, and more. Local group performances, wine tasting, and door prizes.
facebook.com
November 19–21, 24, 27–28, December 3–5, 9–12, 16–19, 22–24, 26
North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad
Experience the wonder of the holiday season by journeying down the train tracks of Warren County, Ohio. Passengers spend time with Santa and his elves on the one hour and 15 minute festive train ride.
lebanonrr.com
November 20
The OFF Market Holiday 2021 at Summit Park 10a–4p
Shopping, ice skating, and beer.
theoffmarket.org
November 20
Light Up the Levee at Newport on the Levee 12p–7p (click here for the schedule of events)
A magical evening of cheer, featuring the lighting of Newport on the Levee’s Christmas tree, a special visit from Santa, festive music, and activities for the whole family.
November 20
FOUND Holiday Homecoming Concert
The Banks, 4p
An evening of entertainment with local musicians Arin Ray with special gusts The Bright Light Social Hour featuring Mia Carruthers, Speed Walton, The Heavy Hours, and more.
FOUND will be partnering with Freestore Foodbank and guests are encouraged to make a monetary donation at the event.
November 20–December 20
Deck the Walls at Liberty Center
Selfie room experience curated by local Cincinnati artists. Enjoy snapping photos in eight uniquely decorated rooms for an immersive selfie experience.
$5 per person
liberty-center.com
November 20–21
Holiday Bazaar at Queen City Clay
Handmade ceramics and gifts.
queencityclay.com
November 26
Macy’s Light Up the Square
Kick off the holiday season with Fountain Square’s annual tree lighting celebration. Festivities begin at 5p with live music, followed by a special appearance by Santa Claus, then a dazzling fireworks display.
myfountainsquare.com
November 26–28, December 4–5, 11–12, 18–19
Winter Market at Washington Park
The Winter Marketwill feature regional artisans and crafters in cozily designed huts, with local organizations to curate each weekend.
November 26–28: OTR Chamber of Commerce
December 4–5: MORTAR
December 11–12: The City Flea
washingtonpark.org
November 27
Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show at Music Hall Ballroom 11a–5p
100+ makers in one space for a holiday shopping extravaganza.
craftysupermarket.com
November 27
LatkaPalooza
Cincinnati’s annual Hannukah bash at a local [TBD] bar for drinks, a DJ, and dreidel with friends, old and new. No cover. Cash bar. Kosher food. Open to ages 21-39.
jewishcincinnati.org
November 27 and December 4, 11, 18
Downtown Dazzle on Fountain Square
See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and watch a fireworks display. Music and festivities start at 6:30p and the Downtown Dazzle show begins at 7. Enjoy a drink or hot cocoa at Fountain Square’s Bar or have fun at the ice rink.
myfountainsquare.com
December 4–5
Holiday Market at Findlay Market
Farmers and outdoor vendors + dozens of full-time merchants selling holiday gifts, food and decorBundle up, grab your friends, and support local this holiday season.
findlaymarket.org
December 5
JCC: Hanukkah at Fountain Square
Celebrate the end of Hanukkah with the Cincinnati Jewish Community, complete with an outdoor menorah lighting, ice skating, and bumper cars.
4–5:30p
jewishcincy200.org
December 14
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade at the Monastery Event Cente, 2–3p
Dogs (and owners) dress in their Holiday Best, and prizes are awarded in a variety of categories. The parade follows a circuit around central Mt Adams streets. Registration is from 1–1:45p.
mtadamscincy.org
PERFORMING ARTS
November 19–December 26
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Fresh and fun annual tradition that sends up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high octane jollity and frivolity.
cincyshakes.com
November 24–December 30
A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park (Mt. Adams)
cincyplay.com
November 29–December 19 (TCT on tour)
December 2–December 31 (public performances)
Nutcracker Rocks!
Classic Christmas fairy tale with a rockin’ musical twist.
thechildrenstheatre.com
December 1–31
Bah Humbug: A One-Man Christmas Carol by the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati
Available exclusively on Broadway on Demand
thechildrenstheatre.com
December 2
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Heritage Bank Center
Multi-platinum, progressive rock group celebrating its 25th anniversary of the group’s landmark album Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
Tickets start at $49.50
heritagebankcenter.com
December 3
Trans-Siberian Orchestra Virtual Show
For the first time ever, Trans-Siberian Orchestra will bring your favorite Rock Holiday tradition directly into your home with an up close and personal livestream performance of “Christmas Eve and Other Stories.”
6p. Click here for more info.
December 3–5, 10–12
Holiday Pops at Music Hall
Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition returns with music, warmth, laughter, and seasonal inspiration for the entire family. Share unforgettable memories in the grandeur of a Music Hall.
This concert will also be livestreamed on the CSO website, the Pops’ YouTube channel and the Pops’ Facebook page on December 11 at 7:30p.
$25–115
cincinnatisymphony.org
December 8–9, 15–16, 22–23
The Naughty List hosted by OTRimprov at Arnold’s
$40 per show
otrimprov.com
December 16–26
The Nutcracker at Music Hall
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
cballet.org
December 17–19
Christmas with Over the Rhine
presented by Nederlander Entertainment and Memorial Hall
$45–75
memorialhallotr.com
Santa Paws
Cost or donation may apply. Click on the link for details.
More information to come.
[Updated 11/11/21]
*Admission price not listed applies. Click on the link for more information.
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