For all of your holiday 2024 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. Have a fun, safe holiday season, y’all!
Categories below include:
- Small Business Saturday
- Lights and Displays
- Events and Markets
- Performing Arts
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
On November 30 and always, be sure to shop small to give a boost to our local communities. Shopping locally ensures that more than 60 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
Solstice Glow at Krohn Conservatory
November 2–January 5
Celebration of long nights and winter with holiday trains amidst lush tropical foliage. Open daily from 10a–8p.
Tickets
Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres
November 5–January 4
Immersive light displays along a 1/3-mile trail for all ages. There will also be an LED zipline, digital animation surprises, and LED lit mini golf holes. Arrive any time after 4:30p.
Tickets $8–12
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal
November 9–January 6
The beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 78th season.
Free for members or included with museum admission
Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
November 15–January 5
One million lights, scenic displays, and installations by local artists—all experienced from the comfort of your car.
Admission is $25 per carload ($15 per carload for members); Tuesdays are free for City of Hamilton residents (proof of residency is required and participating zip codes are 45011, 45013, and 45015)
Christmas at the Junction (EnterTrainment Junction)
November 16–January 5
EnterTRAINment Junction will be closing in January, so this is your last chance to see Christmas and holiday train sisplays, as well as visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Admission included with Do-It-All ticket
Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum
November 16–January 12
Includes the 33rd Annual Holiday Toy Trains, Window Through Time, and Winter Wonderland exhibits.
10a–5p Tuesday–Saturday; 1–5p 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 3–17)
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
November 21–January 5 (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas)
Open Sunday–Thursday until 9p; Friday and Saturday until 10p
Come early for the animals; stay for the lights as the zoo is transformed into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 42nd annual Festival of Lights, featuring 4 million LED lights, North Polar Express Train (staring at 2p), statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, nightly Madcap puppet shows, Santa and costumed character visits (starting at 4p), Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snacks at S’mores-n-More stands.
Included with zoo admission
The Christmas Ranch
Open daily November 22–December 23 (closed Thanksgiving)
Walk-through experience with lights, shops, bonfires, and train and wagon rides.
$37 per car load, $47 per oversized van (10+ visitors), no buses or RVs, free parking; save $5 when you make reservations online
Holidays on the Farm
November 22–December 31 (select nights)
Parky’s Farm, Friday–Sunday (Nov 22–Dec 8), 5–9p; nightly Dec 13–23, 31, 5–9p
Under the glow of lights there will be wagon rides, pony rides, carolers, farm animals, good trucks, open fire pits, and more. There are also theme nights—Frozen, December 17; The Polar Express, December 23—as well as community giveback events and a New Year’s Eve event.
$17 general admission; $12 kids 3–12 and seniors 62+; free for ages two and under; tickets here
Deck the Y’alls
November 22–January 1
Thomas More Stadium
The stadium is transformed into a winter wonderland full of two million lights choreographed to music, 50-foot animated tree, interactive experiences, entertainment, and food and drinks available for purchase.
Tickets
2024 Winter Nights & River Lights
November 22–January 5
Purple Purple Bridge
Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge, with events happening throughout the installation.
Free admission
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds
November 23–January 5
Coney Island’s holiday tradition is in a new location this year.
Cost of admission and more details TBD
Let It Glow!
November 23–January 5
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Alice Bimel Courtyard will be transformed into an immersive outdoor light-filled winter wonderland, complete with a 30-foot-tall interactive snow globe.
Light Up Middletown
November 28–December 31, 6–10p
Drive-through light display from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve—open in all weather and on holidays.
Admission by cash donation
Kings Island WinterFest
November 29–December 31 (select nights)
Experience Kings Island transformed into a holiday wonderland, with more than seven million lights, ice skating, entertainment, activities, festive attractions, holiday shopping, and seasonal treats.
Admission starting at $39.99
Light in the Forest
December 5–29
Cincinnati Nature Center, 5:30–9p
Celestial walk through the illuminated woods, featuring light displays and interactive activities, as well as music, food trucks, drinks, and holiday shopping.
Member adult $14; member child $6; nonmember adult $18; nonmember child $8
Shillito’s Elves
Dates TBD
The Foundry (across from Fountain Square)
One of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions returns for another year of holiday magic. The Elves made their debut in the 1950s in the windows at Shillito’s, Cincinnati’s first department store.
EVENTS AND MARKETS
November 1–3
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
Based on traditional Christmas markets, with unique gifts from Germany and from local crafters, plus live music. The event is mostly under the covered pavilion and heated tents, with some booths and attractions outdoors.
$5 admission (cashless); FREE for ages 12 and under and for active or retired military with current ID
November 2–February 17
UC Health Ice Rink
Fountain Square
The 2024–25 season is ice skating only. The rink experience includes a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, plus alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, on-site parking, and restrooms.
Ice Skating is $10 and includes admission and skate rental; no reservations required
November 8–10
24th Annual Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at Sharonville Convention Center
Interim suburban location while the Duke Energy Convention Center is under construction. 230+ vendors filling two levels full of holiday cheer, featuring live carolers, sips and bites (inside and outside), food trucks, and more.
Ample free parking
November 13–January 5
Holiday Traditions Old and New
Taft Museum of Art
In the museum’s dining room, you will find a few must-haves for the occasion, including tea and coffee services and a variety of serving dishes waiting to be filled with sweet treats.
November 15–17, 23–24, 29–December 1, 6–8, 11–23
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.
Coach Class seats starting at $30
November 15–January 20
Very Merry Middletown
Historic Downtown Middletown
Ice rink, interactive light displays, downtown holiday events, Santa parade, carriage rides.
November 16
Junior League of Cincinnati’s 14th Annual Tour of Kitchens
Columbia Tusculum and Hyde Park (Columbia Center), 10a–3p
Self-guided tour showcasing homes in Columbia Tusculum, Hyde Park, and other surrounding neighborhoods. Each home will feature food, drinks and/or demonstrations from local chefs, purveyors, and other home-related businesses. Homes open at 11a.
November 16–17
Annual Holiday Open House
Rookwood Pottery
Holiday workshops, behind-the-scenes factory tours, artist demonstrations, complimentary refreshments, unique gifts, and more to kick off the holiday season.
November 16–17
Holiday Market
Cincinnati Art Museum, 11a–5p
Seasonal gift market in the museum’s main lobby featuring local artists and artisans.
November 17 and 24, December 8 and 15
Art on Vine
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
Shop local fine arts and handcrafted goods for the holidays.
November 22–24
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.
November 22–24
Winter Mustard Seed Market
Clermont County Fairgrounds
Curated fall vendor market hosted by Rustic Grains and including over 100 small businesses, live music, food trucks, and family friendly fun.
Tickets
November 22–January 5
3rd Annual Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Moerlein Lager House
All ages German-American Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt, complete with food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral music, themed character visits, ice rink, Igloo boardwalk, and musical entertainment.
Free admission
November 23
Lights Up
Liberty Center, 3–8p
Annual holiday kickoff event featuring a parade, visit from Santa, and lighting of the tree in The Park.
November 23
The OFF Holiday Market
Summit Park, 10a–4p
Shopping, ice skating, and beer.
November 23
Light Up the Levee
Newport on the Levee, 3–7p
A full lineup of festive fun, including live music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa Claus, as well as the lighting of their 50-foot tree.
November 23–24
Holiday Bazaar at Queen City Clay
Handmade ceramics and gifts.
November 25–January 6
Snowland
Great Wolf Lodge
Annual holiday celebration complete with an immersive winter wonderland filled with seasonal events, winter activities, crafts, visits with Santa, and more.
November 27
Holiday Lunch Cruise
BB Riverboats, 12–2p
Two-hour cruise featuring games, entertainment, and lunch buffet.
November 29
Prolink’s Light Up the Square
Fountain Square, 6–9p
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.
November 29–December 21
Yuletide Village
Renaissance Park
Holiday lights, festive shows, and a Yuletide Market full of gifts, as well as hot food and drinks available for purchase.
November 29–December 24
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland
Newport Aquarium
Playful penguins, colorful holiday lights, and a flurry of magical bubbles. Meet cheerful elves straight from the North Pole and join in the fun as Scuba Santa fills the Theater with bubbles.
Included with admission and membership
November 30
Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p
100+ makers in one space for a holiday shopping extravaganza.
November 30
WestSide Holiday Market
Westwood Town Hall, 12–5p
Small business pop-up market showcasing over 100 local vendors, food trucks, and family friendly activities.
November 30
7th Annual Holiday Market
Streetside Brewery, 1–4p
One of Streetside’s favorite traditions, complete with vendors new and returning.
December 1
Holiday Brunch Cruise
BB Riverboats, 12–2p
Holiday Brunch, sightseeing, and Dixieland Jazz Band.
December 1
Winter Market
Wandering Monsters, 12–4p
Shopping event featuring local vendors, specialty drinks, and giveaways.
December 1, 8, 15
Holiday Family Funday
Taft Museum of Art, 10a–4p
Free music, art-making, and gallery experiences.
December 1: German Christmas
December 8: Festive Folk
December 15: Hanukkah
Registration not required but encouraged
December 3–29
REC the Halls
Cincinnati Art Museum, Tuesday–Sunday, 11a–5p
Holiday card making and winter decoration crafting.
Free
December 4
Holiday Dinner Cruise
BB Riverboats, 7–9p
Sightseeing and holiday meal.
December 5
Light Up College Hill
5923 Hamilton Avenue, 6–9p
Tree lighting, train rides, Santa visits, snow globe, live reindeer, baby goats, silent auction, activities with local businesses, scavenger hunt, Winter Market in the West lot (1618 Cedar Avenue), live performances, and more.
December 6–7
Essex Studios Art Walk
Essex Studios
December 7
13th Annual Holiday One Stop Shop
Wyoming Civic Center, 10a–3p
The Civic Center is transformed into a Holiday Bazaar where you can support local vendors while shopping for jewelry, personalized stationery, monogramming, spirit wear, and more. Food will be available.
December 7
14th Annual Clay Alliance Holiday Pottery Fair
Clifton Rec Center, 10a–3p
Featuring more work from than 25 local clay artists.
Free admission and parking
December 7
Holly Jolly Jamboree
Vine Street, 11a–4p
11 high school choirs competing for cash prizes in a holiday choir competition, as well as a holiday market.
December 7
2024 Norwood Christmas Town
Norwood Middle School and blocks around Elm and Station Avenues, 11a–6p
Free activities for the whole family, including a carousel, carriage rides, petting zoo, nativity scene, craft vendors, food trucks, and more.
December 7
Dad Day
Rhinegeist, 12–8p
Dad beer release, holiday-themed cocktails, dad plaid photo booth, and Find the Pickle. Followed by Krampus After Dark, which brings a bit of eldritch folklore to the season. Grab a beer or cocktail, enjoy a live DJ set, and take a photo with Krampus himself.
December 7
Holiday Celebration with Light Up Wyoming
Village Green and Wyoming Avenue, 6–8p
Visit Santa and a live reindeer display, do some holiday shopping, enjoy holiday music, grab a bite to eat, and experience the tree lighting ceremony.
December 7
Market Bleu Winter Quarter Market
Contemporary Arts Center, 6–10p
Quarterly event at the CAC where you can enjoy a drink while shopping unique handmade goods from regional artisans and artists.
Free admission
December 7–8
The City Flea Holiday Market
Factory 52, 11a–4p
First weekend of City Flea Holiday Markets, featuring 50+ vendors, as well as the Gatherall Food Hall, Aces Kitchen & Pickleball, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Hi-Wire Brewing, and Fretboard Brewing.
December 7, 21
Holiday Market
Rhinegeist Annex
Each $15 ticket includes your first beverage and access to explore the magical market inside the Annex private event space and the winter wonderland rooftop holiday village.
Guests under 21 are $8 and kids 6 and under are free
December 7, 14, 21
Holiday Market at Findlay Market
Farmers and outdoor vendors + dozens of full-time merchants selling holiday gifts, food and decor. Bundle up, grab your friends, and support local this holiday season.
December 8
The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo 2024
Hilton Cincinnati Airport, 10a–4p
December 8
Mainstrasse Village Christkindlmarkt
Mainstrasse, 10a–5p
Festive traditional German Christmas market vibes, featuring vendors, food, drinks, music, family fun, and activities for kids.
December 8
Market on Main
Woodward Theater, 11a–4p
Support small businesses this holiday season with more than 30 unique vendors, food trucks, specialty cocktails, build-your-own bouquet bar, photo booth, and more.
Free admission
December 13
OTR Sip and Shop
Exclusive discounts and libations while celebrating local businesses and bringing the community together.
December 13–14
A Christmas Nightmare
The Dent Schoolhouse
December 14
Breakfast With Santa
Bell Event Centre, 10a–12p
Breakfast buffet, visit from Santa, and holiday crafts and activities.
$35 for adults; $25 for kids. Tickets here.
December 14
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
Monastery Event Center, 2p
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.
December 14
Christmas in Loveland
Downtown Loveland, 3–8p
Visits from St. Nick and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, carriage rides, live Nativity scene, and a sparkling Winter Wonderland.
December 14
The City Flea Holiday Market
Washington Park, 3–8p
Annual event at Washington Park: under the lights on Saturday from 3p until 8p for a night market.
December 21
ArtisanFest513 Holiday Market
Washington Park, 11a–4p
Featuring adoptable pets, music, family games, and small business vendors from across the Tristate.
January 8
Hanukkah at Fountain Square
Fountain Square, 7–9p
Outdoor menorah lighting, ice skating, bumper cars, and more with the Cincinnati Jewish Community.
Dates TBD
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.
Date TBD
Red Dog’s 4th Annual Holiday Mutt Market
The Summit Hotel, time TBD
Support 20+ local pet businesses and meet adorable dogs from Cincinnati Animal CARE. Bring supplies for the adoptable pets and place them under the Giving Tree. There will be a cash bar with hot cocoa and light bites. Event is for dogs and dog people.
Dates TBD
Winter Market at Washington Park
The Winter Market will feature regional artisans and crafters in cozily designed huts, with local organizations to curate each weekend.
PERFORMING ARTS
November 14
A Drag Queen Christmas
Aronoff Center
18+
November 22–December 29
A Christmas Carol
Playhouse in the Park
November 23–December 30
Alice in Wonderland
Ensemble Theatre
November 30
Christmas With the Celts
Memorial Hall
November 30–December 1
Home Alone with the Cincinnati Pops
Music Hall
Watch the movie as the Pops play the score.
December 2–3
The Phil DeGreg Trio Plays “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Memorial Hall
December 6
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve
Heritage Bank Center, 3p
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve and more.
December 6–22
Die Hard is a Christmas Movie
Know Theatre
A shot-for-shot remake of the perennial action classic, set inside the suburban home of a family on the brink of collapse.
December 13–15
Holiday Pops
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.
Tickets starting at $26
December 13–29
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!)
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.
December 14
Cincinnati Men’s Chorus: Holidays on Holiday
Memorial Hall
December 19–29
The Nutcracker at Music Hall
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
December 20–22
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
presented by Nederlander Entertainment and Memorial Hall
$45–75
[Dates are still TBD for several area events. This post will be updated regularly. Last update 11/6/24]
