For all of your holiday 2025 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
- New Year’s Eve
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
On November 29 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
November 1–January 4
Festival of Ferns at Krohn Conservatory
Walk through a botanical model of Cincinnati created by Applied Imagination and experience classic trains and iconic landmarks. Surround yourself with ferns, familiar and unexpected, from towering tree to delicate maidenhairs complemented by the crimson hues of seasonal poinsettias. Open daily from 10a–8p.
Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door. Check theirevent calendar for special event tickets.
November 6–January 3
Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres
Immersive light displays along a 1/3-mile trail for all ages. There will also be an enclosed heated patio structure that will serve as an indoor dining option (Acres Restaurant & Bar open during Lighted Forest) and part of a sound and projection installation for the event.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for kids
November 11–January 11
Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum
Includes the 34th 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)
November 14–January 4
Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
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)
November 14–January 4
Winter Nights & River Lights
Purple People Bridge
Annual holiday light show featureing over 10,000 lights, holiday decorations, and festive music spread across the bridge on select nights.
Free admission
November 14–January 4
Winter Wonderland at Cobblestone OTR
November 14–January 5
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal
The beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 79th season.
Free for members or included with museum admission
November 20–January 4
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Open Sunday–Thursday until 9p; Friday and Saturday until 10p (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas)
Come early for the animals; stay for the 43rd annual Festival of Lights festivities that start at 4p, featuring 4 million LED lights, North Polar Express Train (starting at 2:30p), statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, blacklight puppet shows, Santa and costumed character visits (starting at 4p), Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, Animal Lanterns throughout the zoo, and snacks at S’mores-n-More stands.
Included with zoo admission
November 21–December 23
The Christmas Ranch
Open daily (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
November 21–January 3
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds
Drive thru holiday light show illuminated by more than 2million lights.
$30 (+$3 service fee) per carload up to 8 people; $50 (+$4 service fee) for carloads of 9+ people (no limos, RVs, or buses longer than 21 feet)
November 21–January 4
2025 Winter Nights & River Lights
Purple Purple Bridge
Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge, with events happening throughout the installation.
Free admission
November 27–December 31
Light Up Middletown
6–10p
Drive-through light display from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve—open in all weather and on holidays.
Admission by cash donation
November 27–January 4
Shillito’s Elves
Carew Tower (along Fifth Street)
The elves’ move is part of expanded holiday programming that will stretch throughout downtown’s Fountain District.
Free
November 28–December 31
Kings Island WinterFest
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 $29.99
December 4–December 23
Holidays on the Farm
Parky’s Farm, open nightly, 5–9p
Under the glow of lights there will be wagon rides, pony rides, carolers, crafts, farm animals, food trucks, open fire pits, and so much more.
$17 general admission ($15 when purchased online); $12 kids 3–17 and seniors 65+; free for ages two and under; tickets here
December 5–28
Light in the Forest
Cincinnati Nature Center, 5:30–9p
Illuminated one-mile-long trail, installations by BLINK artists, children’s craft and interactive activities, live music, bonfire, food trucks and drinks, and holiday shopping.
EVENTS AND MARKETS
October 31–November 2
Christmas by Curated
Curated Fine Furnishings & Design
Weekend of exclusive Christmas decor shopping while sipping on a signature cocktail and enjoying freshly baked cookies.
November 7–8
Art Local Art Show: Charley Harper Special Feature
ArtsConnect, Friday: 7–10p and Saturday: 10a–2p
Two-day celebration of local creativity, as well as original works, prints, and keepsake artwork by the nationally renowned artist Charley Harper.
November 7–9
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 7–9
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; tickets are sold online only this year
November 14–16
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.
November 15–16
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.
Sign up for a free tour here
November 15–16
Holiday Market
Cincinnati Art Museum
Saturday: 10a–5p
Sunday: 10a–4p
Seasonal gift market in the museum’s main lobby featuring local artists and artisans.
November 15–December 31
2025 Winterhaus
Fountain Square, Monday–Sunday, 11a–9p
With the move of the ice rink to Elm Street Plaza, Winterhaus is a cozy, glass-enclosed tented retreat in the heart of the city, complete with daily programming, a full bar, and space for everything from co-working to private events.
November 16 and 23, December 7
Art on Vine Holiday Market
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
Shop local fine arts and handcrafted goods for the holidays.
Free admission
November 17–January 4
The Pitchmas
The Pitch
Immersive Christmas pop-up bar complete with decor, photo ops, special activations, and Christmas themed cocktails.
November 18–December 28
Miracle on Madison
Galaxie
Immersive Christmas-themed pop-up bar with original cocktails, over-the-top decorations, holiday-themed food, Christmas movies, karaoke, and a merchandise lineup.
Free admission; no reservations required
November 20; December 4, 11, 18
Fifth & Vinyl at Winterhaus
Fountain Square, 5–8p
Festive beats and vintage vibes from a live DJ straight from the turntable. There will be cozy drinks and classic records all night long.
Free admission
November 21–23
Holiday Open House
White Oak Garden Center
Weekend of cookies, marshmallows, hot cocoa, giveaways, and more.
Free admission
November 21–23
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 21–23, 29–30, December 5–7, 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 21–December 28
Miracle at the Overlook
Overlook Lodge
Immersive holiday pop-up bar experience where you can enjoy a welcome shot and two festive holiday cocktails in themed glassware.
Tickets required
November 21–February 16
UC Health Ice Rink
Elm Street Plaza
A decades-old Cincinnati tradition formerly at Fountain Square, the ice rink will officially relocate to Elm Street Plaza for the 2025-2026 rink season. There will also be rentable igloos, pergolas, and warming tent.
More details to come
November 22
The OFF Holiday Market
Summit Park, 10a–4p
Shopping, ice skating, and beer.
Free admission
November 22
5th Annual Pride Winter Market
Washington Park, 11a–5p
Shop handcrafted goods from LGBTQ+ owned and affirming small businesses. The Porch will be open with concessions and beverages available for purchase.
Free admission
November 22
‘oliday Market
Urban Artifact, 1–5p
Unique local artisans and vendors, music, and more.
Free admission
November 22
Lights Up
Liberty Center, 3–7p
Annual holiday kickoff event featuring a parade, visit from Santa, and lighting of the tree in The Park.
November 22
Light Up the Levee
Newport on the Levee, 3–9p
A full lineup of festive fun, including live music, fireworks, face painting, silent disco, and a visit from Santa Claus, as well as the lighting of their 50-foot tree.
Free admission
November 22
Sparkle Up the Night: Hamilton Tree Lighting Pre-Party
Wildfire, 4–7:30p
Stop by Wildfire on your way to the Tree Lighting for complimentary hair flitter application and Light Up Accessories for purchase.
November 22
Hamilton Tree Lighting
Marcum Park, 5–8p
Annual tree lighting ceremony featuring live reindeer, carriage rides, jingle bell bracelets, free train rides, crafts and games, canned food drive, and more.
Free admission
November 22–23
Holiday Bazaar at Queen City Clay
Over 60 artists’ handmade pottery, jewelry, and sculpture available for purchase ahead of the gift-giving season. There will also be food trucks and coffee.
November 22–December 28
4th 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 26
Good Plates Giving Project (GPGP)
Good Plates Eatery, 10a
Every year on the day before Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas Eve, we open our doors at 10 am to provide people in our community with hot meals, winter goods and wellness products, and toys for kids, all free of charge.
November 28
Art on Vine
Elm Street Plaza, 5–9p
An extra Art on Vine event for the holiday season: a Black Friday special where you can watch Light Up the Square on Fountain Square and celebrate the grand opening of Elm Street Plaza while supporting local makers. Additional holiday market dates: December 7 and December 21 (details below).
Free admission
November 28
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 28–December 20
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 28–December 21
Christmas Tree Sale
Findlay Market
Trees (starting at $75), wreaths ($30), and stands ($35).
November 29
ArtisanFest513 Harvest Market
Washington Park, 11a–4p
November 29
Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p
100+ makers in one space for a holiday shopping extravaganza.
November 29
WestSide Holiday Market
Westwood Town Hall, 12–5p
Small business pop-up market showcasing over 120 local vendors, food trucks, and family friendly activities. There will also be free photos with Santa.
Free admission
November 29
8th Annual Holiday Market
Streetside Brewery, 1–4p
Shop local, support small businesses, and drink Streetside beer.
Free admission
November 29; December 6–7, 13, 20–21
Jingle Jams
The Porch at Washington Park, 4–7p
Merry mix of live holiday music, great drinks, and festive vibes.
November 29; December 6, 13, 20
Downtown Dazzle
Fountain Square, 6–9p
Cookie and ornament decorating, scavenger hunt, photos with Santa and Buddy the Elf, Santa rappelling from a building, and fireworks show.
Free admission
November 29–30
2nd Annual Hoppy Holiday Market
Rhinegeist Annex
Each $15 ticket includes your first beverage and entry to their market of a variety of curated local vendors.
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. FISH (Family Inclusive Sensory Hours) will be on December 14 from 8a to 10a.
Included with admission and membership
November 30, December 7, 14
Holiday Family Funday
Taft Museum of Art, 10a–3:30p
Free music, art-making, and gallery experiences.
November 30: Whacky Tacky Traditions
December 7: Classic Christmas
December 14: Hanukkah Celebration
Registration not required but encouraged
December 3
Boozy Book Fair
Fabled Brew Works, 6–9p
The nostalgic book fairs you love but at a brewery. In collaboration with Blue Marble Books.
21+
December 4
Monmouth St. Mercantile
1001 Monmouth Street (Newport), 4–6p
Magic Hour tea blends, light bites, curated gifts, mini tarot readings, and more.
December 5
Winterfest
Kennedy Heights Arts Center, 6–9p
Community celebration with live music, art activities, outdoor lights, food, and festive fun for all ages.
Free admission
December 5–6
Essex Studios Art Walk
Essex Studios
December 5–6
Snapdragon Holiday Market
Makers, crafters, and vendors. More details to come.
December 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, 24, 26–28
Live Music at Festival of Ferns
Krohn Conservatory, 5–7p
Weekends in December (and Christmas Eve) you can enjoy the musical stylings of Mike Sharfe, Dylan Firlie, a local handbell choir, and more.
Tickets for Festival of Ferns will be sold at the door. This event is free with a general admission ticket.
December 6
15th 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 6
14th Annual Holiday One Stop Shop
Wyoming Civic Center, 10a–3p
Local vendors, holiday music by the Wyoming Civic Winds, and Schmidt’s Sausage food truck.
Free admission
December 6
Holly Jolly Jamboree
Vine Street in OTR, 11a–4p
Makers, artists, small businesses, and carolers.
Free admission
December 6
Red Dog’s Santa Paws
MadTree, 12–4p
Get a digital photo of your pup with Santa for a $15 suggested donation to League for Animal Welfare (cash or card). There will also be pet vendors and the opportunity to Paw It Forward.
December 6
Dad Day
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
Dad beer release, holiday themed cocktails, photo booth, and Find the Pickle.
Free and family friendly
December 6
Light Up College Hill
Patrick’s Park, 6–9p
Lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Free admission
December 6
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 6–7
Christkindlmarkt
Mainstrasse Village (6th Street Promenade), 10a–4p
Covington’s curated holiday makers market, complete with art, handmade, vintage, food, and drinks. Tree lighting will be at dusk on Saturday.
December 6–7
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 7
Holiday Brunch Cruise
BB Riverboats, 12–2p (boarding at 11a)
Two-hour cruise featuring games, entertainment, and lunch buffet.
December 7
Black Santa
Freedom Center, 12–4p
Photo with Santa. First come, first served.
Free admission
December 7
Holiday Market
Northwood Cider Co, 1–6p
An afternoon of sipping and shopping.
Free admission
December 12
Black Santa
Heritage Village Museum at Sharon Woods, 6–9p
Holly & Hearth Night. Tickets are $8 to spend time with Santa. Photos not provided.
December 12–13
A Christmas Nightmare
The Dent Schoolhouse
December 13
Holiday Makers Market
Benkens, 9a–2p
Celebrating our local creatives.
Free admission
December 13
Sip & Slay
Fueled Collective, 10a (morning show), 1p (afternoon show)
Join Queen City Charities for a festive drag brunch that celebrates community, holiday cheer, and the power of giving back. Tickets include brunch, cocktails, and drag performances during one of two shows.
December 13
ArtWorks Chroma Print Sale
ArtWorks Creative Campus, 11a–4p
Local printmaker art market with 11 vendors and exclusive prints from the ArtWorks archive.
Free admission
December 13
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
Monastery Event Center, 12:30p
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.
December 13
Newtown Winterfest
Newtown, 4–8p
Music, vendors, food trucks, kids activities, and more. 5K fun run at 4 and parade at 4:30.
Free admission
December 13
The Taste of Emo Ugly Sweater Party
Fretboard Factory 52, 8–11p
Wear your holiday best and listen to some of your favorite emo music.
Free; all ages
December 13–14
ArtisanFest513 Holiday Market
December 13–14
Artisan Holiday Market
Hotel Covington, 11a–3p
December 14
Krampus Alley Walk
Northside, 2–5p
Music and mischief to stir up the revelry and cheer for another amazing Krampus Alley walk, which ends at 4222 Hamilton Ave, the Heart of Northside’s auditorium for cider, snacks, and dancing.
Free
December 18
Black Santa
Cincinnati Art Museum, 5–8p
Photo with Santa. First come, first served.
Free admission
December 23
Good Plates Giving Project (GPGP)
Good Plates Eatery, 10a
Every year on the day before Thanksgiving and the day before Christmas Eve, we open our doors at 10 am to provide people in our community with hot meals, winter goods and wellness products, and toys for kids, all free of charge.
PERFORMING ARTS
November 15
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve
Heritage Bank Center, 2:30p and 7:30p
The Ghosts of Christmas Eve and more.
November 21–December 28
A Christmas Carol
Playhouse in the Park
November 28–December 21
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 3–December 31
It’s Fritz! A Sequel to Fiona: The Musical
Ensemble Theatre
December 6
Snowtime Cinema: A Holiday Movie Night for the Family
Memorial Hall, 7p
December 6–7
Cincinnati Men’s Chorus: Joy!
Memorial Hall, 2p
December 10–28
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 12–14
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 18–28
The Nutcracker at Music Hall
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
December 19–21
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
presented by Nederlander Entertainment and Memorial Hall
$49–79
NYE Events
New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise
BB Riverboats, 11:30a–1:30p (boarding at 10:30a)
Party favors, DJ, kids activities, lunch buffet, and characters from their Pirate, Princess, and Super Hero cruises will be onboard.
$40 for children (ages 4–12); $51 for adults
15th Annual Happy Zoo Year
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 4–10p
Kid-friendly early countdown at 8p complete with Cincinnati Circus glow performers from 6 to 8, photo ops, glow games, and giveaways (while supplies last).
Included with Zoo admission
New Year’s Eve at WinterFest
Kings Island, 5p–midnight
Two New Year’s Eve countdowns: family-friendly version in Festhaus beginning at 10p and a midnight countdown complete with fireworks. Rides operate until 11p.
Included with WinterFest admission
New Years Eve + Indoor Fireworks
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Indy Fuel
Heritage Bank Center, 6p
End your 2025 in a family friendly setting with the Cyclones and a 6p start time, then stick around for indoor fireworks. (Be home in time for the midnight ball drop.)
New Year’s Eve
Newport Syndicate, 7p
Live music, DJs, dinner, and bar. Four ticket packages available.
Tickets start at $80; 21+
New Year’s Eve: Cabaret Cafe
Music Hall, 8p
Ring in the New Year with the Pops and an evening of playful indulgence.
Tickets starting at $27
New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
BB Riverboats, 9p–1a (boarding at 8p)
The night includes a three-entree buffet, entertainment, a split of champagne at midnight, late-night snack buffet, and party favors.
Tickets start at $90
[Information is not yet available for several area events. This post will be updated regularly and as needed. Last update 11/13/2025]
