Holidays in Cincinnati 2026

Categories below include:

• Small Business Saturday
• Lights and Displays
• Events and Markets
• Performing Arts
• New Year’s Eve

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

On November 28 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

October 31–January 3

A Spider’s Gift
Krohn Conservatory
Krohn’s holiday show with a display inspired by the Ukrainian Christmas Spider folktale, which says that spiders bring good fortune Open daily from 10a–8p.
Tickets will only be available for purchase at the door. Check their event calendar for special event tickets.

November 1–January 1

Holiday Hideaway
Red Leprechaun
Twinkling lights, festive décor, and cozy pub charm.

November 13–January 3

Winter Wonderland
Cobblestone OTR

November 13–January 4

Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
Union Terminal
The beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 80th season.
Free for members or included with museum admission

November 14–January 10

Holly Jolly Days
Behringer-Crawford Museum
Includes the 35th 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 19–January 3

PNC Festival of Lights
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 44th 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 20–December 23

The Christmas Ranch
Open daily (closed Thanksgiving)
Walk-through experience with lights, shops, bonfires, and train and wagon rides.
Click here for details about admission

November 20–January 2

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
Warren County Fairgrounds
Drive thru holiday light show illuminated by more than 2million lights.
Visit their website for details about admission

November 20–January 3

Pyramid Hill Lights
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 26–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–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 3–December 23

Holidays on the Farm
Parky’s Farm, open weekends, 4–8p
Hayrides, pony rides, farm animals, holiday beer hall, family friendly activities, hot cocoa, pictures with Santa, and Great Parks holiday merchandise.
$15 general admission ($12 when purchased online); $13 kids 3–17 and seniors 65+ ($10 when purchased online); free for ages two and under; tickets here

December 4–29

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.

Dates TBD

CAM Nights & Holiday Lights in Partnership with BLINK®
Cincinnati Art Museum, 5–8p
Enjoy extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays in December (closed on Christmas Day), complete with a holiday-themed projection light show outside in the Alice Bimel Courtyard.
Free admission

Lighted Forest Walk
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

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

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

EVENTS AND MARKETS

October 31–March 26

2026 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 6–8

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

Sharonville Holiday Market
Sharonville Convention Center
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

November 7

UC Health Ice Rink Opening Day
Elm Street Plaza
In addition to the ice rink and skate rentals, there will also be rentable igloos, pergolas, warming tent, and concessions.

ArtisanFest513 Makers on Ice
Elm Street Plaza, 11a–3p
Celebrate the ice rink opening for the season with shopping local makers.
Free admission

November 14

ArtisanFest513 Sweater Weather Flea
Washington Park, 11a–3p
Free admission

November 14, 22; December 5, 19

Art on Vine Holiday Markets
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
Shop local fine arts and handcrafted goods for the holidays.
Free admission

November 15–December 29

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 20–22

Holiday Open House
White Oak Garden Center
Weekend of cookies, marshmallows, hot cocoa, giveaways, and more.
Free admission

Holiday Shopping Expo
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 20–22, 27–29, December 3–6, 10–23

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 $40

November 20–December 28

5th Annual Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Cincinnati 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 21

The OFF Holiday Market
Summit Park, 10a–4p
Shopping, ice skating, and beer.
Free admission

Lights Up
Liberty Center, 11a–8p
Annual holiday kickoff event featuring a parade, visit from Santa, and lighting of the tree in The Park.

Light Up the Levee
Newport on the Levee, 3–9p
A full lineup of festive fun, including live music, fireworks, face painting, carols, and a visit from Santa Claus, as well as the lighting of their 50-foot tree.
Free admission

Hamilton Tree Lighting
Marcum Park, 4:30–7:30p
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 21–22

ArtLocal Art Show
The Annex at The Grove
Two-day celebration of local creativity.
Friday, 7–10p: silent disco and $5 suggested donation
Saturday: free admission

Holiday Bazaar
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.

Holiday Market
Cincinnati Art Museum
Saturday: 10a–5p
Sunday: 11a–4p
Seasonal gift market in the museum’s main lobby featuring local artists and artisans.

November 25

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 27

Art on Vine
Fountain Square, 5–9p
Black Friday special where you can watch Light Up the Square on Fountain Square while supporting local makers. Additional Art on Vine holiday market dates: November 14, 22; December 5, 19 (details above).
Free admission

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 27–December 19

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 27–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 20 from 8a to 9a.
Included with admission and membership

November 28

Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p
100+ makers in one space for a holiday shopping extravaganza.
Free admission

3rd Annual Hoppy Holiday Market
Rhinegeist, 12–5p
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with holiday cheer, artisan vendors, craft beer, and an item drive.
Free admission

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

December 4–5

Essex Studios Art Walk
Essex Studios

December 5

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

Light Up College Hill
Patrick’s Park, 6–9p
Lights, music, and holiday cheer.
Free admission

December 5, 12

A Christmas Nightmare
The Dent Schoolhouse

December 5–6

Holiday Market
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 6

Holiday Family Festival
Taft Museum of Art, 10a–3:30p
Meet Santa, create artwork, save in the Museum Shop, explore the galleries and holiday displays, and enjoy a lively performance of seasonal songs by Jake Speed & the Freddies.

December 12

Holiday Makers Market
Benkens, 9a–2p
Celebrating our local creatives.
Free admission

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.

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

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 12, 18

Scary Little Christmas
Brimstone Haunt

December 12, 19

ArtisanFest513: Grinchmas
Washington Park, 11a–3p
Free admission

December 13

Sip & Slay
Winterhaus, 11:30a (doors at 10:30)
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 20

Holiday on the Hill
Monk Fountain Plaza (Mt Adams), 6p

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.

Dates TBA

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

6th 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

Christmas Tree Sale
Findlay Market
Trees (starting at $75), wreaths ($30), and stands ($35).

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

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.

PERFORMING ARTS

November 20–December 27

A Christmas Carol
Playhouse in the Park

November 21

Trans-Siberian Orchestra: 30th Anniversary Tour
Heritage Bank Center, 3p and 7:30p
Celebrate TSO’s landmark 30th anniversary with a major winter tour featuring a spectacular, reimagined staging of its treasured tale, “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.”

November 29

Homegirl Holiday
Memorial Hall, 6p (Black Sunday holiday shopping with Black-owned businesses starting at 4)
Back for its 7th run, this funny and heartfelt holiday stage play puts a modern spin on the Nativity, explores the traditions of Kwanzaa, and asks the age-old question: Is Santa real or not?

December 2–13

’Twas the Night Before by Cirque Du Soleil
Aronoff Center
Click here to view the entire 2026–2027 season

December 3–20

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.
Click here for Know Theatre’s 2026–27 season

December 4

“The Night Before Christmas” with the Mighty Wurlitzer
Music Hall Ballroom, 7p
This event features the Mighty Wurlitzer, a historic, 1927 organ with over 2000 pipes and is one of the few well-preserved theater organs left in the world.

December 4–20

Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Emery Theatre
Click here to view The Children’s Theatre’s 2026–27 season

December 5–December 30

Cinderella
Ensemble Theatre

December 6

Cincinnati Men’s Chorus: Our Holiday Wishlist
Memorial Hall, 2p

December 11–13

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 $27

December 11–27

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 12–13

The Nightmare Before Christmas with Live Musical Performance
Memorial Hall
December 12: 2p and 7p
December 13: 2p
Film screening with live musical performance.

White Christmas
Mariemont Theatre

December 17–27

The Nutcracker
Music Hall
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
Click here to view the Ballet’s 2026–27 season

December 18–20

An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Memorial Hall
12/18: 8p
12/19: 8p
12/20: 4p
presented by Nederlander Entertainment and Memorial Hall

NYE Events

Most events havee not yet been announced. Stay tuned for information as it becomes available.

16th 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