The holiday season in Cincinnati is truly a magical time. (Don’t just take my word for it—the people of WalletHub agree.) Standard activities around the holidays include shopping, dining out, and checking out events, and, with its excellent retail and restaurant options, as well as its plentiful holiday events, our great city has no shortage of things to do, places to go, and events to check out throughout the holidays. And, even better? There’s a gift card that allows you to experience all of the above in our beautiful downtown.
From going out to eat, supporting the arts, and shopping local, to having a drink, and treating yourself to a spa treatment, the Queen City Card has options for people of all ages with a variety of interests.
When I am saying that a Queen City Card is an amazing gift, I am not making that up. (Just check out my Shop Local Guide, where I always include it as a great local gift idea.) There are more than 100 places in the core where you can use this gift card and it is a consumable, practical gift you can use at restaurants, shops, breweries; for resources, activities, spa services, and so much more.
Read more below for recommendations for how to use a Queen City Card, based on price point or by interest.
Take note that Findlay Market, which features more than a dozen vendors on the Queen City Card, has FREE parking for one hour during weekday market hours, and the streetcar is fare free and can be used to travel around the core during the holidays and beyond. You can also take the Cincinnati Metro for $2 (Hamilton County Local) to avoid paying for parking downtown. Download the Transit app to plan your trip(s) and pay for your fare.
By Price Point
$25–50
Free trip to the Contemporary Arts Center and a souvenir from the Shop at the Contemporary Arts Center
🚊🧩🎨♥️🛍 (see below for key)
$40+
Cincinnati Food Tours guided tour: The Original Findlay Market Tour ($39 per person)
🚊🧩♥️🍽🥃
$50–100
Taglio and Dojo Gelato
🚊🧩♥️🍽🥃
Moerlein Lager House 🗓 and Graeter’s
🚊🧩♥️🍽🥃
$100
Dinner and a show
Crown Cantina 🗓 and Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
🚊🎨♥️🍽🥃
Mita’s 🗓 and show at Memorial Hall
🚊🎨♥️🍽🥃
$125
Dinner for two at Goose & Elder 🗓 followed by Brewing Heritage Trail guided Built on Beer Tour for two ($39 each)
🚊♥️🍽🥃
$150
Date Night
Drinks at Frankie’s Sips & Savories, dinner at LOSANTI Steakhouse 🗓, then Graeter’s Ice Cream (OTR)
🚊♥️🍽🥃
By Interest
Adventure
Koch Sporting Goods and Fountain Square Ice Rink
🚊🧩♥️🥃🛍
Food Lover
Artichoke, Colonel De’s Herbs & Spices, and Dean’s Mediterranean Imports
🚊🛍
Kid-Friendly
Go to the Cincinnati Fire Museum, have a meal at The Eagle 🗓, then visit Washington Park
🚊🧩♥️🍽🥃
Staycation
21c Museum Hotel 🚊🧩🎨
BlaCk Coffee Lounge 🍽
Contemporary Arts Center and The Shop at the CAC 🚊🧩🎨🛍
Fountain Square Ice Rink 🚊🥃
Abigail Street 🚊♥️🍽🥃🗓
Homemakers Bar 🚊♥️🥃
Treat Yourself
Gia and the Blooms (Vine St. and Findlay Market) 🚊🧩🛍
MiCA 12/V 🚊🧩🎨🛍
The Spa at 21c 🚊🗓
This is merely a shortlist of ways to enjoy your time downtown. Combinations for things to do Downtown Cincinnati (and using the Queen City Card) are endless. Have any questions or looking for a custom recommendation? Just ask!
Prices are estimated to my best ability based on standard purchases and are subject to change.
Key:
🚊 on the streetcar line (within 1–2 blocks)
🧩 kid friendly
🎨 the arts
♥️ date night
🍽 dining
🥃 beverages
🛍 retail
🗓 takes reservations