It seems as though, as the chill approaches, the more likely we all are to take refuge in whatever shelter we are able. And, while that is understandable and the overwhelming ideal, it’s as though we’re finished being outdoors for the cold months; to reemerge only once spring arrives.

Places like Minneapolis and Scandinavia have events throughout the cold season, so why shouldn’t we? Below are several ideas for great winter activities to keep us socially active despite the cold.

Igloo Rentals

Bubble Tent
Sunday Afternoon Picnics
Add on a bubble tent to your Sunday Afternoon Picnic for $40 during the cold season.

November 3–
IGLOOBAR

Braxton Brewing Company
Each heated igloo can accommodate up to 8 people comfortably and features cushioned seating, a dedicated Bluetooth speaker (upon request). Can be reserved for 2.5 hours (drink serve for two hours). Enjoy food from Dewey’s and beverages from Braxton. $35 non-refundable reservation fee required.
21+

November 17–
Igloo Dining Experience
Catch-A-Fire Pizza (Blue Ash, Lebanon)
Reservable for two-hour time slots. Igloos seat up to six people and require a $35 non-refundable booking fee.

November 22–December 31
Igloo Boardwalk

Servatii Cincinnati Chriskindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House
$300 rental fee (transforms into bonus vouchers, which you can redeem on-site at food and beverage stalls within the market) for igloos that accommodate parties up to 14, featuring beverage host or cocktail server. Available for a 2.5-hour rental before all Bengals home game deys from 10a–12:30p.

AC Upper Deck
The Banks
Each igloo contains seating for 8 people, a small heater, and space to enjoy cocktails and small bites while mixing and mingling with your guests. $32 non-refundable reservation fee due at the time of booking.

Outdoor Events and Dining

Fifty West Brewing Company
Bonfires, heated tents, hot chocolate, and ice skating.

Blind Lemon
Firepit

November 26
Early Evening Sightseeing Cruise

BB Riverboats, 6:30–8:30p

December 29
High Noon Sightseeing Cruise

BB Riverboats, 12–2p (boarding at 11:30a)

January 6
Music and Sunset Sightseeing Cruise
BB Riverboats, 7–9p (boarding at 6p)

January 6, 13, 20, 27, February 3
Winter Hike Series
Winton Woods, 10a
Hit the trails for challenging hikes, ranging in distance from 4–5.5 miles, held at a different park each week to guarantee a new experience. Hikes begin at 10a and conclude with a hot, hearty bowl of soup and camaraderie.

January 7
Everything Cincy Pre-Game Fest
Schmidlapp Event Lawn
Bengals pre-game party featuring DJ, fowling, 360 digital booth, bounce house, game day faceprinting, cornhole, signature cocktails, beer, and more. Event starts three hours before every home game.

January 8–March 8
Penguin Days
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Enjoy discounted admission and Penguin Parades on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and Holiday Mondays (Jan 15 & Feb 19) at 11am. It must be colder than 50 degrees for the penguins to participate in the Penguin Parades. This is the final year for Penguin Parades before the Zoo’s aging king penguins retire.

January 12–February 18
Fire & Ice Weekends
Moerlein Lager House
Fire performers turn the beer garden into a fiery fiesta while you chill out at the Ice Bar, complete with a drink luge, ice displays, and cozy fire pits to keep warm.
Every Friday (5:30–10p), Saturday (3–10p), and Sunday (11a–7p) through February 18.

February 17–18
Mittenfest
Washington Park, 11a–5p
Craft beers from local tri-state area breweries, a DJ, tented food vendors, and other surprises.

March 1–3
32nd Annual Bockfest

Celebration of the coming spring, complete with a parade (Friday, 3/1), 5K (Saturday, 3/2, at 10a), and celebrations at Bockfest Hall and venues around the Brewery District. Bockfest Brewing Heritage Trail Tours and Historical Programming will be available Saturday (3/2) and Sunday (3/3).

Ice Skating

November 4–February 19
UC Health Ice Rink

Fountain Square
Open Skate is $10 and includes admission and skate rental. Children under 4 free. Bumper cars operate on limited hours on weekends from 10a to 3p. Bumper car punch cards are available for $10 and are valid for 5 rides each.

November 11–January 7
Warm 98.5 Ice Rink

Summit Park
Skate sessions are only $7 per person with skates included. Children 3 and under free. Open daily except for holidays.

November 17–January 14
Glice Skating Rink
Dead Low Brewing
Glice is an eco friendly rink that functions without electricity or water. $10 admission includes skate rentals and children under 4 skate for free. Open during normal brewery hours (closed Mondays). Each skate session is 45 minutes and starts 15 minutes after the top of the hour.

November 22–February 26
Ice Skating & Curling

Fifty West Brewing Co
$10 per person includes includes ice time and skate rentals. Children 4 and under free.

And, of course, there is an entire Holidays in Cincinnati post featuring several events happening through the beginning of January.

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