Best Things to Do in Cincinnati, November 2026

November in Cincinnati – it’s one of my favorite times of year. There’s so much to do here in town. From the openings of all the holiday shows and events to lights and pumpkins and pie!

November things to do in cincinnati cover photo with orange fall leaf over a blurred background

Enjoy this month long list of Things to Do in Cincinnati for the month of November:

Looking for events by date? Scroll down for the daily happenings below.

Holiday Craft Shows are heating up for November! You’re sure to find one you like in this list that goes from the beginning of November to the end!

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it! Want to lessen the work load this year? Check out our list of Thanksgiving Dinner To Go Options for Cincinnati for all the great Thanksgiving day offerings from our local restaurants. You can order just your turkey OR the entire meal. Be sure to order early!

Lots of Drive Through Light Shows will be open for the season in November. November is a great time to see a light show as the lines/crowds are typically easier to manage. Don’t miss:
Pyramid Hill Light Show
Christmas Glow
Light Up Middletown
and more!

Looking for something to do ON Thanksgiving Day? Check out the list of November 26 events.

Make your plans for Thanksgiving Weekend Events with our list for Nov. 27 – 29, 2026.

Make your plans to cut your own Christmas tree at any one of our Cincinnati area farms.

November 1: The City Flea is going old school with a Vintage Market at Zieglar Park, 12-5pm.

November 6-8: Germania’s Christkindlmarkt will be going on all weekend, Friday – Sunday. Based on traditional Christmas markets that are popular throughout Germany, Germania’s Christkindlmarkt is mostly under their covered pavilion and heated tents, with some booths and attractions outdoors. Sip on a cold German bier, or enjoy a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) while shopping for unique gifts from Germany and from local crafters, and listen to music that will get you in the holiday spirit!

November 7-8: Head to Shawnee Lookout for the 1800s Harvest Jamboree. Every autumn in the 1800s, Ohioans reaped what they sowed: crops! Step back in time to celebrate fall food and fellowship at this historic 19th-century jubilee. Taste traditionally prepared dishes at the pioneer picnic, join in frontier festivities, toss tomahawks and enjoy family-friendly games. 

November 7: Save those pumpkins and head to Stanbery Park for their annual Pumpkin Chuck, happening from noon to 5pm. Use their giant trebuchets to launch your pumpkin through the air and into the field. They’ll have food trucks on hand, craft beer, live entertainment, and more.

Don’t miss our list of Veterans Day Celebrations here.

November 9-15: It’s Pizza Week! Nosh on $11 pizzas from some of Cincinnati’s best pizza joints. It’s the perfect time to check out something new or enjoy old favorites!

November 13+: Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains opens for the season at Cincinnati Museum Center. See all the old CG&E trains, have some fun at Holiday Junction, and more. Admission charged.

November 14: The downtown Christmas tree makes its grand entrance at Fountain Square. Installation starts at 8am and they’re having a Tree Trimming Party inside Winterhaus from 8am to noon.

November 14: The Summit Park Ice Rink opens for the season and will be open through January 10, 2027 (closed on holidays). Tickets can be purchased at the ice rink (no online option). Admission charged.

November 14: Art on Vine’s Holiday Market will be happening at Rhinegeist, 12-6pm. Join in for a festive day of shopping and supporting local artists. With over 80 vendors from Cincinnati and beyond, you’ll find something unique for everyone on your list. 

November 19+: Festival of Lights opens for the season at The Cincinnati Zoo.

November 20-22: The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market will be at the First Financial Center (formerly the Convention Center, downtown). Save a few bucks when you purchase tickets online.

November 20+: Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House on the Event Lawn at Smale Park) opens for the season on November 20.

November 21: Light Up the Levee is happening at Newport on the Levee, 3-7pm. Celebrate the season with live music, fireworks, Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree on The Plaza. The tree lighting will be at 7pm followed by Rozzi fireworks.

November 21: Lights Up will be happening at Liberty Center. The evening includes a holiday parade, family-friendly activities, and a very special guest – Santa! The tree lighting will take place following the parade.

November 21: The Holiday OFF Market will be on the grounds of Summit Park, 10am-4pm.

November 21: Head just a bit north for Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays, 4:30-7:30pm. This is a free family-friendly event. They’ll have a tree lighting, live reindeer, and more. Happening at Marcum Park.

November 27 – 30: See our list of Thanksgiving Weekend Events here

November 27: Kings Island’s Winterfest opens for the season.

November 28: It’s time for Crafty Supermarket at Music Hall, 11am-5pm.