Looking for something to do in Cincinnati for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day? We’ve compiled a list of ideas for you.
And new for this year: we’ve compiled a list of all the Cincinnati area restaurants that will be open for Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day (see that list below). Pro tip here: make your reservations!
All Cincinnati Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events listed are for 2024.
Things to Do on Christmas Eve, 2024:
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt will be open on Christmas Eve, 12-7pm. Enjoy the magic of downtown and the riverfront at Christmas time with this outdoor holiday themed event on the lawn next to the Moerlein Lager House. Enjoy food around the big fire pit, carolers, an ice rink, igloos, entertainment, and more.
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest will be open on Christmas Eve, 5:30-9pm.
Pyramid Hill Lights is this year’s light display at Pyramid Sculpture Park and it’s open on Christmas Eve, 6-9pm.
The Fountain Square Ice Rink will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 9am-11pm.
Krohn Conservatory is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 10am – 8pm (be sure to check with their calendar for times before heading out the door). Enjoy this year’s Holiday Show, “Solstice Glow”. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Be sure to leave some time to visit the Crib of the Nativity, a live nativity scene in the Krohn’s front lawn too!
EnterTRAINment Junction is open on Christmas Eve. They will close at 4pm that day.
The Newport Aquarium is open on Christmas Eve. In addition to the aquarium, be sure to see Scuba Santa swim underwater with a tank full of sharks and tell him what you want for Christmas. Meet cheerful elves straight from the North Pole and join in the fun as Scuba Santa fills the Theater with bubbles.
Things to Do on Christmas Day:
Krohn Conservatory is open on Christmas Day 10am – 8pm (they have that time listed now but I’m going to guess that will change – be sure to double check times before you go). Enjoy this year’s Holiday Show, “Solstice Glow”. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Be sure to leave some time to visit the Crib of the Nativity, a live nativity scene in the Krohn’s front lawn too!
The Fountain Square Ice Rink will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No reservations needed.
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Eve, 2024:
Moerlein Lager House will be open on Christmas Eve. Be sure to leave some time to also visit the adjacent Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (open 12-7pm). Find it all at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown.
Ivory House will be open (looks like 10am-8:30pm) on December 24, 2023. Nestled in the historic Westwood Town Hall District, Ivory House sets a new standard for the modern steakhouse experience. Find them at 2998 Harrison Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45211.
The Pacific Kitchen is usually open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but details aren’t out yet for 2024. They’re located at 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, Ohio 45242.
The Cheesecakery will be open on Christmas Eve, 9am-4pm. Find them at 4825 Whetsel Ave., 45227.
Shires Rooftop does not have their 2024 details out yet. Book your indoor table via OpenTable. They also have igloos which need to be reserved here.
Tela Bar and Kitchen has not announced their details for 2024 yet. Find them at 1212 Springfield Pike in Wyoming, Ohio.
Wandering Monsters Brew and BBQ, a new-ish spot in the Anderson area, does not have their 2024 details out yet. They’re located at 8251 Beechmont Ave., 45255.
Streetside Brewery does not have their 2024 details out yet. They’re located at 4003 Eastern Ave., 45226.
MVP Sports Bar and Grille does not have their 2024 details out yet. They’re located at 6923 Plainfield Rd., 45236.
Chart House will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours at 3-9pm and Christmas Day hours are 12-9pm. Make reservations here. Find them at 405 Riverboat Row in Newport, Ky.
The Loon: Wine Bar and Shop does not have their 2024 details out yet. They’re located at 4124 Hamilton Ave., 45223.
Everything Bagels does not have their 2024 details out yet. Find them at 792 Eastgate South Drive, 45245.
Kanji OTR does not have their 2024 details out yet. Find them at 1739 Elm St., downtown.
Honey Hole Bar and Grill does not have their 2024 details out yet. They’re located at 7501 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Ky.
State Line Restaurant does not have their 2024 details out yet. Find them at 55 US Hwy 50 in Greendale, IN.
TBD for 2024: Leyla Mediterranean Call for reservations or carry out. They’re located in the Anderson Towne Center, 7418 Beechmont Ave, Suite 106, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Day, 2024:
Rosedale OTR: waiting for their details for 2024
Chart House will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve hours at 3-9pm and Christmas Day hours are 12-9pm. Make reservations here. Find them at 405 Riverboat Row in Newport, Ky.
The Loon: Wine Bar and Shop waiting for their details for 2024. They’re located at 4124 Hamilton Ave., 45223.
Honey Hole Bar and Grill waiting for their details for 2024. They’re located at 7501 Alexandria Pike, Alexandria, Ky.
The Pacific Kitchen waiting for their details for 2024. They’re located at 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, Ohio 45242.
TBD for 2024: Leyla Mediterranean, waiting for their details for 2024. Call for reservations or carry out. They’re located in the Anderson Towne Center, 7418 Beechmont Ave, Suite 106, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.
Thank you Bridget for all the great ideas of things to do in Cincinnati
Thanks for your efforts. I receive your emails and I love them.
Thank you for the surprise mail.