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. Pro tip here: make your reservations!
All Cincinnati Christmas Eve and Christmas Day events listed are for 2023.
Things to Do on Christmas Eve, 2023:
Coney Island’s Nights of Lights is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, dusk til 10pm. Find our list to tips and more info on the show here.
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, the (new this year) ice slide, igloos, entertainment, and more.
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 5:30-9pm.
Pyramid Hill Lights is this year’s light display at Pyramid Sculpture Park and it’s open on Christmas Eve, 6-10pm.
The Fountain Square Ice Rink will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 10am-10pm. Is this the year to make bumper cars on ice a new tradition?
Krohn Conservatory is open on Christmas Eve 10am – 8pm (be sure to check with their calendar for times before heading out the door). Enjoy this year’s Holiday Show, “Golden Days of Yule”. 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.
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.
The Comboni Mission Center’s Nativity Experience is TBA for 2023. This family-friendly Christmas tradition has delighted generations of visitors for 70+ years.
Things to Do on Christmas Day:
Coney Island Nights of Lights is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, dusk til 10pm. Find our list to tips and more info on the show here.
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, “Golden Days of Yule”. 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!
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, 5:30-10pm.
The Fountain Square Ice Rink will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Is this the year to make bumper cars on ice a new tradition? Online reservations are available and recommended (a few spots are already sold out).
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Eve, 2023:
Hilton Netherland Plaza offers a “Dickens Brunch” on Sundays in December (2023), including Christmas Eve. Enjoy assorted local cheeses and charcuterie displays, salads and soups, carving stations, traditional English style entrees and sides, and a seafood display featuring jumbo Shrimp, oysters, and more. Reservations required – book early!
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.
TBD for 2023: Leyla Mediterranean, a spot that’s combining a love of fine dining and Kurdish food, will be open until 10pm on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call for reservations or carry out. They’re located in the Anderson Towne Center, 7418 Beechmont Ave, Suite 106, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.
TBD for 2023: The Pacific Kitchen will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2022, 11am to 10pm. They’re located at 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, Ohio 45242.
TBD for 2023: Catch-a-Fire Pizza (Oakley location inside MadTree Brewing) will be open until 5pm on Christmas Eve, 2022.
TBD for 2023: Libby’s Southern Comfort (Covington, Ky) will be open until 3pm on Christmas Eve , 2022. Find them at 35 West 8th Street in Covington, Ky. 41011.
TBD for 2023: Melt Revival, a long-standing staple in the Northside community, will be open and serving Christmas Eve Brunch from 9am to 3pm. Find them at 4100 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45223.
TBD for 2023: Nine Giant Brewpub was open on Christmas Eve last year – waiting on confirmation for 2022. Find them at 6095 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45213.
TBD for 2023: Zip’s Cafe was open on Christmas Eve last year – waiting on confirmation for 2022. Enjoy their crowd favorite burgers or chili and make this Cincinnati institution a new tradition!
Zip’s is located at 1036 Delta Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio 45208
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Day, 2023:
TBD for 2023: Leyla Mediterranean, a spot that’s combining a love of fine dining and Kurdish food, will be open until 10pm on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Call for reservations or carry out. They’re located in the Anderson Towne Center, 7418 Beechmont Ave, Suite 106, Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.
TBD for 2023: The Pacific Kitchen will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in 2022, 11am to 10pm. They’re located at 8300 Market Place Lane, Montgomery, Ohio 45242.
Thank you Bridget for all the great ideas of things to do in Cincinnati
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