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 2026.
Things to Do on Christmas Eve, 2026:
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt will be open on Christmas Eve, 3-7pm. 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.
Pyramid Hill Lights is this year’s light display at Pyramid Sculpture Park and it’s open on Christmas Eve, 6-10pm.
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, “A Spider’s Gift”. 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 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, 2026:
Krohn Conservatory is open on Christmas Day 10am – 8pm (they have that time listed but double check before you head out). Enjoy this year’s Holiday Show, “A Spider’s Gift”. 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!
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Eve, 2026:
Moerlein Lager House will be open on Christmas Eve. Be sure to leave some time to also visit the adjacent Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (open 3-7pm). Find it all at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, downtown.
Ivory House will be open (looks like 4:30pm+) on December 24, 2026. 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.
Shires Rooftop is accepting reservations for Christmas Eve here (at least at the time of our update). They also have igloos which need to be reserved here.
Chart House will be open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make reservations here. Find them at 405 Riverboat Row in Newport, Ky.
Cincinnati Restaurants open on Christmas Day, 2026:
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.
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