Welcome to the ultimate guide for unlocking the magic of the holiday season right here in Cincinnati!
Looking for some fun ways to celebrate the holidays? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for some unique experience gift ideas? Want to #shoplocal? We’ve got you covered!
Our carefully curated list is your passport to local festivities, memorable events, and unique #shoplocal experiences that capture the essence of the holidays in the Queen City.
Your Holiday Fun Starts Here:
This guide features listings from our paid partners who were included by invite only.
Holiday Events and Festivities
Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Trains
Holiday traditions live at Cincinnati Museum Center. Since 1946, families have gathered around the historic Duke Energy Holiday Trains, watching with wide-eyed whimsy as over 300 miniature locomotives and railcars zip around snowbanks and past crowded streets. It’s the centerpiece of Cincinnati Museum Center’s Holiday Junction, filled with model trains from 1904 to the 1980s.
And, with a scavenger hunt, snowmen you can dress yourself, and a LEGO metropolis, there’s something for winter wanderers of all ages.
Plus, through the holiday season, save 20% off a Membership so you can explore and make memories throughout three museums all year long.
Learn more and purchase tickets here: Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center
OTR Chamber of Commerce – Making it Easy to Eat, Shop, and Play Local!
From meaningful gift giving to delectable dining to closet staples, the OTR Chamber of Commerce has got you covered through local, one-of-a-kind owned and operated businesses.
Come and join in on all the holiday cheer down here in OTR!
With strolling carolers, mistletoe stops, and storefront decor galore the family is sure to get into the holiday spirit.
Happy Holidays from the OTR Chamber of Commerce!
Great Parks present Holidays on the Farm
This holiday season, Parky’s Farm is all BAAAAAAHHH, and no humbug! Step into a world of festive wonder, where you’ll learn about winter life at Parky’s Farm under the glow of twinkling lights.
Enjoy hayrides, pony rides, carolers, farm animals, Santa, his reindeer, a holiday beer garden, and more!
As the sun sets, the farm transforms into a magical escape from the rush of the holiday season, complete with enchanting activities for all to enjoy.
Holidays On The Farm is open select evenings from November 24th through December 31st, 2023.
Visit GreatParks.org for more information and to purchase tickets.
Be Dazzled by Coney Island’s Nights of Lights
Come make memories at Coney Island’s Nights of Lights, the region’s largest drive-thru holiday light show! Your family will be amazed by more than 2 million lights, all moving perfectly in sync with fun holiday music!
Get a group together to enjoy some new music and light displays all from the warmth and comfort of your car!
Coney Island’s Nights of Lights is open every night, from nightfall until 10pm, starting November 10 through December 31st, 2023.
Make Some Memories at Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is the perfect place to create memories with friends and family this season.
Explore their collection of 73,000+ artworks – spanning 6,000 years – all for free!
Plus, you can enjoy three current exhibitions.
Stop by the REC for an afternoon of art making with the kids, the Terrace Cafe for an unforgettable lunch and the Museum Shop to complete your holiday shopping.
General admission and parking are free. Exhibition pricing may vary.
Have Some Fun on the Ice at Fountain Square
The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank is an outdoor ice rink that takes over Fountain Square from November 4 through February 19. The rink is open seven days a week with varying hours and a variety of events including Skate Lessons, Soundtrack Skates, Bengals Tailgates & Watch Parties, Giveback Skates and more.
This year NO RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED! Walk up anytime during business hours to enjoy the rink. Admission is $10 and includes rental skates, children age 4 and under are free with paid adult admission and must be accompanied on the ice at all times.
Rink amenities include 600 pairs of rental skates, the WGU Ohio Warming Tent, a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, on-site parking, and restrooms.
Learn more about all the fun at the Fountain Square Ice Rink
Unwrap the Magic at Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Get ready to be swept away by the holiday spirit as the Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt returns for its triumphant second year!
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt will transform the lawn next to at the Moerlein Lager House into a North Pole of festive fun! Enjoy this seasonal market which offers great outdoor fun, food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls. The season begins on November 22 and Christkindlmarkt will be open Wednesdays through Sundays until December 31 (closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).
NEW this year: Glide down the 4-Lane Innertube Ice Slide, the coolest slide adventure in the city! AND you can mingle and dine when you reserve one of the new Igloos on the Boardwalk!
Enjoy daily specials including Family Fun Wednesday, Themed Character Days, and Thirsty Thursdays. See their events page for all the details.
Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is situated right beside the Moerlein Lager House at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
The Best in Local Experience Gift Giving Ideas:
Broadway in Cincinnati Has Something for Everyone!
‘Tis the season for Broadway!
Tickets make great gifts, and this season has something for everyone.
Whether you want a fun night out with the family to see a story including your favorite Scottish nanny, or a girls night with the six ex-wives of Henry VIII, you’re sure to experience Broadway magic at the Aronoff Center.
Learn more about the shows and get your Broadway in Cincinnati tickets here
Gift a cooking class from Tablespoon this holiday season!
The goal at Tablespoon is to teach cooks of all skill levels how to #cookgoodfood and reach their true potential in the kitchen. Not only do they bring years of experience into the classroom, but their playlist is on-point, their bar is well-stocked, and they guarantee that you won’t leave hungry.
Pair a gift card with some of their fun ingredients, food gifts and cooking tools and you’re sure to have a gift that will please any home cook or food lover in your life!
Gift cards are available on their website, can be purchased in any denomination from $10-$2000 and never expire!
The Tablespoon shop has ingredients, food gifts and cooking tools for any cook or food lover. Visit the store at Findlay Market, open Monday-Saturday, or shop their online store anytime! Pick up and shipping available.
