Streetcar Tour for Christmas in Cincinnati, 2024

You can download a printable version here. The printable version is the same as the text below.

Looking for something different to do this weekend? Head downtown and take the (free) streetcar around town for some fun holiday stops! We put together a suggested route for you…

Get a link for the streetcar map below.

Park at the Fountain Square Parking Garage and then take the steps / elevator up to Fountain Square.

Arrive at Fountain Square and take a spin on the ice at the Fountain Square Ice Rink. Tickets are walk-up only this year (no reservation needed) and skates are included with admission. They have a warming tent and concessions right there at the rink. Check out their “Downtown Dazzle” event on on Saturdays.
Find more about the ice rink and Fountain Square events here: https://myfountainsquare.com/

After that, walk away from the rink and towards the fountain. Go around the fountain and you’ll see “Sixth Street” above the doors on the building. Go through those doors and walk to the end of the big hall. When you’re back outside, turn right onto 6th Street.

Cross the street (Walnut) and continue on 6th. You’ll walk another block on and then turn left (north) onto Main Street to find your first streetcar stop (close to the corner of Main and 6th).

Hop onto the streetcar there (which is at Stop #3).

Ride the streetcar up to Stop #6 which will let you out on Main Street (12th and Main).

Exit the streetcar and go right as you exit (towards 12th Street). Cross at the crosswalk and go a few blocks up on Main to see the Shillito Elves in the windows at 1312 Main Street. There will also be some fun “Merry on Main” pop-up shops in that area for the holidays (Fri-Sun.,12-8pm). Indigo Hippo is a great stop as well (think of it as a thrift store for art supplies). And nearby Ziegler Park will host “Merry Movies on Main” too (select Saturdays, 5-7pm).
Learn more about these events here: https://zieglerpark.org/series/merry-movies-on-main/

Head back to Stop #6 (same place you just got off) and get back on the streetcar.

Ride the streetcar to Washington Park, Stop #8.

The Porch at Washington Park is a great spot for a beer or a beverage and they have great heaters to keep you warm (open Fri. 3-8pm, Sat./Sun. 11am-8pm). They’ll have firepits roaring near the Gazebo (weekends) and Santa’s Workshop will be happening on Saturdays and Sundays . “Winter Wonderland”, a Nutcracker-inspired installation, will be set up on the lawn (scheduled to start Dec. 1).
Washington Park events calendar: https://washingtonpark.org/events/

Hop back on at Stop #8 (same place you just got off) and head up to Stop #10 – Findlay Market. Stop in Maverick Chocolate for a hot chocolate. Pop in at the Sam Adams Cincinnati Taproom for a cold one. Enjoy some great food. And do a little shopping while you’re there!
See Findlay Market info here: https://www.findlaymarket.org/

Hop back on at Stop #10 (same place you just got off) and, if you’re into beer, Stop #11 is Rhinegeist (or skip this stop and continue below). Their taproom is HUGE and their beer is great. The streetcar stops right in front of the brewery. Stay on the streetcar if you don’t want to make that stop.

You’ll end the ride when you get off the streetcar at #18, 5th and Walnut. From the streetcar stop, walk past the Westin Hotel and take a left on 5th Street to go to Fountain Square.

End your visit with a stop at Graeter’s on Fountain Square or at the new March First Brewery location, also on the Square!
Find more to do on and around the Fountain District here: https://www.thefountaindistrict.com/

And then return home for a nap!

Here’s a link for a Streetcar Map: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/sites/streetcar/assets/Maps/streetcar_map_2023.pdf

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About the Author
Bridgett Raffenberg
My name is Bridgett Raffenberg and I am the creator of 365Cincinnati. I've been uncovering and sharing all of the best things to do in Cincinnati since 2010. I enjoy exploring new spots, discovering local events, and meeting the people who call Cincinnati home!