Things to do for New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati – Ringing in 2025

Looking for something to do for New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati? We’ve compiled two lists of New Year’s Eve events – one for Family Friendly New Year’s Eve ideas and one list just for the adult party goers.

Say goodbye to 2024 and have some fun on New Year’s Eve! Here are some spots to herald in 2025…

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Events:

Happy ZOO Year!  “Party Animals” of all ages are invited to celebrate Happy ZOO Year at The Cincinnati Zoo. This New Years bash will take place at the Zoo on December 31 with a kid-friendly, early countdown at 8pm featuring the Zoo’s 40 foot tall digital tree.

Kings Island Winterfest invites you to their New Years Eve celebration. Join in the fun as you bid your final farewells to 2024 and usher in 2025 with two New Year’s Eve countdowns: One in Festhaus beginning at 10pm that’s perfect for families and a midnight countdown complete with fireworks. Park guests will also experience the shimmering lights, activities and the extravagant décor of WinterFest along with the final park rides of the year (rides operated until 11pm).

BB Riverboats is offering a New Year’s Eve Kids Cruise. Come aboard and ring in 2025….just not so late at night! Bring the whole family for a countdown to 2025 at 12:00 noon. Your cruise will be complete with all the party favors as well as a DJ for entertainment. There will be some great activities throughout the day for the kids as well as a tasty lunch buffet. Some of your favorite characters from our Pirate, Princess, and Super Hero cruises will be onboard celebrating with you! Ring in the new year in style without having to stay up to the wee hours of the night. All seating is reserved.  

Cincinnati Cyclones have a 6pm hockey game followed by NYE fireworks… INSIDE!

Goldfish Swim School (Kenwood) is hosting a family-friendly New Years Eve party, 11:30am-1:30pm. Event highlights include family swim, crafts, light refreshments and snacks, a balloon drop and a special appearance by their mascot Bubbles! This is a free community event. Families should bring their own towels.

Fountain Square hosts a New Year’s Eve Blast that starts at 6pm. This year, the Kids Countdown firework show will begin at 8pm, and the Midnight Countdown will begin at 12am. The Fountain Bar will be open all night long with drink specials, and the Ice Rink will be open throughout the entire party, $10 admission includes skate rental.

Experience Kids New Year’s Eve at Factory 52, 2-5pm. Join School of Rock and kick down the door of 2025 with a full on concert followed by a ball drop (Fretboard Brewing).

New Year’s Eve Events for the 21 and Up Crowd Only:

Queen City Exchange is hosting a NYE bash with a DJ, appetizers, Champagne, and an open bar. Doors open at 9pm. Tickets required.

Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Cruise with BB Riverboats, 9pm to 1am. Cincinnati’s sparkling skyline provides a spectacular backdrop as they cruise into the new year. This magical night includes a special three-entree buffet, entertainment, a split of champagne at midnight, late night snack buffet, and party favors. Boarding begins at 8pm. All seating is reserved. 

Ring in 2025 at Vinkolet Winery. The evening includes dinner and dancing with hors d’oeuvres later in the evening and a Champagne toast at midnight. Dinner includes your choice of salmon or pot roast, salad, sides, and adult beverages. 7pm-1am.

Don’t miss out Bubbles and Bow Ties: Igbys’ New Year’s Eve 2025 on Tuesday, December 31st. The fun starts at 9pm. Tickets include a Champagne toast and party favors. VIP bottle service tables available (see link above). Cocktail attire encouraged.

Sons of the American Legion New Years Eve Bash is back again for New Years Eve. Dance, party, and mingle at the American Legion Post 318. Enjoy live music from the Marsha Brady Band.

New Year’s Eve at Rhinegeist is happening again this year. Geistyland brings the carnival-style experience to the taproom on New Year’s Eve, 8pm-1am. Tickets required and must be 21+ to attend.

You can Pop, Fizz, Clink with New Year’s Eve at Japp’s, 7pm-2am. Your ticket includes Champagne toast upon arrival, live music, disco dance party with DJ Queen City, party favors. Cocktail attire encouraged.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Fueled Collective, 8pm-1am. Your ticket includes open bar (beer, wine, well drinks – with exclusions), hors d’oeuvres, Champagne toast, live music.  Semi-formal and/or cocktail attire is required.

Ring in the New Year with the Remains at The Redmoor, 7pm-12:30am. Your ticket includes live music, a buffet dinner, party favors, and a Champagne toast.

Fountain Square hosts a New Year’s Eve Blast that starts at 6pm. This year, the Kids Countdown firework show will begin at 8pm, and the Midnight Countdown will begin at 12am. The Fountain Bar will be open all night long with drink specials, and the Ice Rink will be open throughout the entire party, $10 admission includes skate rental.

All events were accurate at the time of this posting but things do happen and events do occasionally get canceled or postponed. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door. Links for each event are provided so that you can be sure the date is still accurate before you head out.