Things to do for New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati – Ringing in 2026

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 2025 and have some fun on New Year’s Eve! Here are some spots to herald in 2026…

Family Friendly New Year’s Eve Events:

Fifty West Deerfield and Deerfield Twp are hosting a New Years Eve Early Ball Drop starting at 7pm. Join in at Fifty West Deerfield in the beer garden for the LONDON BALL DROP at 7pm! Enjoy this family friendly event with a toast of sparkling grape juice as you watch the London Ball Drop at 7 PM on the big screen- perfect for the little ones who want to join the fun and still make bedtime.

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 2025 and usher in 2026 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 2026….just not so late at night! Bring the whole family for a countdown to 2026 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, noon-1:30pm. This is a free community event. Families should bring their own towels. Reservations required.

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

Ring in the new year with Factory 52’s “The Midnight Club”. Step into the old playing-card factory turned NYE playground as The Gatherall transforms into a high-energy casino lounge for one unforgettable night. Think shimmering lights, roulette wheels spinning, cards in the air, champagne flowing, and the dance floor packed.

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 2026 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 2026. The fun starts at 9pm. Tickets include a complimentary Champagne toast upon arrival and a variety of party favors! DJ Simo will be counting down the seconds until 2026 as you watch the ball drop. VIP bottle service tables available (see link above). Cocktail attire encouraged.

New Year’s Eve at Rhinegeist is happening again this year. Sip enchanted elixirs, dance beneath a canopy of glittering lights, and toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes midnight…at STARFALL. Tickets required and must be 21+ to attend.

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

Fountain Square hosts New Year’s Live at Winterhaus starting at 9pm. With the move of the UC Health Ice Rink presented by Fifth Third Bank to Elm Street Plaza, Fountain Square is excited to introduce a new winter tradition this year: Winterhaus! Winterhaus is a cozy, heated, glass-enclosed tented retreat located right on the plaza of the Square. This is a ticketed event and for ages 21+.

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.