Enjoy this list of the best local events and things to do this weekend in Cincinnati, Ohio. This list includes Christmas and holiday events, fun shows, tours, family friendly things to do, and more weekend events.
All event details were accurate at the time of this posting but event details do occasionally change. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door.
Things to Do This Weekend in Cincinnati, December 20-22:
Looking for some great holiday themed events? Don’t miss our Christmas in Cincinnati list!
FRIDAY, DEC. 20:
Jingle Jams (at Washington Park) is a merry mix of live holiday music, great drinks, and festive vibes. This seasonal event on the Porch happens on Friday with music from Hilary Hahn, 4-7pm.
Drop in at Parky’s Farm for The Magic of Reindeer on Friday, 1-3pm. While their visiting live reindeer are out for viewing, you can hold an antler, feel some pelts, and learn all about what makes these extra furry friends unique. This is a free event at Winton Woods | Parky’s Farm. To find this event, click the link above and when you get to their calendar, click on Dec. 20 to see it in the list.
Enjoy some live music at the Krohn Conservatory as you explore Solstice Glow in the evening, 5:30-7:30. Saturday’s musical guest is Joanie Whitaker (vocal/guitar). Tickets required.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21:
Downtown Dazzle is happening at Fountain Square, 6-8pm. See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with a fabulous fireworks display! Come early and stay late – Saturdays at the Square are full of festive fun. Enjoy a drink or hot cocoa at Fountain Square’s Bar or make a holiday memory at the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank! Ice skating admission is walk-up only, no reservations required.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) will play on the big screen at the Mariemont Theatre, 11am. Tickets required.
Main Street is the place to be this Holiday Season! Get into the holiday spirit with Merry Movies on Main at Ziegler Park. This week’s featured holiday movie is How the Grinch Stole Christmas and will show at the park from 5 to 7pm. Be sure to leave some time to see the Shillito Elves (1312 and 1324 Main Street) and the nearby Main Street Pop-Up Holiday Market too (1312 Main St.).
It’s Findlay Market’s annual Holiday Market Weekend 3! They will have dozens of local artisans alongside the normal lineup of merchants selling holiday gifts, food and decor.
Head to Burnet Woods for Nature Encounters on Saturday, 1-2pm. This week’s theme is Ornaments. Join in to make two ornaments—stick stars and acorn nests—made with materials found right in your backyard and pantry. All materials provided.
Jingle Jams (at Washington Park) is a merry mix of live holiday music, great drinks, and festive vibes. This seasonal event on the Porch happens on Friday with music from Jim Hart, 4-7pm.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22:
Enjoy some live music at the Krohn Conservatory as you explore Solstice Glow in the evening, 5:30-7:30. Sunday’s musical guest is Chris Caporale, Solo Pianist. Tickets required.
Performing Arts:
Cincinnati Ballet: The Nutcracker at Music Hall, Dec. 19-29
Playhouse in the Park: A Christmas Carol, Nov. 22-Dec. 29
Playhouse in the Park: The Second City Anniversary Show, Oct. 24-Dec. 22
Ensemble Theatre: Alice in Wonderland, Nov. 23-Dec.30
Tours Offered This Weekend:
Take a free Public Tour of the Cincinnati Art Museum, offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm. No need to register – meet in the lobby.
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours are offered by Heritage Program docents at Cincinnati Museum Center on Fridays – Sundays. During a 45-minute tour of the 1933 train station, docents explain the architecture, construction and art of one of the finest examples of the Art Deco style. Hear details about the world-famous mosaic murals. These limited capacity public tours are first come, first served and will depend on availability. Tours are free; there is a charge to park.
Rookwood Pottery offers Behind the Scenes Tours of Rookwood on most Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets required.
Take a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours and savor some local food and culture. Times vary, but tasting tours are offered weekly at Findlay Market and in other delicious neighborhoods. Information and reservations at www.cincinnatifoodtours.com.
Special Exhibitions and Season-Long Events:
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Trains at Cincinnati Museum Center, Nov. 9 – Jan. 6, 2025
Cincinnati Art Museum: Discovering Ansel Adams, now thru Jan. 19, 2025
Krohn Conservatory: Solstice Glow, Nov. 2, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025
NOTE: The Contemporary Arts Center, 21C Museum Hotel, and the Weston Art Gallery (events listed below) are all within walking distance of one another. Make a day of it!
Contemporary Arts Center: Chip Thomas and the Painted Desert Project (thru Jan. 5), Kahill Robert Irving: Ground Water from screen Falls Street (thru Dec. 30), Barbara Probst: Subjective Evidence (thru Feb. 9), Terra Futura (thru Feb. 10)
21C Museum Hotel Galleries: Queen City of the West (thru Dec.), Revival (thru Sept., 2025), and FotoFocus Biennial, backstories (thru Sept., 2025)
Weston Art Gallery: Richard W. James: No True Scotsman (Nov. 15-Jan.19), Julie Byrne: My Boat (Nov. 15-Jan.19), Pamela Hignite: Memory Keepers (Nov. 15-Jan. 19)
Root for the Home Team!
Cincinnati Bengals (home): Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1pm, shown on Fox
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.
