Unlock the holiday magic in Cincinnati with our ultimate guide! Whether you're deeply rooted in Cincinnati soil or just planting holiday seeds, our guide helps your festive spirit bloom.
In the heart of downtown, Christkindlmarkt invites visitors with its charming blend of European traditions, featuring artisanal gifts and delicious treats. The New Year's Eve Blast offers a lively atmosphere with fireworks and live entertainment, ensuring a memorable send-off to the year. And the Shillito's Elves, a delightful family-friendly event, showcases whimsical decorations that bring joy to young and old alike. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Cincinnati
- Christkindlmarkt
- New Year's Eve Blast
- The Shillito's Elves
- Winter Nights and River Lights
- Downtown Dazzle
- Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays – Annual Tree Lighting Event (Hamilton)
- Christmas at the Junction (West Chester)
- A Taft Holiday Tradition
- Findlay Holiday Market
- Fairfield Parade of Lights (Fairfield)
See these and even more events listed below!
Cincinnati Holiday Light Displays
Winter Nights and River Lights
What to Expect:
Thousands of holiday lights and projected lighting along a historic bridge.
Description:
Thousands of holiday lights, projected lighting, seasonal music, wreaths, and scenic views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky adorn the Purple People Bridge.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Winter Nights and River Lights
Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays – Annual Tree Lighting Event
What to Expect:
Festive tree lighting with Santa Claus visits.
Description:
Join Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays for an annual tree lighting event at Marcum Park, featuring a beautifully decorated tree and visits with Santa Claus.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays – Annual Tree Lighting Event
Fairfield Parade of Lights
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities and entertainment.
Description:
The Fairfield Parade of Lights is a festive event featuring a parade, tree lighting, and fireworks at Village Green Park. Inside activities include children's crafts, a shark meet and greet, and a festival tree opening. Outside activities include food trucks, live music, and a STARZ dance performance.
Where: Fairfield | More Info: Fairfield Parade of Lights
Cincinnati Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christkindlmarkt
What to Expect:
Traditional German market with an ice rink and themed character visits.
Description:
The Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House is a holiday-themed festival featuring food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral performances, themed character visits, an ice rink, and an Igloo boardwalk. It offers a unique blend of European and Cincinnati holiday traditions.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Christkindlmarkt
Findlay Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Unique local artisans and vendors.
Description:
Findlay Holiday Market features dozens of unique local artisans alongside regular market merchants, farmers, and outdoor vendors.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Findlay Holiday Market
The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts and DIY projects by talented artisans.
Description:
The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo is a premier event where artisans showcase unique handmade gifts, festive decorations, and creative DIY projects. Meet talented artisans, attend workshops, and find one-of-a-kind treasures to make your holiday season special.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo
Cincinnati Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Downtown Dazzle
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa's rappel and fireworks display.
Description:
Downtown Dazzle is a holiday event featuring Santa's rappel, a fabulous fireworks display, and ice skating at the UC Health Ice Rink. Enjoy hot cocoa and festive fun in Fountain Square.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Downtown Dazzle
Christmas Bash
What to Expect:
Live performance by multiple local bands.
Description:
The Nightmare Before Christmas Bash at Newport Music Hall in Columbus features a lineup of local bands including Dread Engine, Yung Mo$h, Samarra, SourBlood, Faith In Failure, The Dead Don't Sleep, Project Rewind, and Seize Eternity. This event promises an energetic and diverse musical experience.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Christmas Bash
Holiday Music Series
What to Expect:
Live jazz performances in a scenic garden setting.
Description:
The Taft Museum of Art's Fall Jazz Series features a lineup of talented musicians performing under the beautiful garden tent. This free event series includes performances by the Angie Coyle Quartet, Keigo Hirakawa Quartet, Sergio Pamies Quartet, and Justin Dawson Quartet.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Holiday Music Series
Polar Express Pajama Party
What to Expect:
Family-friendly train ride with festive entertainment and Santa visit.
Description:
Join the Polar Express Pajama Party at the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum for a family reenactment of the award-winning book. Board decorated vintage coaches, enjoy festive entertainment, hot chocolate, and cookies, and see Santa Claus at the North Pole. Each child receives a special jingle bell.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Polar Express Pajama Party
Cincinnati Other Holiday Activities
The Shillito's Elves
What to Expect:
Nostalgic, mechanized Christmas scenes.
Description:
The Shillito's Elves are a collection of mechanized figures depicting various Christmas scenes, including Santa's workshop, in a nostalgic display reminiscent of the original SantaLand.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: The Shillito's Elves
New Year's Eve Blast
What to Expect:
Live DJ and doubled firework fun.
Description:
Celebrate New Year's Eve at Fountain Square with a live DJ, doubled firework fun, and a Kids Countdown at 8 p.m. followed by a Midnight Countdown. Enjoy ice skating at the UC Health Ice Rink and hot, cold, and bubbly drinks at the Fountain Bar.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: New Year's Eve Blast
A Taft Holiday Tradition
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive art activities and delectable teas.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at the Taft Museum of Art with delightful teas, unique holiday displays, and festive art activities. Enjoy a delectable holiday tea with house-made sweets and scones, or explore the museum's special exhibitions and holiday displays. The event offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: A Taft Holiday Tradition
Christmas at the Junction
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday celebration with a massive indoor train display.
Description:
Visit EnterTRAINment Junction for a holiday celebration featuring the world's largest indoor train display, a Christmas Journey walk-through, and interactive attractions like the A-Maze-N Funhouse. Explore the Expo Center filled with amazing Christmas displays and special holiday trains.
Where: West Chester | More Info: Christmas at the Junction
Santa Parade
What to Expect:
Santa lights the Middletown Holiday Tree.
Description:
The Home for the Holiday Santa Parade is a festive event where Santa Claus lights the Middletown Holiday Tree, accompanied by a parade through Downtown Middletown. The event features various floats, marching bands, and community groups celebrating the holiday season.
Where: Middletown | More Info: Santa Parade
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Covington (3 miles)
- Florence (11 miles)
- Independence (13 miles)
- Fairfield (15 miles)
- Hamilton (19 miles)
- Mason (19 miles)
- Lebanon (27 miles)
- Middletown (28 miles)
- Oxford (29 miles)
- Miamisburg (38 miles)
- Centerville (39 miles)
- Kettering (43 miles)