Lisa McCarthy
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25 GREATER CINCINNATI HOLIDAY TRADITIONS YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS
Break out the holly and tinsel: The holiday season is upon us, Cincinnati.
Whether you’re more of a “bah humbug” or “deck the halls” kind of person, there are a lot of fun holiday traditions in Cincinnati happening throughout November and December you won’t want to miss out on.
From taking a few spins on the ice downtown or oohing and ahhing at colorful light displays to donning a bright red Santa suit and getting sloppy drunk (for a good cause), here are 25 ways to make merry this time of year.
Take a walk on the wild side: At the Festival of Lights, guests can enjoy over 5 million LED lights, a light show on Swan Lake, costumed characters, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides on the North Polar Express, a blacklight puppet show and more. There will also be five Fiona fairies hidden throughout Fairyland for visitors to find, as well as plenty of delicious holiday treats like hot chocolate, roasted nuts and s’mores. 3400 Vine St., Avondale.
Festival of Lights runs nightly (except Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) from Nov. 20-Jan. 4.
All aboard! At nearly 80 years old, Holiday Junction is a beloved tradition that’s been handed down from generation to generation, with Greater Cincinnati families gathering to watch the toy-sized candy-colored circus trains, sleek sleeper cars and coal-laden hopper cars (for those on the naughty list) zip around scenery of snowbanks and crowded streets. Highlights of Holiday Junction include a 1904 electric toy train from the Cincinnati-based Carlisle & Finch Company, which made the first such electric toy train in 1896, along with a pre-World War II Lionel layout and a ‘60s Lionel Super O layout that show the evolution of toy trains and prefabricated landscapes. You’ll also be able to spot Thomas the Tank Engine as he and his friends chug around the mountains of Sodor. 1301 Western Ave., West End.
Kings Island’s WinterFest is merry and bright, with millions of LED lights; live holiday shows, like the nightly tree-lighting ceremony on International Street or the Winter Wonderland Parade; festive activities such as cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus or ice skating; and the Eiffel Tower dressed up like a gigantic Christmas tree. And when you need to warm up, you can enjoy some hot cocoa and holiday-inspired treats or even some gift shopping. The park also has a selection of rides and attractions open. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.
WinterFest runs on select dates from Nov. 28-Dec. 31.
One of Cincinnati’s most dazzling holiday lights shows is back for its 10th year at its new location on the Clermont County Fairgrounds. Nights of Lights is a drive-thru display featuring a two-and-a-half-mile track with more than 2 million colorful lights set up in dazzling and festive scenes. The lights are also synced to rocking holiday music, featuring all the classics. Scenes include tunnels of lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and more. 1000 Locust St., Owensville.
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights runs Nov. 19-Jan. 3.
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is a festive adventure where Santa swims with the aquarium’s new roughtail stingray, plus three rare shark rays, Denver the loggerhead sea turtle and other fishy friends. And just because he’s underwater doesn’t mean your kids can’t tell Santa what they want for Christmas; his special magic allows him to hear even as he dives. Visitors can also enjoy holiday music and colorful lights throughout the aquarium, as well as the return of the magic bubbles, which carry everyone’s Christmas wishes to Santa, in Shark Ray Bay Theater. When a bubble pops, that means a Christmas wish has come true. 1 Levee Way, Newport.
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland runs Nov. 28-Dec. 24.
The conservatory will have you celebrating among the fronds for its annual holiday show, themed “Festival of Ferns” this year. Festival of Ferns will feature both familiar and unexpected plants, “from towering tree to delicate maidenhairs complemented by the crimson hues of our seasonal poinsettias.” The centerpiece model train display features locomotives zipping through botanical recreations of local landmarks, utilizing materials like wood and moss to make mini versions of the spectacular originals. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills.
Festival of Ferns runs daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 4. Check the conservatory’s event calendar before going, as sometimes the show closes early for private events.
Nothing says winter or the holiday season in Cincinnati quite like ice skating in the heart of downtown. Lace up your skates for a spin on the ice in the UC Health Ice Rink’s new location at the brand-new Elm Street Plaza, a two-and-a-half-acre outdoor park and venue just down the street from Fountain Square. 3CDC says the ice rink’s new spot offers a bigger and better experience, with more space to skate, an upgraded WGU Warming Tent and cozy igloos and firepits. 150 W. Fifth St., Downtown.
UC Health Ice Rink runs daily from Nov. 21-Feb. 16.
The famous Shillito’s Elves will be on display in the Carew Tower near Fountain Square this year. The mechanized figures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting Santa’s mail. The same six elves will be on display: The Mail Sorter; Little Woodshop; Pete the Painter; Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap; and Elves at home, including Ralph the Piano Player, Ned the Newspaper Reader and the four-stack of Bunkbed Elves dreaming of their toy deadline. 41 W. Fifth St., Downtown.
You can catch the elves’ animated antics Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 27-Jan. 4.
Head down to the farm to make some magical memories together. Holidays on the Farm is Great Parks’ annual outdoor, wintertime event, offering merriment like old-fashioned hay rides, pony rides, lighted trails, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, curling and more. You can also take part in farm animal meet-and-greets, admire Santa’s reindeer or settle in for a storytime and sing-along with Mrs. Claus or an interactive show with Mt. Scrooge. 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township.
Blake Robison’s stage adaptation of Charles Dickens’ most beloved story, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Playhouse for its third season this year. Follow the notorious Ebenezer Scrooge on his Christmas Eve journey to remember the spirit of the holiday and rediscover empathy and compassion with the help of his ghostly former business partner and three mysterious spirits. Robison’s interpretation includes dazzling sets, costumes, lighting designs and even puppetry. 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mt. Adams.
A Christmas Carol will be on stage from Nov. 21-Dec. 28.
The annual parade and festival features two (!) processions of horse-drawn carriages, plus a whimsical festival featuring live entertainment, craft vendors, holiday activities and plenty of food in Lebanon’s quaint downtown. It’s like the setting of a Hallmark movie. Downtown Lebanon.
The parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m.
For more than three decades, pups decorated in their holiday best have taken to the streets of Mt. Adams for an annual costumed Reindog Parade. The parade will be led by Santa Claus and this year’s Grand Marshal. All proceeds will be donated to the League for Animal Welfare. Reindog Parade kicks off at 946 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams.
The parade is Saturday, Dec. 13. Registration starts at 12:30 p.m. and the parade kicks off at 2 p.m.
The Taft Museum of Art will create a new holiday tradition this year, with teapot-shaped artworks from local artists decorating the tree in the Duncanson Foyer. The museum says the idea was inspired by the tea reception that museum founders Charles and Anna Taft would host on New Year’s Day. The museum will also host holiday-themed Family Fundays and holiday tea. 316 Pike St., Downtown.
Holiday magic with some European flair returns to The Banks with the Servatii Christkindlmarkt. The free market brings all kinds of holiday cheer with it, including a new tent for holiday-themed programming, themed character days, karaoke contests, a mailbox where kids can drop off letters to Santa and an all-new Holiday Beer Extravaganza, featuring holiday beers from more than 20 local breweries. Also new this year: the Christkindlmarkt will expand its footprint to include the Carol Ann Carousel, which will be open on select weekends along with a holiday train ride. You can also rent a private, heated igloo, which can fit up to 15 people, and each booking comes with $300 in bonus gift cards good for food and drinks. 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks.
Servatii Christkindlmarkt runs Thursdays-Sundays from Nov. 22-Dec.28, with special hours on Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve.
Holiday revelers looking for a unique tradition filled with art and nature need look no further than the annual Pyramid Hill Lights show in Hamilton. Visitors drive along a two-mile route through the park, which features a glowing display of over 1 million lights. The show is designed to be enjoyed by every member of the family, including your fur-kids. The experience also includes fiber art, woodworking, sculpture and light projection pieces from local artists. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton.
Pyramid Hill Lights runs Tuesdays through Sundays Nov. 14-Jan. 4.
Wander the woods in this celestial-themed light display set up along the Cincinnati Nature Center’s trails. The mile-long trail features dazzling light displays and interactive activities, including new installations and light displays from nine regional light artists, including seven BLINK artists. Guests can also enjoy live music, a bonfire, a decorated historic home, food trucks and holiday shopping. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford.
Light in the Forest runs select dates from Dec. 5-28 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
It’s about to get sloppy. Hundreds of humans dressed in Santa outfits will be taking over Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Adams, Newport and Covington in a festive holiday pub crawl. There will be singing and drinking, and proceeds will benefit The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit focused on cancer research.
Cincinnati SantaCon is Saturday, Dec. 13 from noon to midnight.
Cincinnati Ballet presents a true holiday classic: The Nutcracker. The enchanted dreamland comes to life once again thanks to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score and the brilliant Cincinnati Ballet company. “When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life in the Land of Sweets,” reads the event description. It’s a traditional way to get into the spirit with the whole family. 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents another season of “high-octane jollity and frivolity.” NSFW for true Santa believers, it’s a light-hearted spoof of classic Christmas tales like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that promises an evening of Santa-style belly laughs. 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) runs Dec. 10-28.
You can find the perfect tree at Findlay Market’s annual Christmas Tree Sale. Every weekend from Nov. 28-Dec. 21, you can shop the selection of Christmas trees and wreaths to find the one that best fits your holiday decorations, says the market.
Visit Findlay Market’s website for specific sales times.
John Morris Russell conducts the Cincinnati Pops, with additional appearances by the May Festival Youth Chorus, vocalist Cody Fry, Studio for Dance and local high school ensembles, in a program of winter and holiday hits. 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
The giant Christmas tree on Fountain Square will be complemented by Downtown Dazzle, which features Santa rappelling from a nearby skyscraper and a fireworks show to close out the night. Kids can also decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, participate in the Search for Santa and earn their Elf Certification, get a picture with Santa and Buddy the Elf and maybe even get to indulge in Buddy’s favorite food combo: maple syrup and spaghetti. 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Downtown Dazzle runs from 6-9 p.m. on Saturdays Nov. 29-Dec. 20.
A brand new tradition is popping up at Fountain Square this year. Winterhaus is an oversized tent that will serve as a festive hub downtown and feature daily events, a full bar and space for everything from co-working to private events. 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Winterhaus will be open from November through February.
A haunted horror town during Halloween and a family-friendly splash zone during the summer, Land of Illusion transforms into a drive-through holiday lights display each winter. Christmas Glow offers more than 3.8 million lights, a petting zoo and a Christmas village with a 35-foot-tall tree. 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown.
The Purple People Bridge’s annual holiday display features thousands of Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge for everyone to enjoy. Access from Newport on the Levee (1 Levee Way, Newport) or Sawyer Point (705 E. Pete Rose Way, The Banks).
Winter Nights & River Lights runs nightly from Nov. 21-Jan. 4.
