Get in the jolly spirit with Cincinnati holiday activities!
Cincinnati holiday activities are a chance to celebrate the season while connecting with the community. From festive events to local traditions, there’s something for everyone in the Queen City. Whether enjoying Christmas light displays or supporting Black holiday events, Cincinnati provides a rich holiday experience that highlights the city’s vibrant culture.
This season, participate in local events that unite people and showcase Cincinnati’s best. With a variety of Christmas activities available, families, friends, and neighbors can create lasting memories. Explore merry concerts, holiday markets, and more to immerse yourself fully in the spirit of the season.
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Featured Black Cincinnati Holiday Events
Winter Wonderland Toy Drive and Holiday Extravaganza
Donate to the Toy drive through December 12 at all Cincinnati Recreation Commission facilities, City Hall, and participating community locations.
December 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Madisonville Recreation Center (Madisonville)
Free Admission, Registration Required
Hundreds of children and their families will enjoy interactive activities throughout Winter Wonderland, including reindeer games in the Candy Cane Cove, shopping experiences with community volunteers, seasonal treats in the Elf Eatery, and photo opportunities with Santa in the sELFie Zone.
Holiday Junction
November 13 through January 4
Cincinnati Museum Center (The West End)
Starting at $15.50, Children under two and all members are admitted. Admission is free, with a $2 fee per person for up to 10 guests. Free parking is available for those with a valid EBT or Medicaid card.
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple since 1946, delighting generations of residents. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where over 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives steam past anxious passengers waiting to board.
Disney’s The Muppet Christmas Carol In Concert Live to Film
November 28 through November 29
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $26
featuring the complete film with the score performed live-to-picture! In this beloved holiday classic, The Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, Michael Caine as the penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge, and many more of your favorite Muppet characters. Hear your favorite songs, including the beautiful “When Love is Gone,” at this special holiday event that guarantees instant memories and fun for the whole family!
‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil
December 2 through December 13
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Starting at $60
Cirque du Soleil’s holiday-themed family theatrical spectacle arrives this December. ‘Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike.
Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer
December 4, 7 p.m.
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $37
Step into the magic and nostalgia of the holidays and let this musical celebration become part of your family’s annual tradition.
Mindi Abair’s I Can’t Wait For Christmas Jazz Concert
December 4, 7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $45
Joined by five exciting solo artists, Mindi delivers Christmas classics, fresh original songs, and heartfelt moments that will make you laugh, tear up, and leave with your heart full of the Christmas spirit.
Hot Chocolate: An African American Nutcracker
December 4 through December 5
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Starting at $25
A fresh production filled with breathtaking dance, unforgettable music, dazzling visuals, and the warmth of family, culture, and community. Inspired by the timeless magic of The Nutcracker, Hot Chocolate reimagines the classic through the richness of the African American experience, blending ballet with contemporary, jazz, modern, hip-hop, African diasporic movement, and powerful storytelling.
Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
December 4 through December 20
Emery Theater (OTR)
Starting at $13
Join Buddy the Elf on his hilarious journey from the North Pole to New York City in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday favorite.
Holiday Pops Symphony Concert
December 11 through December 13
Music Hall (OTR)
Starting at $26
Featuring talented choirs and dancers from around our city, plus special guests and a few surprises along the way, this is the Cincinnati Pops concert that captures all the wonder, warmth, and togetherness of the holidays.
Black Santa
December 17, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Mt Adams)
Free Admission
Includes professional photos with Black Santa, sponsor activities, music, and the chance to explore the museum’s galleries. The evening celebrates the joy of seeing diverse traditions represented in holiday celebrations, reinforcing the spirit of belonging and community.
Cincinnati Holiday Activities
UC Health Ice Rink
November 7 through February 21
Elm Street Plaza (Downtown)
Starting at $12
Ice skating in the heart of downtown is one of Cincinnati’s quintessential winter traditions. This year, the beloved rink brings its signature charm and festive atmosphere to a new location at Elm Street Plaza, where families and friends can make lasting memories.
WinterFest
Select Nights, November 27 through December 31
Kings Island (Mason)
Starting at $32
It is an unforgettable holiday experience where Kings Island transforms into 12 enchanting winter wonderlands.
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland
November 28 through December 24
Newport Aquarium (Newport)
Starting at $26
Making your holiday plans? Check out this one-of-a-kind Cincinnati holiday tradition as Scuba Santa returns to the Aquarium. It’s a Water Wonderland full of playful penguins, colorful holiday lights and a flurry of magical bubbles!
Holidays on the Farm
December 2 through December 23
Parky’s Farm (Winton Woods)
Starting at $12 Children 2 and under: Free
Under the glow of glimmering lights, enjoy hayrides, pony rides, carolers, farm animals, Santa and his reindeer, a holiday beer garden and more enchanting activities for all! Grab a hot cocoa and shop for gifts at the Vendor Village, stroll through the Frozen Forest, be dazzled by dancing horses and tell Scrooge it’s all BAAAA and no humbug at Holidays on the Farm!
Holiday Tea
December 4, 5, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19
Taft Museum of Art (Downtown)
Starting at $50
Sip on special tea blends from Churchill’s Fine Teas, enjoy a selection of small bites prepared by the Taft Café, and delight in live music in the museum’s historic setting.
Related Article: Things to do this week in Black Cincinnati
Free Holiday Events
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
November 20 through December 28
Moerlein Lager House (The Banks)
Free Admission
The holiday-themed Christmas festival will feature food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral and musical entertainment, and a European yet Cincinnati Holiday theme.
Related Article: Holiday Shop with Black-owned Businesses.
Holiday-themed Theater, Music, and Dance Performances
The Twelve Dates of Christmas Play
November 7 through December 27
Playhouse in the Park (Mt Adams)
Starting at $39
After seeing her fiancé kissing another woman on the televised Thanksgiving Day Parade, Mary’s life falls apart – just in time for the holidays. Newly single, she stumbles through the emotional, and often comically absurd, minefield of the dating world over the next year.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
November 13 through December 5
Otto M Budig Theater (OTR)
Starting at $14
Two clever women who outwit the devious and debauched Sir John Falstaff. This puffed-up tipsy holiday patriarch, who believes he belongs at the head of the feast, finds himself bundled, baffled, and brilliantly outplayed by wives who refuse to be fooled. Each clever trap lands with festive flair, proving that Windsor’s women really run the show.
A Christmas Carol
November 20 through December 27
Playhouse in the Park (Mt Adams)
Starting at $39
This holiday story unfolds spectacularly in a brand-new production featuring a dazzling new set, costumes, and lighting designs. Preview performances.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Jazz Concert
December 2, 8 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $50
For 32 years, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s unique take on American swing and jazz music has thrilled audiences around the world, while their unique and spirited “Wild and Swingin’ Holiday Party” has become an eagerly anticipated annual family event.
Die Hard is a Christmas Movie
December 3 through December 20
Know Theatre (OTR)
Starting at $15
Years after that daring rescue, fame has taken its toll on the family, and the parents’ relationship is on the rocks. The teenage kids know what to do: hire actors to kidnap Mom, Dad springs into action, saves her, and boom! marriage saved. When the plan goes off the rails, and the family finds itself in real peril, they’ve got to work together to make it to Christmas morning together… or die hard trying.
Black Nativity
December 11 & 12
Word of Deliverance (Forest Park)
Starting at $20
Black Nativity, an adaptation of Langston Hughes’ original Nativity story, was designed for performers to bring their own energy and flair, incorporating music and dance styles of their choice. Every year, the company breathes fresh life into this Christmas classic, adding new songs, breathtaking choreography, and creative storytelling elements that captivate audiences of all ages.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And then some)
December 11 through December 27
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (OTR)
Starting at $14
What begins as another production of A Christmas Carol devolves into an irreverent look at beloved holiday classics.
Holiday-Themed Light Displays
Festival of Lights
November 19 through January 3
Cincinnati Zoo (Clifton)
Starting at $17, $6 per adult, $3 per child, or $40 family membership, and $1 parking with a valid EBT or SNAP card (Included with zoo admission)
Come early to see more animals and stay for the lights! Lights, animals, holiday cheer, and more!
Pyramid Hill Lights
November 20 through January 3
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park (Hamilton)
$25 per vehicle
Enjoy a nature-filled show featuring installations by local artists illuminated by over one million holiday lights. Bring the whole family along for a drive-through holiday experience.
Light up Middletown Driving Tour
November 26 through December 31
Smith Park (Middletown)
Admission with a cash donation – attendees set the price!
The journey begins with a tunnel of lights.
Related Article: Weather keeping you indoors? Check out Holiday movies.
Take this opportunity to explore Cincinnati Holiday Activities and make lasting memories with family and friends. From festive gatherings to cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Embrace the spirit of the season by engaging with the community and experiencing all that Cincinnati has to offer.
Please inform us at The Voice of Black Cincinnati if we missed any Cincinnati holiday activities and events.
The Voice of Black Cincinnati is a media company designed to educate, recognize, and create opportunities for African Americans. Want to find local news, events, job postings, scholarships, and a database of local Black-owned businesses? Visit our homepage, explore other articles, subscribe to our newsletter, like our Facebook page, join our Facebook group, and text VOBC to 513-966-3328.
Cincinnati holiday activities images provided by © [Monkey Business] /Adobe Stock and The Voice of Black Cincinnati via AI
