These Cincinnati holiday activities will get your jingle bells ringing!
The Christmas holiday season begins the day after Thanksgiving. Cincinnati provides festive and cheerful activities for your entire family to enjoy.
From ice skating to plays to carolers and iconic trains, there is something for all ages to love. So, grab some family and friends, or make it a date at one of these Cincinnati holiday activities.
The information in this article is as current as the publication date. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information before acting.
Featured Holiday Events
Black Santa at the Art Museum
Dec. 17, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park)
Free
Free photos by the Christmas tree. Bring your wish lists!
Cincinnati Holiday Events
Santa on the Levee
Dec. 23, noon – 6 p.m.
Newport on the Levee (Newport)
Free
Santa Claus is stopping at Newport on the Levee. Gather your loved ones and grab your cameras to capture photos and memories to last a lifetime.
Jonathan Butler’s “O Holy Night” with Grace Kelly
Dec. 23, 8:30 p.m.
The Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $35
South African singer-songwriter Jonathan Butler and saxophonist Grace Kelly will perform a Christmas jazz special.
A Christmas Carol
Now through Dec. 23
Covedale Center for the Performing Arts (West Price Hill)
$31
This musical version of the classic Dickens story is a marvelous way to share the yule-tide with family and friends.
Holidays on the Farm
Now through Dec. 23
Parky’s Farm (Winton Woods)
$10-$15
Escape the ordinary and discover the wide-open winter wonder during Holidays on the Farm!
Cincinnati Ballet presents The Nutcracker
Now through Dec. 24
Music Hall (Over-the–Rhine)
Starting at $29
Don’t miss the return of Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition!
Related Article: Check out these Cincinnati kid-friendly activities.
Scuba Santa
Now through Dec. 24
Newport Aquarium (Newport)
Included with aquarium admission
See Scuba Santa swim underwater with a tank full of sharks and tell him what you want for Christmas.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center for the Arts (Downtown)
Starting at $39
Experience the magic as the season’s spirit comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Now through Dec. 30
Land of Illusion (Middletown)
$9
Over 3.8 million lights at the 2-mile-long lights display drive-thru.
WinterFest
Now through Dec. 31
Kings Island (Mason)
Starting at $29.99
Kings Island transforms into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And then some)
Now through Dec. 31
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (Over-the–Rhine)
Starting at $14
What begins as another production of A Christmas Carol devolves into an irreverent look at beloved holiday classics.
Light up Middletown Driving Tour
Now through Dec. 31
Smith Park (Middletown)
Admission with cash donation – attendees set the price!
Your journey begins with a tunnel of lights.
Related Article: Holiday shop with these Black-owned Businesses.
Christmas at the Junction
Now through Jan. 1
Entertrainment Junction (West Chester)
$16.95, kids 2 and under free
Take your family to see the holiday train display! Then walk thru a winter wonderland to visit Mrs. Claus and chat with Santa.
Coney Island Christmas Night of Lights
Now through Jan. 2
Coney Island (Anderson)
$7 per person
More than one million twinkling lights synchronized to a mix of traditional and rocking holiday music.
Holiday Junction
Now through Jan. 2
Cincinnati Museum Center (Queensgate)
$10, Children under 2 and all members free
$2 per person for up to 10 guests. Free parking for one vehicle with a valid EBT or SNAP card
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple since 1946, delighting generations.
Celestial Holiday
Now through Jan. 8
Krohn Conservatory (Mt. Adams)
Starting at $7, Children 4 and under are free
Krohn will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by shimmering lights and twinkling stars.
Summit Park Ice Rink
Now through Jan. 8
Summit Park (Blue Ash)
$7 per person
The ice rink will be located underneath Summit Park’s glass canopy. For inexperienced skaters, free skating aids are available for each session while supplies last.
Holiday Traditions
Now through Jan. 8
Behringer-Crawford Museum (Covington)
Starting at $5
Enjoy train displays, a winter wonderland, and more!
Celestial Holiday
Now through Jan. 8
Krohn Conservatory (Mt. Adams)
$7-$10
Krohn will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by shimmering lights and twinkling stars.
Festival of Lights
Now through Jan. 8
Cincinnati Zoo (Clifton)
Included with zoo admission
$6 per adult, $3 per child, or $40 family membership, and $1 parking with a valid EBT or SNAP card
Lights, animals, holiday cheer, and more!
UC Health Ice Rink
Now through Feb. 2
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Starting at $10
The ice rink offers both skating and bumper cars.
Penguin Days
Jan. 9-Mar. 10
Starting at $9.50
Waddle to the Zoo and save money during Penguin Days! Enjoy discounted admission from January 9 – March 10, 2023.
Related Article: Weather keeping you indoors? Check out these Holiday movies.
These Cincinnati holiday activities will keep families entertained. So, go ahead and pull out those ugly elf and reindeer sweaters. It is time to be jolly. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Please let us know at The Voice of Black Cincinnati if we have missed any holiday events.
Written by: Jaylyn Nurredin
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 posting, 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 513-270-3880.
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