Cincinnati is always a fun and exciting place to be, but around the holidays the city really comes to life. There are events and activities all over the city, so many in fact, that it can be difficult to narrow it down to the best. You can’t really go wrong with any of the festive choices downtown or scattered throughout Cincinnati’s neighborhoods, but if you want a list of the absolute best attractions to check out this season then we’ve got you covered. It’s just not Christmas in Cincinnati until you’ve done these nine enchanting things.

1. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
Facebook/Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The PNC Festival of Lights just seems to become more magical each year. Thanks to Cincinnati's sweethearts, the still-small hippo Fiona and her new baby brother, the zoo is more popular than ever, and possibly the one can't-miss holiday event in the city. For more details, check out the Cincinnati Zoo's website.
2. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods Park Visitor's Center Entrance, 3700 Park 42 Dr, Sharonville, OH 45241, USA
Facebook/Holiday in Lights
EDITOR'S NOTE: Unfortunately, Sharon Woods will not be hosting Holiday In Lights this year, but we hope you will enjoy some of their other holiday events!

Holiday in Lights is a drive-thru display in Sharon Woods that has been a favorite in Cincinnati for over 27 years and the lights are always mesmerizing. Make sure to visit Santaland after cruising through.
3. WinterFest at Kings Island
Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040, USA
Facebook/Kings Island
One of Cincinnati's most loved holiday traditions returns this year at Kings Island. WinterFest receives rave reviews for its spectacular lights and memorable ice-skating experience on the fountain. For more details and to help plan your visit, check out the King's Island official website.
4. Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Andrea Limke/OnlyInYourState
​​Krohn Conservatory is a hidden gem in Eden Park that offers a one-of-a-kind holiday show each year. With enchanting train displays, a stunning miniature tribute to Cincinnati, and of course beautiful flowers, it's a lovely way to celebrate the season. Make time to check out this stunning display this Christmas season and make it an annual tradition while you celebrate Christmas in Cincinnati.
5. Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker
1241 Elm Street , Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Facebook/Cincinnati Ballet
Getting dressed up and going to see the Nutcracker is like a Christmas dream come true, and you can experience it each year in Cincinnati thanks to our amazingly talented ballet. The performance takes place at the recently renovated Music Hall, so it's sure to be more memorable than ever. For more details and to purchase your tickets, visit the Cincinnati Ballet's website.
6. See Trains at Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203, USA
Cincinnati Museum Center
Heading to the Cincinnati Museum Center during the holidays to see the model trains has long been a favorite tradition this time of year. Since 1946 kinds of all ages have enjoyed this whimsical Christmas display. You'll find incredible Lego displays, visits with Santa, activities, and yes, trains. Check out the Cincinnati Museum Center's website for all necessary ticketing information.
7. The Nativity at Paul R. Young Funeral Home
7345 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45231, USA
Facebook/Paul R. Young Funeral Homes
Paul R. Young is a very recognizable building in Mt. Healthy and their Nativity has been a Cincinnati tradition for years. This year, you can experience the beautiful display, along with live animals and other festivities, as a part of Christmas in Mt. Healthy. For more details, visit their website. While you are making sure you have the right dates and times, take a moment to read about the history of the unique nativity figures.
8. Visit Fountain Square
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Facebook/The Westin Cincinnati
Fountain Square is one of the city's most popular (and beautiful) places and it really shines during the holidays. Visit the fantastic Christmas tree and ice skate with the magical fountain behind you. For more details, visit the Fountain Square website to learn about Light Up The Square and other Christmas activities in Cincinnati.
9. Visit Santa at Macy's Downtown
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Lindsey Louis
EDITOR'S NOTE: Macy's has made the decision to close its downtown store, but we have it on good authority that you can find Santa at several other locations throughout the city.

It's not Christmas in Cincinnati without a visit with Santa during his stop at Macy's Fountain Place. Photos are free (bring your own camera!), and Santa's visiting times are a little random, so make sure to double-check the times before you go.

This list should definitely put you in the holiday spirit! Cincinnati is such a festive place this time of year. Did your favorite Christmas activity in Cincinnati make the list? What else would you add? Let us know in the comments!

If you’d like to just stick to the best Christmas light displays around town, check out our Christmas Lights Road Trip.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

More to Explore

Christmas in Cincinnati

Katie Feldkamp | October 28, 2022

Are there any Christmas train rides near Cincinnati?

The short answer to this question is yes! Beginning in November and going through December, the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad has a Christmas train ride near Cincinnati you can take known as The North Pole Express. The train only operates on select days, so be sure to visit their website in plenty of advance to purchase your tickets. Then, sit back and enjoy a magical ride. The North Pole Express is an evening expedition in which riders will journey with Santa while snacking on what else? Milk and cookies! To put you in the festive spirit, riders are encouraged to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas! The best part of the ride is just like in the beloved Christmas story, each child will go home with a bell. As you look back on your North Pole Express memories, will the bell still ring for you?

What are some other Christmas activities in Cincinnati?

There are lots of fun ways you can celebrate Christmas in and around the Queen City. Just a short drive from Cincinnati is the small town of Metamora, where visitors can go on an Old-Fashioned Christmas Walk. If you’d rather sit and admire the twinkling lights, head north to The Christmas Ranch and go on a holiday wagon ride among the thousands of lights on the property. Afterward, sip some hot chocolate and warm up around the bonfire.

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