Checking out a Christmas light display is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, and within Ohio, you can find some of the best Christmas lights near Cincinnati. Make a night of it and visit the Cincinnati Zoo for the PNC Festival of Lights or head downtown to see Santa rappel down a building before you lace up your ice skates at Fountain Square. Coney Island also has a Christmas light display arena with a spectacular show that you can see from your car. And if you’ve never visited Pyramid Sculpture Park, put it on your list – during the holidays you can view the sculptures and a laser light display, too. Make your Christmas in Cincinnati a magical one.

1. PNC Festival of Lights/Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, USA
Mark Dumont/Flickr
The Festival of Lights is becoming a tradition in Cincinnati thanks to its display of two million LED lights and breathtaking areas like the Candy Cane Forest. Here, you'll see some of the best Christmas lights near Cincinnati. Learn more about the Festival of Lights.
2. Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
Coney Island Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230, USA
Coney Island
This Christmas light display near Cincinnati is a spectacular two-mile display that you view from your car. It features LED lights synchronized to music. Read more on what is in store for you at Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island.
3. Journey Borealis: Holiday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Sculpture Park
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Pk, Hamilton, OH 45013, USA
Pyramid Sculpture Park
Laser light displays and more than one million lights make this park a must-see during Christmas in Cincinnati. Pyramid Sculpture Park is a little ways from Cincinnati's center, but it is well worth the drive. Get more information about Journey Borealis: Holiday Lights on the Hill.
4. Macy's Light Up the Square on Fountain Square
Fountain Square, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
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Where else are you going to see Santa rappelling down a building? Come downtown to Fountain Square for Christmas carols, hot chocolate, and to watch Santa's athletic skills. Aside from the show, you'll see some of the best Christmas lights near Cincinnati. Check out what else you can do at Fountain Square.
5. Light Up the Levee Light Show
Newport on the Levee, One Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071, USA
Newport on the Levee
The Newport Levee is a great place to get some holiday shopping done while taking in Christmas light displays near Cincinnati. One million LED lights dance to music. The display also features a beautiful tree in the center of the shopping area. Get more details on the Light Up the Levee Light Show.

Ready to see Christmas light displays near Cincinnati? These lights make the effort of putting on your gloves and hat and braving the cold well worth it. They’ll get you in the Christmas in Cincinnati spirit in no time!

What are your favorite drive-thru Christmas lights near Cincinnati? Tell us in the comments!

Want more Christmas-related activities? Check out these Christmas attractions in Cincinnati!

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The Best of Cincinnati

Rachel Raimondi | October 19, 2022

What are the most well-known parks in Cincinnati?

There are 75 parks in Ohio, and many of the loveliest can be found in Cincinnati. Located on the east side of the city is the 223-acre Ault Park. Within, you’ll find some of the area’s finest Italian architecture as well as nine wooded nature trails and two gardens. And be sure to check out the expansive views from the hilltop. Alms Park is located off of Tusculum Avenue, also on the east side of the city. In its 94 acres, you can take in views of northern Kentucky and the Ohio River as well as walk the trails. There is also a playground and some picnic areas.

Where can I visit Santa in Cincinnati?

One of the best parts of the holiday season is looking for the best Christmas lights near Cincinnati. But seeing Santa in Cincinnati is just as enjoyable. The Cincinnati Museum Center, located on Western Avenue is just one great place to see Santa. And here, not only can you see Santa, but you can have a pancake breakfast with him, complete with a hot cocoa bar and fun crafts.

What are the best restaurants in Cincinnati? 

While you are out and about in Cincy, make sure you check out some Cincinnati restaurants. If you are in the mood for some fantastic Mexican and handmade tortillas, head to Tortilleria Garcia, which has two locations in the city. Some of the best dishes include the tamales, burrito bowls, and combo platters. For pizza lovers, there is Taglio, located on Montgomery Road. Here, you can grab Detroit-style pizza. Choose from standard toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers or jazz your pizza up a bit and order a Greek veggie pizza or a bianco.

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