For all of your holiday 2022 needs—markets, wondrous local fun, performances, magic, twinkling lights, gift-buying, and more—check out the list below of the many fun goings on over the next several weeks, as well as a comprehensive list for where you can host a holiday party. All events are linked to a site with more information regarding admission costs, dates and times, and location.

No matter your preference for the holiday season, whether it be celebrating with light displays, a large corporate gathering, or by supporting the arts, we have you covered.

Categories included below are:

• Events
• Markets
• Lights and Displays
• Winter Fun
• Performing Arts
• Venues

Events

Black Violin: Give Thanks Holiday Tour
November 15, 7:30p
Aronoff Center
Hip-hop meets classical with the acclaimed band Black Violin, led by classically trained string players Wil B. (viola) and Kev Marcus (violin), who are joined onstage by DJ SPS and drummer Nat Stokes.
cincinnatiarts.org

North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad
November 18–20, 23, 26–27, December 1–4, 7–11, 14–23
Experience the wonder of the holiday season by journeying down the train tracks of Warren County, Ohio. Passengers spend time with Santa and his elves on the one hour and 15 minute festive train ride.
lebanonrr.com
Tickets start at $22

Metamora Old Fashioned Christmas Walk Opening Day
November 25–December 18
Festive decorations, live music, shopping, and more.
facebook.com

UDF’s Downtown Dazzle on Fountain Square
November 26 and December 3, 10, 17
See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and watch a fireworks display. Music and festivities start at 6:30p and the Downtown Dazzle show begins at 7. Enjoy a drink or hot cocoa at Fountain Square’s Bar or have fun at the ice rink.
myfountainsquare.com

UDF’s Santa’s Workshop at Washington Park
November 26 and December 3, 10, 17
Bring your family, your dog, your friends to meet Santa, but most all—be sure to bring your cameras. 
washingtonpark.org

BB Riverboats Holiday Lunch Cruise
November 30, 12–2p (boarding at 11a)
Two-hour cruise featuring games, entertainment, and a buffet.
bbriverboats.com

Krampus!
West Side Brewing, 5p
An evening of hellish delights with the demons of Krampuslauf Zinzinnati, including Krampus Coal (Vanilla Baltic Porter) release and Craft Burger Bros serving up burgers. A portion of proceeds will be donated to charity.
facebook.com

BB Riverboats Holiday Dinner Cruise
December 2, 7:30–9:30p (boarding at 6:30p)
Take in the skyline, watch the river go by, and enjoy a fantastic holiday meal. All seating is reserved.
bbriverboats.com

BB Riverboats Holiday Brunch Cruise
December 4, 12–2p (boarding at 11a)
Dine on a hearty seasonal spread, then sit back and enjoy a perfectly relaxing afternoon while taking in the sights and listening to Dixieland Jazz Band. All seating is reserved.
bbriverboats.com

Mt. Adams Reindog Parade at The Monastery
December 10, 2–3p
A Mt. Adams tradition for over 20 years. Dogs (and owners) dress in their Holiday Best, and prizes are awarded in a variety of categories. Food and vendors will be available before the parade. Registration is from 12:30–1:45p.
mtadamscincy.org

LatkaPalooza
December 24
Cincinnati’s annual Hanukkah bash at a local bar [TBD] for drinks, a DJ, and dreidel with friends—old and new. No cover. Cash bar. Kosher food. Open to ages 21-39.
jewishcincinnati.org

Markets

Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
November 4–6
The region’s oldest German Christmas market, based on traditional Christmas markets popular throughout Germany. German beer, mulled wine, and shopping unique gifts from local crafters under a covered pavilion and heated tents.
germaniasociety.com
$5 per person (credit/debit only), free admission for ages 12 and under and active/retired military with current ID

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market at the Duke Energy Convention Center
November 11–13
300 vendors selling decor, gifts, apparel, toys, treats, and more.
cincinnatiholidaymarket.com
Save $2 by buying tickets online

Lakota East Holiday Arts & Crafts Show
November 12–13
Unique gifts for everyone on your list.
lakotaeastcraftshow.com
$2 admission ($5 early bird on Saturday), under 18 free

Holiday Market
November 13, 11a–4p
Third Eye Brewing
Sip on holiday cocktails, mimosas, and award-winning beer while knocking off items from your shopping list.
facebook.com 

Art on Vine
November 13, 12–7p
Rhinegeist
Local artists and makers showcasing and selling fine arts and handmade goods every first Sunday of the month.
artonvinecincy.com

Holiday Shopping Expo at the Lawrenceburg Event Center
November 18–20
Weekend of shopping from a selection of boutiques, crafters, upcycled and repurposed goods, specialty stores, local business, and more. Local group performances, wine tasting, and door prizes.
facebook.com

Oak Hills Band Association Fall Craft Fair
November 19, 9a–3p
Oak Hills High School
Get a start on your holiday shopping featuring more than 250 crafters and artisans. 
facebook.com
$5 per person (ages 10 and under free)

Fall Sycamore Arts & Crafts Show
November 19, 9a–4p
Sycamore High School
Arts and crafts, live student musical performances, and food offerings.
sbob.org

The OFF Market Holiday Market
November 19, 10a–4p
Summit Park
Monthly marketplace bringing together small businesses, artisans, brewers, bakers, farmers, and more—held in the same footprint as the summer market with the addition of an ice skating rink and other holiday festivities.
theoffmarket.org

Holiday Bazaar at Queen City Clay
November 19–20
Handmade ceramics and gifts.
queencityclay.com

Greater Cincinnati Winterfair
November 25–27
Northern Kentucky Convention Center
Experience artful shopping organized by Ohio Designer Craftsmen, a nonprofit organization that supports artists and the community through year-round programming.
winterfair.org
$7 (children 12 and under free), available online or at the door. Ticket is valid for all three days.

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
November 25–December 31, Thursday–Sunday
Moerlein Lager House Schmidlapp Event Lawn
Holiday themed Christmas festival featuring food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, and choral and musical entertainment.
cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com

Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
November 26
Music Hall Ballroom, 11a–5p
This event marks 13 years of bringing you the best handmade goods around from over 100 makers from all over Ohio, the midwest, and beyond—just in time for holiday shopping or simply treating yourself.
craftysupermarket.com

WestSide Holiday Market
November 26
Westwood Town Hall, 12–5p
100+ local vendors, food trucks, photos with Santa, holiday music, free swag bags for the first 200 people, and a free fitness class.
facebook.com

Shop Local on the Levee
November 26–27
Newport on the Levee
Celebrate Small Business Saturday with Shop Local on the Levee as local artisans and makers offer holiday hand-crafted goods.
newportonthelevee.com

Winter Market at Washington Park
November 26–27, December 3–4, 10–11, 17–18
The Winter Market will feature regional artisans and crafters in cozily designed huts, with local organizations to curate each weekend. Vendors will vary from weekend to weekend—lineup TBA.
washingtonpark.org

Holiday Market at Findlay Market
December 3–4
Dozens of farmers and outdoor vendors plus over 50 full-time merchants selling holiday gifts, food and decor. The Market will be selling Christmas trees, wreaths, and garland at Jane’s. Get a FREE commemorative ornament locally made by Lucca with every tree purchase.
findlaymarket.org

Art on Vine
December 11
Rhinegeist, 12–7p
Local artists and makers showcasing and selling fine arts and handmade goods every first Sunday of the month.
artonvinecincy.com

The City Flea
December 17–18
Washington Park
December 17: Evening Holiday Market, 4–9p (11a early bird mini market)
December 18: Daylight Holiday Market, 11a–5p
Cincinnati’s original curated urban flea market, small business incubator, community organization, and city advocate.
thecityflea.com

Lights and Displays

The Christmas Casino
November 2–January 2
Every year the casino resort is transformed into a whimsical and enchanting winter wonderland certain to dazzle and delight with added NEW holiday attractions every year.
thechristmascasino.com

Celestial Holiday at Krohn Conservatory
November 5–January 8, 2023
Krohn will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by shimmering lights and twinkling stars.
$10 for adults, $7 for youths (5–17), and children (4 and under) free
cincinnatiparks.com

Light Up the Fair
November 11–December 31
Lighting up the Boone County skies with over one million lights from the comfort of your vehicle along a two-mile path.
lightupthefair.com
$15 per couple, $25 per carload (3–7 occupants), military and first responders free

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights
November 11–January 2
2.5-mile drive through light show synchronized to both traditional and rocking holiday music through your car radio.
coneyislandpark.com

Holiday Junction
November 11–January 2
Cincinnati Museum Center
Celebrate 76 years of winterland whimsy, featuring track-level views of over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives, the Northern Lights display, Holiday Scavenger Hunt, Brickopolis LEGO scenes.
cincymuseum.org
Free for members, $10 for non-members, or $5 with any other museum admission

Christmas at the Junction
November 12–January 1, 2023
EnterTRAINment Junction
Take a magical journey through a Winter Wonderland to the North Pole where you can see the Reindeer & Elf Workshop. Then, visit Mrs. Claus in her kitchen and, of course, visit Santa in his study.
entertrainmentjunction.com

Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum
November 12–January 8, 2023
White Christmas exhibit from the Rosemary Clooney house, holiday toy trains, and Winter Wonderland in NaturePlay.
bcmuseum.org
Admission included with museum admission (free for members, $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+ and $5 for children ages 3–17). Face masks recommended.

The Christmas Ranch
November 18–December 23 (closed Thanksgiving)
Lights, shops, bonfires, and train and wagon rides.
$22 per car load, $33 per oversized van (10+ visitors), no buses or RVs, free parking
thechristmasranch.com
Reservations required for admission

Holidays at the Farm
November 18–December 23
Caroling, classic movies, pony rides, train display, reindeer scavenger hunt, live entertainment, trails, hay wagon ride, marshmallows toasting, and more.
greatparks.org

Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
November 18–January 1, 2023 (Tuesday–Thursday, 6–9p and Friday–Sunday, 6–10p, closed Mondays)
Driving display featuring an artful adventure through the holiday lights. To enjoy the new, festive soundtrack by Butler Philharmonic Orchestra and vocals by Cincinnati Boychoir, please download the OTOCAST APP before arriving to the show.
journeyborealis.com 
Admission is $25 per carload for non-members and $15 per carload for members
City of Hamilton residents get in FREE on Tuesdays (please bring your ID or a current utility bill)

Holiday in Lights at Armco Park in Warren County (formerly Sharon Woods)
November 18–December 30
Outdoor light display viewed from your vehicle, built with over 1 million lights and over 250 light displays, and has been an established holiday family tradition in Cincinnati for over 32 years. Purchase special effects glasses at the gate to enhance your experience—$2 for one or 3 for $5
holidayinlights.com
Admission is $20 per vehicle; $60 for buses and 15-passenger vans
No cash is accepted
$1 off coupon here

PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
November 18–January 8, 2023
Open Sunday–Thursday until 9p; Friday and Saturday until 10p (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas)
The 40th annual Festival of Lights, featuring 4 million LED lights, the North Polar Express train ride (starting at 4p), the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snacks at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.
cincinnatizoo.org
Included with zoo admission

Light Up Middletown
November 24–December 31
Drive through fantasy light display celebrating 23 years. Open in all weather and holidays.
lightupmiddletown.org
Admission by cash donation–you set the price

ProLink Staffing’s Light Up the Square presented by Macy’s
November 25, 6–11p
Kick off the holiday season with Fountain Square’s annual tree lighting celebration. Festivities begin at 6p with live music, followed by a special appearance by Santa Claus, then a dazzling fireworks display.
myfountainsquare.com

Yuletide Village
November 25–December 17
Fridays (5–9p) and Saturdays (3–9p)
Renaissance Park
A glowing 16th century Yuletide Village awaits. Food services begins at 5.
yuletidevillage.com

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest
November 25–January 1, 2023
Experience more than 2 million lights, themed areas, holiday shopping, great food, Santa Claus, ice skating, carnival, and more
decktheyalls.com

Light Up the Levee at Newport on the Levee 
November 26, 4–7p (click here for the schedule of events)
An evening of festive fun including a holiday market, live music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa Claus as they light their 50-foot tree.
newportonthelevee.com

Light in the Forest
December 1–January 1 (select dates)
Enjoy a peaceful walk in the winter woods with an expanded trail featuring a lit forest, new installations by five regional artists, children’s activities, live music, bonfire, holiday shopping, and more.
cincynature.org
Click here for admission prices

Hanukkah at Fountain Square
December 18, 6–7:30p
Celebrate Hanukkah with the Cincinnati Jewish Community, featuring an outdoor menorah lighting, ice skating, bumper cars, and so much more.
jewishcincinnati.org

Menorah Lights on the Levee
December 18
Newport on the Levee
Join in the Festival of Lights as we light the menorah and celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
newportonthelevee.com

Winter Fun

Ice Skating at Fifty West
November 1–February 23, 2023
Ice skate before grabbing a bite to eat from the 50W Burger Bar while enjoying the heated tent and great craft beer.
fiftywestbrew.com
$10 per person for one hour of ice time and skate rental (free for children under 4)

Skating + Bumper Cars at the UC Health Ice Rink presented by 5/3 on Fountain Square
November 5–February 20, 2023
Figure and hockey rental skates are available, plus the concession tent will serve snacks and beverages. The ice rink will feature two different kinds of sessions: bumpers and skating ($15) and skating only ($10).
myfountainsquare.com

Warm 98.5 Ice Rink at Summit Park
November 12–January 8
After a spin on the ice, grab a hot chocolate, a DORA beverage, or a meal from one of the four on-site restaurants or the nearby Neighborhoods at Summit Park.
summitparkblueash.com
$7 per person (skate rental included), children under 3 free

The Station on the Levee
November and December (multiple dates)
Newport on the Levee
All aboard The Station on the Levee! Families are invited to take a ride on the holiday train inside The Gallery.
newportonthelevee.com
$5

Kings Island WinterFest
November 25–December 31 (select nights)
Step into a world of holiday magic featuring experiences and activities and festive food. Voted in 2021 as one of the top Theme Park Holiday Events in the country by USA TODAY readers.
visitkingsisland.com
Admission starting at $29.99

Performing Arts

Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents the Ghosts of Christmas Eve
November 19, 3p
Heritage Bank Center
Multi-platinum, progressive rock group playing its “The Ghosts of Christmas Eve” tour.
heritagebankcenter.com

Memorial Hall presents Christmas with The Celts
November 29, 7:30p
memorialhallotr.com
$30–50

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
December 8–31
Fresh and fun annual tradition that sends up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high octane jollity and frivolity.
cincyshakes.com

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.
December 10–19
The Children’s Theatre (Taft Theater)
60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved classic television special.
thechildrenstheatre.com

Holiday Pops at Music Hall
December 9–11
Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition returns with music, warmth, laughter, and seasonal inspiration for the entire family. Share unforgettable memories in the grandeur of a Music Hall.
cincinnatisymphony.org
$25–115
This concert is eligible for Pay What You Wish Pricing. To learn more, visit Music for All.

The Nutcracker at Music Hall
December 15–24
Cincinnati’s favorite holiday tradition.
cballet.org

An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
December 16–18
Presented by Nederlander Entertainment and Memorial Hall.
memorialhallotr.com
$44–74

Venues

Whether for a company holiday function or a fun way to get out with a group of friends, there are several options around the city to host your next party—from small to large gatherings. Here is a list of just some of the many ideas.

Restaurant Spaces

There are many restaurants in Cincinnati that offer private room rentals. Here are several options for where to book yours.

Butcher and Barrel
Central Business District
A variety of seating options for corporate events, birthday celebrations, or rehearsal diners.
thebutcherbarrel.com

Ché OTR
OTR
The Cellar at Ché OTR can accommodate 24–30 guests.
checincinnati.com

Galla Park Gastro
The Banks
Booking options include private room (30 seated, 60 social), half venue (200 guests), and full venue (500 guests).
gallapark.com

Khora at Kinley Hotel
Central Business District
Perfectly sized for large gatherings with delicious heart-felt dishes.
khorarestaurant.com

Metropole at 21c
Central Business District
Nine unique event spaces, including a private dining room, and spaces that double as 21c Museum galleries. Space is available for private parties of 10 to 350.
metropoleonwalnut.com

Moerlein Lager House
The Banks
Several private dining options to accommodate groups from 20 guests to 150 to 300 and even 1500 on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn.
moerleinlagerhouse.com

On the Rhine Eatery
Central Business District
Set up shop at the OTR Eatery food hall.
ontherhineeatery.com

Pampas
O’Bryonville
From small and intimate gatherings to larger-scale private events and rentals.
pampascincinnati.com

Prime Cincinnati
Central Business District
Several private dining options available for party sizes 8 to 80.
primecincinnati.com

Entertainment

These aren’t your ordinary event spaces. These venues have built in entertainment as well, from bowling, rage rooms, and arcades, to sightseeing and go-karting.

BB Riverboats
Newport
Group events and dining, sightseeing, kids, holiday, and specialty cruises.
bbriverboats.com

Fowling Warehouse
Norwood
fowlingwarehouse.com

Full Throttle Adrenaline Park
Florence
Corporate events, party packages, meeting space, and catering. High-speed go-karting, paintball, axe throwing, rage room, and virtual reality.
gofullthrottle.com

Pins Mechanical
OTR
Groups of 15 or more; pricing based on group size and allocated event space.
pinsbar.com https://www.pinsbar.com/cincy-events

Queen City Riverboats
Dayton, KY
Private events, public events, concert cruises, and game day shuttles.
queencityriverboats.com

Rotolo | Bowling Bocce Eatery
Newport
Equipped with private event space and amenities for group sizes of 20 to 500.
rotolobowling.com

Selfie Galaxy
Westwood
10–50 guests
selfiegalaxy.com

WONDERCADE
Westwood
Book a party room for up to 16 total people (kids and adults) for two hours. Entire arcade is also available for rent.
wondercadecincy.com

Large Group Event Spaces

These local venues can accommodate larger gatherings for over 50 people and up to 375.

American Sign Museum
Camp Washington
Workshops, trade shows, meetings, and weddings, including seated dinners for up to 175 guests.
americansignmuseum.org

The Columns
Findlay Market
Up to 150-person cocktail party.
thecolumnscincy.com

Hotel Covington
Covington
Accommodates groups of 10 to 250.
hotelcovington.com

The Madison Event Center
Covington
Weddings, corporate events, and social events. Can accommodate events from 100 guests to 375.
madisoneventcenter.com

The Metropolitan Club
Covington
Several event space options, for seating from 2 to 200.
metropolitanclub.net

New Riff Distilling
Newport
Rentals for up to 90 guests.
newriffdistilling.com

Oakley Kitchen Food Hall
Oakley
Accommodates up to 300 guests.
oakley-kitchen.com

Peterloon
Montgomery
Nonprofit events, fundraising events, musical performances and recitals, corporate meetings and events, brunches, luncheons, dinners, receptions, and weddings
peterloon.org

Revel Urban Winery
OTR
Rent out the entire building or the second floor.
revelotr.com

The Skeleton Root
OTR
Unique event spaces for up to 100 guests.
skeletonroot.com

Somerhaus
OTR
Up to 72 guests
somerhaus.space

The Summit
Madisonville
From small meetings to big conferences—indoors, outdoors, or on the roof. Group sizes from 15 to 320.
thesummithotel.com

The Turn Vintage Warehouse
Newport
Up to 85 guests
theturnvintage.com

The View at Shires’ Garden
Central Business District
Small and intimate gatherings to events with up to 200 guests.
theviewatshiresgarden.com

The Woodward
OTR
From 60 to 600 guests.
woodwardtheater.com

Small Group Event Spaces

These local venues can accommodate smaller gatherings for 50 people or less.

Gather Cincy
East Walnut Hills
Party space can accommodate up to 30.
gathercincy.com

The Growler House
East Walnut Hills
Parties from 1 to 50; private tastings or “Beer 101” classes available.
thegrowlerhouse.com

Mom ’n ‘Em
Camp Washington, Madisonville
Baby showers, birthdays, corporate meetings, pop-ups, and small weddings. A mobile coffee cart is also available.
momnemcoffee.com

It is also helpful to consider breweries with event spaces, such as Big Ash, Braxton, Esoteric, Little Miami, Listermann, MadTree, Rhinegeist, West Side, and more. If you are unsure about whether or not a restaurant, brewery, or other business may have a space that is available to rent for a private party, just ask!

Written by: Linsey Kraeling – Woman, wife, and mother about town, proud millennial, and lifelong Cincinnatian with an invested interest in community involvement and having a full plate—literally and figuratively. Follow along with and read more about eating like a sophisticated six-year-old, supporting local, and acting like a tourist in her own city at instagram.com/linsinnati and tourdecincinnati.com.