Is your family seeking holiday-related events to attend? Cincinnati offers a plethora of events throughout December. Whether you are interested in indoor activities, outdoor experiences, light shows, or cultural events with the Cincinnati Arts, this guide provides a wide array of recommendations.
1. Ice Skating at Fountain Square: Admission is $10, which includes rental skates, and children ages 3 and under are free with a paid adult. You also have access to the WGU warming tent to take a break and keep warm!
2. Cincinnati Chriskindlmarkt: Step into Cincinnati’s beloved Christkindlmarkt, a German-American holiday experience filled with festive lights, seasonal delights, and cozy winter activities. Located at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House, this free-admission event features artisanal vendors, holiday decor, live entertainment, and new attractions like the Igloo Boardwalk and Holiday Ice Rink. Join in for festive food, warm Glühwein, and family-friendly activities through January 5th.
3. Krohn Conservatory: Solstice Glow at Krohn Conservatory is a celebration of the magic of winter and the longest night of the year. Journey through the showroom as the Conservatory brings light into the darkness with candles, lanterns, and festive displays. Enjoy the model trains that wind through poinsettias and other winter plants. Additionally, don’t miss the Crib of the Nativity, open from December 9, 2024, to January 5, 2025. 
4. The North Pole Express Lebanon Train at Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad: All aboard! During this festive roundtrip ride on a vintage train, elves make holiday balloons and share stories about the North Pole in a decorated heated train car. After the train ride, families will be guided by elves on a magical visit with Santa Claus! Advance reservations are required. Train dates and times vary from November 17 through December 23, 2023.
5. Christmas Light Shows: 
Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights: This Cincinnati tradition is now in its 42nd year. Marvel at the zoo adorned with 4 million LED lights, find all the Fiona fairies, enjoy a blacklight puppet show, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus, enjoy seasonal treats, ride the North Polar Express train through the zoo, and much more! November 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025.
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds: A dazzling drive-thru holiday light show illuminated by more than 2 million lights! It has become a beloved Cincinnati holiday tradition as many visitors of all ages and abilities are awed by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, fantastic tunnels of lights, and so much more!
Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park: Illuminated by over a million lights! Featuring light projection, fiber arts, woodworking, sculpture, and other installations by local artists, this drive-through display also highlights the natural beauty of the sculpture park. November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025. 
Winter Fest at Kings Island: See Kings Island transformed into an enchanting winter wonderland at Winterfest. Enjoy more than 7 million lights, ice skating, live entertainment, holiday shopping, seasonal treats, and more! Tree lighting and parade every night.
Deck the Y’alls Light Fest: Thomas More Stadium is brought to life with Deck The Y'alls Lightfest. This interactive, walk-through light show features over 2.5 million lights, plenty of themed areas, and photo opportunities. Enjoy s'mores over the fire and take a spin on the ice skating rink. November 22, 2024 - January 1, 2025.
6. Pictures and Breakfast with Santa:
Maggiano’s Breakfast with Santa- Enjoy breakfast from 9-10am. They’ll also have cookie decorating, face painting, crafts, and more. December 14, 15, 21, and 22.
Bonbonerie Tea with Santa- They have three seatings to choose from 10am, 12:30pm, and 3pm. This special afternoon tea will include all of your favorites you have come to love from their menu with the addition of some holiday favorites. Each registration includes afternoon tea, a meet and greet and the opportunity to decorate your own cookie. December 15, 18, and 21.
Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights- If your family is already going, stop and snap a picture with Santa! Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m. from Nov. 21 through December 23, 2024.
Santa on the Levee- Will be open for visits with Santa on Saturdays, spreading holiday magic and taking photos.
Santa’s Workshop in Washington Park- Saturdays and Sundays from November 30 through December 22, 2024; 11am-2pm. Please note that this event is free, but you must bring your own camera for photos.
Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium- See Scuba Santa swim underwater with a tank full of sharks and tell him what you want for Christmas! Meet cheerful elves straight from the North Pole and enjoy a Water Wonderland full of colorful holiday lights and festive music. Reserve your time when you book a ticket. Late November – December 24, 2024.
Kenwood Towne Centre- Shop around and get a picture with Santa through December 24, 2024; reservations encouraged and available online.
7. Cincinnati Arts
Winter Wonderland, presented by Cincinnati Ballet- The installation, Winter Wonderland presented by Cincinnati Ballet, will be a story walk with six scenes created by students from the Art Academy of Cincinnati, in addition to dazzling holiday lights on park trees, along paths, and surrounding the bandstand. The story walk will be viewable from December 1-31, 2024 and the lighting enhancements will remain in the park through February 2025.
The Nutcracker, presented by Cincinnati Ballet- No holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life. Joined by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters. With Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. December 20-29, 2024.
The Magical Polar Experience, December 20- Join Moxie Events for an interactive movie experience unlike any other! Come dressed in your pajamas and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime! The event will include: a presentation of The Polar Express, a golden ticket, live musical performances and more!
Dr. Suess How the Grinch Stole Christmas!- Rediscover the magic of Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Originally conceived by the three-time Tony Award®-winning director Jack O'Brien, the whimsical world of Whoville is beautifully realized by an A-list creative team in this delightful musical production. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. December 10-15, 2024.
Holiday Pops, presented by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra- There’s nothing quite as magical as the memories made during the holiday season, and Holiday Pops has allowed us to share and create those memories year after year.
If there are any activities you do with your family this holiday season, be sure to tag @altafiber on all social media. Happy Holidays!