The holidays are flurrying by. Slow down and soak in the spirit of the season at one of the festive happenings around town, including winter-themed train displays and beloved Christmas plays. Here’s a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati over the next seven days.
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Monday, Dec. 15
Meet the Shillito’s Elves (extended hours!)
View the collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop. They’ve been a classic Cincinnati holiday tradition going back 70 years, bringing joy to those who make the pilgrimage to see their spritely, festive scenes. They can be seen in two different locations.
Downtown: Open 24/7 for viewing, animated during 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Carew Tower, 25 W. Fifth St., Downtown. downtowncincinnati.com.
Mariemont: 2-7:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 6940 Madisonville Road, Mariemont. $5. thesantaworkshop.com.
Drive your vehicle through Perfect North’s Northern Lights
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, including LED-lit trees, winter scenes and a light tunnel. Guests can walk the one-mile loop Fridays and Saturdays.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Perfect North Slopes, 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg. Closed Nov. 26-27. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 3-12. Runs through Dec. 23. perfectnorth.com.
Bask in the Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion
At Land of Illusion’s Christmas Glow, step inside Santa’s Workshop to meet the man himself, and drive through Christmas lights displays. Meet Santa’s barnyard friends at the Polar Petting Zoo, including Highland cows. End the night at the Christmas Village where you can sip hot cocoa and admire the 35-foot Christmas tree.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. Runs through Dec. 24. Drive-through only Dec. 26-30. landofillusion.com.
Celebrate among the fronds at Festival of Ferns
Step into a botanical wonderland at Krohn Conservatory. Enjoy a miniature model of Cincinnati’s skyline and find classic trains and iconic landmarks from the Cincinnati Museum Center to the Roebling Bridge. Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Clifton. Runs Nov. 1-Jan. 4. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
See a life-size, outdoor nativity scene at ‘A Franciscan Christmas’
At “Franciscan Christmas,” see a nativity scene, including live farm animals. International Christmas displays, including 100 creche scenes from around the word, are visible on weekends inside the church.
Outdoor nativity scene: 1-7 p.m. daily, St. Francis Seraph Church, 1615 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Nov. 30-Jan. 6. Free.
International Christmas displays: 4-7 p.m. Friday, noon-7 pm. Saturday-Sunday, St. Francis Seraph Church, 1615 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Nov. 30-Jan. 6. Free. sfsparish.org.
See ‘Hamilton’ at the Aronoff
If you haven’t heard of this epic musical, have you been living under a rock? Follow the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton and his legacy, shaping the course of the U.S. Expect a unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Performance times vary by week. Runs Dec. 16-Jan. 4. cincinnatiarts.org.
Get into the holiday spirit at Holly Jolly Days
Admire holiday toy trains racing through a miniature metropolis. Kids can interact with the display by pushing buttons that control various features in the town. Take a gander through a museum full of vintage Christmas decor for a nostalgic look back at how the holiday was celebrated throughout the years.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Closed on national holidays. $9, $8 ages 60-up, $5 ages 3-17. Runs Nov. 11-Jan. 11. bcmuseum.org.
Take a step back into 1855 with Hillforest’s ‘A Victorian Christmas’
Take a trip to the Ohio River town of Aurora to experience a true Christmas past. See the Hillforest Museum House decorated for the holidays.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Hillforest House Museum, 213 Fifth St., Aurora. Runs Nov. 11-Dec. 30. hillforest.org.
Learn about the true meaning of Christmas at ‘A Christmas Carol’
Follow Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy curmudgeon, as he learns from the errors of his ways and tries to change his fate one ghostly Christmas Eve night.
Details: 7 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, The Rouse Theatre, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Walnut Hills. Runs through Dec. 28. cincyplay.com.
Check out a great model train display (for free!)
At the Liberty Center Mall this Christmastime, see a wide variety of trains operating on three scale miles of track. Members sign up to run their trains, so no two days are exactly the same.
Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Liberty Center, 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township. Runs Dec. 16-28. cincygcmra.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 17
Hop aboard for Train Days at Heritage Village Museum
In these large model train displays, watch trains chug past villages, mountains and through tunnels. Enjoy hands-on activities such as learning morse code, calling the “North Pole hotline,” bargaining with complimentary trading cards and snacking on sweets such as cookies and hot chocolate from the “Candy Factory.”
Details: Opens Wednesday, continues 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. Sunday, Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. $5 per person, members and ages 4-under free. Runs Dec. 17-Jan. 4. Closed Dec. 24-25 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1. heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Thursday, Dec. 18
Spend the fa-la-la-la days at Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is all in for its annual PNC Festival of Lights, complete with over 5 million LED lights and 65 animal lanterns located throughout the zoo. Guests can search for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, immerse themselves in the “Under the Sea” area, and watch the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Meet costumed characters and hop aboard the North Polar Express Train and the Conservation Carousel. If you get a bit peckish, enjoy roasted s’mores, nuts and other holiday treats.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Runs Nov. 20-Jan. 4. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Included with admission. cincinnatizoo.org.
See the beloved holiday classic ‘The Nutcracker’ at Music Hall
Take a trip to the Land of Sweets by seeing one of Cincinnati Ballet’s performances of this timeless classic. Enjoy Tchaikovsky’s iconic score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Performance times vary each week. Runs Dec. 18-28. cincinnatiarts.org.
Hop aboard for Holiday Junction
At Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Holiday Trains, watch with awe as over 300 rail cars and 50 model trains zip through a miniature city, admire LEGO bricks crafted into whimsical displays and simply take in the winter scenery. Santa’s grand arrival comes Nov. 28.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Free for museum members and included with museum admission. Runs Nov. 14-Jan. 5. cincymuseum.org.
Spend time with family at Holidays on the Farm
Enjoy music, meet reindeer, see thousands of lights, taste food and stroll through the popular cheer garden.
Details: 5-9 p.m. nightly, Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center, 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township. $12-17 for single nights, $20-25 season pass, free ages 2-under. Runs Dec. 4-23. greatparks.org.
Drive by holiday lights at Pyramid Hill Lights
Your holiday checklist isn’t complete unless you hop in your car and see some bright lights. Bring the family for a drive and take them to Pyramid Hill Lights, a nature-filled show featuring local artists’ installations using fiber art, woodworking, sculpture and light projection pieces. Enjoy the comfort of your own vehicle as you cruise along the two-mile route through the park.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. $15 per carload for members, $25 per carload for non-members. Runs Nov. 14-Jan. 4. pyramidhill.org.
Friday, Dec. 19
See ‘Hot Chocolate’ at the Aronoff
For a unique spin on the timeless classic, see Cincinnati’s first and only African American Nutcracker experience at David Choate’s “Hot Chocolate.” This show features an all-Black cast of ballet, hip-hop and contemporary dancers that will transport you to a winter wonderland filled with sugar plums and holiday magic.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. cincinnatiarts.org.
Stroll through the illuminated, whimsical winter woods
At Light in the Forest, venture on a mile-long trail past ponds, woodlands and fields. See light displays from seven Blink artists. Enjoy children’s crafts, live music and holiday shopping. Grab a bite to eat from a food truck and snuggle up by the bonfire.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford. Runs Dec. 5-28. cincynature.org.
Do a figure eight at Winterfest
Admire the twinkling lights, enjoy festive live shows and hop on select Kings Island rides and attractions. Meet Santa, taste specialty holiday food and drink, and of course, ice skate!
Details: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Friday and Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 31. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. sixflags.com.
Wander through Renaissance Park’s Yuletide Village (final week!)
Enjoy festive shows, shop a marketplace for classic wooden toys, warm up with spiced apple cider, travel through the Rivers of Lights and Gum Drop Alley, and avoid Krampus!
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville. Runs every weekend Nov. 28-Dec. 20. yuletidevillage.com.
Experience Christmas at the Ark and Creation Museum
Enjoy a festive evening exploring world-class exhibits in the life-size ark. See thousands of lights, a live nativity, Christ-centered dramas, animal programs, a laser show and more.
Christmas at the Ark: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3. arkencounter.com.
Christmas at the Creation Museum: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3. creationmuseum.org.
Meet Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Watch as Santa swims with sharks, rays, schools of fish and a sea turtle. See the aquarium bedecked in holiday lights sure to get you in the holiday sprit.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport. Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 24. newportaquarium.com.
Watch Chris Isaak perform at Hard Rock Casino
Chris Isaak is coming to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Catch him play hits such as “Wicked Game,” “Blue Hotel,” “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing” and “Somebody’s Crying” live.
Details: 8 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton. casino.hardrock.com.
Shop for art on Final Friday (adjusted for the holidays!)
Browse and buy art directly from the artists on Final Friday. There are more than 250 studios over four buildings, and shops will host artists. The artists of the month are Nancy and Bruce Neville in Studio 611A.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. pendletonartcenter.com.
Saturday, Dec. 20
Visit Bright Lights Indiana
Drive by 20 themed displays and through a light tunnel. Listen to holiday music and immerse yourself with a megadose of holiday cheer.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Sunday, 23345 Gavin Lane, Lawrenceburg. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 4. brightlightsindiana.com.
Grab your ice skates for the 2025-26 rink season
The decades-old Cincinnati tradition, the UC Health Ice Rink, is relocated to Elm Street Plaza this year. Grab your loved ones and hit the ice at Cincy’s newest civic space! Alternatively, if you live in Blue Ash, Summit Park also has an ice rink open.
Elm St. Plaza: 3-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 3-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Elm Street Plaza, 150 W. Fifth St., Downtown. $12. Runs Nov. 21-Feb. 16. elmstreetplazacincy.com.
Summit Park: 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash. $7. Runs Nov. 15-Jan. 4. summitparkblueash.com.
Start a holiday tradition at Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
Be dazzled by more than two million lights at Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights drive through holiday light show. Drive by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, light tunnels and more.
Details: Open daily 5-10 p.m., Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. $30 per car for up to 8 passengers, $50 for 9 and more. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 3. store.queencitylightshow.com.
Cruise through a winter wonderland at Light Up the Fair
Bring your loved ones to the Boone County Fairgrounds to see it transformed into a 2-mile-long winter wonderland filled with millions of Christmas lights, festive displays and family-friendly holiday fun. Traverse down glowing light tunnels to synchronized Christmas music.
Details: Open daily 5:30-10 p.m., Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. Runs Nov. 15-Dec. 27. lightupthefair.com.
Hop aboard the North Pole Express
Take a festive train ride to the North Pole with Santa and his elves. Train cars will be ornamented with holiday lights and decorations. All children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. Hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the train station.
Details: Rides available at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday, Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $30 coach class, $40 deluxe class. Runs Nov. 21-Dec. 23. lebanonrr.com.
Visit Santa at The Christmas Ranch
Browse seven Christmas shops, stop by Santa’s Bakery and Cafe for a sweet treat, hop aboard a train or wagon ride, and snap a picture with Santa.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, The Christmas Ranch, 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow. $37 per car load, $47 per oversized van (over 10 visitors). Runs Nov. 21-Dec. 23. Closed Thanksgiving Day. thechristmasranch.com.
Sparkle under the holiday lights at Winter Nights & River Lights
Take a stroll over the Purple People Bridge. This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays.
Details: nightly, Purple People Bridge, Newport. Free. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 4. purplepeoplebridge.com.
Catch another holiday light display at Light Up Middletown
Middletown has a holiday light display of their own. Bask in the twinkling lights in the company of your favorite people.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Smith Park, Tytus and Verity Parkway, 500 Tytus Avenue, Middletown. Runs Nov. 27-Dec. 31. lightupmiddletown.org.
Sunday, Dec. 21
Shop on Sundays at the MAC
Ready to get a jump on holiday shopping? Attend Sundays at The Mac for shop local and find unique gifts. Enjoy extended pop-up shopping hours from select studios for the holiday season.
Details: noon-4 p.m., The Morrow Arts Center, 10 Miranda St., Morrow. Runs Sundays through Dec. 21. morrowartscenter.com.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.cincinnati.com ’
