Thanksgiving is here, as well as huge concerts at Heritage Bank Center and many, many more holiday-themed events. Spend time with the ones you love this week – and eat a whole bunch of turkey. Here’s a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati over the next seven days.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
Monday, Nov. 24
See ‘Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour’
Catch the acapella group Pentatonix on their highly anticipated annual holiday tour. The Grammy-winning group will sing classic Christmas songs with their signature harmonies, sure to bring the festive spirit to Heritage Bank.
Details: 7 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.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.
Take a spellbinding stroll through the Forbidden Forest
Ready your wand for an unforgettable walk through the infamous dark woodland from the Harry Potter franchise. Taste a selection of food and drink inspired by Harry Potter’s world and snap a photo to capture the adventure.
Details: 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday, Cub World, 6035 Price Road, Miami Township. $60 ages 13-up, $35 ages 3-12, $42 family bundle. Tickets currently available for dates through November. hpforbiddenforestexperience.com.
Confront one of history’s darkest periods at the Museum Center
Come see Cincinnati Museum Center’s newest exhibit, “Auschwitz. Not long ago. Not far away.” Get a close look at more than 400 photos and 500 original artifacts from those who survived and died at the infamous camp.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Ends April 12. cincymuseum.org.
Tuesday, Nov. 25
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.
Wednesday, Nov. 26
Create an ornament out of molten glass
If you’re itching for some more seasonal fun, Neusole Glassworks has got you covered. Craft your own ornament, blown by professionals out of hot molten glass.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kempersprings Drive, Forest Park. $45. neusoleglassworks.com.
Take a tour of ‘Recall. Reframe. Respond. The Art of Paul Scott’
See how artist Paul Scott takes unassuming blue-and-white cultural designs on tableware to create poignant social commentary. Scott breaks, reassembles, erases and adds detail to ceramics, subverting expectations to create new “historical” patterns.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. Free. Runs Oct. 10-Jan. 4. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Thursday, Nov. 27 – Happy Thanksgiving!
Trot in the Thanksgiving Day Race
Burn off all that turkey by lacing up your running shoes for a road race. Opt for either the 10K or the 5K (depending on how much pumpkin pie you plan on chowing down!), and don’t forget about the kiddos who don’t have to miss out on all the fun. Kids ages 5-10 can participate in the Kids Fun Run.
Details: 8:30 a.m. Kids Fun Run, 9 a.m. 5 and 10K, TQL Stadium, 1501 Central Parkway, West End. thanksgivingdayrace.com.
Watch the annual Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade
Stand along the two-mile route and keep the 30-year-old tradition alive. Cheer on local businesses, local schools, dance teams, civic groups and other community groups.
Details: 10 a.m., starting at the intersection of Ferguson and Glenway and ending at Saint Lawrence Church, Price Hill. pricehillwill.org.
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. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 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.
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.
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, Nov. 28
Attend the tree lighting ceremony at Light Up the Square
Enjoy an enhanced show full of performances, fireworks and, of course, the lighting of the Duke Energy holiday tree. Throughout the night at Fountain Square, you can also enjoy other activities like watching CVG’s Fountain of Lights show, sipping on festive drinks inside of Winterhaus and more.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. myfountainsquare.com.
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. Friday and Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 31. sixflags.com.
Wander through Renaissance Park’s Yuletide Village
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.
Celebrate Christmas the European way at Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
This magical holiday-themed Christmas festival will feature food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral, themed character visits, an Igloo boardwalk and musical entertainment, with a European, yet Cincinnati Holiday theme.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-7 p.m. Sunday, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Hours subject to change for holidays and Bengals home game days. Runs through Dec. 28. cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com.
Kick off Bright Lights Indiana’s season
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!
Details: 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.
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.
See ‘Summerfair Select’ exhibit
“Summerfair Select” is an exhibition of works by 16 local artists, including Jee Eun Lee, Payton Harshfield, Steven Finke, Sherry Cucinotta Ackell, Jason Franz, Emily Moores, Stephen Wheeler, Charity Rust-Jrdan, Gary Sczerbaniewicz, Sara Torgison, Paul Kroner, Lisa Merida-Paytes, Pam Kravetz, Joshua R. Maier, Lindsey Kiser and Brigid Patricia O’Kane.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, The Weston Gallery, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs through Jan. 11. cincinnatiarts.org.
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 starting 6 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday-Sunday, Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $30 coach class, $40 deluxe class. Tickets available weekends in November. More availability coming in December. 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: 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, 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.
Shop for art at Final Friday
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 artist of the month is Rickena Bowman. She is in the main warehouse, Studio 614.
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton. Valet parking is $10. Free admission. pendletonartcenter.com.
Saturday, Nov. 29
Watch Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise
At the YMCA’s Downtown Dazzle, enjoy ornament and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, find Santa in a scavenger hunt, get your elf certification, watch with bated breath as Santa rappels down tall buildings, and snap a picture with Santa and Buddy the Elf.
Details: 6-9 p.m., Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. allevents.in.
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: Opens 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport. newportaquarium.com.
Shop at an indie crafts show
If you’re ready to start looking for Christmas gifts, head to Crafty Supermarket. Browse over 100 talented creatives from across the region. This market’s got everything from handcrafted jewelry and textiles to original artwork, ceramics, home decor and more.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. craftysupermarket.com.
Sunday, Nov. 30
Watch rock legend Stevie Nicks perform
For those who bought their tickets all the way back in August, Stevie Nicks is finally coming to the Queen City. See the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice perform hits such as “Edge of Seventeen,” “Rhiannon” and “Landslide.”
Details: 7 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.
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 ’
