Break out the holly and tinsel: The holiday season is upon us, Cincinnati. And whether you’re more of a “bah humbug” or “deck the halls” kind of person, there are a lot of fun holiday traditions in Cincinnati happening throughout December you won’t want to miss out on.

From taking a few spins on the ice downtown or oohing and ahhing at colorful light displays to donning a bright red Santa suit and getting sloppy drunk (for a good cause), here are 25 ways to make merry this time of year.

Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden 3400 Vine St., Avondale Take a walk on the wild side: At the Festival of Lights, guests can enjoy over 4 million LED lights, a light show on Swan Lake, costumed characters, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, train rides on the North Polar Express, a blacklight puppet show, an immersive “Under the Sea” area and more. There will also be five Fiona fairies hidden throughout Fairyland for visitors to find, as well as plenty of delicious holiday treats like hot chocolate, roasted nuts and s’mores. Open nightly, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, through Jan. 5. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Ice Skating at Fountain Square 520 Vine St., Downtown Nothing says winter or the holiday season in Cincinnati quite like ice skating at Fountain Square. Lace up your skates for a spin on the ice. The skating rink is open to everyone of all ages, but children 4 and under must be accompanied by an adult on the ice. You can also warm up at the WGU Ohio Warming Tent or at the concession stand, where you can stop by for a quick snack or warm drink. The stand also has beer, wine and select spirits for sale. Rink open daily until Feb. 17. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center 1301 Western Ave., West End All aboard! At almost 80 years old, Holiday Junction is a beloved tradition that’s been handed down from generation to generation, with Greater Cincinnati families gathering to watch the toy-sized candy-colored circus trains, sleek sleeper cars and coal-laden hopper cars (for those on the naughty list) zip around scenery of snowbanks and crowded streets. Highlights of Holiday Junction include a 1904 electric toy train from the Cincinnati-based Carlisle & Finch Company, who made the first such electric toy train in 1896, along with a pre-World War II Lionel layout and a ‘60s Lionel Super O layout that show the evolution of toy trains and prefabricated landscapes. You’ll also be able to spot Thomas the Tank Engine as he and his friends chug around the mountains of Sodor. Holiday Junction runs Thursday-Monday through Jan. 6. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Museum Center
Visit the Shillito’s Elves at the Foundry 505 Vine St., Downtown The famous Shillito’s Elves will be on display at the Foundry near Fountain Square again this year. The decades-old elves moved to that location for the first time in 2022, a callback to their first appearance in the storefront window of Cincinnati department store Shillito’s in the ‘50s. The mechanized figures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting Santa’s mail. The same six elves will be on display: The Mail Sorter; Little Woodshop; Pete the Painter; Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap; and Elves at home, including Ralph the Piano Player, Ned the Newspaper Reader and the four-stack of Bunkbed Elves dreaming of their toy deadline. You can catch the elves’ animated antics Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday through Sundays from Nov. 22-Jan. 5. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
WinterFest at Kings Island 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason Kings Island’s WinterFest is merrier and brighter than ever, with over 7 million LED lights; 11 winter wonderlands, including the North Pole Outpost, Charlie Brown’s Christmastown and Tinsel Town; 10 different live holiday shows, like the nightly tree-lighting ceremony on International Street or the Winter Wonderland Parade; festive activities such as cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus or ice skating; and the Eiffel Tower dressed up like a gigantic Christmas tree. The park also has more than 20 rides open, including its two newest, Sol Spin and Cargo Loco, and its most popular roller coasters, Mystic Timbers and Flight of Fear. Open select nights Nov. 29-Dec. 31. Photo: Provided by Kings Island
The Annual Holiday Show at Krohn Conservatory 1501 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills The conservatory will celebrate “the quiet magic of winter and the longest night of the year” for its annual holiday show, themed “Solstice Glow” this year. The centerpiece model train display features locomotives zipping through botanical recreations of local landmarks, utilizing materials like wood and moss to make mini versions of the spectacular originals. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Jan. 5; Check the conservatory’s calendar as the show may close early some days. Photo: Catie Viox
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade and OTR RailDog Parade Reindog kicks off at 946 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams; RailDog kicks off at Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine For more than two decades, pups decorated in their holiday best have taken to the streets of Mt. Adams for an annual costumed Reindog Parade. And in Over-the-Rhine, there will also be a costumed puppy parade that will take dogs and their owners from Queen City Radio to Washington Park and back for some holiday cheer. The Mt. Adams Reindog Parade is Saturday, Dec. 14 with registration from 12:30-1:45 p.m. and the parade kicking off at 2 p.m. The OTR RailDog Parade is Saturday, Dec. 7 starting at 3(ish) p.m. Photo: Adam Doty
Cincinnati SantaCon It’s about to get sloppy. Hundreds of humans dressed in Santa outfits will be taking over Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Newport and Covington in a holiday pub crawl. There will be singing and drinking; proceeds benefit The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit focused on cancer research. SantaCon is happening Saturday, Dec. 14 from noon to midnight. Photo: Provided by 3CDC
A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mt. Adams Since 1991, Cincinnati audiences have enjoyed Howard Dalin’s interpretation of Charles Dickens’ beloved holiday novella, but again this year, the play will be seen through the lens of the Playhouse’s producing artistic director, Blake Robison. And for those who worry the play won’t have the same magic as the years before, Robison reassures them, telling CityBeat, “All the great stories deserve to be readdressed. I understand anyone who might wonder or worry about that. Part of my job is to reassure people that it’s still the same story. We are still treating it in a traditional way.” A Christmas Carol will be on stage from Nov. 22-Dec. 29. Photo: Wilson Chin
Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Music Hall 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati Ballet presents a true holiday classic: The Nutcracker. The enchanted dreamland comes to life once again thanks to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score and the brilliant Cincinnati Ballet company. It’s a traditional way to get into the spirit with the whole family. The Nutcracker is on stage from Dec. 19-29. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Ballet
Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds 6201 Kellogg Ave., Anderson Township Since the closing of the beloved Coney Island, the usual Nights of Lights has been moved to the Clermont County Fairgrounds. You will be able to experience the same holiday joy, including 2 million lights that you can drive through and see. Scenes will include tunnels of lights, larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and more. Nights of Lights is open nightly beginning at dusk through Jan. 5. Photo: Provided by Coney Island
Scuba Santa’s Winter Wonderland at Newport Aquarium 1 Levee Way, Newport Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland is a festive adventure that starts in the Surrounded by Sharks tank where Santa swims with three rare shark rays, Denver the loggerhead sea turtle and other fishy friends. And just because he’s underwater doesn’t mean your kids can’t tell Santa what they want for Christmas; his special magic allows him to hear even as he dives. Visitors can also enjoy holiday music and colorful lights throughout the aquarium, as well as the return of the magic bubbles, which carry everyone’s Christmas wishes to Santa, in Shark Ray Bay Theater. When a bubble pops, that means a Christmas wish has come true. Kids can also color their own magic bubble to make sure their most important wishes make it directly to jolly ole St. Nick, who will be reading them daily before his final dive on Christmas Eve. Open daily Nov. 29-Dec. 24 Photo: Provided by Newport Aquarium
Holidays on the Farm at Parky’s Farm 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township Head down to the farm to make some magical memories together. Holidays on the Farm is Great Parks’ annual outdoor, wintertime event. This year, expect more lights, Santa’s reindeer, a merry beer garden, food trucks, curling and more. The festive Christmas Tree Garden Trail and the Wonder of the Woodlot Trail are decked out in thousands of twinkling LED lights and illuminated displays, and kids can take pony and wagon rides for a real rustic holiday experience. And when the chill in the air has you seeking warmth, you can snuggle up together around the open firepits while enjoying music from the Dickens Carolers, or head over to Santaland to visit the Jolly Old Elf himself. Holidays on the Farm will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Fridays-Sundays Nov.22-Dec. 8 and 5-9 p.m. nightly on Dec. 13-23 and Dec. 31. Photo: Provided by Great Parks
Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Sculpture Park & Museum 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton Holiday revelers looking for a unique tradition filled with art and nature need look no further than the annual Pyramid Hill Lights show in Hamilton. This will be the 25th anniversary of the show. Visitors drive along a two-mile route through the park, which features a glowing display of over 1 million lights. The show is designed to be enjoyed by every generation: Kids can stay engaged throughout the show with an interactive bingo game while parents enjoy the classical music soundtrack curated by WGUC and grandparents can take in all the holiday magic in a comfortable and inclusive way. Pyramid Hill Lights is open Tuesday through Thursday from 6-9 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 6-10 p.m. through Jan. 5. Photo: Provided by Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum
Holiday Pops at Music Hall 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine John Morris Russell conducts the Cincinnati Pops, with additional appearances by the May Festival Youth Chorus, local high school ensembles and more, in a program of winter and holiday hits. Holiday Pops runs Dec. 13-15. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival Downtown Lebanon The 35th annual parade and festival features two (!) processions of horse-drawn carriages, plus a whimsical festival featuring live entertainment, craft vendors, holiday activities and plenty of food in Lebanon’s quaint downtown. It’s like the setting of a Hallmark movie. The parade takes place Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Photo: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Dazzle at Fountain Square 520 Vine St., Downtown The ice rink and giant tree on Fountain Square will be complemented by Downtown Dazzle, which features Santa rappelling from a nearby skyscraper and a fireworks show to close out the night. Downtown Dazzle runs from 6-10 p.m. on Saturdays Nov. 30-Dec. 21. Photo: facebook.com/MyFountainSquare
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents another season of “high-octane jollity and frivolity.” NSFW or true Santa believers, it’s a light-hearted spoof of classic Christmas tales like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that promises an evening of Santa-style belly laughs. Every Christmas Story Ever Told will be on stage from Dec. 13-29. Photo: Mikki Schaffner Photography
Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford Wander the woods in this celestial-themed light display set up along the Cincinnati Nature Center’s trails. Guests can also enjoy live music, a decorated historic home, food trucks and holiday shopping. Open select dates from Dec. 5-29 from 5:30-9 p.m. Photo: facebook.com/CincyNature
Servatii Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks Holiday magic with some European flair returns to The Banks with the Servatii Christkindlmarkt. The free market brings all kinds of holiday cheer with it, including a four-lane innertube ice slide, themed character days, Family Fun Wednesdays where kids 12 and under can dine for free with the purchase of a slide ticket and half-price featured wine and bourbon every Thursday to toast the season. And when the Bengals play at home, the market will open three hours early. You can also rent a private, heated igloo, which can fit up to 14 people and each booking comes with $300 in bonus gift cards good for food and drinks. Open Wednesdays through Sundays Nov. 22-Jan 5. on select dates, including a special surprise the week of Christmas and a New Year’s Eve Party. Photo: facebook.com/Moerlein Lager House
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest at Thomas More Stadium 7950 Freedom Way, Florence The Florence Y’alls’ popular holiday lights festival is back at Thomas More Stadium, which has transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland, full of twinkling lights and holiday cheer. Two million lights are choreographed to music, including a 50-foot animated tree, and guests can immerse themselves in the show as they walk onto the field and through themed areas. Deck the Y’alls Lightfest also features interactive experiences, like Santa’s Workshop where kids can meet the Man in the Red Suit in person, plus a skating rink during the day and plenty of photo ops. Local choirs, bands and entertainers perform live, and there’s a variety of food and drinks available for purchase. Open Nov. 22-Jan. 1. Photo: Provided by the Florence Y'alls
Holidays at the Taft Museum of Art 316 Pike St., Downtown The Taft offers two holiday displays this year. Explore the Holiday Traditions Old & New exhibit, where the dining room showcases the charm of historical New Year’s Day tea receptions with elegant tea services and festive delights, running Nov.13-Jan. 5. The Festive Transformations exhibit, running from Nov. 13-Jan. 6, showcases a holiday tree adorned with over 200 ornaments crafted from upcycled museum booklets by Indigo Hippo, a local creative reuse center. Highlighting sustainability and community engagement, the collaboration brings new life to old materials and invites visitors to celebrate the holidays with creativity and purpose.The Taft will also display silver tea and coffee services and holiday decor in the dining room, authentic to the home’s 19th-century heyday. On display through Jan. 6. Photo: facebook.com/taftmuseum
Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown A haunted horror town during Halloween and a family-friendly splash zone during the summer, Land of Illusion transforms into a drive-through holiday light display each winter. Christmas Glow offers more than 3.8 million lights, a petting zoo and a Christmas village with a 45-foot-tall tree. Open nightly from 6-10 p.m. Nov. 27-Dec. 30. Closed Christmas Day; park will be drive-thru-only from Dec. 26-30. Photo: facebook.com/LandofIllusion
Winter Nights & River Lights on the Purple People Bridge Access from Newport on the Levee (1 Levee Way, Newport) or Sawyer Point (705 E. Pete Rose Way, The Banks) The Purple People Bridge’s annual holiday display features thousands of Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge for everyone to enjoy. There will also be a Christmas Wish Tree that will help “provide gifts for individuals in need such as troubled teens, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged seniors,” per a previous event description. Open nightly through Jan. 5 Photo: Purple People Bridge Facebook
ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky. Make a trip out to Petersburg to reflect on the reason for the season. View dazzling lights and even enjoy dinner with your family. You can also view a live nativity, the conservatory and the garden of lights all for free. The Christmas Star Planetarium Show will be available for $9 for adults and $6 for children. Open 5 p.m.-8:30 p.m. from Nov. 29-Jan. 4, Tuesday through Saturday, on select days Photo:

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she...