With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to start making your list of festive things to do and checking it twice!
Fortunately, there are lots of fun events happening around Southwest Ohio that are guaranteed to get you in a merry mood. Here is a holiday sneak peek at some of the ones we’re looking forward to.
Holiday Junction
The Cincinnati Museum Center is the place to be this season! Starting November 11, visitors can enjoy Holiday Junction, a winter wonderland featuring the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains that are back for their 76th season. Returning in 2022 is Brickopolis, a blizzard of LEGO bricks crafted into fantastical scenes from the magical worlds of Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Harry Potter. And no holiday sneak peek is complete without a visit to Santa, who makes his grand arrival on November 25. Visit the jolly elf by his fireplace in the Public Landing next to Holiday Junction.
Coney Island’s Nights of Lights
Enjoy dazzling new light displays from the comfort of your vehicle during Cincinnati’s largest synchronized light show! Visit Coney Island from November 11-January 2, 2023 and see more than 1 million lights synchronized to traditional and rocking Christmas music played through your car stereo. Pack your vehicle full of friends and family to enjoy the show. Reservations are now required, so visit the website before heading out.
North Pole Express
Experience the joy of the holidays as you journey down the tracks of Warren County’s LM&M Railroad aboard the North Pole Express! On select dates from November 18-December 23, passengers can spend time with Santa and his elves on a one-hour-and-15-minute festive train ride. Train cars are adorned with holiday lights and decorations, adding to the cheer of this magical event. All children will receive a souvenir bell and holiday cookie.
Woodland Lights
This year marks the 30th anniversary of this beloved Dayton holiday celebration! From November 18-December 23, experience a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along a half-mile paved path at Countryside Park in Washington Township. Visitors can stroll through the ten acres of sparkling lights and whimsical displays, or take a ride on the Rieck Express train along a separate path. Visit Santa in a historic cabin, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and much more.
Journey Borealis
Experience an artful adventure through holiday lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum! From November 18-January 1, 2023, enjoy the nostalgic holiday experience with an expanded route with new lights and new music, all from the comfort of your own car as you get into the holiday spirit.
PNC Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 40th annual Festival of Lights kicks off November 18-January 8, 2023. Admire the beauty of four million LED lights, find the five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, ride the North Polar Express train ride, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and snack at one of two S’mores-n-More stands.
A Carillon Christmas
See Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic and holiday cheer from November 22-December 30. Guests can visit with Santa, do holiday shopping, indulge in holiday treats, and listen to holiday stories being read at the schoolhouse.
Kings Island Winterfest
Step into a world of holiday magic at Kings Island with Winterfest, an unforgettable holiday experience where the amusement park is transformed into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands. On select nights from November 25-December 31, Cincinnati’s premier holiday event features ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree, the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, more than five million lights and live entertainment throughout the park.
Middletown Holiday Whopla
Head to Downtown Middletown from November 26-January 3, 2023 for Holiday Whopla! This interactive holiday lights festival features an ice-skating rink, musical performances, artist vendors, themed venues, specialty storefronts, and so much more all season long!
Light in the Forest
From December 1-31, experience Cincinnati Nature Center in a whole new light! Walk along Nature Center trails that sparkle with gentle lights, and enjoy children’s activities, music, bonfires, holiday shopping, and the historic Krippendorf Lodge and Abner Hollow Cabin adorned in period decorations.
Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Enjoy Dayton’s biggest and best holiday performance arts tradition: Dayton Ballet’s beloved The Nutcracker, happening DecembCiner 9-18 at the Schuster Performing Arts Center–Wintergarden. Join Clara, accompanied by her gallant Nutcracker Prince, on a dreamy trip to the Land of Sweets, where she meets Mother Ginger, the Marzipan Shepherdesses, Ribbon Candy, the Dew Drops, and, of course, the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dashing Cavalier.
Cincinnati Ballet Presents the Nutcracker
This beloved holiday tradition returns to Cincinnati Ballet’s Music Hall on December 15-24. Enjoy the magic and wonder of The Nutcracker and share Clara’s candy-coated adventure to the Land of Sweets, as your family enjoys Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her to a wondrous land where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. Dozens of local young performers join Cincinnati Ballet onstage for these holiday performances.
Holiday Sneak Peek 2022