Cincinnati truly excels at celebrating the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, a plethora of family-friendly events awaits, guaranteed to immerse you in the joyous holiday atmosphere. What makes it even better? Most of these festive enjoyment comes at no cost! Explore our list of 50 Free Things to Experience in Cincinnati during the Holiday Season, and delight in budget-friendly, festive family activities that won’t dent your wallet!
50 Free Things to do in Cincinnati this Holiday Season
Winter Nights and River Lights Opening
Nov. 22 starting at 6pm at the Purple People Bridge
The annual holiday light show features Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge so everyone can enjoy the magic of the season! Events runs from November 22, 2024 through January 5, 2025.
Christmas in Springboro Festival
Nov. 22-24 in Historic Springboro
Sleigh bells ringing from the horse-drawn carriage, a sip of hot cocoa, the sound of children’s laughter and a nip in the air. Welcome to the annual Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival, the largest three-day holiday festival in the tri-state area!
Light Up the Levee
Nov. 23 from 3pm-7pm at Newport on the Levee
You’re invited to celebrate the magic of the holiday season! Enjoy an evening of festive fun including live music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa Claus as we light our magnificent 50-ft tree!
The Holiday O.F.F. Market
Nov. 23 from 10am-4pm at Summit Park
Shop early for the holidays at The Holiday O.F.F. Market! This one-day holiday market, held at Summit Park in Cincinnati’s Blue Ash neighborhood, brings together small businesses, artisans, brewers, bakers, farmers and more to create a shopping experience that builds strong community bonds and supports the local economy.
Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays – Annual Tree Lighting Event
Nov. 23, 5-8 pm at Marcum Park
Please join at Marcum Park for Hamilton’s Annual Tree Lighting Event with Holiday music, live reindeer, carriage & train rides, face painting, balloon artists, cookies, hot chocolate and much more–including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun
Fairfield Parade of Lights
Nov. 23, 5-7pm at Village Green Park
Celebrate the spirit of the winter season at Village Green Park in Fairfield. Shop the holiday market and listen to live performances before the parade kicks off at 6:00pm. Join Santa for the lighting of the tree after the parade.
Pictures with The Grinch
Nov. 23, 12-3pm at Hollywood Feed
The Grinch will be at Hollywood Feed in Springboro in search of people & pets to get their photo with him! Come get your bulldog fix and a picture with the Grinch! Meet some of our adorable Bulldogs and Frenchies available for adoption!
Light Up Middletown
Nov. 28 through Dec. 31 6-10 pm nightly
Enter through the tunnel of lights to enjoy a sparkling fantasyland in Ohio. Light up Middletown is a driving tour through a 100-acre park. Oogle the many creative and themed displays, which include a floating Sea Serpent in the reflecting lake, Santa’s Workshop, American Flag, Penguin Village, Deer Leaping Over the Roadway, Helicopter, Whales and more! Admission is by cash donation only – you set the price!
Light Up the Square
Nov. 29 from 5pm-10pm at Fountain Square
Fountain Square is excited to announce an even bigger and better full-hour show this year full of dazzling performances, fireworks and, of course, the lighting of our Prolink Tree from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This beloved annual holiday celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis from Channel 5 and Natalie Jones from Q102. The evening will feature live music, dance performances, an appearance by Santa Claus and a dazzling fireworks display. Make sure you’re there so you can help Fountain Square Light Up this year’s Prolink Tree.2nd Wind Band will begin performing at 6 p.m. and will keep the music going till 9 p.m. Extra cost for Ice Rink
Dayton Holiday Festival Grand Illumination & Parade
Nov. 29 from 3-8 pm in Downtown Dayton (worth the drive)
Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed immediately by a nighttime parade for children, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Enjoy decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.
Related Article: Holiday Markets and Craft Shows
ChristmasTown at Creation Museum
Nov. 29 – Jan. 4 select days from 5 – 8:30 pm at the Creation Museum
Tour the dazzling garden of lights, reflect on the true meaning of the season at the live nativity, enjoy a special holiday dinner, do some unique gift shopping, and experience more during our free, annual ChristmasTown! Parking is not included
Santa Parade
Nov. 30 at 5:30 pm in Downtown Middletown
A wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and spirit. It’s not just a Santa Parade, it’s a performance parade! The parade route begins on South Broad Street to North Broad Street ending at Manchester Avenue.
Downtown Dazzle
Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14, 21 pm from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at Fountain Square
Downtown Dazzle is back to put a holiday twinkle in your eye! Join us in the heart of Cincy for one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season. See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with a fabulous fireworks display!
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park
Dec. 1-31 from 6-9pm at Caesar Ford Park (worth the drive)
Forget deck the halls! We’ve decked the park … with dazzling lights! We are lighting up Caesar Ford Park the entire month of December. You’ll wind your way through our Winter Wonderful, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm and Festive Festival, then wave to Santa at the North Pole!
Holiday Family Funday
Dec. 1, 8 and 15 from 10 am – 4 pm at Taft Museum of Art
Explore the museum with our free Family Fundays throughout the year! These special days offer a new experience each time you visit. Music, art-making, and gallery engagements throughout the day are sure to inspire your young creators.
Craft Night: Cinnamon Stick Ornaments
Dec. 2, 6pm–8pm at the Green Township Branch
Use cinnamon sticks to make a few different winter ornaments!
Creative Cookie Design
Dec. 3 from 3:30pm – 4:30 pm at the Oakley Branch
Come enjoy the festive season with cookies that you can design yourself and take home later. Bring only your creative minds and sweet tooths to enjoy this program
Light Up College Hill
Dec. 5 from 6pm-9pm at Patrick’s Park
Light Up College Hill is coming December 5th, from 6-8:30 pm! This will be an avenue-wide event with the 2nd annual tree lighting in Patrick’s Park, a train ride for kids, Santa, live reindeer, and more! Stay tuned for more event info and be sure to check out our website where we will continue to share details in the coming weeks.
Friday Flurries with Elsa & Anna
Dec. 6 from 6-8 pm at the Liberty Center
Embrace the magic of the season at Friday Flurries on December 6th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Park. Meet Elsa and Olaf, indulge in your favorite holiday tunes, have your face painted, capture the perfect snowy moment in front of our Christmas tree and enjoy other fun holiday activities.
The Magic of Reindeer
Dec. 6 from 11am – 1pm at Winton Woods
Drop in anytime to experience the magic of reindeer! While our visiting live reindeer are out for viewing, you can hold an antler, feel some pelts, and learn all about what makes these extra furry friends unique.
Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village
Dec. 6-8 on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville
Waynesville takes on the nostalgic feeling of Christmas past as the downtown is adorned in traditional holiday décor. Make plans to visit this holiday season as we have exciting entertainment, strolling throughout the downtown, and in store fronts.
5th Annual Holiday Beers and Cheers
Dec. 7 from 10 am – 1 pm at Sonder Brewing
Grab your friend and hit this Holiday Happening of Beers + Cheers on December 7th from 10am-1pm! The entire family is welcome!
Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade
Dec. 7 from 10 am-8 pm, located in Historic Downtown Lebanon
Located in Historic Downtown Lebanon, join the largest event to start the Holiday season. Our parades feature only horse drawn carriages. The Festival begins at 10 am, and runs until 8 pm with food and craft vendors along Mulberry and Mechanic Streets. Be sure to check out our entertainment lineup, and other Holiday activities throughout our Historic Downtown. Visit our amazing downtown businesses for those unique holiday gifts.
Family Day: Holiday Fun
Dec. 7 from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at The American Sign Museum
The holidays shine brighter at the ASM! Get into the festive spirit with crafts, Santa, and a holiday movie. It’s a Wonderful Life was the last movie screened at the Ioka Theatre in 2008 – now visitors can walk under the Ioka marquee once again to see this classic!
Chanukah Bazaar
Dec. 8 from 9:30am-3pm at Adath Israel Congregation
Annual Art Fair at Adath Israel Congregation, a synagogue in Amberley Village. It may be called the Chanukah Bazaar, but it’s art for all! No cost to attend. Browse the booths of local artists with handcrafted art. Enjoy delicious food and beverages from vendors. Visit the Coleman Family Judaica Shop, Cincinnati’s premier Judaica shop. Play the raffle to win artwork and other gifts.
Winter Crafternoon
Dec. 7 from 1 – 4 pm at Downtown Main Library
Get Crafty! Join for an all ages hands-on community event where you can unleash your inner artist. The talented staff and local artists will guide you through creating your own one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Findlay Holiday Market
Dec 7, 14 & 21 from 8 am – 6 pm at Findlay Market
Join them for the holiday season! They will have a bustling Outdoor Market filled with unique gifts, along with our 50+ full-time businesses stocked with food, drinks, décor and handmade goods.
Holiday in the Village
Dec. 7, 5-7:30 pm in Downtown Montgomery
Head to Olde Montgomery for a healthy dose of holiday spirit. From a tree lighting ceremony to carolers to horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s plenty of free fun for families at this annual event.
Santa and Mrs. Claus at Beedle Cabin
Dec. 7 from 1-3pm at Beedle Cabin
Visit Santa & Mrs. Claus at this FREE event at the 1795 Beedle Log Cabin! Brought to you by the City of Lebanon and the Warren County Historical Society.
The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo
Dec. 8 from 10am-4pm at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport
Discover a wide array of unique and handmade crafts that will add that extra special touch to your holiday season. From beautiful ornaments and handcrafted wreaths to personalized gifts and stunning home decor, you’ll find everything you need to make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
Animals Alive: Animals in Winter
Dec. 11 from 4-4:45 pm at the Madisonville Branch
Come see live animals from our local habitats, including a frog and a turtle! A naturalist from the Great Parks of Hamilton County will lead an engaging and informative session on some local animals and what they do in winter.
Friday Flurries with The Grinch & Cindy Lou Who
Dec. 13 from 6 – 8 pm, Liberty Center
Embrace the magic of the season at Friday Flurries on December 13th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Park. Meet the, the, the Grinch and Cindy Lou Who, indulge in your favorite holiday tunes, capture the perfect snowy moment in front of our Christmas tree and enjoy other fun holiday activities.
The Magic of Believing
Dec. 14 from 10 am – 12 pm at GCPT Headquarters
ChooChoo! Stand back! The Polar Express is coming through! This Wigglehoppers afternoon is filled with all the fun of the The Polar Express! Join us as we watch the movie, drink hot chocolate, have some snacks and make a craft. Pajamas are encouraged!
4th Annual Winter Wonderland
Dec. 14 from 10 am – 4 pm, Morrow Art Center
Get ready to step into a magical holiday experience at The Morrow Arts Center! Join us on December 14th, from 10AM to 4PM, for our Winter Wonderland event, filled with festive cheer, activities, and community spirit.
Christmas in Loveland
Dec. 14 in Historic West Loveland
Be swept back in time while visiting Old Historic Loveland on this special day. Everything from Jolly Ole’ St. Nick and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, to a live Nativity scene, to a Winter Wonderland!
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
Dec. 14 starting a 2 pm in Downtown Mt. Adams
Why do reindeer get to have all the fun? Easily the most adorable (and furry!) holiday parade in Cincy, the Mt. Adams Reindog Parade has been a tradition for over 20 years! This parade is free to watch and lots of doggone fun!
Holiday Market at Washington Park
Dec. 14 from 3 to 8 pm at Washington Park
Shop local this holiday season! The Holiday Market at Washington Park is a festive event featuring loads of cheer and one-of-a-kind gifts. Browsing is free, but you might want to set aside a shopping allowance!
Winter Treats
Dec. 14 from 2-3pm, Madeira Branch
Decorate and eat a tasty winter treat! Create holiday cards with the whole family to celebrate the winter season.
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 14 from 9 – 11 am at the Kenwood Towne Center
Don’t miss out on this special opportunity to chat with Santa, take photos, watch a festive movie and partake in Christmas activities. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!
Christmas on the Farm
Dec. 15 from 11 am to 4 pm at Carriage Hill MetroPark (Worth the Drive)
Christmas is a time for family and traditions to come together to form memories. A Victorian Christmas and its many different traditions will be presented. From cards to holiday foods, various aspects of Christmas will be presented in this festive event.
Penguinpalooza
Dec. 15 from 1-3pm, Keller Williams Advisors Realty
Get ready to waddle with the penguins, enjoy live music, and indulge in delicious treats. This in-person event is your chance to chill out and have a blast with fellow penguin enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on the coolest event of the year!
Related Article: Best Holiday Train Rides
Paint a Present!
Dec. 18 from 3-4pm at the Oakley Branch
Make a painting for someone special and leave with a gift to give during this holiday season.
Family Holiday Craft Night
Dec. 20 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Monfort Heights Branch
Join for an evening of holiday crafts for all ages with many new ideas! This is an after hours program.
Solstice Luminary Event
Dec. 20 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Woodland Mound
Celebrate the longest night of the year with beautiful views and good company. Enjoy a self-guided stroll on the luminary-lit shared use trail, reflect on the year past and look forward to the one ahead. Return to the Nature Center lawn to warm yourself by the fire with a hot beverage, learn about winter solstice and its traditions, and make your own luminary craft to take home.
Annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
December 30 and 31 at Christ Church Cathedral
The annual Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival is a beloved Cincinnati tradition. Medieval costumes, a large orchestra and choir, spectacular lighting effects, and contagious holiday cheer make this an unforgettable experience!
Happy Holidays!
Have a free holiday event to add? Email [email protected]!
