It’s time to get into the holiday spirit! Southwest Ohio is packed with holiday events for the whole family. So make your list, check it twice, and explore our guide to what’s happening around town this season.
Ice Skating
A decades-old Cincinnati tradition continues Nov. 7-Feb. 21, 2027! The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, returns to Elm Street Plaza for another year of ice skating and outdoor winter fun.
At MetroParks Ice Rink in Dayton, get out and skate on the region’s largest outdoor ice rink from Nov. 27-Feb. 26, 2027. The ice rink is located within RiverScape MetroPark and features sweeping views of both the Great Miami River and the downtown Dayton skyline.
And at ReImagine Ice Rink, create holiday memories and skate the day away in downtown Middletown from Nov. 6-Jan. 10, 2027.
Holiday Junction
The Cincinnati Museum Center is the place to be this season! From Nov. 13-Jan. 4, 2027, visitors can enjoy Holiday Junction, a winter wonderland featuring the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains that are back for the 80th season. And no holiday is complete without a visit to Santa. Visit the jolly elf on Nov. 27 by his fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery next to Holiday Junction.
The Children’s Theatre Holiday Programming
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is jingle jam-packed with performances this season. From Nov. 16-Dec. 20, catch TCT On Tour: Bah Humbug!, a fresh retelling of A Christmas Carol including all your favorite Dickens characters, but performed by a single actress!
Also Nov. 16-Dec. 20, TCT On Tour presents The Day Before Christmas, a holiday adventure at Santa’s Headquarters, where audiences will help save Christmas from a frosty Jack Frost. And from Dec. 4-20, enjoy Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical JR., a heart-growing holiday classic brought to life as the Grinch schemes to steal Christmas from the joyful Whos of Whoville.
PNC Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 44th annual Festival of Lights kicks off Nov. 19-Jan. 3, 2027. In addition to admiring the beauty of 5 million LED lights, visitors can find the five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake, or snack at one of the seasonal concessions. New this year: Cozy up in your own private, decorated igloo with your family and friends!
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 Nov. 20-Dec. 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.
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
More than two million lights in one magical night! Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights takes place at Warren County Fairgrounds, and it’s where you can enjoy the largest synchronized light show from the comfort of your vehicle. From Nov. 20-Jan. 2, 2027, see 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.
Pyramid Hill Lights
No holiday season is complete without a visit to the Pyramid Hill Lights, happening at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum from Nov. 20-Jan. 3, 2027. The annual art- and nature-filled route features artist installations illuminated by over one million lights, all experienced from the comfort of your own car.
Woodland Lights
This year marks the 34th anniversary of this beloved Dayton holiday celebration! From late November through the holidays, 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 10 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.
A Carillon Christmas
See Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic and holiday cheer from Nov. 24-Dec. 30. Guests can visit with Santa, do holiday shopping, indulge in holiday treats and listen to holiday stories being read at the schoolhouse.
Dayton Holiday Festival
This festival kicks off the holiday season in Dayton in late November with free attractions for the community. Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed immediately by a nighttime parade, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Enjoy decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams, bands and some special holiday treats. The fun continues throughout the month of December with family fun days and other holiday activities.
Kings Island WinterFest
Experience Kings Island transformed into an enchanting holiday wonderland at WinterFest, happening Nov. 27-Dec. 31. With festive light displays complete with millions of shimmering lights, family activities, new live entertainment, holiday-inspired comfort food and beverages and select attractions, cozy moments are sure to be had with friends and family all winter long.
Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati’s Cinderella
From Dec. 5-30, enjoy the family-friendly musical Cinderella, a delightfully modern spin on the classic fairy tale. Full of laughs, charm and heart, Cinderella is perfect for audiences of all ages.
Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Enjoy Dayton’s biggest and best holiday performance arts tradition: Dayton Ballet’s The Nutcracker, happening Dec. 11-20 at the Schuster Performing Arts Center. Set in Dayton, this beloved tale follows Clara on a breathtaking, time-traveling adventure filled with dazzling choreography, enchanting sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.
Cincinnati Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
Victoria Morgan’s beloved adaptation of The Nutcracker returns to Music Hall from Dec. 17-27. Tchaikovsky’s magical score, performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, combined with the stunning choreography make The Nutcracker an irresistible winter tradition.
