Festive Fun Continues: Top Ongoing Holiday Events in Cincinnati and Dayton {2024}

As the holiday season unfolds, the spirit of joy and togetherness lingers in the air of Cincinnati and Dayton. Families in these bustling cities have an array of ongoing events to look forward to, keeping the festive cheer alive long after the holiday rush. From twinkling lights to heartwarming performances, there’s no shortage of ways to create lasting memories with loved ones.

Let’s explore 24 of the top ongoing holiday events that are sure to keep the magic of the season alive in Cincinnati and Dayton!

Park Lights at Caesar Ford

Forget deck the halls! Caesar Ford has decked the park with dazzling lights! You’ll wind your way through our Winter Wonderland, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm, and Festive Festival, then wave to Santa at the North Pole. Drive through once, and you’ll want to do it again. 

202401dec6:00 pm9:00 pmParkLights at Caesar Ford6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Caesar Ford Park, 520 South Stringtown Road Xenia, OH 45385CategoryPark Event

Light in the Forest

Light in the Forest will be your new winter tradition! This walking tour of seasonal lights reflects a theme of peace, nature, and the magic of the winter season. The 1-mile-long illuminated trail leads you past enchanting ponds, fields, through woodland areas, interactive light displays, and family friendly activities. 

202405dec(dec 5)5:30 pm29(dec 29)9:00 pmLight in the Forest5:30 pm - 9:00 pm (29)(GMT-05:00) Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown RoadCategoryOutdoor Fun

Woodland Wonders

This holiday tradition features the artwork of renowned American artist and illustrator, Charley Harper. During his lifetime, Charley was incredibly giving of his time and talent to CNC and he remains a beloved local treasure. Come be enchanted by the many woodland wonders found in his unique artwork! 

202412dec10:00 am5:00 pmWoodland Wonders10:00 am - 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Cincinnati Nature Center – Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road Milford, OH 45150CategoryArts

Top Christmas Light Displays 

Dayton Performing Arts Presents The Nutcracker

Don’t miss the world premiere of the much-anticipated new production of Dayton’s most beloved holiday tradition, THE NUTCRACKER! From the creative minds of Artistic Director and choreographer Brandon Ragland, costume designer Lyn Baudendistel, and scenic designer Ray Zupp, the timeless story of Clara’s magical Christmastime journey returns to the stage, set to Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous score performed live by the Dayton Philharmonic. 

202413dec7:30 pmDayton Performing Arts Presents The Nutcracker7:30 pm(GMT-05:00) The Schuster Center, Dayton, 1 W 2nd StreetCategoryConcert,Music,Theatre

Cincinnati Ballet The Nutcracker

This season marks the 50th anniversary of Cincinnati Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker. No holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life. Joined by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters. With Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

202419dec7:30 pmCincinnati Ballet The Nutcracker7:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Cincinnati Music Hall, 650 WALNUT STREET CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202CategoryLive Show,Music,Theatre

The Christmas Ranch Gift of Lights

The lights at The Christmas Ranch are a gift to the eyes, and a gift from the heart. By supporting the Gift of Lights, you will make Christmas special for so many good little girls and boys who might not otherwise have Christmas this year. 

202422nov(nov 22)5:00 pm23dec(dec 23)9:00 pmThe Christmas Ranch5:00 pm - (december 23) 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) The Christmas Ranch, 3205 S. Waynesville Road Morrow, OH 45152CategoryOutdoor Fun

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights

New name, new location, same dazzling light displays! Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights has moved to Clermont County Fairgrounds this year, but you can still enjoy the city’s largest synchronized light show from the comfort of your vehicle. 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.

202423novAll Day05janCincinnati’s Nights of Lights (All Day)(GMT-05:00) CategoryOutdoor Fun

Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium

See Scuba Santa swim underwater with a tank full of sharks – including the NEW Zebra Sharks and Shan the NEW Shark Ray! Through some holiday magic, tell him what you want for Christmas – Scuba Santa can see, hear and speak with you while he’s underwater surrounded by all his fishy friends.

202429nov(nov 29)10:00 am24dec(dec 24)5:00 pmScuba Santa’s Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium10:00 am - (december 24) 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Newport Aquairum, One Aquairum Way

A Carillon Christmas

Join in for A Carillon Christmas to see Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic, and holiday cheer!

202426nov(nov 26)5:00 pm30dec(dec 30)10:00 pmA Carillon Christmas5:00 pm - (december 30) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton Ohio, 45409CategoryMuseums,Outdoor Fun

50 Free Things to do in Cincinnati this Holiday Season

Land of Illusion Christmas Glow 

Celebrate the season at The Christmas Glow, over 3.8 million lights at the 2-mile long Christmas Around the World drive-thru experience, visit Santa at the Christmas Village Santa Workshop or just take in the majestic lights of the 45-foot Christmas Tree as you and yours warm by the gas fire pits. 

202427nov(nov 27)6:00 pm30dec(dec 30)10:00 pmLand of Illusion Christmas Glow6:00 pm - (december 30) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Land of Illusion Adventure Park, 8762 Thomas Road Middletown, OH 45042

Holidays on the Farm

Step back from the holiday hustle into your new tradition of winter wonder at Holidays on the Farm! From lighted wagon rides to meet-and-greets with Santa, this magical escape is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family. 

202422nov5:00 pm9:00 pmHolidays on the Farm5:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Parky's Farm, 10073 Daly Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231CategoryFarm,Outdoor Fun

WinterFest at Kings Island

Experience Kings Island transformed into an enchanting holiday wonderland at Cincinnati’s premier holiday event, WinterFest! With more than seven million lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, dazzling entertainment, jolly good activities, festive attractions, holiday shopping and delicious seasonal treats, winter magic is spread throughout the park! 

202429nov(nov 29)5:00 pm31dec(dec 31)10:00 pmWinterFest at Kings Island5:00 pm - (december 31) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH 45040CategoryOutdoor Fun

Light Up Middletown

Drive through the downtown Middletown Smith Park and see the millions of sparkling lights in animated displays, including the tunnel of lights, the sea serpent in the reflecting pond, Santa’s Workshop, Santa golfing and much more. 

202428nov(nov 28)6:00 pm31dec(dec 31)10:00 pmLight Up Middletown6:00 pm - (december 31) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Downtown Middletown, Middletown, Ohio

Dayton Holiday Festival 

The holiday fun continues through December with Family Fun Days & Other Activities presented by AES Ohio, including: Rike’s Holiday Windows, Virginia Kettering’s Holiday Train Display, Family Movie Series, Whimsical Windows and the MetroParks Ice Rink! 

202424novAll Day01janDayton Holiday Festival(All Day)(GMT-05:00) Downtown DaytonCategoryFair/Festival,Outdoor Fun

Deck the Y’alls

Your premier destination for holiday lights is back for another year at Thomas More Stadium! Decked out in more than 2.5 million brilliant lights and dazzling decorations that rival the North Pole. With holiday activities, ice skating rink, food, drinks, fireworks and more, these nights are anything but silent. You won’t find a bigger, brighter celebration anywhere else! 

202422nov01janDeck the Y'alls5:30 pm - (january 1) 11:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom WayCategoryOutdoor Fun

Lights Under Louisville

Louisville Mega Cavern and 5/3rd Bank present Lights Under Louisville, a beloved holiday tradition that’s not to be missed. With over 7 million points of light everywhere illuminating the cavern’s vast spaces, this underground wonderland offers a truly unique holiday experience. 

202408nov(nov 8)9:00 am04jan(jan 4)10:00 pmLights Under Louisville9:00 am - (january 4) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Lights Under Louisville, 1841 Taylor Ave. Louisville, KY 40213CategoryWorth The Drive

Best Holiday Train Rides

ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum

Tour the dazzling garden of lights, reflect on the true meaning of the season, enjoy a special holiday dinner, do some unique gift shopping, and more during this annual Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Christmas experience! 

202429nov5:00 pm8:30 pmChristmasTown at the Creation Museum5:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Creation MuseumCategoryFree,Museums

ChristmasTown at the Ark Encounter

Bring the family for an unforgettable evening of festive lights, live music/shows, holiday dining, gift shopping, and more at the life-size Noah’s Ark during this annual Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Christmas experience! 

202429nov5:00 pm8:30 pmChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter5:00 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-05:00) Ark Encounter, 1 Ark Encounter Dr

Pyramid Hill Lights

No holiday season is complete without a visit to the Pyramid Hill Lights show. Our art and nature filled route is lit up by over one million lights and features installations by local artists. The whole family is invited to drive through our unique holiday experience. 

202415nov(nov 15)6:00 pm05jan(jan 5)10:00 pmPyramid Hill Lights6:00 pm - (january 5) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, State Route 128, Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Christmas at the Junction

Take a magical journey through a Winter Wonderland to the North Pole where you can see the Reindeer & Elf Workshop. Then, visit Mrs. Claus in her kitchen and, of course, visit Santa in his study.* Take your family to see our Main Street Holiday Train displays which offer some beautiful winter train displays that are FREE to the public.

202416novAll Day05janChristmas at the Junction(All Day)(GMT-05:00) EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, OH 45069CategoryMuseums,Train Event

PNC Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati Zoo is shining bright for the 42nd annual PNC Festival of Lights! Come early to see more animals and stay for the lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 4 million LED lights, visitors can find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake, or snack at one of our seasonal concessions. 

202421nov(nov 21)10:00 am05jan(jan 5)10:00 pmPNC Festival of Lights10:00 am - (january 5) 10:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220CategoryOutdoor Fun,Zoo Event

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

This magical holiday-themed Christmas festival will feature food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral, themed character visits, an ice rink, an Igloo boardwalk, and musical entertainment, with a European, yet Cincinnati Holiday theme. 

202422novAll Day05janCincinnati Christkindlmarkt(All Day)(GMT-05:00) Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202CategoryMarket,Outdoor Fun

Holliday Junction

From the child with their eyes peeled for visitors from the North Pole to the teen counting every LEGO brick to the grandparent watching model trains zip through a mini metropolis, this signature holiday experience brings families together in ageless joy. And this year the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are celebrating their 78th season. 

202409novAll Day06janHoliday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains(All Day)(GMT-05:00) Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203CategoryMuseums

Holly Jolly Days

Celebrate the warmth and spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas this holiday season at Behringer-Crawford Museum. A Window Through Time opens Nov. 16, with vintage feather Christmas trees, antique German ornaments, toys and more donated by Mary and Pat Ashcraft. 

202416nov(nov 16)10:00 am12jan(jan 12)5:00 pmHolly Jolly Days10:00 am - (january 12) 5:00 pm(GMT-05:00) Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road Covington, KY 41011CategoryMuseums,Train Event

Southwest Ohio
Southwest Ohio
Midwest Parenting Publications published Cincinnati Parent for over 35 years and Dayton Parent for over 7 years. In 2021, the two merged to become Southwest Ohio Parent, expanding our reach into the growing Southwest Ohio market. At SW Ohio Parent, we proudly serve as the top parenting resource magazine and website for Cincinnati, Dayton, and the surrounding communities. Every day, we strive to deliver exactly what our readers need and are 100% dedicated to providing parents with the most trusted resources to find local events for every day of the week, community service organizations, and businesses that cater to the family market.

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