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 25 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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.Â
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.
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.
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!
Land of Illusion Christmas GlowÂ
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.Â
Woodland Lights
Visitors can stroll through the 10 acres of sparkling light and whimsical displays or take a ride on the Rieck Express train along a separate path. Climb aboard this colorful 4-car train that seats up to 16 and take a scenic ride that winds past the Pollinator Garden and the vernal pond, creating a treasured new memory for long-time visitors.
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.Â
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!Â
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.Â
Dayton Holiday FestivalÂ
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!Â
Deck the Diamond
A holiday experience is coming back to downtown Dayton! This winter, Day Air Ballpark will transform into a glowing wonderland for Deck the Diamond, an immersive, walk-through light spectacular hosted by the Dayton Dragons. With more than 1.1 million twinkling lights, festive activities, and plenty of family fun, this event is set to become a must-visit tradition for Miami Valley families.
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.Â
Festival of Ferns
Walk through a botanical model of Cincinnati created by Applied Imagination. Experience classic trains and iconic landmarks like the Cincinnati Museum Center to the Roebling Bridge. Surround yourself with ferns, familiar and unexpected from towering tree to delicate maidenhairs complemented by the crimson hues of our seasonal poinsettias.
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!Â
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!Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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. 11, with vintage feather Christmas trees, antique German ornaments, toys and more donated by Mary and Pat Ashcraft.Â
Light Up The Fair
Light up the holiday season with Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati’s biggest drive-through Christmas light show. No reservations are needed, just take in the wonder from the comfort of your own car.
