When it’s holiday time in Cincinnati and Dayton, we know how to bring the joy! From dazzling drive-thru light shows and enchanting Nutcracker performances to ice skating rinks and festive train rides, there’s a sleigh-load of family fun waiting for you this season.
Get ready for a jolly journey as we dive into the sparkling world of holiday magic in Southwest Ohio! Here’s a sneak peek of the festive adventures and activities coming your way this season!
The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun around Cincinnati and Dayton:
- Find your favorite Cincinnati or Dayton Christmas light display.
- Lace-up those ice skates and hit the ice rink.
- Visit Scuba Santa at the Newport Aquarium.
- Pick out the perfect Christmas tree as a family. Bonus points if you visit a local Christmas tree farm to chop it down yourself!
- All Aboard! Head to the train station for a holiday train ride.
- Mail a letter to Santa.
- Attend a local tree lighting event.
- Stay warm in you car at one of these drive-thru holiday light displays!
- Get an early start to your Christmas shopping with local vendors at a holiday market or craft show.
- Enjoy a holiday breakfast with Santa Claus.
- Walk through the Woodland Lights.
- Beat the Winter Blues at the MetroParks Ice Rink!
- Catch a performance of The Nutcracker, a holiday classic.
- Host a holiday tea party.
- Get festive with Holiday Pops at Music Hall.
- Need to burn some energy? These indoor playgrounds are perfect for a chilly weekend or during winter break.
- Snow? Check out a local sledding spot!
- Check out a local toy store for the perfect holiday gift!
- Volunteer together as a family.
- Make sure to visit Santa and tell him what you want for Christmas before he heads back to the North Pole!
- Get nostalgic at one of these holiday train displays.
- Shop local with this holiday shopping guide!
- Cozy up and watch one of these favorite holiday movies.
- Christmas AND a cave? Yes please!
- Don’t spend a dime while you have some holiday fun!
- See baseball in a new light… literally with Deck the Diamond at Day Air Ballpark.
- Visit the longest holiday drive-thru light display in Ohio at WonderLight’s Christmas in Ohio!
- Take a trip to Yuletide Village in Waynesville.
- Take in the spirit of the holidays at Christmas at the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.
- Take a drive underground at Lights Under Louisville.
Can’t-Miss Holiday Celebrations, Displays and Events
Pyramid Hill Lights
Where: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park
When: November 14, 2025 – January 4, 2026
The journey includes over 1 million LED lights — including an LED light tunnel, a Candy Cane Forest, projections by Brave Berlin (the creators of Blink and Luminosity) and Sam Durgan, Santa Search Lights, and several more surprises.
PNC Festival of Lights
Where: Cincinnati Zoo
When: November 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden returns in 2025 with nearly 5 million LED lights, larger-than-life animal lanterns, and all-new themed experiences. Families can wander through glowing wildlife displays, explore the brand-new “Under the Sea” immersive zone, and search for the five hidden “Fiona fairies” in Fairyland. Evening entertainment includes a black-light puppet show and the dramatic “Wild Lights” performance on Swan Lake. Guests can also enjoy s’mores stations, seasonal treats, warm indoor exhibits, and the always-popular North Polar Express train ride with its sparkling light tunnel.
Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
Where: Land of Illusion
When: November 20, 2025 – December 24, 2025
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.
Holiday Junction feat Duke Energy Trains
Where: Cincinnati Museum Center
When: November 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026
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, our signature holiday experience brings families together in ageless joy. And the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains are back for their 79th season.
Festival of Ferns
Where: Krohn Conservatory
When: November 1, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Each year, Krohn Conservatory transforms into a seasonal showcase where holiday magic meets botanical beauty. This year’s Festival of Ferns celebrates the timeless elegance of ferns—ranging from delicate maidenhair to towering tree ferns—set amid brilliant red poinsettias, twinkling lights, and the gentle hum of model trains weaving through Cincinnati landmarks.
Winterfest at Kings Island
Where: Kings Island
When: November 28 – December 31, 2025
The spirit of everyone’s favorite season is captured in an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia at Cincinnati’s premier holiday event–a place where memories of holidays past are present; a place where memories of holiday activities are waiting to be made. Step into WinterFest at Kings Island, Open select nights in November and December.
The Legendary Lights of Clifton Mill
Where: Clifton Mill
When: November 28 – December 30, 2025
A Cincy favorite, the Lights at Clifton Mill are indeed legendary. A sea of red lights cascade down the riverbanks, and the historic covered bridge comes to life in a synchronized light show. Cross the bridge and travel back in time to the 1800’s. There’s also a miniature village with tiny replicas of Clifton Mill’s historic buildings.
A Carillon Christmas
Where: Carillon Historical Park
When: November 25 – December 30, 2025
Join them for A Carillon Christmas to see Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic, and holiday cheer!
