Christmas in Cincinnati with kids.
Christmas in Cincinnati has two big family classics. The Zoo's PNC Festival of Lights opens November 19. Holiday Junction, with the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, fills Cincinnati Museum Center from November 13.
On the day after Thanksgiving, Light Up the Square brings fireworks to Fountain Square. You can skate at Elm Street Plaza, walk the free Christkindlmarkt by the river, or watch Scuba Santa dive at Newport Aquarium. For lights from the car, drive through the Christmas Ranch in Morrow or Nights of Lights in Lebanon.
Before you go
- At the UC Health Ice Rink, kids 5 and under skate free with a paying adult. Push-along skate helpers are free, too.
- The Christmas Ranch is less crowded Monday to Thursday. On weekends, get there right at 5pm.
- At Light Up the Square, the fireworks are loud. Bring ear covers for babies.
- In Lebanon on December 5, the 1pm daylight carriage parade is easier with little kids than the 7pm one.
- At the Germania Society Christkindlmarkt, kids 12 and under get in free, and Sunday is Family Day.
Family Christmas events in Cincinnati
20 events
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- Zoo lightsSanta visitsHoliday trains Good for toddlers
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
- Dates
- Nov 19 - Jan 3 · Daily Nov 19-Jan 3. The zoo stays open until 9pm Sun-Thu and 10pm Fri-Sat. Closed Nov 26, Dec 24 and Dec 25.
- Where
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Avondale (central Cincinnati)
- Price
- Included with zoo admission. See the official site for ticket prices. The train and carousel cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy zoo tickets online ahead.
The zoo lights up for its 44th holiday season. Walk the lit paths, ride the holiday train and catch a puppet show at night.
Parent tip: Santa is in Santa's Village from 4pm every day, and his last night is Dec 23. The zoo also runs a sensory-friendly Santa visit that you sign up for on its site.
- Holiday trainsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
- Dates
- Nov 13 - Jan 4 · Daily Nov 13-Jan 4 during museum hours (10am-5pm, with longer hours on some days).
- Where
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, Queensgate (west edge of downtown)
- Price
- Included with museum admission. Free for members. See the official site for prices.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy museum tickets online ahead.
The big model train layout is back for its 80th season. Kids can do a scavenger hunt in the layout, pose by the Northern Lights and visit Santa by his fireplace.
Parent tip: Santa arrives by fire truck on Fri Nov 27 at noon. Deaf Day with Santa is Dec 6 (2-5pm), and a visit with Black Santa is Dec 16 (10am-5pm).
- Holiday festivalsChristmas lights Good for toddlers
WinterFest at Kings Island
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 31 · Select nights Nov 27-Dec 31. Check the park calendar for open nights and hours.
- Where
- Kings Island, Mason, Warren County (north of Cincinnati)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy park tickets online ahead.
The theme park reopens at night for the holidays with millions of lights, live shows, holiday food and some rides.
Parent tip: Only some rides run in winter. Check the park calendar before you go, since WinterFest is not open every night.
- Parades and tree lightingsFree Good for toddlers
Duke Energy's Light Up the Square
- Dates
- Nov 27 · Fri Nov 27 (the day after Thanksgiving), 6-10pm.
- Where
- Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., along 5th Street to Elm Street Plaza, Downtown
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No booking.
Downtown's big tree lighting kicks off the season with live performances and fireworks. The fun stretches down 5th Street to the ice rink.
Parent tip: The fireworks are loud. Bring ear covers for babies, or watch from the edge of the crowd.
- Ice skating Good for toddlers
UC Health Ice Rink at Elm Street Plaza
- Dates
- Nov 7 - Feb 21 · Opens Nov 7. Daily 9am-11pm Dec 18-Jan 3. Other weeks: Mon-Wed 3-8pm, Thu-Fri 3-10pm, Sat 9am-11pm, Sun 9am-8pm. Last tickets 1 hour before close.
- Where
- Elm Street Plaza, 150 W. Fifth St., Downtown
- Price
- $12 a person, skates included. Kids 5 and under skate free with a paying adult.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up. Card or phone payment only.
Downtown's outdoor rink, which moved here from Fountain Square, is open for the winter. Skates come with your ticket.
Parent tip: Push-along skate helpers for kids are free, first come, first served. Kids under 55 inches must have an adult on the ice with them.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker
- Dates
- Dec 17-27 · Dec 17-27 (no show Dec 25). Matinees most days from Dec 19; evening shows at 6:30 or 7:30pm.
- Where
- Music Hall (Springer Auditorium), Over-the-Rhine
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Families (no age rule printed) · Buy ahead online
Cincinnati's holiday Nutcracker, with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra playing Tchaikovsky's music live.
Parent tip: Pick a matinee for younger kids. The Dec 24 show starts at 1pm, which leaves the evening free.
- Christmas lightsSanta visits Good for toddlers
The Christmas Ranch
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 23 · Nightly Nov 20-Dec 23. Sun-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
- Where
- The Christmas Ranch, 3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, Warren County (northeast of Cincinnati)
- Price
- Per car. Online through Dec 10: $27 Mon-Thu, $32 Fri-Sun. Online Dec 11-23: $32 Mon-Thu, $37 Fri-Sun. At the gate: $39. Train and wagon rides $4.50, age 3 and under free.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online by 5pm the day before to save. Gate tickets cost more.
Drive past the light show, then park and walk a small village of heated shops. A train and wagon ride take you to Santa's house.
Parent tip: Mon-Thu nights are less crowded. On Fri-Sun, get there at 5pm opening. Visiting Santa is free, but photos cost extra. Paths are mostly gravel.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Pyramid Hill Lights
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 3 · Nov 20-Jan 3. Check the official site for open nights and hours.
- Where
- Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton, Butler County (north of Cincinnati)
- Price
- Per car. See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy tickets online ahead.
A drive-through light show that winds through a big outdoor sculpture park. You stay warm in the car the whole way.
Parent tip: A good pick for babies who nap in the car seat. Bring a holiday playlist for the drive.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Cincinnati's Nights of Lights
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Jan 2 · Nov 20-Jan 2, rain, snow or shine. See the official site for hours.
- Where
- Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, Warren County (northeast of Cincinnati)
- Price
- $30 per carload (up to 8 people), plus a $3 fee.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Buy online ahead. Tickets can't be refunded.
A drive-through show of more than 2 million lights, with big trees, light tunnels and dancing candy canes. This season it's at the Warren County Fairgrounds.
Parent tip: No limos, RVs or long buses. Check the size rules on the ticket page if you drive a big van.
- Christmas lights Good for toddlers
Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center
- Dates
- Dec 4-29 · Select nights Dec 4-29, 5:30-9pm. Entry at 5:30, 6:30 or 7:30pm.
- Where
- Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, Clermont County (east of Cincinnati)
- Price
- Adults $20, kids 17 and under $8, under 2 free (members pay less). Opening weekend Dec 4-6 is $18 and $6 if you buy by Dec 1.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Timed tickets. Everyone 3 and up must book ahead. Tickets go on sale Nov 1.
A one-mile walk through the woods past light art by local artists. There's a campfire, live music, food trucks and kids' activities.
Parent tip: The trail is mostly flat but not paved, so a stroller with big wheels works best. No pets.
- Holiday festivals Good for toddlers
A Spider's Gift: Holiday Show at Krohn Conservatory
- Dates
- Oct 31 - Jan 3 · Daily Oct 31-Jan 3. See the official site for hours.
- Where
- Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park, Eden Park (Mount Adams)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · See the official site.
The glass plant house fills with holiday plants for its yearly show. This year's theme is a Ukrainian folk tale about spiders that bring good luck.
Parent tip: It's warm inside, so dress little ones in layers you can peel off.
- Christmas marketsSanta visits Good for toddlers
Germania Society Christkindlmarkt
- Dates
- Nov 6-8 · Fri Nov 6, 5-10pm; Sat Nov 7, 11am-10pm; Sun Nov 8, noon-5pm.
- Where
- Germania Park, 3529 W. Kemper Rd., Colerain Township (northwest of Cincinnati)
- Price
- $5. Kids 12 and under free. Cards only.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Pay at the gate.
An old-style German Christmas market. Kids can meet Santa, Mrs. Claus and St. Nikolaus, pet farm animals, ride ponies and take a carriage ride.
Parent tip: Sunday is Family Day, with free face painting and a scavenger hunt. Krampus walks around on Friday and Saturday nights and may scare little ones.
- Christmas marketsFree Good for toddlers
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 28 · Thu-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 3-9pm, Sun 3-7pm. Closed Mon-Wed, except Dec 21-23 (3-9pm). Christmas Eve 3-7pm. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Where
- Schmidlapp Event Lawn by the Cincinnati Lager House, Smale Riverfront Park, The Banks (riverfront downtown)
- Price
- Free entry. Carousel rides and some events cost extra.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · Walk up.
A German-style holiday market on the riverfront, with lights, choirs, igloos and a kids' craft and character tent.
Parent tip: The streetcar stops on 2nd Street, a short walk away. The Central Riverfront Garage is the closest parking.
- Santa visits Good for toddlers
Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium
- Dates
- Nov 27 - Dec 24 · Daily from Nov 27 through Dec 24. Check the official site for dive times.
- Where
- Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Kentucky (across the river from downtown)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- All ages · See the official site.
Santa puts on scuba gear and swims in the aquarium's big tanks for the holidays. Kids watch through the glass.
Parent tip: Check the opening day on the official site before you go. The aquarium's own pages list both Nov 27 and Nov 28.
- Parades and tree lightingsHoliday festivalsFree Good for toddlers
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival
- Dates
- Dec 5 · Sat Dec 5. Daylight parade at 1pm, candlelight parade at 7pm. Festival and market 10am-8pm.
- Where
- Downtown Lebanon, Lebanon, Warren County (northeast of Cincinnati)
- Price
- Free
- Ages and booking
- All ages · No booking. A shuttle runs; see the parade map on the official site.
Horse-drawn carriages roll through the old downtown twice in one day, once in daylight and once by candlelight. A Christmas market runs all day.
Parent tip: The 1pm daylight parade is easier with little kids. Use the shuttle, since downtown parking fills up.
- Shows and Nutcracker
A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
- Dates
- Nov 20 - Dec 27 · Nov 20-Dec 27. Evening shows and 2pm matinees; check the schedule.
- Where
- Rouse Theatre, Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Eden Park (Mount Adams)
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 5+ (children under 5 are not admitted) · Buy ahead online or call the box office.
The Playhouse's yearly stage version of the Dickens story about Scrooge and the three ghosts. It runs about 1 hour 45 minutes with a break.
Parent tip: Some ghost scenes can scare young kids. A relaxed, sensory-friendly show is Sat Nov 28 at noon.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cincinnati Pops: Holiday Pops
- Dates
- Dec 11-13 · Fri Dec 11 at 11am and 7:30pm; Sat Dec 12 at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sun Dec 13 at 2pm and 7pm. All at Music Hall.
- Where
- Music Hall (Springer Auditorium), Over-the-Rhine
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Families (no age rule printed) · Buy ahead online
The Pops orchestra's holiday concert, with local choirs, dancers, special guests and a few surprises.
Parent tip: The Saturday and Sunday 2pm shows fit best around naps and bedtime.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Dates
- Dec 4-20 · Dec 4-20. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- The Emery Theater, Over-the-Rhine
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Kids and families (no age rule printed) · Buy ahead online
The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati puts on the Grinch story as a musical, with the Whos of Whoville and a grumpy green Grinch.
Parent tip: The run time isn't posted yet. Check it on the show page before you take a preschooler.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cinderella at Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
- Dates
- Dec 5-30 · Dec 5-30. Many 2pm matinees, plus 7pm shows; check the schedule.
- Where
- Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Ages 4+ (children under 4 are not admitted) · Buy ahead online or call the box office.
A family holiday musical of the Cinderella story. It runs about 1 hour 15 minutes with one break.
Parent tip: Relaxed, sensory-friendly shows are Sat Dec 5 at 2pm and Sun Dec 6 at 7pm. Weekday 2pm matinees run Dec 21-23 and Dec 28-29.
- Shows and Nutcracker
Cirque du Soleil: 'Twas the Night Before...
- Dates
- Dec 2-13 · Dec 2-13. Check the schedule for show times.
- Where
- Procter & Gamble Hall, Aronoff Center for the Arts, Downtown
- Price
- See the official site.
- Ages and booking
- Recommended for ages 8+ · Buy ahead online
Cirque du Soleil's Christmas show, based on the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas." It runs 85 minutes with no break.
Parent tip: Everyone over age 2 needs their own ticket. Best for kids old enough to sit still for 85 minutes.
Dates and prices were checked on each event's official site. They can change, so check the official site before you go.
On a budget? See every free Christmas event in Cincinnati, including parades and tree lightings.
Shopping for gifts? Compare the Christmas markets in Cincinnati, with hours, costs and tips for going with kids.
Planning a Santa visit? See where to find Santa in Cincinnati, plus free Santa photos, breakfasts with Santa and tips for skipping the line.
Going to the ballet? Compare every Nutcracker in Cincinnati, with run times, age tips and sensory-friendly shows.
Questions parents ask
What is there to do in Cincinnati for Christmas with kids?
See the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and the holiday trains at Cincinnati Museum Center. Skate at Elm Street Plaza, and walk the Christkindlmarkt at the riverfront.
For a show, see Cincinnati Ballet's Nutcracker or the Grinch musical. Across the river, Scuba Santa dives at Newport Aquarium.
When is the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights in 2026?
The PNC Festival of Lights runs from November 19, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The zoo is closed on November 26, December 24 and December 25. The lights are included with zoo admission.
When is Light Up the Square in 2026?
Duke Energy's Light Up the Square is on Friday, November 27, 2026, the day after Thanksgiving. It runs from 6 to 10pm on Fountain Square and is free.
Are there drive-through Christmas lights near Cincinnati?
Yes. The Christmas Ranch in Morrow, Pyramid Hill Lights in Hamilton, and Cincinnati's Nights of Lights in Lebanon all let you see the lights from your car. Nights of Lights costs $30 per carload of up to 8 people, plus a $3 fee.
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