Cincinnati Holidays
Reviews of holiday attractions and events in the Cincinnati area.
Welcome to my reviews of Cincinnati-area holiday attractions! Here you’ll find my thoughts on light displays, holiday markets, family events, and more from around the region.
Ones We Missed This Year
December 31, 2025 Varies
Holiday attractions in the Cincinnati area we didn't make it to this season.
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Kings Island WinterFest
December 29, 2025 Starting at $32 (free with season pass)
A holiday event at Kings Island featuring lights, rides, and the iconic Eiffel Tower display.
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Cincinnati's Nights of Lights
December 28, 2025 $25 with coupon (regularly $33/carload)
A spectacular drive-through light show at the Clermont County Fairgrounds featuring over 2 million lights synchronized to music.
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PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
December 26, 2025 Included with zoo admission (~$28/adult, free with membership)
The nation's best zoo lights display, featuring 5 million LEDs, 65 animal lanterns, and the magical Wild Lights show on Swan Lake.
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Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center
December 26, 2025 Included with museum admission (free with membership)
A 79-year Cincinnati tradition featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Union Terminal.
Read Full ReviewCincinnati Art Museum - CAM Nights & Holiday Lights
December 26, 2025 Free
A free BLINK-partnered projection light show in the museum's courtyard, open late on Thursday and Friday evenings.
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The Christmas Ranch
December 23, 2025 $32/car online (buy ahead for discount)
A magical 100-acre Christmas village with over a million lights, Santa, shops, rides, and the incredible Reindeer Room train display.
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Heritage Village Train Days
December 23, 2025 $5/person (members and kids 4 & under free)
Model train displays inside a charming historic village at Sharon Woods.
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Newport Aquarium - Scuba Santa's Water Wonderland
December 22, 2025 Included with admission (free with membership)
The beloved aquarium decorated for the holidays, featuring Scuba Santa swimming with the fish.
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LM&M Railroad North Pole Express
December 17, 2025 Starting at $30/person (Coach), $40/person (Deluxe)
A magical train ride with Santa, singing elves, cookies, balloon animals, and the authentic Polar Express experience.
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Light Up Middletown
December 12, 2025 Donation-based (cash)
A massive, donation-driven drive-through light display spanning 100 acres in Smith Park.
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Land of Illusion Christmas Glow
December 12, 2025 $10-15/person (kids under 3 free)
A 2-mile drive-through light experience with 3.8 million lights, plus a Christmas Village with Santa, a petting zoo, and rides.
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Krohn Conservatory - A Fern Filled Holiday
December 05, 2025 Free with Friends of Krohn membership
A tropical escape in winter featuring flowering plants, a waterfall, and Cincinnati's historic live nativity scene.
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Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park Lights
December 02, 2025 $25/carload ($15 for members)
A stunning drive-through light experience that combines art installations with over a million holiday lights throughout a sculpture park.
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