We’re all counting down the days until the jolliest day of the year. In the meantime, check out our list to get into the spirit of the season, including festive variety shows, holiday concerts and Santas galore.
Here’s a look at the biggest, best and most interesting things happening in Cincinnati over the next seven days.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
Monday, Dec. 8
View Shillito’s elves displays this holiday season.
Meet the Shillito’s Elves
View the collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop. They’ve been a classic Cincinnati holiday tradition going back 70 years, bringing joy to those who make the pilgrimage to see their spritely, festive scenes. They can be seen in two different locations.
Downtown: Open 24/7 for viewing, animated during 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Carew Tower, 25 W. Fifth St., Downtown. downtowncincinnati.com.
Mariemont: 2-7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 6940 Madisonville Road, Mariemont. $5. thesantaworkshop.com.
Drive your vehicle through Perfect North’s Northern Lights
Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland, including LED-lit trees, winter scenes and a light tunnel. Guests can walk the one-mile loop Fridays and Saturdays.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Perfect North Slopes, 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg. Closed Nov. 26-27. $9 adults, $4.50 ages 3-12. Runs through Dec. 23. perfectnorth.com.
Bask in the Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion
At Land of Illusion’s Christmas Glow, step inside Santa’s Workshop to meet the man himself, and drive through Christmas lights displays. Meet Santa’s barnyard friends at the Polar Petting Zoo, including Highland cows. End the night at the Christmas Village where you can sip hot cocoa and admire the 35-foot Christmas tree.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown. Runs through Dec. 24. Drive-through only Dec. 26-30. landofillusion.com.
Celebrate among the fronds at Festival of Ferns
Step into a botanical wonderland at Krohn Conservatory. Enjoy a miniature model of Cincinnati’s skyline and find classic trains and iconic landmarks from the Cincinnati Museum Center to the Roebling Bridge. Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Clifton. Runs Nov. 1-Jan. 4. cincinnati-oh.gov.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
See international Christmas displays inside St. Francis Seraph Church.
See a life-size, outdoor nativity scene at “A Franciscan Christmas”
At “Franciscan Christmas,” see a nativity scene, including live farm animals. International Christmas displays, including 100 creche scenes from around the word, are visible on weekends inside the church.
Outdoor nativity scene: 1-7 p.m. daily, St. Francis Seraph Church, 1615 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Nov. 30-Jan. 6. Free.
International Christmas displays: 4-7 p.m. Friday, noon-7 pm. Saturday-Sunday, St. Francis Seraph Church, 1615 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Nov. 30-Jan. 6. Free. sfsparish.org.
Get into the holiday spirit at Holly Jolly Days
Admire holiday toy trains racing through a miniature metropolis. Kids can interact with the display by pushing buttons that control various features in the town. Take a gander through a museum full of vintage Christmas decor for a nostalgic look back at how the holiday was celebrated throughout the years.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. Closed on national holidays. $9, $8 ages 60-up, $5 ages 3-17. Runs Nov. 11-Jan. 11. bcmuseum.org.
Take a step back into 1855 with Hillforest’s ‘A Victorian Christmas’
Take a trip to the Ohio River town of Aurora to experience a true Christmas past. See the Hillforest Museum House decorated for the holidays.
Details: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Hillforest House Museum, 213 Fifth St., Aurora. Runs Nov. 11-Dec. 30. hillforest.org.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Create an ornament out of molten glass
If you’re itching for some more seasonal fun, Neusole Glassworks has got you covered. Craft your own ornament, blown by professionals out of hot molten glass.
Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, Neusole Glassworks, 11925 Kempersprings Drive, Forest Park. $45. neusoleglassworks.com.
Take a tour of ‘Recall. Reframe. Respond. The Art of Paul Scott’
See how artist Paul Scott takes unassuming blue-and-white cultural designs on tableware to create poignant social commentary. Scott breaks, reassembles, erases and adds detail to ceramics, subverting expectations to create new “historical” patterns.
Details: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday, 953 Eden Park Drive, Walnut Hills. Free. Runs Oct. 10-Jan. 4. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Get some holiday shopping done at Brazee Artist Studios
Browse the studios and buy directly from the artists. Artists work in a variety of mediums, including paint, printmaking, paper, pastel, textiles, glass jewelry, ship building and more. Enjoy live music and hors d’oeuvres along the way.
Details: 5-9 p.m., Brazee Studios, 4426 Brazee St., Oakley. brazeeglassdesign.com.
People walk under a archway of lights before getting to the entrance during the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Spend the fa-la-la-la days at Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is all in for its annual PNC Festival of Lights, complete with over 5 million LED lights and 65 animal lanterns located throughout the zoo. Guests can search for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, immerse themselves in the “Under the Sea” area, and watch the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Meet costumed characters and hop aboard the North Polar Express Train and the Conservation Carousel. If you get a bit peckish, enjoy roasted s’mores, nuts and other holiday treats.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Runs Nov. 20-Jan. 4. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Included with admission. cincinnatizoo.org.
Hop aboard for Holiday Junction
Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Holiday Trains runs Nov. 14-Jan. 5.
At Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Holiday Trains, watch with awe as over 300 rail cars and 50 model trains zip through a miniature city, admire LEGO bricks crafted into whimsical displays and simply take in the winter scenery. Santa’s grand arrival comes Nov. 28.
Details: Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Free for museum members and included with museum admission. Runs Nov. 14-Jan. 5. cincymuseum.org.
Spend time with family at Holidays on the Farm
Great Parks’ Holidays on the Farm runs Dec. 4-23.
Enjoy music, meet reindeer, see thousands of lights, taste food and stroll through the popular cheer garden.
Details: 5-9 p.m. nightly, Winton Woods Farm and Equestrian Center, 10073 Daly Road, Springfield Township. $12-17 for single nights, $20-25 season pass, free ages 2-under. Runs Dec. 4-23. greatparks.org.
Drive by holiday lights at Pyramid Hill Lights
Your holiday checklist isn’t complete unless you hop in your car and see some bright lights. Bring the family for a drive and take them to Pyramid Hill Lights, a nature-filled show featuring local artists’ installations using fiber art, woodworking, sculpture and light projection pieces. Enjoy the comfort of your own vehicle as you cruise along the two-mile route through the park.
Details: 6-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. $15 per carload for members, $25 per carload for non-members. Runs Nov. 14-Jan. 4. pyramidhill.org.
Pyramid Hill Lights opens for the season Nov. 15. Pictured: The Bombshells of Cincinnati have yarn-bombed Candy Cane Lane.
Friday, Dec. 12
Find a sparkling gift at the Gem and Jewelry Expo
Shop gems, minerals, crystals, pearls, jewelry, crafts, beads and more. Find some great gifts for the “gems” in your life or treat yourself (you deserve it)!
Details: 1-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, downstairs ballroom, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. facebook.com.
Experience an evening of holiday magic at Holiday Pops
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry will join conductor John Morris Russell, the Pops, choruses and dancers from around the city to bring your favorite holiday songs to life.
Details: 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. cincinnatiarts.org.
Gawk at acrobats at ‘A Magical Cirque Christmas’
“A Magical Cirque Christmas” takes Christmas festivities to new heights – literally. See this high-flying spectacle performed by the world’s most elite cirque performers. At this variety show, see acrobatics and displays of strength and agility set to classic Christmas songs.
Details: 7 p.m., Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. cincinnatiarts.org.
Catch the Xavier Musketeers take on the Missouri State Bears
The Musketeers men’s basketball team plays the Bears this week. Don your blue and white, and catch the fast-paced sport at Cintas.
Details: 7 p.m., Cintas Center, 1624 Musketeer Drive, Evanston. goxavier.com.
Watch the Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Kalamazoo Wings
The Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Kalamazoo Wings this week. The Cyclones celebrate the iconic Christmas classic, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”
Details: 7:30 p.m., Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. cycloneshockey.com.
Stroll through the illuminated, whimsical winter woods
At Light in the Forest, venture on a mile-long trail past ponds, woodlands and fields. See light displays from seven Blink artists. Enjoy children’s crafts, live music and holiday shopping. Grab a bite to eat from a food truck and snuggle up by the bonfire.
Details: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Cincinnati Nature Center at Rowe Woods, 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford. Runs Dec. 5-28. cincynature.org.
Do a figure eight at Winterfest
Families interact with performers during WinterFest at Kings Island.
Admire the twinkling lights, enjoy festive live shows and hop on select Kings Island rides and attractions. Meet Santa, taste specialty holiday food and drink, and of course, ice skate!
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday and Sunday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 31. sixflags.com.
Step back in time at Heritage Village Museum (last chance!)
Experience the charm and wonder of a 1800s holiday on the 19th Century Holiday Guided Tour. Step inside seven historic buildings to see the evolution of Christmas traditions. Discover the earliest Christmases of Cincinnati, the elegance of a Victorian Christmas and the newly renovated Myers Schoolhouse, featuring remnants of the 1891 Christmas Pageant.
Details: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. $12 per person or $10 per museum, free ages 3-under. heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Wander through Renaissance Park’s Yuletide Village
Enjoy festive shows, shop a marketplace for classic wooden toys, warm up with spiced apple cider, travel through the Rivers of Lights and Gum Drop Alley, and avoid Krampus!
Details: 5-9 p.m. Friday, 3-9 p.m. Saturday, 10542 E. State Route 73, Waynesville. Runs every weekend Nov. 28-Dec. 20. yuletidevillage.com.
Experience Christmas at the Ark and Creation Museum
Enjoy a festive evening exploring world-class exhibits in the life-size ark. See thousands of lights, a live nativity, Christ-centered dramas, animal programs, a laser show and more.
Christmas at the Ark: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3. arkencounter.com.
Christmas at the Creation Museum: 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 3. creationmuseum.org.
Scuba Santa will be at Newport Aquarium Nov. 28-Dec. 24.
Meet Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Watch as Santa swims with sharks, rays, schools of fish and a sea turtle. See the aquarium bedecked in holiday lights sure to get you in the holiday sprit.
Details: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, continues 10 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport. Runs Nov. 28-Dec. 24. newportaquarium.com.
Saturday, Dec. 13
Join the crowd of over 10,000 Santas roaming around downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Mount Adams.
Don a red hat and beard for Cincinnati Santacon
Join the crowd of over 10,000 Santas roaming around downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Mount Adams. Register for a wristband to take part in all the festive activities, including costume contests and food and drink specials at over 50 venues participating in Santacon. Proceeds go towards The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit dedicated to pediatric cancer research.
Details: noon-midnight, over 50 venues in downtown Cincinnati, Covington and Mount Adams. $10 registration fee online, $15 at the event. Register: csnevents.regfox.com.
See a ‘White Christmas Parade’
Celebrate Christmas in the historic riverside town of Augusta with their old fashioned parade, featuring dancing, floats, music and Santa.
Details: 5:30-6:30 p.m., 219 Main St., Augusta. augustaky.gov.
Visit Bright Lights Indiana
Drive by 20 themed displays and through a light tunnel. Listen to holiday music and immerse yourself with a megadose of holiday cheer.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Sunday, 23345 Gavin Lane, Lawrenceburg. Runs Nov. 28-Jan. 4. brightlightsindiana.com.
Grab your ice skates for the 2025-26 rink season
The decades-old Cincinnati tradition, the UC Health Ice Rink, is relocated to Elm Street Plaza this year. Grab your loved ones and hit the ice at Cincy’s newest civic space! Alternatively, if you live in Blue Ash, Summit Park also has an ice rink open.
Elm St. Plaza: 3-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 3-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Elm Street Plaza, 150 W. Fifth St., Downtown. $12. Runs Nov. 21-Feb. 16. elmstreetplazacincy.com.
Summit Park: 5-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash. $7. Runs Nov. 15-Jan. 4. summitparkblueash.com.
Start a holiday tradition at Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
Drive through the Christmas Nights of Lights Nov. 21-Jan. 3.
Be dazzled by more than two million lights at Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights drive through holiday light show. Drive by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, light tunnels and more.
Details: Open daily 5-10 p.m., Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. $30 per car for up to 8 passengers, $50 for 9 and more. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 3. store.queencitylightshow.com.
See ‘Summerfair Select’ exhibit
“Summerfair Select” is an exhibition of works by 16 local artists.
Details: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily, The Weston Gallery, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs through Jan. 11. cincinnatiarts.org.
Cruise through a winter wonderland at Light Up the Fair
Bring your loved ones to the Boone County Fairgrounds to see it transformed into a 2-mile-long winter wonderland filled with millions of Christmas lights, festive displays and family-friendly holiday fun. Traverse down glowing light tunnels to synchronized Christmas music.
Details: Open daily 5:30-10 p.m., Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington. Runs Nov. 15-Dec. 27. lightupthefair.com.
Hop aboard the North Pole Express
Take a festive train ride to the North Pole with Santa and his elves. Train cars will be ornamented with holiday lights and decorations. All children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. Hot chocolate will be available for purchase at the train station.
Details: Rides available starting 6 p.m. Friday, noon Saturday-Sunday, Lebanon Mason and Monroe Railroad, 16 E. South St., Lebanon. $30 coach class, $40 deluxe class. Tickets available in December. Runs Nov. 21-Dec. 23. lebanonrr.com.
Visit Santa at The Christmas Ranch
Browse seven Christmas shops, stop by Santa’s Bakery and Cafe for a sweet treat, hop aboard a train or wagon ride, and snap a picture with Santa.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, The Christmas Ranch, 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow. $37 per car load, $47 per oversized van (over 10 visitors). Runs Nov. 21-Dec. 23. Closed Thanksgiving Day. thechristmasranch.com.
Sparkle under the holiday lights at Winter Nights & River Lights
The Purple People Bridge is festively-lit this holiday season.
Take a stroll over the Purple People Bridge. This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays.
Details: nightly, Purple People Bridge, Newport. Free. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 4. purplepeoplebridge.com.
Catch another holiday light display at Light Up Middletown
Middletown has a holiday light display of their own. Bask in the twinkling lights in the company of your favorite people.
Details: 6-10 p.m. daily, Smith Park, Tytus and Verity Parkway, 500 Tytus Avenue, Middletown. Runs Nov. 27-Dec. 31. lightupmiddletown.org.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Rap along with the ‘Masters of the Mic’ at Hard Rock Casino
At “Masters of the Mic,” enjoy the hits from rap artists Warren G, Slick Rick, Big Daddy Kane, Arrested Development and Talib Kweli.
Details: 7 p.m., Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton. casino.hardrock.com.
Root for the Bengals
The Bengals are back in town for a rematch against the Baltimore Ravens.
Joe Burrow is back, baby! The Cincinnati Bengals play the Baltimore Ravens this week. Show up early (and secure a parking spot before gametime) to the pre-game block party. Get ready to roar with live music from DV8, food and drinks, including ice cold beer from the Bud Light Tailgate Zone.
Pre-game block party: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The Banks, Freedom Way, Downtown. Free. bengals.com.
Game: 1 p.m., 1 Paycor Stadium, Downtown. bengals.com.
“Even More Before the Roar” Tailgate: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. facebook.com.
Shop on Sundays at the MAC
Ready to get a jump on holiday shopping? Attend Sundays at The Mac for shop local and find unique gifts. Enjoy extended pop-up shopping hours from select studios for the holiday season.
Details: noon-4 p.m., The Morrow Arts Center, 10 Miranda St., Morrow. Runs Sundays through Dec. 21. morrowartscenter.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Things to do in Cincinnati this week, Dec. 8-14, 2025