Wondering what you can do around town this Christmas with your loved ones? Check out the list below of some suggestions from Eastside's Staff!
Brock's Pick
Cincinnati Nights of Lights at the Clermont County Fairground
Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights is a dazzling drive thru holiday light show illuminated by more than 2 million lights! It has become a beloved Cincinnati holiday tradition as many visitors of all ages and abilities are awed by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, fantastic tunnels of lights, and so much more!
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Cost: $30 per carload, $50 for carloads of 9+ people
Dates: November 23 -January 5
Times: 5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.
Address: 1000 Locust St, Owensville, OH, 45160 US
Website: http://queencitylightshow.com
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Cost: $30 per carload, $50 for carloads of 9+ people
Dates: November 23 -January 5
Times: 5:30p.m. - 9:30p.m.
Address: 1000 Locust St, Owensville, OH, 45160 US
Website: http://queencitylightshow.com
Christina's Pick
Light in the Forest at the Cincinnati Nature Center
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.
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Cost: Nonmember adults-$18; Nonmember children-$8.
Dates: December 5–29 (Select Dates Only)
Times: 5:30–9 pm
Address: Rowe Woods (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150)
Website: https://www.cincynature.org/light-in-the-forest
PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Cost: Nonmember adults-$18; Nonmember children-$8.
Dates: December 5–29 (Select Dates Only)
Times: 5:30–9 pm
Address: Rowe Woods (4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150)
Website: https://www.cincynature.org/light-in-the-forest
Erin's Pick
Holidays on the Farm at Parky's Farm
Step back from the holiday hustle into your new tradition of winter wonder at Holidays on the Farm! Under the glow of glimmering lights, enjoy carolers, farm animals, Santa’s reindeer, a cheer garden, food trucks, open firepits and so much more! Grab a hot cocoa and shop for gifts at Vendor Village or stroll through the twinkling tunnel. From lighted wagon rides to meet-and-greets with Santa and his reindeer, this magical escape is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: $17-General Admission, $12-3-12 and 62+, Free - Kids 2 & under
Dates: November 29 - December 31 (Select Dates Only)
Times:
Address: Parky’s Farm (10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231)
Website: https://www.greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/holidays-on-the-farm
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: $17-General Admission, $12-3-12 and 62+, Free - Kids 2 & under
Dates: November 29 - December 31 (Select Dates Only)
Times:
Address: Parky’s Farm (10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231)
Website: https://www.greatparks.org/calendar/special-events/holidays-on-the-farm
Jason's Pick
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!
Cost: Event is Free, Parking for $10 after 4pm
Dates: November 29–January 4 (Select Dates Only)
Times: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080
Website: https://creationmuseum.org/christmas/
Cost: Event is Free, Parking for $10 after 4pm
Dates: November 29–January 4 (Select Dates Only)
Times: 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080
Website: https://creationmuseum.org/christmas/
Julie's Pick
Milford Athletic Boosters Annual Craft Show
The annual Milford Athletic Boosters Craft Show encompasses almost the entirety of the high school building including, the cafeteria, two gymnasiums, the Fley Center, Bauer Commons and many hallways throughout the building. Milford High student-athletes volunteer to assist crafters with their set up and tear down. This event has been a major fundraiser for the athletic boosters for approximately 40 years.
Cost: $3 Admission
Dates: December 7
Times: 9a.m.-4p.m.
Address: 1 Eagles Watch Wy, Milford, OH 45150
Website: https://www.milfordathletics.org/o/milfordathletics/page/craft-show
Cost: $3 Admission
Dates: December 7
Times: 9a.m.-4p.m.
Address: 1 Eagles Watch Wy, Milford, OH 45150
Website: https://www.milfordathletics.org/o/milfordathletics/page/craft-show
Mike H's Pick
Corsi Tree Farm in Hamersville
The 2024 holiday season is here, and Corsi's is thrilled to welcome you back for their annual “cut your own” Christmas tree experience, starting the day after Thanksgiving on November 29th. Don’t miss a visit to their Broken Stone Lodge! Warm up with a hot cocoa, browse our selection of ornaments, and enjoy live music. Plus, they have a free petting zoo for even more family fun.
Cost: Free Admission
Dates: November 29-December 22 (Wed. to Sun.)
Times: 9am - 5pm
Address: 1651 Bolender Rd., Hamersville, OH 45130
Website: https://www.corsitreefarm.com/
Cost: Free Admission
Dates: November 29-December 22 (Wed. to Sun.)
Times: 9am - 5pm
Address: 1651 Bolender Rd., Hamersville, OH 45130
Website: https://www.corsitreefarm.com/
Mike L's Pick
The Ice Rink in Fountain Square
The UC Health Ice Rink is an outdoor ice rink that takes over Fountain Square from November 2 through February 17. Rink amenities include 600 pairs of rental skates, the WGU Warming Tent, a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, beverages, on-site parking, and restrooms. The rink is open to skaters of all ages.
All Admissions Are Walk-ups Only
Cost: $10 for Admission and Skate Rental
Dates: November 2 - February 17
Times: Times Vary by day/Season (Details at website below)
Address: 520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://myfountainsquare.com/ice-rink
All Admissions Are Walk-ups Only
Cost: $10 for Admission and Skate Rental
Dates: November 2 - February 17
Times: Times Vary by day/Season (Details at website below)
Address: 520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
Website: https://myfountainsquare.com/ice-rink
Mike W's Pick
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
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 5 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.
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: Included with Zoo Admission ($17-$26 per person)
Dates: November 21-January 5
Times: [Sun–Thu, 10am – 9pm] [Fri–Sat, 10am – 10pm]
Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Website: https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: Included with Zoo Admission ($17-$26 per person)
Dates: November 21-January 5
Times: [Sun–Thu, 10am – 9pm] [Fri–Sat, 10am – 10pm]
Address: 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Website: https://cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights/
Roger's Pick
The 35th Annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival
The 35th annual parade is taking place this year with parades, vendors, food, and other festivities. Explore local vendors, food trucks, and holiday fun throughout the day, visit the festive Mini-Highland Cow Petting Zoo, and then watch the spectacular Horse-Drawn Carriage Parades at 1:00 PM (daylight) and 7:00 PM (candle/twinkle lights)!
Cost: Admission is free
Dates: December 7th
Times: 10a.m.-8p.m. (Parades at 1p.m. and 7p.m.)
Address: Broadway St, Downtown Lebanon, Ohio
Website: https://www.lebanonchamber.org/carriage-parade/
Cost: Admission is free
Dates: December 7th
Times: 10a.m.-8p.m. (Parades at 1p.m. and 7p.m.)
Address: Broadway St, Downtown Lebanon, Ohio
Website: https://www.lebanonchamber.org/carriage-parade/
Honorable Mention
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!
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: $33-$40 online forAdults plus $30 Parking (Details at website)
Dates: November 29-December 31 (Select Dates)
Times Vary by day/Season (Details at website below)
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
Website: http://visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest
PREREGISTRATION IS ENCOURAGED
Cost: $33-$40 online forAdults plus $30 Parking (Details at website)
Dates: November 29-December 31 (Select Dates)
Times Vary by day/Season (Details at website below)
Address: 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034
Website: http://visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest