Best Holiday Activities Around Cincinnati

Spooky delights, whimsical treats, and idyllic activities abound in our curated list of the best fall and winter holiday activities near Cincinnati. The Cincy holiday season in Cincinnati is truly magical, offering an enticing blend of festive events, cultural traditions, and community gatherings to season your season. Whether you're a long-time resident or visiting for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As a proud part of this community, Legacy Builders Group is excited to spotlight some of the best holiday activities, including events we’re honored to sponsor. So, grab your calendar, and let’s plan some holiday fun!

Our Favorite Holiday Activities Around Cincinnati

Harvest Moon Festival

Location: Swaim Park Large Shelter Montgomery, OH
Date: October 5

Embrace the autumn spirit at the Harvest Moon Festival, a family-friendly event that brings the Montgomery community together to celebrate the beauty of the season. This festival is a Legacy Builders Group-sponsored event and one of our favorites. Kids and adults alike can enjoy pumpkin painting, crafts, and other creative activities. Catch a local band and take a scenic hayride through Swaim Park. It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp fall air while soaking in the autumn foliage.

• Cost: Free entry to the festival, with small fees for some activities and food vendors.
• Parking: Pioneer Park has ample parking, but as with any popular event, it’s best to arrive early to secure a spot.

Spooky Sprint Cincinnati

Location: Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Cincinnati, OH
Date: October 26

Get into the Halloween spirit with the Spooky Sprint, a fun and festive race where participants are encouraged to don their best costumes. Whether you're a seasoned runner or just looking for a family-friendly event, this 5K offers a great way to enjoy the fall weather while participating in a Cincinnati tradition. The race includes a post-run party with refreshments and awards for the best costumes.

• Parking: Plenty of parking is available at Otto Armleder Memorial Park, but arriving early is a good idea to avoid the last-minute rush.
  Cost: Registration fees vary based on age and registration date, with early bird discounts available. Check the event website for details.

HallZOOween at Cincinnati Zoo

Location: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, OH
Date: October 12-27, 2024 (Weekends only)

HallZOOween at the Cincinnati Zoo is a beloved event that offers safe trick-or-treating for kids while they explore the zoo. The event features festive decorations, animal encounters, and treat stations throughout the zoo. 

• Cost: HallZOOween is included with general zoo admission. Cincinnati Zoo members enjoy free entry.
• Parking: Parking is available at the zoo for a small fee. Arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended, as the event is popular and can get crowded.

Cincinnati Music Hall Ghost Tour

Location: Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, OH
Dates: September 25, October 23, November 25

The Cincinnati Music Hall Ghost Tour is a must for those intrigued by the paranormal. Known as one of the most haunted buildings in the city, the Music Hall offers a spooky, historical tour where you can learn about its eerie past and rumored ghost sightings. 

• Cost: Tickets are required and sell out quickly, so booking in advance is highly recommended.
  Parking: Parking is available in the nearby Washington Park Garage, which provides easy access to the Music Hall. Consider arriving early to explore the area before your tour. There are so many cool places to grab a bite or a drink!

Cincinnati Trick or Treat Hours

Location: Various Neighborhoods in Cincinnati, OH
Date: October 31

Cincinnati takes Halloween seriously, with neighborhoods across the city setting designated trick-or-treat hours to ensure a fun and safe experience for kids. The most common trick-or-treat hours in Cincinnati are 6-8 pm, but some municipalities start and end at slightly different times. 

• Insider Tip: Popular neighborhoods like Hyde Park and Mt. Lookout are known for their festive decorations and generous candy offerings. Arrive early, as these areas can get busy!
  Safety Tip: Remember to carry a flashlight or glow sticks for visibility and to stay on sidewalks.

Thanksgiving Day Race Cincinnati

Location: Downtown Cincinnati, OH
Date: November 28

Kick off Thanksgiving Day with the oldest race in Cincinnati, the Thanksgiving Day Race. This 10K event is a beloved tradition, drawing runners and walkers of all ages. The race route takes you through scenic parts of downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, offering stunning views of the Ohio River and the city skyline. 

• Insider Tip: Plan to stay afterward for the post-race party, which includes music, snacks, and awards. It’s a great way to mingle with fellow participants and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
  Parking: Parking downtown can be challenging, so consider using public transportation or parking in one of the nearby garages and walking to the starting line.

Holiday in the Village

Location: Downtown Montgomery, OH
Date: December 7th , 5:00pm - 7:30pm

Step into a winter wonderland at Holiday in the Village, a charming event that brings the spirit of the season to the heart of Montgomery. Legacy Builders Group is a proud sponsor of this event, which features a tree-lighting ceremony, horse-drawn carriage rides, ice-carving demonstrations, and visits with Santa. Local shops and restaurants stay open late, offering holiday specials and unique gifts.

• Parking: Parking is available in the lots surrounding downtown Montgomery, but spaces fill up quickly. Consider carpooling or arriving early to secure a spot.
• Cost: The event is free to attend, though some activities, like the carriage rides, may have a nominal fee.

Christkindl Market Cincinnati

Location: Moerlein Lager House, Cincinnati, OH
Date: November 22 - January 5

Experience the magic of a traditional German Christmas market right in Cincinnati at the Christkindl Market. Held at the Moerlein Lager House, this event offers an array of handcrafted gifts, holiday treats, and festive decorations. The market is famous for its authentic German food and the popular ice slide, a hit for kids and adults alike.

• Parking: Parking is available at The Banks garages nearby, and the streetcar offers a convenient way to get to and from the event.
• Cost: Entry to the market is free, but bring cash for food, gifts, and the ice slide.

UC Health Ice Rink At Fountain Square

Location: Fountain Square, Cincinnati, OH
Date: November 2 - February 17

The UC Health Ice Rink at Fountain Square is a winter tradition in Cincinnati. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner, the rink provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying the winter season. Special events, including themed skate nights and holiday music, make each visit unique.

• Insider Tip: Skate rental is available, but if you plan to visit multiple times, consider bringing your own skates to save on rental fees.
  Food & Drink: Grab a hot chocolate or a snack from one of the nearby vendors to warm up between skate sessions.
  Cost: Admission is affordable, with discounts available on weekdays. Check the Fountain Square website for current pricing and special offers.

Shillito Elves

Location: Found at The Foundry, Cincinnati, OH
Date: December (Ongoing)

A beloved Cincinnati tradition, the Shillito Elves are mechanical window displays that originally graced the old Shillito’s department store windows. Now housed at The Foundry, these whimsical displays feature elves busy at work in Santa’s workshop. It's a nostalgic experience for those who grew up in Cincinnati and a magical one for children seeing it for the first time.

• Insider Tip: Visit during the evening when the displays are lit up for a truly enchanting experience.
• Parking: Metered street parking and nearby garages are available, but the area can get crowded, especially on weekends. Consider visiting during off-peak hours.

Golden Days Of Yule 

Location: Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati, OH
Date: November - January 7

Celebrate the holiday season at the Krohn Conservatory’s Golden Days of Yule, where glowing stars illuminate vibrant poinsettias, tropical foliage, and holiday trees. The exhibit also features garden railways and miniature Cincinnati landmarks made from local plant materials, with a new addition this year— the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

• Insider Tip: On Veterans Day, all active and retired military members receive a pass for a free return visit.
• Cost: Adults $10, Youth (5-17) $7, Children 4 and under: Free.
• Special Attraction: Live Nativity from December 8 to January 7, 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM.

Breakfast with Santa

Location: Terwilliger Lodge, Montgomery, OH
Date: December 14th, 8:00am - 10:45am

Treat your family to a magical morning at Breakfast with Santa, an event that brings the holiday spirit to life with a delicious meal and a special visit from Santa Claus himself. Legacy Builders Group is the event sponsor, and the team looks forward to the joyful and occasionally hilarious photos with Santa that ensue.

• Insider Tip: Registration for Montgomery residents starts in early November, and opens to everyone else the following week.
• Cost: Tickets are required and often sell out quickly, so purchase them in advance. Check the Liberty Center website for details and pricing.

Cincinnati Christmas Shows

Location: Various Venues, Cincinnati, OH
Date: December (Various Dates)

Cincinnati is home to a variety of Christmas shows that offer something for everyone, from classic holiday performances to modern adaptations. Whether you're interested in ballet, theater, or musical performances, you'll find a show that brings the magic of Christmas to the stage. Popular options include the Cincinnati Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra’s Holiday Concert.

• Insider Tip: Book tickets early, especially for popular shows like “The Nutcracker,” as they tend to sell out quickly.
• Parking: Most venues, like the Aronoff Center and Music Hall, have nearby parking garages, but availability can be limited on show nights. Arrive early or consider using a rideshare service for convenience.

New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati

Location: Downtown Cincinnati, OH
Date: December 31

Ring in the New Year in style with the various celebrations across downtown Cincinnati. From family-friendly events to upscale parties, there’s something for everyone. The city’s largest event is the New Year’s Eve Blast on Fountain Square, featuring live music, fireworks, and ice skating. Consider one of the many gala events hosted at venues like the Hilton Netherland Plaza for a more sophisticated evening.

• Transportation: With large crowds expected, consider using public transportation or rideshare services to navigate downtown easily.
• Cost: The New Year’s Eve Blast is free, but other events, such as galas or parties, may require tickets.

Your Home Base for Fun in Cincinnati Should be Your Haven