Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Set along the riverfront next to the Cincinnati Lager House, this German-American Christmas festival brings a European holiday market tradition to Cincinnati. Visitors can explore open-air stalls offering seasonal food, beverages, and merchandise beneath holiday lights. Entertainment includes choral performances, musical acts, themed character visits, and igloos set along the boardwalk.
What to Expect
German-American holiday festival featuring an igloo boardwalk along the riverfront.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Smale Riverfront Park
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Cincinnati Originals, LLC dba Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Food & Drink
The market has food and beverages for sale from open-air stalls.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and holiday-market shoppers
Vibe
Festive and cozy
Energy Level
Low
Budget
Free
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Admission is FREE.
- Hours: Thu-Fri 5-9pm; Sat 3-9pm; Sun 3-7pm; Monday December 21st 3pm-9pm; Tuesday December 22nd 3pm-9pm; Wednesday December 23rd 3pm-9pm; Christmas Eve December 24th 3pm-7pm. Closed Monday-Wednesday except for the listed special hours.
- Parking: Central Riverfront Garage is just west of Cincinnati Lager House; its listed price is $4 for the first hour and a maximum of $13 for 24 hours, with special pricing during Reds, Bengals, and other events. Cincinnati Public Landing is east of Cincinnati Lager House at 435 East Mehring Way; parking there is weather-permitting and overnight parking is not allowed. Off-street metered parking is available throughout The Banks and downtown, and the Cincinnati Streetcar stops on 2nd Street within walking distance. The page also describes the Event Lawn elevator or stairs and gives driving directions.
- Accessibility: An elevator connects the Central Riverfront Garage directly to the Event Lawn.
- Pets: Service animals are welcome throughout. Well-behaved non-service pets are welcome on a short leash in outdoor areas only.
Tips & Advice
- Park in the Central Riverfront Garage and follow the signs to the Event Lawn, where an elevator or stairs bring you up right at the Lager House.
- Ride the Cincinnati Streetcar to its 2nd Street stop, which is within walking distance of the market, and park anywhere along the streetcar line.
- Book an igloo on the boardwalk ahead of your visit if you want a private spot for your group at the market.
- On nights when the Reds or Bengals play, or another event is on, expect special pricing at the Central Riverfront Garage.
- Leave cigarettes and vapes at home, because tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, vape pens and pipes, aren't allowed anywhere on the market premises.
Special Events & Promotions
- Extra opening days during Christmas week: Monday through Wednesday, December 21 to 23, plus Christmas Eve.
- Guided Over-the-Rhine brewing history tour by streetcar to historic saloons and the Park Brewery's underground lagering cellars. It's a separate ticket, and every 21+ ticket includes a drink back at the Lager House.
- Bourbon tasting and wine tasting, each booked separately.
- Igloos on the boardwalk can be reserved for your group.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where's the best place to park?
The Central Riverfront Garage, just west of the Cincinnati Lager House on Mehring Way, has the best entrance. Follow the signs to the Event Lawn and take the elevator or stairs at the Lager House. The Public Landing to the east is weather permitting and has no overnight parking. Metered street parking is also available around The Banks and downtown.
Can I bring my dog?
Service animals are welcome everywhere. Well-behaved pets on a short leash are welcome in outdoor areas only. Small pets can be easy for other guests to miss in the crowd.
Does the market close if it rains?
No, it's an all-weather event. It only shuts down for severe weather when the National Weather Service advises it, and any closure is posted on the market's website and social media.
Do vendors take cards?
Yes, both credit cards and cash are accepted.
How can I get involved?
You can apply to be a vendor, an entertainer, a volunteer or a sponsor.
More Christmas Events Near Cincinnati
More Christmas Events near Cincinnati
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.