Winter Wonderland at Washington Park
holiday_light_displays

Artistic rendering โ€“ Event may differ

Winter Wonderland at Washington Park

Immerse yourself in a magical holiday experience at Washington Park's Winter Wonderland. This enchanting installation, a collaboration by Cincinnati Ballet and local partners, features a captivating Nutcracker-inspired story walk with six scenes created by Art Academy of Cincinnati students. Dazzling holiday lights will adorn the park, creating a festive atmosphere throughout December. Don't miss the special launch event on December 1st, complete with ballet dancers, characters, family activities, and free photos with Santa Claus.

What to Expect

Nutcracker-inspired story walk and holiday lights

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: FREE โ€“ Get tickets
  • Accessibility: Information on accessibility services for performances can be found on the Music Hall and Aronoff Center websites, as well as Cincinnati Ballet's Accessibility Page.
  • Pets: No pets allowed (service animals welcome)

Other Christmas Events Near Cincinnati

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ ๐ŸŽ„ (5/5)

Best For

Families, holiday enthusiasts, ballet fans

Vibe

Festive, magical, whimsical

Energy Level

Low

Budget

FREE

Photo Friendly

๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท ๐Ÿ“ท (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Special launch event on December 1st from 11 AM - 3 PM
  • Free photos with Santa Claus on-site
  • 50th anniversary of The Nutcracker celebration

Tags

holiday light displaysfamily friendlySanta visitsinteractive displayscommunity celebrationfestive atmosphereholiday traditionwinter activitiesNutcracker

Location

Washington Park
Cincinnati, OH

Event Details

Duration

All day

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Over-the-Rhine

Timed Entry

No

Featured Performers

  • Ballet dancers and characters

Organizer

Cincinnati Ballet

Food & Drink

Beverages available for purchase, including coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Small snacks and treats also available.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early for the December 1st launch event to fully enjoy the ballet dancers, characters, and family activities before Santa Claus arrives.
  • The story walk scenes are created by students, offering a unique artistic perspective on The Nutcracker.
  • While the story walk and lights are available throughout December, the special launch event on December 1st offers additional entertainment.
  • Check the Cincinnati Ballet website for specific performance times and details related to The Nutcracker at Music Hall, running December 19-29.
  • The lighting enhancements in Washington Park will remain visible through February 2025, extending the festive feel beyond the holiday season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased at the Cincinnati Ballet Margaret and Michael Valentine Center for Dance, by telephone at 513-621-5282, or online at cballet.org. Cincinnati Ballet is the only authorized seller of tickets to their events.

How long are ballet performances?

Ballet performances typically last about 2 hours and 15 to 30 minutes, including an intermission. It is recommended to arrive early to allow time for parking and seating.

Can I take photos or videos of the performance?

Photography, videography, and recording of any performance are strictly prohibited. While sharing your experience on social media is encouraged, please refrain from capturing the actual performance.

What should I wear to the ballet?

Comfortable, business casual attire is suggested for attending the ballet. For special occasions, guests are encouraged to dress up.

Are refreshments available for purchase?

Yes, bars are open before shows and during intermissions, offering beverages like coffee, soft drinks, and alcohol. Small snacks and treats are also available, with only drinks permitted inside the theater.

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.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 30, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team

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