Last updated: November 11, 2024
Get ready for a festive adventure in Covington with our detailed guide. Whether you're deeply rooted in Covington soil or just planting holiday seeds, our guide helps you bloom.
One of the highlights this holiday season is the PNC Festival of Lights, where the Cincinnati Zoo transforms into a dazzling spectacle of light displays and holiday cheer. Kings Island’s WinterFest also offers a unique experience with its enchanting seasonal attractions, including immersive shows and themed areas. And the Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing wonderful animated displays alongside the chance to see the animals. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Contact information and details below.
Holiday celebration with synchronized lights and animal exhibits.
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden features 4 million LED lights, 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, a blacklight puppet show, and the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Visitors can also meet ambassador animals, enjoy seasonal concessions, and visit Santa in Santa’s Village.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: PNC Festival of Lights
Drive-through holiday light show with local artist installations.
Pyramid Hill Lights features a 2-mile drive-through route lit by over one million lights and installations by local artists, inviting the whole family to a unique holiday experience.
Where: Hamilton | More Info: Pyramid Hill Lights
Dazzling fireworks and live music performances.
Light Up the Square is a festive holiday event featuring live music, dance performances, Santa Claus, and a dazzling fireworks display. The UC Health Ice Rink will be open for skating, and the 2nd Wind Band will perform live music.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Light Up the Square
Dazzling LED light display with interactive exhibits.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden transforms into a dazzling display of 4 million LED lights, featuring 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, a blacklight puppet show, and the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake. Visitors can also enjoy seasonal concessions and meet Santa in Santa's Village.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo
Traditional German Christmas market with unique gifts and festive food.
Christkindlmarkt at Germania is Cincinnati's oldest and most authentic German Christmas market, featuring traditional German items, local crafters, and festive food. Visitors can enjoy cold German bier, hot mulled wine, and unique gifts while listening to holiday music. The event includes Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Christkind, St. Nicholaus, carriage rides, pony rides, a lantern parade, and a petting zoo.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Chriskindlmarkt at Germania
Unique handcrafted items by over 200 local artists and crafters.
The Loveland Athletic Boosters Arts and Crafts Show features over 200 talented artists and crafters showcasing unique handcrafted items, including jewelry, baby items, woodcrafts, candles, dips, seasonings, purses, hats, and pottery. The event offers free admission for adults and includes a raffle with donations benefiting the LIFE Food Pantry.
Where: Loveland | More Info: Loveland Athletic Boosters Arts and Crafts Show
Unique shopping experience with local vendors and special event sessions.
The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market is a premier shopping event featuring local vendors selling holiday decor, apparel, toys, and more. Attendees can enjoy VIP Shopper Morning, Early Bird Admission, and Girls Night Out sessions. Santa will be present, and all attendees have a chance to win Merry Money.
Where: Sharonville | More Info: Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
Monthly platform for local artists to sell their work and build bonds with art lovers.
Art on Vine is a monthly local fine art and handmade goods market featuring over 80 artists and makers from the Ohio region. It offers a unique shopping experience where attendees can meet and greet with the artists, discuss their passion for their artwork, and support local talent.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Art on Vine
Unique shopping experience with local vendors and festive atmosphere.
The Mustard Seed Market is a curated vendor market featuring over 100 local businesses, live music, and a variety of food trucks. Enjoy holiday-themed goods, cozy firepits, and activities for the whole family.
Where: Owensville | More Info: Winter at the Mustard Seed Market
Outdoor holiday market with local vendors.
Westside Market – Holiday Edition is an outdoor event featuring 100 local vendors offering a variety of handmade goods and unique items.
Where: Cheviot | More Info: Westside Market – Holiday Edition
Unique local artisans and diverse market offerings.
Findlay Market Holiday Market Weekend 1 features dozens of unique local artisans alongside regular Market Merchants, Farmers, and Outdoor Vendors, offering a diverse array of gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Findlay Market Holiday Market Weekend 1
Supports local artisans and features a variety of handmade crafts.
A gathering of artisans showcasing handmade crafts, from home décor to unique gifts. The event features local vendors, allowing attendees to support the community while finding one-of-a-kind items for the holiday season. Various refreshments may also be available, making it an enjoyable shopping experience.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Colerain High School Boosters Holiday Craft Show
Live student performances and diverse vendor offerings.
The SBOB Art and Craft Show at Sycamore High School features live student performances, a variety of vendors, snacks, drinks, hot dogs, pizza, and a popular bake sale. Admission is $3 for adults, with children under 12 and Sycamore Schools staff free.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Sycamore / SBOB Art and Craft Show
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker is a timeless holiday classic featuring Clara, her Nutcracker Prince, and the Sugar Plum Fairy, with Tchaikovsky's beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker
Dazzling light displays and live entertainment.
Kings Island’s WinterFest features over seven million lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, and a variety of rides including Mystic Timbers and Kings Mills Antique Autos. The event includes live shows, a Winter Wonderland Parade, and festive attractions.
Where: Mason | More Info: Kings Island’s WinterFest
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and live entertainment.
Kings Island WinterFest transforms the park into a holiday spectacle with over seven million lights, ice skating on the Royal Fountain, and a dazzling WinterFest Wonderland Parade. Enjoy live entertainment, festive attractions, and holiday shopping amidst a backdrop of breathtaking decorations.
Where: Mason | More Info: Winterfest at Kings Island
Community-driven event showcasing local artisans and family activities.
Kindervelt Krafts at Seton High School is a community event featuring handmade crafts, local vendors, and family activities. It provides an opportunity for attendees to support local artisans and enjoy a variety of goods and services.
Where: Cincinnati | More Info: Kindervelt Krafts at Seton High School
