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'TIS THE SEASON TO CELEBRATE ALL THE GOOD THINGS HAPPENING IN THE QUEEN CITY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

SCROLL DOWN FOR A FULL LIST OF HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS.

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE!

Featured Holiday Events

  • Thanksgiving Day Race

    The West End

    Thanksgiving Day Race | November 28, 2024

    115th Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race

    Choose from 5k, 10k or kids race! Register here.

    Address: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati OH 45202

  • The Shillito’s Elves

    Over-the-Rhine

    The Shillito's Elves | Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 One of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions is back! The Shillito’s Elves have returned for another year of holiday magic. This year, the decades-old Elves have set up shop on Main Street in OTR. The Shillito’s Elves made their debut in the 1950s in the windows at Shillito’s, Cincinnati’s first department store. They are a collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop. They’ve been a classic Cincinnati holiday tradition going back 70 years, bringing joy to those who make the pilgrimage Downtown to see their spritely, festive scenes.

    Location

    The Elves’ location on Main Street is perfectly situated for visitors looking to mark some items off their gift-list. The Elves will be located in the same footprint as the Main Street Pop-Up Holiday Market, and just two blocks from bustling Vine Street which is filled local retailers. Downtown residents and visitors can see the Elves on display at 1312 and 1324 Main Street from Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, to Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2025. Though they can be seen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, they will be animated at the following times:
    • Monday – Thursday | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m
    • Friday – Sunday | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    Thank you to Al Neyer for making the elves possible this year!

    Address: 1312 + 1324 Main Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

  • Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center

    The West End

    November 9 - Jan 6, 2025 | Union Terminal | Various Times Celebrate 78 years of winterland whimsy! The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple for decades, delighting generations since they first debuted downtown in 1946. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where over 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives steam past anxious passengers waiting to board while cars sit with snow to their hubcaps and the perfect trees strapped to their roofs. Holiday Junction features bursts of winter whimsy that greet you as soon as you enter the door. The Northern Lights display serves as the perfect backdrop for family photos as wispy green lights dance behind you and snow-rimmed trees surround you. The history of the Duke Energy Holiday Trains is also told through an interactive storybook filled with photos of the iconic trains over the decades. The Holiday Scavenger Hunt features hidden objects in the garden railway layout begging you to walk around, peel your eyes and scour every detail tucked away in the snowy hills. Returning once again is Brickopolis, a blizzard of LEGO bricks crafted into fantastical scenes. The whimsical display is another seek and find treat surrounding a stunning LEGO metropolis complete with running trains, active seashores and hijinks by the local residents. Of course, no holiday is complete without a visit to Santa. Santa makes his grand arrival by helicopter courtesy of UC Health on Friday, November 29. You can visit the jolly elf by his fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery. Also returning this year is the OMNIMAX® film Rocky Mountain Express, where you can immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies aboard a historic steam locomotive.

    Address: Cincinnati Museum Center, Cincinnati OH 45203

    Phone: (513) 287-7000

  • UC Health Ice Rink Presented By: Fifth Third Bank

    Central Business District

    November 4 through February 19 The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank is open 7 days a week! Enjoy a variety of events including Skate Lessons, Soundtrack Skates, Bengals Tailgates, and more. No reservations required. Rink amenities include 600 pairs of rental skates, the WGU Ohio Warming Tent, a full-service concessions tent with hot and cold snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, on-site parking, and restrooms. The rink is open to skaters of all ages. The rink operates seven days a week with Pre-Holiday, Holiday, and Post-Holiday hours listed below. NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.. COST: Open Skate is $10 and includes admission and skate rental. Payable by credit or debit card or mobile payments HOURS: Pre-Holiday Hours Nov 4 – Dec 14 Mon, Tues, Wed: 4p to 8p Thurs, Fri: 12p to 10p Sat: 10a to 10p (10a to 3p split ice with bumper cars operating) Sun: 10a to 8p (10a to 3p split ice with bumper cars operating) Holiday Season Hours Dec 15 – Jan 1 Open Skate: 10a to 10p, 7 days a week Post Season: Jan 2 – Feb 19 (hours subject to change) Mon, Tues, Wed: 4p to 8p Thurs, Fri: 12p to 10p Sat: 10a to 10p (10a to 3p split ice with bumper cars operating) Sun: 10a to 8p (10a to 3p split ice with bumper cars operating)

    Address: 520 Vine St, Cincinnati OH 45202

    Phone: 513-297-6069

  • The Nutcracker presented by Sheakley Family

    Over-the-Rhine

    Dec 19 -29 | Various Times No holiday is complete without a trip to the Land of Sweets! When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life. Joined by her Nutcracker Prince, Clara meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and a cast of colorful characters. With Tchaikovsky’s beloved score performed live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

    Address: Music Hall, Cincinnati OH 45202

    Phone: 513-744-3344

  • Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

    Over-the-Rhine

    December 13 - 29, 2024 CSC's holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent (but undeniably adoring) look at all of your “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Grinch, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high octane jollity and frivolity. Run Time: 90 minutes (plus a 15 minute intermission) Content Advisory: PG-13. Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa.

    Address: 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH

  • Solstice Glow

    The West End

    Solstice Glow | November 2, 2024 - January 5, 2025 Presented By ScherZinger Pest Control  Solstice Glow is a celebration of the magic of winter and the longest night of the year. Journey through the showroom as we bring light into the darkness through candles, lanterns and festive displays. Enjoy the model trains that make their way throughout the poinsettias and other winter plants. Admire the miniature replicas of Cincinnati icons. NEW this year is CVG airport. This show will allow you to appreciate the calm quietness of winter, the traditions that connect us and the lights that brighten even the longest nights. Admission Adults: $10 Youth (5-17): $7 Children (4 and under):Free Show Hours Daily 10am - 8pm Hours are subject to change Tickets for this show are not timed and can be  used anytime during normal hours For an updated calendar, please visit: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-park/find-a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatory/ Days With Limited Hours December 5th: 10 am - 5 pm December 7th: 10 am - 5 pm December 9th: 10 am - 4:30 pm December 12th: 10 am - 5 pm December 31th: 10 am - 5 pm Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day open 10 am - 8 pm Crib of the Nativity Sponsored by the Western & Southern Fund Open December 9th – January 5th From 9 am -9 pm daily Holiday Trees Krohn's iconic poinsettia tree is back! Our evergreen trees are decorated with handmade ornaments created by our volunteer group, the Krohn Crafters Guild. On display in the lobby December 6, 2024 - January 7, 2024 Supporting Sponsors Allen S. Bazzoli, M.D. & Cincinnati Parks Foundation Horticultural Partners Bonsai Society of Greater Cincinnati & Greater Cincinnati Dahlia Society Special Thanks Krohn Craft Guild Admission tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable

    Address: Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati OH 45202

  • Main Street Pop-Up Holiday Market

    Over-the-Rhine

    Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Join us every weekend from Nov. 22 - Dec. 24 and shop a variety of unique vendors and small businesses in one location!

    Address: 1318-1320 Main Street, Cincinnati OH 45202

  • Merry Movies on Main

    Over-the-Rhine

    Main Street is the place to be this Holiday Season! Get into the holiday spirit at Merry Movies on Main while you explore all that Main Street has to offer. Merry Movies on Main features a free  outdoor holiday movie every Saturday from 5-7p. It’s the perfect opportunity to cozy up with your favorite lawn chair and a warm blanket, take a break from all of your holiday shopping on Main Street, and enjoy complimentary popcorn and seasonal cheer! Movies will be shown on Woodward Street, inside of  Ziegler Park.   The Movie Lineup November 23rd | Candy Cane Lane November 30th | Home Alone December 7th | Polar Express December 14th | Elf December 21st | How the Grinch Stole Christmas

    Address: Ziegler Park, Cincinnati OH 45202

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Events

Looking for something fun to do this holiday season in Downtown Cincinnati? Here are the holiday happenings.

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Downtown Specials

Find specials at your favorite Downtown Cincinnati shops, bars and restaurants this holiday season.

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Holiday Rental Spaces & Catering

Looking for a space to host your holiday party, or trying to find catering options Downtown? Look no further.

Visit the Shillito's Elvesarrow-right
Heading to Over-the-Rhine? Be sure to check out the Shillito's Elves, located on Main Street, from Nov. 22 - Jan. 5!

Looking to make the most out of your time Downtown? Hop on the free Cincinnati Bell Connector and check out everything going on at each of its 18 stops.

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Looking for parking? There are plenty of garages and surface lots Downtown. Park once and hop on and off the free streetcar to make the most of your visit. There are also plenty of other ways to get around, including Red Bike, scooters and the Metro.
Queen city gift card

Your ticket to shopping local.

Need a gift with incredible possibilities? The Queen City Card can be used for retailers, restaurants, and experiences throughout Downtown.

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