EXPLORE CINCINNATI

Christmas in Cincinnati

Holiday light displays, ice skating, and local shops for gifts across Cincinnati.

3 events

Family

PNC Festival of Lights

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine Street · Avondale

Mid-November through early January (Nov 17, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027 for the 2026 season)Evenings -- check current zoo hours

2026 is the 44th annual Festival of Lights -- 5 million LED lights, Fiona's Fairyland, Santa's Village, and an "Under the Sea" light display, included with regular zoo admission. Closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Pro tip: Santa visits run through December 23rd only -- don't plan a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day visit expecting him to be there.

Official Event Page

FamilyFree

Fountain Square Tree Lighting

Fountain Square, 520 Vine Street · Downtown

Weekend after Thanksgiving; tree stays lit through New Year'sCeremony around 6:30 PM

A live WLWT Channel 5 broadcast, the Duke Energy holiday tree lighting, and a fireworks display kick off the downtown holiday season. The UC Health Ice Rink (presented by Fifth Third Bank) moved to the new Elm Street Plaza for the 2025-26 season, with Fountain Square itself keeping Winterhaus, pop-up markets, and a new "Fountain of Lights" installation.

Official Event Page

Family

Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show

Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive · Eden Park / Mt. Adams

Early November through early January10:00 AM - 8:00 PM daily

An annual botanical holiday display inside the historic conservatory, usually built around a model-train display of Cincinnati landmarks running through poinsettias and ferns. The specific theme name changes year to year (recent editions have been called "A Festival of Ferns" and "Golden Days of Yule") -- confirm the current year's theme title before publishing.

Official Event Page

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