2026 Christmas and Holiday Events in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Looking for holiday events?

The holiday season is one of the best times to explore local attractions, create family traditions, and make memories without traveling far from home. Whether you're planning a date night, a family outing, or a weekend adventure, these Christmas holiday activities can help you make the most of the season.

Holiday light shows and seasonal displays

Few things feel more magical than seeing thousands of twinkling lights transform familiar places into winter wonderlands.

PNC Festival of Lights

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden hosts the annual PNC Festival of Lights, one of the region's most beloved holiday traditions. Visitors can stroll through illuminated pathways, enjoy synchronized light displays, and experience the zoo in an entirely different way during the holiday season. The 44th annual festival runs November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027, with lights and activities starting at 4 p.m. (closed November 26th, December 24 th, and December 25 th). It’s included with Zoo admission.

Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show

During the 2026 holiday season (October 31, 2026, through January 3, 2027), Krohn Conservatory is featuring A Spider's Gift, a whimsical seasonal exhibit inspired by the Ukrainian Christmas Spider folktale. Follow magical silver webs throughout the conservatory to spot friendly spiders hidden among sparkling poinsettias and lush botanical displays while learning how these fascinating creatures help our homes and gardens. It's a fun, family-friendly way to enjoy holiday magic while staying warm indoors. The show is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm.

Ice skating and outdoor winter fun

No list of holiday activities would be complete without ice skating.

Throughout the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area, seasonal outdoor rinks pop up each winter, offering a festive setting for skaters of all skill levels. Some venues pair skating with holiday lights, seasonal music, hot chocolate, and visits from Santa, creating an experience that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Options include: 

• Summit Park in Blue Ash (November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027)in Blue Ash (November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027)
• UC Health Ice Rink at Elm Street Plaza in downtown Cincinnati (the longtime Fountain Square rink, relocated). Open November 7, 2026 through February 21, 2026.
• Northern Kentucky Ice Center Northern Kentucky Ice Center in Crescent Springs, an indoor, year-round rink with public skating sessions

Holiday activities for families

Holiday Junction

Located inside Cincinnati Museum Center, Holiday Junction combines model trains, winter village displays, and hands-on exhibits that delight both children and adults. It's a perfect activity when you're looking for indoor holiday fun. The exhibit, officially Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, runs November 13, 2026, through January 4, 2027, and is included with museum admission (free for members).

Santa visits and seasonal events

Families can also find plenty of opportunities to visit Santa throughout the region. For example, Newport on the Levee regularly hosts holiday celebrations, seasonal lighting events, and Santa appearances throughout the holiday season. In 2026, Light Up the Levee is November 21, 2026 from 3 pm to 7 pm, with a 50-foot tree lighting and fireworks at 7 pm, and free photos with Santa are offered on Saturdays from November 21, 2026 through December 19, 2026.

Newport Aquarium holiday experiences

The Newport Aquarium offers seasonal programming that puts a unique twist on holiday traditions, including opportunities to see Santa in an underwater setting. Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland runs November 27, 2026 through December 24, 2026.

Christmas tree farms

One of the most common questions families ask each year is: How much does a real tree cost?
National Christmas Tree Association survey data has put the national average price of a real tree at roughly $110 to $120 in recent years.¹

Many local tree farms offer additional Christmas holiday activities, including:

• Choose-and-cut tree experiences 
• Hayrides 
• Hot cocoa stations 
• Gift shops 
• Visits with Santa 
• Holiday photo opportunities

Shopping early often provides the best selection and can help you avoid the busiest weekends of the season. And be sure to research ahead of time, as some farms only accept cash or check. If so, stop by an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) to withdraw cash.

Holiday markets and local shopping 

The holiday season is also an excellent time to support local businesses. Seasonal markets throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky feature: 

• Handmade gifts 
• Local artisan products 
• Specialty foods 
• Holiday décor 
• Gifts for teachers, coworkers, and family members 

These events make it easier to find meaningful gifts while supporting small businesses in our communities. Check out City Flea Holiday Market (December 5-6, 2026) in Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine and the Cincinnati Art Museum Holiday Market (November 21-22, 2026).  

Enjoy holiday spending that rewards you 

Whether you're taking the family to local light shows, buying gifts from holiday markets, or picking out the perfect Christmas tree, everyday holiday purchases can work harder for you. 

• Use your General Electric Credit Union (GECU) credit card to earn points on eligible purchases throughout the season. Points can be redeemed for cash back, allowing you to pay off your balance faster.  
• Use your GECU debit card and Round-Up to earn debit card rewards.² Members can earn up to $350 per year while helping build savings habits at the same time.  

Not a member yet? Anyone in the Cincinnati Tri-State area can bank with us, and, like seasonal treats, the perks are sweet!  

FAQs 

When does the PNC Festival of Lights start in 2026? 

The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo runs November 19, 2026, through January 3, 2027. It’s closed November 26th, December 24th, and December 25th, and it’s included with Zoo admission. 

Where can I go ice skating in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky? 

Popular options include the UC Health Ice Rink at Elm Street Plaza downtown (November 7, 2026 through February 21, 2026), the Ice Rink at Summit Park in Blue Ash (November 14, 2026, through January 10, 2027), and the indoor, year-round Northern Kentucky Ice Center in Crescent Springs. 

How much does a real Christmas tree cost in Cincinnati? 

Most real trees at local farms cost will run you about $120, with factors like size and tree variety impacting the cost.¹ 

Are there free holiday events in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky? 

Yes. Among other options, Light Up the Levee at Newport on the Levee (November 21, 2026) is free to attend, and Newport on the Levee offers complimentary photos with Santa on Saturdays from November 21 through December 19.