The holidays are here! After the Thanksgiving turkey feast, you can head out to enjoy a feast of Christmas festivals, holiday shopping events, and merry things to do for the rest of the year. In fact, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have so many fun holiday events lined up, you could probably enjoy one every single day from now until Jan. 1!
Most people who live here, or travel to the Cincinnati and NKY region at this time of year, are familiar with the biggies; A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park, The Nutcracker at Music Hall, the Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show, the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights, Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center. So, we thought we’d shine a sparkly light on some local holiday things to do that are just as fun, but maybe lesser known.
Newport’s Light Up the Levee – November 25
Head down to Newport on the Levee Sunday at 4 pm for the Tree Lighting ceremony, plus a new ice skating rink, a fireworks show, and Santa’s arrival, along with the debut of Santa’s House!
SantaCon – December 8
Here’s a unique way to warm up for the season while also raising money for a good cause! Dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, an Elf, or even a Reindeer and join hundreds of revelers in one of the biggest Christmas parties of the year.
Newport Aquarium’s Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa – November 23 – December 31
If you’ve never seen Scuba Santa at this “undersea holiday celebration,” you’ve missed one of our region’s unique holiday treats! Twinkling sea creature lights, magic bubbles, and a chance for your little ones to tell Scuba Santa their holiday wishes one-on-one!
Augusta, KY’s White Christmas Parade – December 8 and Christmas Home Tour – Dec. 15
Have fun honoring local legend Rosemary Clooney at the traditional White Christmas parade in scenic Augusta! One week later get tickets to see some of the beautiful, historic homes in our region decked out in their Christmas finest at the Augusta Christmas Home Tour. There will be carolers, local shopping and a free trolley to help you enjoy it all.
Holiday Traditions at Behringer-Crawford Museum – Now through December 31
One of the coolest model trains displays that winds through a fascinating replica of NKY and Cincy, the Behringer-Crawford Museum’s Holiday Trains are a delight! There will also be live music and dance and more holiday fun!
Christmas at the Ark Encounter – November 23 – December 30
The Ark Encounter is sure to dazzle visitors again this year with their jaw-dropping display of Christmas lights. You can also enjoy ice-skating, zip-lines, and a unique shopping opportunity for gifts.
