Skystar at Sunset with Roebling and Cincinnati Skyline

We’re currently up to our pumpkin heads in Halloween parties and fall festivals, but November is right around the corner. Which means so are the holidays! Take a deep breath—there’s plenty of time to plan your shopping, eating, drinking and making merry schedule. Here’s a handy list of some of the jolly things to do coming up in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky:

Whiskey City Festival Lawrenceburg

Whiskey City Festival – Lawrenceburg, IN – November 3

Although it isn’t one of the events loaded with holiday cheer heading your way, the 5th annual Whiskey City Festival will lift your spirits with curated whiskey tastings, samples from local vineyards, delicious food and great live music. Celebrate our tri-state region’s whiskey making history!

Coney Island Christmas Nights of Lights

Christmas Nights of Lights Opens November 9 – Coney Island Amusement Park

A local tradition that’s sure to jumpstart your holiday spirit, Coney Island’s Christmas Nights of Lights begins on Friday, November 9. It’s open rain or shine, so get your family and friends in the car to drive through this wonderland of over one million LED lights!

Winterfair

Winterfair – Northern Kentucky Convention Center – November 23-24

Arts and crafts by some of the best artisans and artists in the U.S. are not only available for your viewing enjoyment at Winterfair, but also available to purchase! This annual celebration of ceramics, wood, glass, painting, metals, fiber, jewelry, photography, and sculpture is a must-see! It’s also a great way to begin your gift shopping. You are sure to find unique and beautiful gifts at Winterfair.

Macy's Light up Square

Macy’s Light Up the SquareFountain Square in Downtown Cincinnati – November 23

Speaking of lights and annual local traditions in Cincinnati and NKY, the “official” kickoff to the holidays, lighting up the tree, happens this year on November 23 at 6 pm. Head downtown to celebrate with a happy crowd. There will be food trucks, live music, ice skating, fireworks and a special visit from Santa Claus!  

Skystar with Roebling at Riverfest

Skystar Wheel

Have you ridden this gorgeous, breathtaking addition to the Cincinnati skyline yet? If not, November is your last chance – the Skystar rolls out of town on Dec. 2. Tickets are $12.50 each. The gondolas are climate controlled, so you’ll be cozy as you take in the spectacular views of our beautiful Ohio and Kentucky Riverfront, day or night.

 

Cincideustch ChristkindlmarktPhoto by IG user aerauch

Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt – Fountain Square – Nov. 23-25

Another fun reason to head downtown this Thanksgiving weekend, our local German heritage group, Cincideutsch, is back to enrich your holiday season with the 7th annual Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt. The official Opening Ceremony, with a keg tapping by Christian Moerlein, and a parade of local German organizations, will take place on Saturday, November 24 at 2:00 p.m. But come during the other hours for the parade of German treats like Gluhwein- a hot spiced wine made from a secret recipe, hand-crafted gifts, hot chocolate, mouthwatering German pastries, and more!