Cue NSYNC’s Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays! That’s right friends, tis the season, filled with cookies, cocoa, and cheer. As we navigate all the food we will be eating at the endless holiday parties this month, here is a small list of events, including some that are shopping and holiday inspired, happening throughout the region. Hope it helps you enjoy even more things to do during this magical time of year.

Local NKY & Cincy Region, Non-Holiday Events

A hand holding a Braxton taster glass up to the craft beer taps for a pour of Dark Charge Imperial Stout in Covington, Ky.2023 Dark Charge Winter Block Party Weekend

Kicking off their 2023 Dark Charge Winter Block Party Weekend is Braxton’s STAVE: A Night in the Dark. Join Braxton Brewing for a 7-course culinary journey that celebrates great cuisine and the harmonious pairing of bourbon and beer. Collaborating with serval of the B-Line partners, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Tickets are going fast so be sure to secure your spot now.

Braxton Brewing’s Dark Charge Winter Block Party is in full swing on Saturday, December 2, featuring music, food, and of course, the bourbon barrel-aged variants!

Image is of the Cincinnati Reds logo with the words REDSFEST above it. Below it says present by PNC, benefiting the Reds Community Fund.Redsfest

The annual Bally Sports Ohio Redsfest returns December 1 -2, featuring current and former Cincinnati Reds players, games for kids, shopping and much more! Tickets are on sale now!

NKY and Cincy Region Holiday Shopping

Looking for the perfect gifts for your friends and family? We encourage you to shop and support local at one of these local holiday markets!

Image is a poster that says "First Friday Holiday Night Market, 331 Fairfield Ave, December 1st 5-9pm, Shop Bellevue - In Vue".First Friday Holiday Market

Shop Bellevue – In Vue host their monthly First Friday on December 1, with additional local vendors for their Holiday Night Market. Guests are encouraged to sip and shop along Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue, KY.

Image is of the Goebel Park Bell Tower with tree's, wreaths and holiday lights.

Mainstrasse Christkindlmarkt

Mainstrasse’s Christkindlmarkt encourages you to shop for unique gifts from local vendors while enjoying something to eat, drink and fun activities for the children on December 3.

Image is of people shopping at vendor tents during the day in the winter with Cincinnati Music Hall in the background.

Winter Market at Washington Park

Washington Park is bringing back their popular Winter Market to the heart of Cincinnati. Featuring regional artists and craftsmen who sell one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your shopping list. There will also be full concessions including food, beer and hot drinks every December Saturday and Sunday through December 17.

Image is a poster of a small village next to Moerlein and between the Roebling bridge.

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

Located next to the Morelein Lager House on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn is the German American Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt. This magical, holiday themed festival features food, shopping, holiday lights, an ice slide and more! The market will be open November 22 – December 31. Please visit their website for days and hours.

NKY and Cincy Region Holiday Events

creation museum christmastown

Christmas Town 2023

The Creation Museum & Answers in Genesis continues their 16-year tradition with their ChristmasTown holiday event. For the cost of parking ($15), families can enjoy their Christmas light display, live animals at the Eden Animal Experience, “Encounter the Wonder” 4D show and much more through December 30.

Image is of a scuba diver dressed in a Santa costume with a shark swimming behind him.

Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland at Newport Aquarium

This NKY and Cincy Region tradition continues for its 21st year, Scuba Santa’s Wonderland at Newport Aquarium through December 24. Come and explore the sea full of penguins, holiday lights and as a special treat, Santa Claus! Be sure to visit their website for Santa’s hours and to purchase your tickets. 

Image is of a tea pot, cup of tea, candles and ornaments next to it.

Holiday Teas

The Taft Museum of Art is hosting their festive afternoon Holiday Teas December 8 - 22. Enjoy savory bites, sweet treats, and a selection of Churchill’s Teas as you listen to live holiday music. Included with your ticket is admission to the Taft Historic House galleries and enjoy the holiday lights and displays. A reservation is required so purchase your ticket now.

Image is a poster promoting "Cincinnati Santacon on Saturday, December 9".

Cincinnati Santacon

Breakout the Santa suit and be merry all day long as thousands of jolly people gather for the annual Cincinnati Santacon. Explore over 50 venues, eat and drink locally as you spread that holiday cheer on December 9. Proceeds from this event will benefit The Cure Starts Now Foundation. Tickets are available now.

If this list doesn’t get you into the holly jolly spirit, head over to our events calendar for a full listing of all the holiday and non-holiday events happening all month long.