With the holiday season fast approaching, there's always an opportunity around Cincinnati to get out and partake in the spirit and magic of the season whichever way you feel best.
From parades to festivals to light shows, we put together a list of the 10 definitive holiday events every Cincinnatian should experience at least once.
Editor's note: Top 10 lists are subjective, your top 10 might be different. Feel free to make your own. We'll have tons of lists throughout the season that will include the other wonderful events that didn't make this list. If you would simply like to tell us how wrong we are, please send an email to [email protected]. This inbox will not be monitored. Happy holidays!
10. Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade
Why you need to go: The 32nd annual parade is for horse-lovers and festival enthusiasts alike, with two parade times winding through Lebanon: a daylight parade at 1 p.m. and the traditional candlelight parade at 7 p.m. Come for the fun, stay for the food, caroling, entertainment, carriage rides, visits with Santa and more.
Info: Saturday, Dec. 4, downtown Lebanon; lebanonchamber.org/carriage-parade.
9. Reindog Parade in Mount Adams
Why you need to go: The good boys and girls of Cincinnati (and their owners) can dress in their holiday best as they parade around Mount Adams in the annual event. Prizes are awarded in categories, including 25 pounds and under, 25 pounds and over, dog and owner lookalike and for groups (three or more). All proceeds benefit SPCA Cincinnati.
Info: Saturday, Dec. 11, Mount Adams; mtadamscincy.org.
8. Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Why you need to go: Santa gets adventurous at the Newport Aquarium, donning a scuba suit and swimming with sharks as he listens to what you want for Christmas this year.
Info: Nov. 26-Dec. 24, Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Way; newportaquarium.com.
7. Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival
Why you need to go: Boasting itself as "probably the oldest continuing festival of the Christmas season," the Boar's Head Yule Log Festival was first celebrated at Christ Church in 1940. The authentic-to-the-14th-century celebration includes homemade mince pie and plum pudding. While boars aren't found in the native Ohio woods, a hog's head is appropriately dressed to represent the boar and is roasted and garnished but not eaten.
Info: Jan. 1-2, Christ Church Cathedral, Fourth and Sycamore streets, Downtown; cincinnaticathedral.com/boars-head.
6. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
Why you need to go: Do you like lights? How about over a million of them? That's what Holiday in Lights has to offer with over 250 light displays in the family tradition happening for over 30 years. The light show is built on over a mile of wooded roadway, and spectators can purchase special effects glasses at the gate to make the lights truly come alive.
Info: Nov. 19-Dec. 30, Sharon Woods Park, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville; holidayinlights.com.
5. Light Up the Square
Why you need to go: The gigantic Christmas tree will be lit up during the annual lighting ceremony, and it's a must-see. Oh, and there will also be live music, ice skating, drinks and more.
Info: Friday, Nov. 26, Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown; myfountainsquare.com.
4. "The Nutcracker" and "A Christmas Carol"
Why you need to go: Visions of sugarplums can become a reality by watching the Cincinnati Ballet's "The Nutcracker." It's also your last chance to see "A Christmas Carol" for at least a year: the holiday classic is planning a one-year hiatus and will return with a new production, script and sets in the fall of 2023.
Nutcracker info: Presented by Cincinnati Ballet. Dec. 16-26, Music Hall Springer Auditorium, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine; cballet.org.
Christmas Carol info: Nov. 24-Dec. 30, Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams; cincyplay.com.
3. Krohn Conservatory Holiday Show
Why you need to go: Breathe in the warm air and take in the train and plant-filled rooms as poinsettias, garden railways and replicas of Cincinnati landmarks come to life inside the conservatory.
Info: Nov. 6-Jan. 9, 950 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams; cincinnatiparks.com/krohn.
2. Holiday Junction at Union Terminal
Why you need to go: The trains are back for their 75th season, with track-level views that allow visitors to see over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives on display. There's also "Brickopolis," or Lego bricks crafted into scenes from Disney, Marvel, DC Comics and Harry Potter.
Info: Nov. 12-Jan.3, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate; cincymuseum.org.
1. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Why you need to go: In addition to 4 million LED lights at the zoo, visitors can ride the North Polar Express train ride, you can watch the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake or eat at one of the two available S'mores-n-More stands. It's No. 1 for a reason.
Info: Nov. 19-Jan. 9, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St., Avondale; cincinnatizoo.org.
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