In the mood for quaint downtowns, decorated storefronts and incredible light displays?
These towns are full of holiday spirit and are just a short drive from Cincinnati.
We rounded up and visited five towns near Cincinnati that are sure to get you feeling festive. So, grab your shopping bags, a hot cocoa and hit the road.
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Hamilton
With art galleries and candy and gift shops, downtown Hamilton is a great place to spend a cozy afternoon and finish your holiday shopping. Small businesses go all out with decorations, including High St. Cafe, which has a leg lamp like the one from "A Christmas Story" in its window.
Hamilton is also home to the Journey Borealis, a drive-through light display open until Jan. 1 with more than 1 million lights and independent artist showcases. Lean more at Journeyborealis.com
Morrow
The Village of Morrow, located in Warren County, is home to the Christmas Ranch, which has been featured on "Good Morning America" and other national outlets. The truly stunning light display pairs 1 million colorful Christmas lights with synchronized holiday music.
Walk through the twinkling display, stop by Christmas shops and Santa's bakery and café, warm up by the bonfire or catch a train ride. Learn more about the Christmas Ranch, open through Dec. 23, at thechristmasranch.com.
Middletown
Go ice skating, warm up in an igloo and take photos with Santa Claus at Holiday Whopla, located throughout Middletown's downtown Dora district. The second annual celebration includes interactive holiday light displays, musical performances, artist vendors and more. See the full event calendar at holidaywhopla.com.
After a day of Whopla-ing, stop by Light Up Middletown in the evening for a drive-through light display. It's open nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. until Dec. 31. Learn more at lightupmiddletown.org.
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Lebanon
Downtown Lebanon is downright cute, but locals kick things up a notch during the holidays.
Peruse festive storefronts, stop by one of many antique shops or enjoy a sit-down meal at the Golden Lamb.
The nearby Armco Park is also the location of this year's Holiday in Lights. The drive-through display runs until Dec. 30. Find out more at holidayinlights.com.
Florence
This Northern Kentucky town is home to the Deck the Y’alls Lightfest, which runs nightly from 5:30 to 10 p.m., through Jan. 1.
Thomas More Stadium is transformed into an interactive winter wonderland with more than 2 million lights, an outdoor ice skating rink, carnival rides and more.
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