During the holidays, you are home with your family a lot more than usual, and often it is hard to find something for everyone to do together. Here is a list of fun, holiday activities going on all around Cincinnati. Spend the holidays with the people you cherish, doing enjoyable things everyone will love and remember for a lifetime.1. The PNC Festival of Lights
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo kicks off Friday, November 28, and is open nightly from 5- 9 p.m. (Closed December 24 and 25.) Guests can enjoy half-priced admission December 1-3, 8-10 and 15-17!
The Cincinnati Zoo has an incredible light display which lines the paths of the zoo with more than 2.5 million lights, and you also get to see the majority of the animal exhibits still on display. Dancing light displays and ice sculptures are also a beautiful part of the Festival of Lights. Visitors can even see the ice sculptures being carved each evening during the festival. The kids can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and even pet a reindeer.
There is food available, including hot chocolate, caramel apples, hot apple cider, and fresh baked, warm cookies. Don’t forget to visit the breath-taking 35-foot-tall International Tree. For more information visit www.cincyzoo.org.
2. Holiday Fest at the Beach Waterpark
If you’re looking for real winter fun and real value, then visit Holiday Fest at The Beach. All kids under 48 inches get In free! Take your family for an unforgettable day of ice skating on Ohio’s largest outdoor rink, ride the toboggan slide and check out their amazing miniature train display. There are over 25 holiday attractions in all, and Santa Claus is there every day. The event runs from November 28 through January 11 and open nightly, 3-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 5-10 p.m. weekdays. For more information visit www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
3. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods Park
Sharon Woods offers an outdoor light display viewed by patrons from the comfort of their own vehicle. Built over a mile of wooded roadway, the display of fantastic seasonal color adorns hundreds of trees as well as more than 120 moving and standing holiday themed figures depicting everything from Santa Claus and his elves to Godzilla. Holiday in Lights is open every day (including all holidays) until December 31. Visit www.holidayinlights.com/ for more information.
4. Holiday Junction at The Cincinnati History Museum
Wander through a wonderland of miniature train displays and enjoy hands-on activities for the whole family. Four-level, multi-train set-ups display some of the oldest model trains, children’s activities and crafts. Open November 28-January 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information visit www.cincymuseum.org.
5. Downtown Holiday Train Display
A huge train display located in downtown Cincinnati at the southwest corner of 4th and Main streets in the main lobby of the Duke Energy building. Open now through Dec. 31, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. There is no admission charge, and it is fun for all ages.
6. Ice Skating on Fountain Square
Enjoy an outdoor ice rink right in the middle of Downtown’s Fountain Square. There is a heated tent with vending machines, benches, and skate rental available. $2.50 admission and $2.50 skate rental. Open now through January 4, Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight, and Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Open Christmas Day and New Year’s Day 2-10 p.m. For more information visit www.myfountainsquare.com/icerink.
7. Santa’s North Pole Express with the Lebanon, Mason, and Monroe Railroad
Join the Lebanon Mason Monroe (LM&M) Railroad on their vintage holiday train ride to pick up Santa Claus. Bring kids, grandparents, or a friend, but don’t forget your camera, because this event is filled with fun. Ticket price includes the following activities: take a picture with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Rudolph, be entertained by Santa’s elves, and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and a holiday cookie! Open December 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21, Saturday, 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. Arrive 15 minutes prior to ride time. The train runs for about an hour and a half. Visit www.lebanonrr.com/santa.htm for more information.
8. Weekend Carriage Rides at Macy’s Celebration Station
Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley carriage rides through the heart of the city. Free, courtesy of Macy’s. Carriage boarding at Macy’s Celebration Station, Corner of Fifth and Race Sts. December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, Noon-5 p.m. (Final boarding at 4:45 p.m.) For more information call (513) 421-4440.
9. Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley
Two decorated trolleys provide weekend shuttle service in the heart of downtown. Boarding is in front of the Westin across from Fountain Square with stops at all major holiday attractions along Fourth and Fifth Streets every 10 minutes. Free ride tickets provided by P&G, Charmin, Oral-B and Ulmer & Berne LLP, available on board. Open December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays noon-5 p.m. For more information call (513) 421-4440.
10. Santa’s Water Wonderland at the Newport Aquarium
Scuba Santa’sTM Water Wonderland is one of the most unique holiday experiences in America. It’s a magical place where seahorses fly and “Scuba Santa” talks to you from beneath the sea. It is fun for the whole family. Open now through January 3, weekends 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and weekdays 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. For more information visit www.newportaquarium.com/.
11. Cincinnati Ballet presents the Nutcracker
Don’t miss the most famous and extravagant ballet adventure in the world, for children of all ages, when the mysterious toymaker Herr Drosselmeier’s gift of a Nutcracker doll sets young Marie flying to The Land of Toys and Sweets with her beloved Nutcracker Prince. Showing at Procter & Gamble Hall, The Aronoff Center, Dec. 12-2. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Visit www.cincinnatiballet.com/ for more information.
12. Key Bank presents A Christmas Carol
Adapted by Howard Dallin, the Playhouse’s version of “A Christmas Carol” combines faithful storytelling with spellbinding stage magic to bring to life its familiar story of a sinner given one last chance at redemption by four persuasive ghosts. Showing at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park December 4-December 30. Shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Visit www.cincyplay.com/ for more information.