The holiday season in Cincinnati is packed with pop-up markets and neighborhood light displays. But if you want a new hands-on tradition this year, local bakeries and studios are rolling out something special: Christmas cookie decorating classes in Cincinnati.

Whether you want a fun night out with friends, a kid-friendly weekend activity, or just want to master the art of royal icing without wrecking your own kitchen, we have rounded up the best holiday cookie decorating workshops across the area. Grab your spot early—these local Cincinnati favorites sell out faster than a fresh batch of gingerbread!

A quick tip before you plan your sweet outing: Advance registration is required for all the workshops on this list so be sure to click the links and grab your tickets early to guarantee your spot!

Family-Friendly Frosting Fun (Kid & Family Classes)

If you are looking to create sweet holiday memories, these local workshops offer a welcoming, low-pressure environment for decorators of all ages.

Merry & Bite with Tink’s Sweet Shoppe This beginner-friendly session covers piping, flooding, and simple decorating techniques, making it a perfect parent-child outing. All cookies, icing, and materials are included, along with light refreshments.

• When: December 12, 2026, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Where: Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Cost: $50 for ages 14 and older; $40 for children 13 and younger (plus ticket fees). A paid adult ticket is required when bringing a child.

Cookies for Santa with Tink’s Sweet Shoppe For a hands-on activity scheduled right before Christmas, this class is an excellent way to prep the plate for Santa’s arrival.

• When: December 19, 2026, 10–11:30 a.m.
• Where: Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3412 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45220
• Cost: $50 for ages 14 and older; $40 for children 13 and younger (plus ticket fees). A paid adult ticket is required when bringing a child.

Festive Fun for Grown-Ups (Adult & Advanced Cookie Classes)

Whether you are planning a festive girls’ night out, a unique date night, or simply want to elevate your icing skills beyond the basics, these workshops are geared toward adults and older teens.

Beginner Sugar Cookie Decorating with Sweetened by Nature Geared towards beginners, this workshop features a fun six-cookie set including Santa, pajamas, reindeer slippers, a pillow, and an alarm clock.

• When: December 16, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• Where: West Side Brewing, Cincinnati
• Cost: $50 for the class ticket. Optional take-home kits are available for an extra charge if you want to keep practicing at home.

Christmas Sugar Cookie Decorating with Wolf Treats Grab a pint and get creative! Wolf Treats is bringing a beginner-friendly decorating class to MPH Brewing. The workshop covers royal icing piping and decorating techniques, making it a great low-pressure night out.

• When: December 6, 2026, 1–3 p.m.
• Where: MPH Brewing, 7880 Remington Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242
• Cost: $49.50 for the class ticket. Optional take-home kits are available for an extra charge if you want to keep practicing at home.

Holiday Sweater Cookies at Baker Hunt Put a cookie twist on the ugly holiday sweater tradition! Baker Hunt adds a great Northern Kentucky option to your December plans with this themed workshop.

• When: December 7, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
• Where: Baker Hunt, 620 Greenup Street Covington, KY

Cozy Christmas Cookies with Sweetened by Nature If you already know the basics and want to build on your decorating skills, this intermediate class is for you. You will design six cozy-themed sugar cookies (including a tree, stockings, and ornaments) while practicing royal icing steps and planning.

• When: December 9, 2026, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
• Where: First Financial Bank Community Room, downtown Cincinnati
• Cost: $60 (Optional take-home kits available for an extra charge).

Christmas Cookie Decorating at 3 Sweet Girls Cakery Can’t decide between royal icing and buttercream? 3 Sweet Girls Cakery is offering a class for each!

• Royal Icing Class: December 9, 2026, 6:15–7:30 p.m. ($95)
• Buttercream Class: December 16, 2026, 6–7 p.m. ($75)
• Where: 7458 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236

Christmas Cookies Classes at Turner Farm For the ultimate culinary experience, Turner Farm teaches you how to make the cookies and decorate them. You will mix the dough from scratch, roll, cut, bake, and prepare the icing. The evening class includes a seasonal dinner (cannot accommodate gluten-free or dairy-free requests).

• When: December 17, 2026 (6–8 p.m.)
• Where: Turner Farm, 7400 Given Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243
• Cost: $70 per session

Wrapping Up Your Holiday Plans

Whether you’re looking to master the perfect royal icing flood or just want an excuse to eat frosting with friends, Cincinnati’s bakers and bakeries have you covered this season.

Remember to book early—these workshops are beloved local traditions and seats disappear faster than a plate of cookies on Christmas Eve!

Some of these opportunities to volunteer in Cincinnati are appropriate for families and teens while others are adult only.

Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen / Deliver Food:

Our Daily Bread is the city’s largest soup kitchen. Located in Over the Rhine, they are in need of volunteers to help prepare the daily meals (Mon.-Fri., 8:00 am – noon), food pickup and delivery, organizing canned food drives, and more.

St. Francis Seraph Ministries offers the urban poor in Over-the-Rhine an opportunity of dignity with a safe environment to have a hot meal served by compassionate volunteers. Meals are served Monday through Friday. Breakfasts (excluding major holidays) at 6:45am-9am and dinners (excluding major holidays) at 3:45-6pm. Volunteers are welcome year-round to help serve our guests during the breakfast and dinner times. They also need volunteers to assist with their Bag Lunch Program.

Meals on Wheels Meal Delivery program delivers meals to 3500 seniors every week throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Volunteers are currently needed to help as meal drivers, pantry pickup, Birthday Box deliveries, and much more. Additional needs include delivering Thanksgiving meals to seniors, Thanksgiving pie packers, filling in for absent drivers, and more.

Queen City Kitchen has been serving meals for over 40 years. They serve hot meals five days a week from their Walnut Hills kitchen – Tuesday through Thursday and then twice on Saturday, and Sunday. They are always in need of volunteers to help at the kitchens and at the Walnut Hills Pantry.

La Soupe helps bridge the gap between food waste and hunger when they rescue otherwise wasted produce to create delicious and highly-nutritious meals for customers, non-profits and food-insecure families. La Soupe is in need of Food Runners (pick up surplus food and deliver to La Soupe or deliver from La Soupe to receiving agencies), Kitchen Help, and Culinary Education.

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly needs volunteers to interact with elderly friends through visiting and socializing. You can work directly with an elderly friend as a Visiting Volunteer or at one of their social events. They also need help with programming, marketing, office work and fundraising.

Other Volunteer Opportunities

Bethany House offers ways for both groups and individuals to volunteer. Groups can host a weekday dinner or a weekend breakfast. They have yardwork and fall/spring cleaning jobs at their facilities. Individuals are needed to assist with their Kidz Zone program, provide child care, help in the office, help with mailings, and more.

Freestore Foodbank is working hard to reduce hunger in the Tri-State area. They are one of the largest food banks in Ohio, distributing 33 MILLION meals annually and serving 20 counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. They need volunteers every day to pack Power Packs and Senior Boxes for the youngest and oldest in our community, sort food donations to be sent to our community partners, provide customer service at our Liberty Street Market (pantry), assist with special events throughout the year, and provide talents and skills for dozens of other activities that help people when they are in crisis.

A Kid Again helps restore a sense of normal for families thrust into the situation of caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. They offer year-round adventures that allow children to feel “like A Kid Again”. Volunteers are needed to help with bookkeeping, office support, event planning/working, hospital visitation, and more.

Matthew 25 : Ministries helps the poorest of the poor and disaster victims throughout the United States and around the world. Volunteers are needed to help sort, count, and package donated goods for shipments to other parts of the world. They welcome both groups and individuals.

Big Brothers Big Sisters offers two volunteering options: Community-Based (unsupervised visitation with your Little and you pick him/her up from home for fun activities in the community) and Site-Based (which is supervised visitation with your Little at his/her school or Boys and Girls Club in which they have a partnership). They offer Lunch Buddies, School Day options or After School, depending upon the site.

CABVI / Cincinnati Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired offers comprehensive vision rehabilitation services for people of all ages who are blind or visually impaired. Volunteers are needed for administrative office tasks, reading printed materials to individual clients, or reading materials on the air for Radio Reading Services.

Ronald McDonald House offers opportunities to individuals, families, and groups. They need volunteers to prepare and serve meals, prepare snacks in their kitchen, help with household chores, and more.

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly is an international network of non-profit, volunteer-based organizations committed to relieving isolation and loneliness among elderly. Volunteer opportunities include visiting with the elderly, helping with social outings, birthday celebrations, nursing home visits, and more

Little Sisters of the Poor wants you to discover the wisdom and beauty of the elderly through the many volunteer opportunities that exist at St. Paul’s Archbishop Leibold Home. Volunteer needs include visiting residents, transportation needs, assisting with meal service, and more.

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County welcomes volunteers at the Main Library, in administrative departments, and at branches to assist staff by providing services that support library activity. They have a number of rewarding opportunities for volunteers including supporting children and teen programming, assisting with patron holds, keeping collections in order, assisting with clerical work, helping patrons with technology, rewarding participants in the Summer Reading Program, serving children nutritious meals through their Summer Feeding Program, tutoring through the William Hueneke Homework Center, and several other specialized roles.

Animal Shelter Volunteer Opportunities

Ohio Alley Cat Rescue provides low cost, high-quality spay/neuter services for ferals, strays and pets. They also operate a no-kill adoption center dedicated to finding loving homes. Volunteers are needed for cat care, adoption hosts, fostering, and more.

Save the Animals Foundation / STAF is a 100% no-kill shelter for abandoned dogs and cats. STAF is run by volunteers, 400+ volunteers! Volunteer activities include daily care of the animals, obedience training for dogs, socialization of the cats, upkeep of the building and grounds, adoption activities, and working with community groups and schools in promoting humane education.  Volunteers also perform all administrative tasks involved in running a financially sound and secure non-profit.

Volunteer at our Parks:

Great Parks of Hamilton County offers long-term volunteering opportunities as well as one-day volunteering. You can remove invasive plants, adopt a trail, harvest native seeds, or interact directly with park guests at a gift shop, visitor center or during a nature program. Whether you have time to volunteer for a day, a few weeks or years to come, Great Parks has a place for you!

Cincinnati Parks depends on the support of their volunteers. Volunteers assist with the Butterfly Show, Carol Ann’s Carousel, Holiday Crafts at the Krohn Conservatory, and more.

Anderson Park District is looking for volunteers who have a genuine desire to help promote parks and recreation. Their volunteer opportunities include help with special events, programs and leagues as well as clerical support, landscaping help, park ambassadors, and more.

MetroParks of Butler County would love to have you share your talents with them. Volunteers are need for their numerous projects and programs.

Holiday Volunteers Needed Here…

City Gospel Mission is hosting a Thanksgiving Exchange (grocery store) for families in need. The Thanksgiving Exchange is a grocery store where low-income families shop for their own Thanksgiving groceries at a very low price that they can afford. Volunteers are needed to help set up the store, sort items, stock shelves, assist customers, and much more. Minimum age for volunteers is 15.

Freestore Foodbank posts their opportunities on a monthly basis. Watch their calendar for holiday season opportunity updates.

Crossroads Church Thanksgiving Food Drive: In partnership with local churches, schools, civic organizations, and faith-based ministries, they’ll be providing Thanksgiving meals to over 115,000 people in our communities. They’ll also be providing thousands of bulk food items to food pantries and partners in our cities. Be a part of the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive by signing up to serve during box distribution and collection. 

Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly is looking for volunteers to visit the elderly in their homes/apartments on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day, bringing a hot meal with flowers and additional goodies. They also visit three nursing homes on these holidays. And if you have a talent you would like to share, they are always in need of entertainers (magicians, singers, musicians, etc).

St. Vincent de Paul is looking for holiday volunteers who can help with Thanksgiving and Christmas food assembly and distribution. St. Vincent de Paul gives out Thanksgiving food baskets which include a turkey, all of the traditional side items, desserts and everything needed to create a great meal. More than 1,300 dinners are distributed each year to neighbors who start lining up the night before. And more than 1,100 Christmas dinners are given out, along with donuts, drinks and a good time.

Volunteering with a Veterans Organization

DAV offers a wide range of opportunities to assist our nation’s heroes.  Volunteer to transport veterans to and from their VA medical appointments, help at a VA facility or assist veterans in your local community.

Soldiers Volunteers offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities that range from writing letters and sending care packages to visiting veteran patients in VA Hospitals, there is something for everyone!

Enjoy this month long list of Things to Do in Cincinnati for the month of November:

Looking for events by date? Scroll down for the daily happenings below.

Holiday Craft Shows are heating up for November! You’re sure to find one you like in this list that goes from the beginning of November to the end!

Thanksgiving will be here before you know it! Want to lessen the work load this year? Check out our list of Thanksgiving Dinner To Go Options for Cincinnati for all the great Thanksgiving day offerings from our local restaurants. You can order just your turkey OR the entire meal. Be sure to order early!

Lots of Drive Through Light Shows will be open for the season in November. November is a great time to see a light show as the lines/crowds are typically easier to manage. Don’t miss:
Pyramid Hill Light Show
Christmas Glow
Light Up Middletown
and more!

Looking for something to do ON Thanksgiving Day? Check out the list of November 26 events.

Make your plans for Thanksgiving Weekend Events with our list for Nov. 27 – 29, 2026.

Make your plans to cut your own Christmas tree at any one of our Cincinnati area farms.

More Things to do in November, by Date:

November 1: The City Flea is going old school with a Vintage Market at Zieglar Park, 12-5pm.

November 6-8: Germania’s Christkindlmarkt will be going on all weekend, Friday – Sunday. Based on traditional Christmas markets that are popular throughout Germany, Germania’s Christkindlmarkt is mostly under their covered pavilion and heated tents, with some booths and attractions outdoors. Sip on a cold German bier, or enjoy a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) while shopping for unique gifts from Germany and from local crafters, and listen to music that will get you in the holiday spirit!

November 7-8: Head to Shawnee Lookout for the 1800s Harvest Jamboree. Every autumn in the 1800s, Ohioans reaped what they sowed: crops! Step back in time to celebrate fall food and fellowship at this historic 19th-century jubilee. Taste traditionally prepared dishes at the pioneer picnic, join in frontier festivities, toss tomahawks and enjoy family-friendly games. 

November 7: Save those pumpkins and head to Stanbery Park for their annual Pumpkin Chuck, happening from noon to 5pm. Use their giant trebuchets to launch your pumpkin through the air and into the field. They’ll have food trucks on hand, craft beer, live entertainment, and more.

Don’t miss our list of Veterans Day Celebrations here.

November 9-15: It’s Pizza Week! Nosh on $11 pizzas from some of Cincinnati’s best pizza joints. It’s the perfect time to check out something new or enjoy old favorites!

November 13+: Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains opens for the season at Cincinnati Museum Center. See all the old CG&E trains, have some fun at Holiday Junction, and more. Admission charged.

November 14: The Summit Park Ice Rink opens for the season and will be open through January 10, 2027 (closed on holidays). Tickets can be purchased at the ice rink (no online option). Admission charged.

November 14: Art on Vine’s Holiday Market will be happening at Rhinegeist, 12-6pm. Join in for a festive day of shopping and supporting local artists. With over 80 vendors from Cincinnati and beyond, you’ll find something unique for everyone on your list. 

November 19+: Festival of Lights opens for the season at The Cincinnati Zoo.

November 20-22: The Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market will be at the First Financial Center (formerly the Convention Center, downtown). Save a few bucks when you purchase tickets online.

November 20+: Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House on the Event Lawn at Smale Park) opens for the season on November 20.

November 21: Light Up the Levee is happening at Newport on the Levee, 3-7pm. Celebrate the season with live music, fireworks, Santa Claus and the lighting of the tree on The Plaza. The tree lighting will be at 7pm followed by Rozzi fireworks.

November 21: Lights Up will be happening at Liberty Center. The evening includes a holiday parade, family-friendly activities, and a very special guest – Santa! The tree lighting will take place following the parade.

November 21: The Holiday OFF Market will be on the grounds of Summit Park, 10am-4pm.

November 21: Head just a bit north for Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays, 4:30-7:30pm. This is a free family-friendly event. They’ll have a tree lighting, live reindeer, and more. Happening at Marcum Park.

November 27 – 30: See our list of Thanksgiving Weekend Events here

November 27: Kings Island’s Winterfest opens for the season.

November 28: It’s time for Crafty Supermarket at Music Hall, 11am-5pm.

Ring in this holiday season with these fun Cincinnati Christmas and Holiday Events and Happenings!

Get into the holiday spirit with our lineup of festive Christmas events. Click the links for full details

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains

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Experience a Cincinnati holiday tradition at Cincinnati Museum Center when you visit Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains.

Enjoy track-level views of the trains and displays which feature more than 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives. Watch from your track-level spot as they steam past anxious passengers waiting to board while cars sit with snow to their hubcaps and the perfect trees strapped to their roofs.

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains is at Cincinnati Museum Center from November 13, 2026 through January 4, 2027. Tickets required.

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

Step into Cincinnati’s beloved Christkindlmarkt, a German-American holiday experience filled with festive lights, seasonal delights, and cozy winter activities.

Located at the Schmidlapp Event Lawn adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House, this event is a magical holiday-themed Christmas festival featuring food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral, themed character visits, an Igloo boardwalk, and musical entertainment, with a European, yet Cincinnati Holiday theme.

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt runs November 20, 2026 until December 28, 2026.

Holidays on the Farm

Step back from the holiday hustle into your new tradition of winter wonder at Holidays on the Farm!

From lighted wagon rides to meet-and-greets with Santa and his reindeer, this magical escape is sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.

Under the glow of glimmering lights, enjoy pony rides, carolers, farm animals, Santa’s reindeer, a holiday beer garden, firepits and so much more! Grab a hot cocoa and shop for gifts at Vendor Village, stroll through the twinkling tunnel, be dazzled by dancing horses, and remind Scrooge it’s all BAAAA and no humbug at Holidays on the Farm!

Holidays on the Farm is at Parky’s Farm / Winton Woods, December 3-23, 2026. Tickets required.

A Spider’s Gift at Krohn Conservatory

Experience classic trains and iconic landmarks as you make your way through Krohn Conservatory’s holiday show. This year’s show is inspired by the Ukrainian Christmas Spider folktale, which says that spiders bring good fortune, and we couldn’t agree more! Join the fun and celebrate these amazing creatures while learning about how they are wonderful helpers in the home and garden.

Lots of great photo opportunities so plan ahead! And be sure to explore the entire place to see the indoor waterfall, orchids, and more!

A Spider’s Gift is at the Krohn Conservatory from October 31, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Admission charged.

More Christmas and Holiday Fun:

Seasonal outdoor Ice Rinks are popping all over town!

• Summit Park has an ice rink (Nov. 14, 2026-Jan. 10, 2027), the observation tower is open, walk the park, and enjoy the new MadTree Brewing location (Parks & Rec).
• District at Deerfield also has an ice skating. Opens Nov. 27, 2026. Details here.
• Elm Street Plaza is the new home for the downtown Cincinnati ice rink, opening Nov. 7, 2026.

Christmas Light Shows are abundant in Cincinnati this year! Stay warm and toasty with a drive-through light show that features music synchronized with the light displays. Or go at a slower pace and walk amongst the trails of lights. Check out our list – there are enough options to visit one each week!

Cutting down your own Christmas Tree is a wonderful way to start the season! Here’s our list of local Christmas Tree Farms in Cincinnati and surrounding areas.

If you love to shop handmade from local makers, our list of Christmas and Holiday Craft Shows is a must see!

Looking for some ways to see Santa this year? Whether it’s having breakfast with the big guy or getting some holiday pictures, we’ve got your list! We’ve gathered up all the spots, made a list, and checked it twice! Pictures with Santa and Breakfast with Santa.

Want to take it easy this Christmas? Check out our list of Christmas Dinner to Go (updates coming soon) options and find a great spot that will cook Christmas dinner for you!

Or maybe you’d rather go out to dinner for Christmas Eve or Christmas day? You can order your Christmas dinner from one of these wonderful local restaurants (updates coming soon).

There’s nothing better than stumbling upon a list of Free and Cheap Winter Things to Do, especially at Christmas time! Check out the list for some “easy on the wallet” options for fun.

Find More Christmas Things to Do Here:
Things to do in December
Things to Do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Things to Do Over Winter Break

Things to do ON Thanksgiving Day in Cincinnati

Newport Aquarium is open 10am – 5pm
One Aquarium Way Newport, KY 41071
Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water. You’ll be amazed at all there is to see and do, including fun and interactive activities, like touching a shark or meeting a penguin. Scuba Santa does not show up until the day after Thanksgiving.

Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
Head downtown and enjoy some outdoor fun at the new home for the ice rink!

“A Spider’s Gift” at The Krohn Conservatory
Open 10am – 8pm on Thanksgiving Day
1501 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Guests can experience an enchanting, immersive train display, winding their way through a miniature world of botanical models thoughtfully sculpted in natural plant material. Included are models of the famed Roebling Bridge, Great American Tower, P&G Towers, Fountain Square, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park Water Tower, the Winton Place Rail Station, Mount Adams and its incline track, along with many other icons that represent the architectural diversity of the Queen City. G-scale model train tracks traverse the elegant flow of the walking path, and pass by a waterfall, which spills into a bubbling brook. Hand-sculpted cedar mountains combined with decorative grapevine stretch throughout the layout creating a perfect backdrop for the plants, trains and models.

Click here to see our list of restaurants that are open ON Thanksgiving Day

All dates, times, events were accurate at the time of this posting but things do happen and events do occasionally get canceled or full. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door. Links for each event are provided so that you can be sure the date is still accurate before you head out.

Whether you have family in town, you’re visiting for the weekend, or you simply have a few days off of work, you’ll enjoy this list of events for Thanksgiving weekend.

We will add to this list as more Thanksgiving Weekend events pop up so be sure to bookmark the link and check back often!

Don’t miss our list of Holiday Events that go on all weekend – find it after the dated events.

We have LOADS of Christmas and Holiday Craft Shows and Markets to choose from this weekend!

Friday, Nov. 27, 2026:

Duke Energy’s Light Up the Square, the annual tree lighting celebration, is back! Festivities will begin at 6pm with live music and a special appearance by Santa Claus with a dazzling fireworks display. This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will be bigger and better with even more activities all along 5th street, stretching to Elm Street Plaza, the new home of the ice rink!

Head to Indiana for the Metamora Old Fashioned Christmas Walk, opens for the season on Friday. The Metamora Old Fashioned Christmas Walk is all about slowing down and enjoying the simple traditions of the season—twinkling lights, friendly faces, decorated storefronts, warm drinks, and the unmistakable feeling of Christmas in a small town.

Winterfest at Kings Island opens for the season on Nov. 27, 2026.

Santa arrives at Cincinnati Museum Center! Santa will make his Holiday Junction debut on Friday. You can visit the jolly elf by his fireplace in the Ruthven Gallery.

Deerfield Township is having a Holidays in Deerfield, 5-7pm. The event will be held at District in Deerfield Park. The event includes the Deerfield Ice Rink opening, inflatables, a hot cocoa bar, Santa’s Goody Bag Band performance, carolers, a tree lighting, and more.

Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026:

Downtown Dazzle is happening at Elm Street Plaza in the Fountain District, 6-8pm. See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with a fabulous fireworks display! Come early and stay late – Saturdays are full of festive fun.

Crafty Supermarket will be at Music Hall on Saturday, 11am-5pm. This indie juried show features crafters, artists, and makers from all over North America and draws shoppers from Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and beyond.

Sunday, Nov. 29, 2026:

TBA

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Holiday Events That Go On All Weekend:

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Trains at Cincinnati Museum Center: Nov. 13, 2026 – Jan. 4, 2027; Come experience a deep-rooted Cincinnati holiday tradition: Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains. The exhibition, a display of hundreds of model trains zipping around a winter wonderland, has been a part of Cincinnati holidays since 1946. Santa arrives on Friday (Nov. 27).

Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt: Nov. 20 – Dec. 28, 2026. This festive event takes place adjacent to the Moerlein Lager House on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage in Smale Riverfront Park. The European, yet Cincinnati Holiday themed event features food, beverages, merchandise, holiday lights, choral and musical entertainment, character visits an ice rink, an Igloo boardwalk, and more. with a European, yet Cincinnati Holiday theme.

Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo,  Nov. 19, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027. The Cincinnati Zoo hosts its 44th annual PNC Festival of Lights! In addition to admiring the beauty of 5 million LED lights, visitors can find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack on one of their seasonal concessions. Santa will be available for visits starting at 4 p.m. through December 23. Tickets are required. Closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Holly Jolly Days is at the Behringer-Crawford Museum from Nov 14, 2026 – Jan 10, 2027.

Pyramid Hill Lights is an artful drive through adventure at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Nov. 20, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027. This art and nature filled route is illuminated by over one million lights and features installations by local artists.

Krohn Conservatory’s Holiday Show – A Spider’s Gift, Oct. 31, 2026 – Jan. 3, 2027. The seasonal display located in the main exhibition house, invites visitors to explore a botanically designed Cincinnati theme. Guests will experience an enchanting, immersive train display, winding their way through a miniature world of botanical models thoughtfully sculpted in natural plant material. Included are models of the famed Roebling Bridge, Great American Tower, P&G Towers, Fountain Square, Krohn Conservatory, Eden Park Water Tower, the Winton Place Rail Station, Mount Adams and its incline track, along with many other icons that represent the architectural diversity of the Queen City. G-scale model train tracks traverse the elegant flow of the walking path, and pass by a waterfall, which spills into a bubbling brook. Hand-sculpted cedar mountains combined with decorative grapevine stretch throughout the layout creating a perfect backdrop for the plants, trains and models.

All events were accurate at the time of this posting but things do happen and events do occasionally get canceled or postponed. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door. Links for each event are provided so that you can be sure the date is still accurate before you head out.

The best part? These Cincinnati area restaurants will put some great turkey on your plate AND do the dishes too!

Tip: Be sure to make your reservations… and make them in advance.

Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and include both Cincinnati area and northern Kentucky locations. You’re sure to find a restaurant near you that’s open on Thanksgiving!

BB Riverboats Thanksgiving Day Cruises: Let their chef create the perfect Thanksgiving dinner for you, your family and friends. Celebrate with “Cincinnati’s River Tradition” and treat yourself to a traditional holiday feast with all the trimmings but without all the work!
101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Kentucky 41071; 800-261-8586

Bob Evans is celebrating Thanksgiving all month long AND they’re open on Thanksgiving Day. They will be serving their special holiday meal. Find a restaurant near you here.

The Capital Grille: The Capital Grille Cincinnati will offer its full dinner menu plus their Executive Chef’s take on a traditional Thanksgiving meal. 3821 Edwards Road Cincinnati, OH  45209; (513) 351-0814

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurants: Make a reservation and enjoy their Thanksgiving menu which includes butternut squash soup, slow roasted turkey, traditional stuffing, Mary’s potatoes, roasted green beans and carrots, cranberry sauce, and Eli’s pumpkin praline cheesecake.
Cooper’s Hawk: 8080 Montgomery Rd. and 7490 Bales St (in Liberty Twp.)

Cracker Barrel is open regular business hours Thanksgiving Day and serving a traditional Thanksgiving meal beginning at 11 am. Cracker Barrel has multiple locations. Search for a restaurant near you here.

Eddie Merlot’s will be open from 11am to 8pm, serving a traditional holiday feast. They’ll have a special three-course turkey dinner with all the trimmings or you can order from their dinner menu. Reservations highly suggested.
Eddie Merlot’s: 10808 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45242; 513-489-1212

The Golden Lamb has served a Thanksgiving feast to guests every year since the day was declared a national holiday in 1870. The Golden Lamb typically serves a full Thanksgiving Day meal at the restaurant. See their site for 2026 details.
Find them at 27 S. Broadway, Lebanon, Ohio 45036; (513) 932-5065

Metropole (at the 21C Museum Hotel) usually offers a pre-fixe menu for Thanksgiving Day.
Metropole: 609 Walnut Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202; 513-578-6660

Prime Cincinnati is open for Thanksgiving. Typical offering include a 3-Course Dinner. 2026 details not posted yet.
Prime Cincinnati: 580 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
Make your reservations here

Seasons 52 put all the family favorites on the menu for Thanksgiving Day. Dinner includes roasted turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes and stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie mini indulgence.
Seasons 52: 3819 Edwards Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45209

You might also like: Thanksgiving Dinner To Go Options for Cincinnati

My own family gathering will be smaller this year and I decided to really hunt through the offerings to see if maybe this would be the year to just scale it back. And I have to admit that I’m pretty blown away by some of these offerings! By the time you buy a turkey and all the sides and make the desserts… wow! Ordering it for pickup is looking better and better.

Yep, these Thanksgiving to-go combinations look pretty sweet for 2026!

The following Cincinnati area restaurants do the prep work and/or the cooking – you do the serving at home.

= Locally Owned. This is a great time to support your locally owned and operated restaurants!

Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and include both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky locations.

Bob Evans locations are offering their Farmhouse Feast®, a complete Thanksgiving meal with their signature slow-roasted turkey, farmhouse sides, pie, freshly-baked rolls & more. Place your Farmhouse Feast® order in advance for delivery or pickup for your Thanksgiving meal. Just heat, serve and enjoy!
Bob Evans has multiple locations. Find a restaurant near you here.

Bravo Italian Kitchen will do the cooking this Thanksgiving! Order their Thanksgiving Feast To Go for pick up (click on “catering” when you get there). Thanksgiving offerings include a “Half Pan” which serves 8-10 and includes Sliced White Meat Turkey, Homestyle Gravy, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Italian Sausage Stuffing, Green Beans, and Cranberry Sauce. Additional items (desserts, more meat and sides, etc.) are available. Thanksgiving Feasts are prepared hot or cold.
Hot and cold party pans are available beginning Nov. 9, 2026.
Bravo has multiple locations. Search for a restaurant near you here.

Brothers Barbecue Smokehouse is offering smoked turkey and double smoked spiral sliced ham for your Thanksgiving table. Sides are available too!

City Barbeque has their Holiday Offerings back for 2026 (see link below). Choose from smoked bone-in hams, whole smoked turkeys, a slow-cooked turkey, meals, sides, and more. Online ordering for Holiday Offerings is available after October 1, 2026. Items are available for pickup only.
Pickup only, offered Nov. 18-29, 2026
Search for a restaurant near you here (choose your location and look for Holiday Offerings on the menu)

Cooper’s Hawk has a Thanksgiving Take-Home Kit available this year. It includes: butternut squash soup, stuffing, potatoes, roasted green beans and carrots, slow roasted turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, and Eli’s pumpkin praline cheesecake.
Order by Nov. 10, 2026
Pickup is available on ???
Cooper’s Hawk: 8080 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45236

Cracker Barrel has a Thanksgiving Heat N’ Serve Feast for you (plus additional offerings). Choose your number of servings (4-6 or 8-10). The meal comes chilled and ready to heat in 2 hours. Choose from the traditional meal of turkey, sides and dessert or select their holiday meal featuring ham, sides, and dessert.
Cracker Barrel has multiple locations.
Holiday Offerings pick up is Nov. 21-Nov. 29, 2026. 12 hour notice required.
Search for a restaurant near you here.

Crown Restaurant Group (Crown Republic Gastropub, Rosie’s Italian, Bar Rosso, Losanti, Crown Cantina, Marigold) has wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner Packages. Choose from options that include pork loin, smoked turkey breast and turkey leg confit, lasagna bolognese, sides, and many a la carte add on possibilities.
Order online by Nov. 18 (while supplies last)
Pickup on Wed., Nov. 25, 2026 from 10am-noon
Pickup is at Bar Rosso, 1324 Vine Street

deSha’s has offered a Thanksgiving meal in the past but we can’t seem to find anything for 2026 yet. Give them a call for details.
Call to order: 513-247-9933
deSha’s: 11320 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

Eat Well is hosting a Takeaway Shop for Thanksgiving. Choose from their Classic Turkey Dinner Bundle, or pick your selections yourself from their extensive offerings. They’re preparing their most requested Thanksgiving side dishes and desserts for pick-up this year including classics like traditional sausage stuffing, vegan stuffed acorn squash, and Bourbon pecan pie. 
Deadline to order is ?
eat well Thanksgiving Orders will be available for pickup on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 (times not listed).
Prefer delivery? Delivery is available to most addresses within the I-275 loop.

The Fresh Market is offering a wide variety of Thanksgiving meal selections including traditional turkey meals, holiday ham meals, brunch, and much more.
Fresh Market has multiple locations. Search for a market near you here.

Hometown Cafe has offered a Thanksgiving Meal for 2 in previous years but we’re not seeing anything up for 2026 yet. Previous year packages included roast turkey with herb stuffing, green beans, spring mix salad, maple glazed sweet potatoes with pecans, garlic mashed potatoes with gravy, cranberry sauce, sweet rolls, and two slices of pumpkin pie.
Order by ???
Hometown Cafe: 111 Railroad Ave., Loveland, Ohio

Just Q’in BBQ has offered a Thanksgiving package in the past but 2026 details aren’t out yet. Previous years included: a Q’in Dinner (feeds 6-8), a Q’in Feast (feeds 10-12), a whole smoked brisket, and a brined + smoked turkey breast. Sides and extras as well!
Order by ???
Pickup on ???

Midwest Best BBQ
Thanksgiving menu is still to come for 2026.
Order online by ???
Order pickup is ???
Midwest Best BBQ: 669 Justice Ct., Loveland, Ohio 45140

Out of Thyme Kitchen is offering a variety of Thanksgiving Dinner Choices that include a Complete Turkey Package (oven ready turkey, 4 sides, gravy, soup or salad, bread, cranberry sauce; serves up to 10), Classic Sides, Homemade Bread, and Scratch Desserts. Orders can be placed until November 21, 2026 with pickup on November 25, 2026.
Out of Thyme Kitchen: 11915 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45249

The Pickled Pig is usually offers a special Thanksgiving Menu – still waiting for 2026 details. Previously included: smoked turkey or pork loin and/or lamb ragout. Sides choices include: green bean casserole, pumpkin and sweet potato puree, corn pudding, and/or cranberry chutney.
Call them to order: 513-748-7114 (11am-7pm)
Pick up days are ??
The Pickled Pig: 645 E. McMillan St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45206

Pickles and Bones Barbeque is offering Thanksgiving to Go. The package includes a smoked or roasted turkey breast, Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and gravy, sage dressing, green bean casserole, bourbon sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, dinner rolls, and pumpkin pie. Order the small package (feeds 4-6) or the large package (feeds 8-10).
Orders must be placed by phone: (513) 317-2214.
Pickup is Nov. 25, 2026, 11am-7pm.
Pickles and Bones Barbeque: 877A Business 28, Milford, Ohio 45150

Soul Secrets Catering is accepting Thanksgiving Pre-Orders. Choose from a variety of homemade southern sides, smoked turkey, roasted chicken quarters, spiral glazed ham, vegan Salisbury steak, and a number of desserts. Orders can be picked up on Tuesday or Wednesday of Thanksgiving week.
Soul Secrets Catering: 1434 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio

Tortilleria Garcia (College Hill location) usually offers a whole boneless rotisserie turkey breast, jalapeno mac and cheese, jicama slaw, cranberry tamales, and cinnamon cranberry sauce – we’re watching for 2026 updates here.
Call 513-681-TORT to order
Tortilleria Garcia: 5917 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio

Wandering Monsters Brewing is offering a Thanksgiving Meal that includes your choice of: 4lbs of Smoked Turkey (feeds 8–10 people), Smoked Turkey with two sides of your choice (mac n’ cheese, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn bread, or our ALL-NEW stuffing; additional 1.5lb sides are $15), or the full feast with Smoked Turkey and every side plus your choice of a case (12 beers) of Bossie, Cloudhunter, or Kapowski, or four 4-packs of Nomad Noon.
Give them a call (or talk to your bartender) to get your order placed: 513-417-8805
Place your order by Nov. 18, 2026.
Pick up day is Wed., Nov. 25, 2026.

Whole Foods Market is serving up a variety of options including a Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Menu, Simple Thanksgiving Supper Menu, Small Thanksgiving Gathering Menu, a Vegan Thanksgiving Feast, a Vegetarian Thanksgiving Feast, and more. All holiday orders must be placed in advance. Find the Thanksgiving Menus here.

We’ve also listed some public spots that are offering Trick or Treat for those of you who might need some extra Halloween fun.

These events may be canceled in rainy weather so check before you “costume up”!

Trunk or Treat 2026

Cincinnati Area Trunk or Treat Locations:

October 17: Clermont County YMCA Boo Fest, 12-2pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Trunk or Treat, DJ, games and snacks, costume parade, prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place trunks!

October 18: MHUMC Family Fall Fest and Trunk or Treat, 4-6pm
Take the family to Monfort Heights United Methodist Church for some FREE family fun and food! Wear those costumes for the Trunk or Treat and fill your bags with sweet treats! Then grab a walking taco and join in on the many games and activities. No registration is necessary and this is a rain or shine event – it will move inside if needed! 

October 20: Sharon Woods Trunk or Treat– Sharon Woods, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00pm (timed entry)
Dress in your favorite costume, grab your bucket or bag, and then join Sharonville Parks and Recreation and Great Parks for an enchanting evening at Trunk or Treat. Kids of all ages are invited to join in on the candy-collecting fun around Sharon Woods! Timed ticketing is required for entry. Registration info here.

October 22: Halloween on the Green, Village Green of Fairfield, 6-8pm
Put your costume on and grab your trick or treat bag and head to Village Green where local businesses and organizations will be set up around the park with decorated booths to greet you with special treats and surprises.

October 23: R.C. Durr YMCA Boo Fest, 6:30-8:30pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Join in for a spooktacular night of Trunk or Treat, festive games, dinner, music, face painting, a petting zoo, photo booth, and nonstop family fun! This free community event welcomes all—come in costume!

October 24: Powel Crosley YMCA Boo Fest at Arts Connect, 12-3pm
Howl-o-ween Hootenanny with Springfield Township! Outdoor family fun. Kids should dress in their costumes for trick-or-treating and a hay maze.

October 24: Highland County YMCA Boo Fest, 12-2pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. They invite the community and members to enjoy a DJ with trivia, monster mash music, candy, and costumes! October is Adopt a Shelter Dog month, the Humane Society will have some furry surprises!

October 24: Green Township Trunk or Treat (Kuliga Park), 11am-2pm
Put on your costume and head to Kuliga Park for this free family friendly event. Bring the kids for a fun, family-friendly Halloween event!

October 24: Trunk or Treat – Christ the King Lutheran Church (West Chester), 6:30-7:30pm
Put on your costumes and come to Christ the King’s parking lot for Trunk or Treat. Or you can decorate your car and distribute candy. Held rain or shine.

October 24: Trunk or Treat at Oak Hills United Methodist Church (Bridgetown), 1-3pm
This is a family-friendly event. Costumes, trick or treating, games, food, maze. crafts for kids of all ages.

October 24: Howl-o-ween Hootenanny– ArtsConnect (Springield Township), 12-3pm. Get ready for a spook-tacular outdoor Halloween celebration brought to you by ArtsConnect and the Powel Crosley YMCA! Kids can come dressed in costume for trunk-or-treating with local businesses. Explore the hay maze scavenger hunt, pick and paint your own mini pumpkin and enjoy face painting, crafts, and fun games outside throughout the day. Visit The Grove Event Center for glow golf and satisfy your cravings with hot chocolate, hot dogs, and popcorn at our indoor concession area. You won’t want to miss out on exciting family challenges hosted by their Halloween DJ and bring your costumed pet for the Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest at 2:00 PM. It’s a day of fun and festive activities for the whole family!

October 25: M.E. Lyons YMCA Boo Fest, 1-3pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Wear your costume and join us for a floating pumpkin patch, games, crafts, and Trunk or Treat!

October 29: Trunk or Treat at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Loveland, 6:30pm
All are invited to come out for Trunk or Treat! Enjoy a night of silly, spooky fun.

October 29: Blue Ash YMCA Boo Fest, 5:30-7:30pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Trunk or Treat in partnership with the Blue Ash Chamber. Costumes encouraged. Open to the community!

October 29: Clippard Family YMCA Boo Fest, 6-7:30pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Families and community members are invited to decorate their vehicle trunks and hand out candy along our Trunk Trail. Dress up, trick-or-treat, and enjoy the fun! Prizes will be awarded for the top three decorated trunks!

October 29: Gamble-Nippert YMCA Boo Fest, 6-8pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Break your costumes out early for a costume contest, trick-or-treating, pumpkins, crafts, and outdoor movie night.

October 30: Campbell County YMCA Boo Fest, 6-8:30pm
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati for this free, open to the community family event. Throw on your costumes and enjoy spooky family fun with face painting, balloon animals, a pumpkin patch and lots of candy!

Get into the holiday spirit and get your shopping started (done?!) at a local Christmas Craft Show and Market!

When it comes to local Christmas craft shows, we have a lot to choose from in Cincinnati. Whether you’re ready to shop a big show (hello, Holiday Market), prepped with a beanie and your favorite coffee for an outdoor market, or simply looking for some gifts at a pop up market, you’re sure to find something special for everyone on your list!

So make your list and check it twice! We have a long list of Cincinnati area Christmas and Holiday Arts and Crafts Shows for you!

Did we miss your favorite Christmas Market in the Cincinnati area? Click here to email us with the details.

October Craft Shows (listed by date, updated for 2026):

Lakota West Arts and Crafts Show
October 3-4, 2026; Sat 9am-3pm, Sun 10am-3pm
Lakota West High School, 8940 Union Centre Blvd., 45069
Get a jump on your shopping at this indoor market. They’ll have 200 crafters at the high school.
Admission charged – cash only

Charm at the Farm
October 16-18, 2026
4953 Bunnell Hill Rd Lebanon, OH 45036
This is the final market of the year for Charm at the Farm, an open air shopping vintage market located on a 56 acre farm in quaint Lebanon, Ohio, just north of Cincinnati. Shop the amazing selection of treasures, enjoy food trucks, and more. This is an outdoor event and happens rain or shine.
Tickets required.

Shop with Friends at Donauschwaben
October 25, 2026; 10am-2pm
4290 Dry Ridge Rd., Cincinnati 45252
Get a jump on your holiday shopping at Shop with Friends. They’ll have 50+ crafters and vendors to visit plus the kitchen and bar will be open!

November Craft Shows (listed by date, updated for 2026):

Chriskindlmarkt at Germania
November 6-8, 2026; Fri 5-10pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun noon-5pm
Germania, 3529 West Kemper Rd., 45251
Head to Germania for the oldest and most authentic German Christmas Market in the Cincinnati region — all under enclosed, heated tents. Enjoy holiday entertainment, German music, a children’s lantern parade, petting zoo, caroling children’s groups, and carriage rides plus traditional German food (including their famous dill pickle soup), German Bier, Glühwein (hot mulled wine), holiday cocktail bar, German pastries, cookies, and candies.
Admission charged. Credit or debit only at the gate.
Free admission for 12 and under and active/retired military with current ID.

Keepsake Christmas Craft Show
November 6-8, 2026; Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-4pm, Sun 11am-3pm
Edgewood Senior Center’s Liberty Hall, 550 Freedom Park Dr, Edgewood KY, 41017
It’s the 42nd year for this, the oldest Craft Show in Northern KY. Keepsake Christmas Craft Show offers unique “boutique style” shopping featuring a wide variety of handmade crafts and candies from 35 juried crafters.
Cash or check only.
Admission is free.

Kindervelt Triple Crown Craft Show and Bake Sale
November 6 (6-9pm) and November 7 (9am-3pm)
Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 5320 Shernan Mt. Zion Rd., Dry Ridge, KY

Colerain High School Boosters Holiday Craft Show
November 7-8, 2026; Sat 10am-4pm and Sun noon-4pm
Colerain High School, 8801 Cheviot Rd 45251
As one of the longest-running craft shows in Cincinnati, Colerain Boosters is proud to host this exceptional event, now in its 49th year! Admission charged, free parking.

Loveland Athletic Boosters Arts and Crafts Show
November 7, 2026; 9:30am-3pm
Loveland High School, 1 Tiger Trail 45140
200+ Artists/Crafters with unique hand crafted items including jewelry, baby items, woodcrafts, candles, dips, seasonings, purses, hats, pottery, and more. Admission charged.

St Vincent Ferrer Holiday Market
November 7, 2026; 10am-3pm
7754 Montgomery Rd, 45236
60 vendors and unique crafters to help you with your holiday shopping!
Free entry.

Lakota East PTSO Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
November 14-15, 2026; Sat 11am-4pm (9am option for early bird) and Sunday 10am-3pm
6840 Lakota Lane, Liberty Twp., Ohio
Lakota East Arts and Craft show is proud to host 250+ juried artisans in an indoor holiday shopping experience. This is one of the largest craft shows in the Cincinnati area. Don’t miss out on some wonderful gift giving ideas for the upcoming holidays while supporting your Lakota East Student Scholarships/Services.
Admission charged.

Sycamore / SBOB Art and Craft Show
November 14, 2026, 9am-4pm
Sycamore High School, 7400 Cornell Rd., 45242
Admission charged.

Art on Vine, Holiday Kick Off Saturday
November 14, 2026; 12-6pm
Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm Street, 45202

Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
November 20-22, 2026
First Financial Center, 525 Elm St. 45202
Hours are Friday: 12:30-8pm; Saturday: 11:30am-8pm; Sunday: 9am-5pm
VIP Shopper Morning, Early Bird Admission, and Girls Night Out tickets available.
Cincinnati’s shopping extravaganza! 350+ boutiques & specialty shops, gourmet food, artisans & unique gifts for anyone on your list.
Admission charged.

Oak Hills HS Craft Show
November 21-22, 2026; Hours are Sat., 9am-3pm and Sun., 10am-3pm
Oak Hills High School, 3200 Ebenezer Rd. 45248
Admission charged (cash only).

Little Miami Arts and Crafts Show
November 21, 2026; 9:30am-3pm
Little Miami High School, 3001 E US 22&3, Morrow, OH 45152
100+ craft booths with all handmade items. Enjoy homemade food to for lunch provided by their Band Boosters.

Holiday OFF Market
November 21, 2026; 10am-4pm
Summit Park 4335 Glendale-Milford Rd., Blue Ash, Ohio
The O.F.F. Market is a monthly marketplace that brings together small businesses, artisans, brewers, bakers, farmers and the like to provide a unique shopping experience that supports strong community connections and strives to grow a hearty local economy.

Art on Vine, Pre-Thanksgiving Blitz Sunday
November 22, 2026; 12-6pm
Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm Street, 45202

Art on Vine, Black Friday Holiday Village Market
November 27, 2026; 5-9pm
Elm Street Plaza, Elm Street, 45202

Crafty Supermarket
November 28, 2026; 11am-5pm
Cincinnati Music Hall, 1241 Elm St, 45202
Known as the biggest, baddest indie craft fair in the region with 100+ makers. Show features handmade goods made by local, regional and national artists.

Westside Market – Holiday Edition
November 28, 2026; 12-5pm
Westwood Town Hall, 3017 Harrison Ave., Cheviot, Ohio
100+ local vendors; this is an OUTDOOR and indoor event

December Craft Shows (listed by date, updated for 2026):

Findlay Market Holiday Market
December 5-6, 2026; 8am-4pm
1801 Race Street, 45202
They will have farmers and outdoor vendors + dozens of local artisans selling holiday gifts, food and decor. Bundle up, grab your friends and support small businesses this holiday season!

Winter Market / City Flea
December 5-6, 2026; Saturday 2-7pm and Sunday 11am-4pm
Washington Park, 1230 Elm Street, 45202

Holiday One Stop Shop
December 5, 2026; 10am-3pm
Wyoming Civic Center, 1 Worthington Ave, 45215
Kick your holiday shopping off to a great start with a day of shopping that supports your local vendors. Watch as the Civic Center is transformed into a holiday bazaar. Shop for jewelry, personalized stationery, monogramming, arts, crafts, and more! Enjoy holiday music and food at this event.

Art on Vine Holiday Gift Sale
December 5, 2026; 12-6pm
Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm Street, 45202

All events were accurate at the time of this posting but things do happen and events do occasionally get canceled or postponed. You should always double check with the event source before you head out the door. Links for each event are provided so that you can be sure the date is still accurate before you head out.

Don’t miss the wonderful holiday light shows that offer the opportunity to wander around outdoor spaces like the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Nature Center for their outdoor light displays (you’ll find those listed towards the end).

= Drive Through Christmas Light Shows

Enjoy our list of the best local Christmas Light Shows… and don’t miss the map at the end that will help with your request to “find a Christmas Light Show Near Me”!

PLEASE NOTE: Some of the light shows are requiring online ticket purchases / timed tickets / reservations for 2026. Check the light show of your choice for their 2026 admission policies. In addition, some are not accepting cash at the gate.

Pyramid Hill Lights:

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park will light up the night with Pyramid Hill Lights. This 2 mile art and nature filled drive through is a one-of-a-kind holiday light spectacular features more than 1,000,000 lights and holiday art installations. This drivable tour of the park provides a safe, contactless experience for the whole family to enjoy.

Dates/Times: Open from November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027 (closed on Mondays). Hours: Tues.-Thurs: 6-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays: 6-10pm; Sundays: 6-9pm.

Pyramid Hill Lights is at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd., Hamilton, Ohio 45013

Light up Middletown

Light Up Middletown is a fantasy drive-thru light display in Middletown, Ohio’s downtown 100 acre Smith Park.

Admission is by CASH donation – just drop something in the box at the entrance gate.

Dates/Times: Light Up Middletown is open every night from Thanksgiving thru Dec. 31, 2026, 6-10 pm, regardless of weather, and including holidays.

Light up Middletown is at Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, Ohio 45042

Light Up the Fair

Light up the Fair is a drive thru light show held at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Northern Kentucky. With more than 1 million lights and a two mile drive, this family friendly event promises to be a memory maker!

Details for 2026 are still coming. They’re hard at work with new lights and additions to compliment their returning displays.

Dates/Times: TBA for 2026

Light Up the Fair is at the Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Rd., Burlington, KY 41005

Cincinnati Nights of Lights

Cincinnati Nights of Lights, one of Greater Cincinnati’s largest synchronized light shows, opens for the season on November 20. With over 2 million lights dancing all around this HUGE drive-through experience, you’ll be amazed! This holiday light tradition continues but in a new home. Cincinnati Nights of Lights will be at the Warren County Fairgrounds this year. 

Dates/Times: daily, November 20, 2026 to January 2, 2027

Cincinnati Nights of Lights is at the Warren County Fairgrounds, 665 N. Broadway St., Lebanon, Ohio 45036

Holiday in Lights (formerly at Sharon Woods and then Armco Park) will not return for 2026

Walk Through Christmas Light Displays

The Christmas Ranch (a walk through experience with some displays visible from your car)

Make this Christmas season special with The Christmas Ranch. Enjoy train and wagon rides, Christmas shops, bonfires, pictures with Santa, and more.  

The Christmas Ranch is both an OUTDOOR and INDOOR walking experience. There are seven heated buildings in the Village area, connected, for the most part, by gravel walkways.

Enjoy the Nativity, stroll thru all of the shops, experience the bonfire, check out the goodies at Santa’s Bakery & Café, get your picture taken with Santa at Grandma’s House. Be sure to take a ride on The Reindeer Express or the Wagon Ride. Looking for a special treat? Take a journey through Tinsel Towne Trains where you can check out the excitement of a large 6 level, computer controlled model train display.

Mrs. Claus has been busy creating all kinds of tasty treats including pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, pretzels, hot chocolate, coffee, bottled water and soft drinks. The Reindeer Room will be available for indoor dining and there will be picnic tables available around the bonfire and adjacent to the new Children’s Playland area for outdoor dining.

Santa will be here every night of the week from 11-20-26 thru 12-23-26 except Thanksgiving (closed for the day to be with family). On Christmas Eve, Santa will be leaving for the North Pole to gather up all of the toys and to fire up the reindeer for the big flight.

Many of the displays are viewable from your vehicle as you enter and exit the center village area, or while exploring the outer reaches of The Christmas Ranch by Train and Wagon rides.

Purchase one ticket per car or large van (see their site). No buses, RVs, or oversized trucks allowed.

Dates/Times: Open daily from November 20 through December 23, 2026 (closed on Thanksgiving Day). Hours are Sun-Thurs, 5-9pm and Fri/ Sat 5-10pm.

The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S. Waynesville Rd., Morrow, Ohio 45152

The Lighted Forest at The Acres

Enjoy a walk through The Lighted Forest, a collection of art, light, and nature set amongst a 1/3 mile trail at The Acres.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Mini golf will be open and is included with your ticket price.

Dates/Times: 2026 dates are TBA

The Lighted Forest is at The Acres, 9941 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241

ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum

ChristmasTown returns for 2026. Stroll through the museum’s botanical gardens amid the breathtaking display of thousands of multi-colored lights. Enjoy a live nativity, the garden of lights, festive treats, and more.

Dates/Times: ChristmasTown is 5pm-8:30pm, Tuesday through Saturday from November 27, 2026 through January 2, 2027. See their site for details. They are closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

ChristmasTown is at The Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, KY 41080

Festival of Lights at The Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland for the 44th annual PNC Festival of Lights. Come early to see more animals and stay for the lights!

In addition to admiring the beauty of 5 million LED lights, visitors can find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, take in a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights on Swan Lake, or snack at one of the seasonal concessions.

New this year: Igloos! Cozy up in your own private, decorated igloo with your family and friends! This exclusive place to view the Zoo lights also comes with optional catering and drink service. Reservations needed.

Dates/Times: Festival of Lights will be at the Cincinnati Zoo from Nov. 19, 2026 thru Jan. 3, 2027. The zoo will be open Sunday through Thursday: 10am-9pm and Friday – Saturday: 10am-10pm; North Polar Express Train & Carousel rides begin at 2:30pm; Festival of Lights activities begin at 4pm. Closed all day on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

The Cincinnati Zoo is located at 3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45220

Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center:

Nature Center trails will sparkle with gentle lights reflecting a theme of peace, tranquility, and inspiration featuring the forest as a canvas for an artistic display of light.

The softly illuminated trees and paths will feature new installations by regional light artists, added children’s activities, live music, festive shopping, a decorated historic home, and more!

Light in the Forest  is a winter tradition offered at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods location. To promote safety, preregistration is required and ticket sales are limited. The event runs from 5:30-9 pm.

Pre-registration is required.

Dates/Times: Light in the Forest is open Thursdays through Sundays, dates for 2026 are TBD (closed Dec. 24 and 25).

Light in the Forest is at Cincinnati Nature Center, 4949 Tealtown Rd., Milford, Ohio 45150
 

From the Polar Express (TM) to a Santa train ride, you’re sure for find some holiday fun near you! Plan ahead as many of these Christmas train rides fill up in advance.

All aboard for these Polar Express and Christmas Train Rides in Ohio

1. The Santa Christmas Train Rides with Hocking Valley Scenic Railway

The Santa Train is coming up on 50 years as an annual tradition for families! Put this one on your list as part of your Christmas traditions!

Two trains depart the historic Nelsonville Depot, traveling round-trip to East Logan and back.

Santa boards each train and visits with the children as the train makes its way through the Hocking River Valley.

Your kids will love being able to hand-deliver their list to Santa! Each heated coach is heated and decorated for the holiday season. Christmas music plays throughout the train and after Santa visits, the children get a special candy cane treat.

Santa Train Rides begin November 28, 2026 and continue each day Thursday – Sunday through December 20, 2026. More information found here.

2. The Polar Express Train Ride at The Dennison Depot

Dress up in your jammies and hop aboard The Polar Express (TM) Train Ride at the Dennison Depot.

Your adventure begins on board one of their decorated vintage coaches as Storytellers read the story aloud.   As the train heads north toward the North Pole, festive elves will entertain you with songs and activities. As you travel to the North Pole enjoy a beverage and delicious cookies, specially made by Mrs. Claus just for you.

When the train arrives at the North Pole, you will see Santa and his workshop out your train window (passengers do not get off the train.)   Your visit to the North Pole lasts long enough to pick up the most important person – Santa! 

Once onboard, Santa will visit with children and gift them all with a special jingle bell taken from his reindeer’s harness.  When you hear the bell ring…you truly believe!

Book your 2026 Polar Express (TM) train rides for December 3-6 and December 10-13. More information found here.

3. The North Pole Express from LM&M Railroad

Take a ride on the Holiday Express with LM&M Railroad. Sit in their jolly, festive rail cars and travel through Lebanon and cross over the Turtle Creek.

Passengers will spend time with Santa and his elves on this 75 minute decorated train ride. Train cars are decorated with holiday lights and decorations, adding to the cheer found throughout the event.

All children will receive a souvenir bell and Holiday cookie. Hot Chocolate will be available for purchase at the station; you are welcome to bring it on board for the ride!

The Holiday Express train ride will be running on these 2026 dates:
November 20-22, 27-29, 2026.
December 3-6 and 10-23, 2026.
Advance ticket purchase required (online).

4. North Pole Express with Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation

Hop aboard the North Pole Express in Findlay, Ohio. You’ll enjoy quarter scale Christmas train rides along the track that’s surrounded by festive lights and holiday decorations.

See delightful toy trains running in their beautifully decorated museum and train barn.  Hundreds of decorated trees are inside and out, plus Santa and Mrs. Claus are there to visit on select nights.

The North Pole Express runs Friday-Sunday from Nov. 20, 2026 through December 27, 2026. More information can be found here.

5. The North Pole Adventure with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Climb aboard and watch the magic unfold as you make the journey of the North Pole Adventure.

From the moment you climb aboard, you’ll be surrounded by festive decorations, cheerful Christmas elves, and the excitement of a journey to the North Pole. Sip milk, enjoy a sweet cookie, write a letter to Santa, and keep an eye out. . . you never know when the jolly man in red will make a special visit to your train car.

The North Pole Adventure train runs November 13, 2026 through December 22, 2026. More information can be found here.

6. Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum

Letters to Santa is a family friendly event for kids of all ages. And, let’s face it, a visit with Santa might just be the treat we all need this year! Take a train ride on Ohio Public Service #64, a beautiful 1925 Interurban car. Kids can write their very own letter to Santa Claus and mail it in the museum’s 1920 Railway Post Office Car. Get creative when you make your own Christmas crafts and ornaments in one of the museum’s train cars. As one of the oldest railroad museums in America, they have various trains on display – tour the cab of the Norfolk & Western #578 steam locomotive, Union Pacific #163 cab, and the CSX ‘Love Shack’ caboose.

2026 events will happen on Saturdays and Sundays in December. More information found here.

7. Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad

The Santa Train is coming to town! Hop on board this 40 minute train with with Santa. Choose from open-air or indoor seating. Enjoy treats and gifts from Santa, and choose from open-air or indoor seating. Bring a new toy or food donation for a discount. Dress warmly and don’t forget your smile!

2026 events will happen on Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5/6, 12/13, and 19/20. More information found here.

And a bonus Indiana train ride too!

The Polar Express Train Ride in French Lick, Indiana

Here’s a quick run down of Christmas Train Rides in Ohio (in random order):

1. The Santa Christmas Train Rides with Hocking Valley Scenic Railway
2. The Polar Express at The Dennison Depot
3. The North Pole Express from LM&M Railroad
4. North Pole Express with Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation
5. North Pole Adventure Train Ride with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
6. Letters to Santa at Ohio Railway Museum
7. The Santa Train at Zanesville & Western Scenic Railroad