Looking for something to fuel the fire in your heart for winter fun?
By Ryan Siegrist, La’Ron Simmons, and Caitlin Tallman
These are 10 amazing events in Cincinnati will get you in the holiday spirit and make you feel warm and cozy on the inside (not so much on the outside). So get off the couch, bundle up, and visit these 10 winter wonderlands, starting at the most expensive and works its way down to the least expensive.
10. Playhouse in the Park ($30-$98)
Playhouse in the Park puts on a stunning version of A Christmas Carol. They bring the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to life. The price of our ticket will vary based on where you choose to sit. The cheapest ticket costs $30, while the more expensive ticket can cost you $98. The play will run from November 27, 2019, through December 29, 2019. This is a wonderful and enchanting play that will leave a heartwarming message to think about during the holidays.
9. Kings Island ($28)
Kings Island, after a few years, has brought back Winterfest. They transform the Eiffel Tower into a 314-foot tall Christmas tree. There is ice skating on the fountain, live shows, rides, and delicious holiday treats. If you purchase your tickets online, it will cost you $28. If you already own a season pass, also known as a Gold Pass, to Kings Island you already have entry and free parking to this event. If you don’t have a season pass, along with the price of your ticket, you will owe a $17 fee for parking if you purchase it ahead of time online. The price of ice skating is separate from price of admission to the park. Winterfest will run on select days from November 22 through December 31, so you have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities.
8. Cincinnati Music Hall ($25)
Cincinnati Music Hall hosts the elegant Holiday Pops. The Holiday Pops consists of choirs, dancers, and Santa himself. This is a two hour long show with an intermission that really spreads the holiday cheer. A ticket to see the outstanding Holiday Pops will be $25 for an adult and $15 for a child. The show runs Friday to Sunday, from December 13 to 15. Unfortunately, they will only be at The Cincinnati Music Hall for only one weekend, so this is a show you won’t want to miss.
7. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens ($16.50)
During this 2019 winter season, The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens will be holding their 37th annual Festival of Lights. This event has 3 million LED lights that illuminates the entire zoo. You can also see a Madcap puppet show, see some reindeer, and watch a Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. General admission to the park for an adult is $16.50, and there is also a $10 fee for parking. The Festival of Lights will be held Saturday November 16, 2019 through Saturday January 4, 2019.
6. Sharon Woods ($15)
Take a drive through the Sharon Woods’s lights. Holiday in Lights has over 1 million lights and over 250 light displays. You can stay warm in your car as you drive through and enjoy the beautiful sight of the lights. Go as a family or go on a date, going through this trail will cost $15 per car. Opening night is on November 16, 2019, and the display of lights will hang up until December 31. So, get in your car and cruise through the beautiful Holiday in Lights.
5. Cincinnati Museum Center ($14.50)
Opening in 1933, this museum has about 1.4 million visitors a year and about 1.8 million artifacts containing 100 rare plant and animal species. Also, it’s a historical train station. It has many different parts and features. They have the Duke Energy Children’s museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX theater. This 2019 winter season, the museum will be featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains. One adult can see the trains for $14.50, and a child from the ages 3-12 will be $10.50. This exhibit will open on November 8 and run all the way to January 5. So climb aboard, and visit the Duke Energy Holiday Trains this winter.
4. Fountain Square ($10)
Downtown Cincinnati is beautifully lit just in time for the holidays. On November 23, 2019, Macy’s Light up the Square event will occur at 7:25pm. Nothing gets you into the holiday spirit more than the lighting on the Christmas tree. Following the lighting of the tree is a firework show presented Cincinnati Bell. Starting on November 1, 2019 through February 18th, 2020, the Fountain Square ice rink will be open to the public. The admission is $6 and there is a $4 skate rental, so all together it will be $10. The parking fee will vary based on the amount of time spent downtown. This event is definitely something you won’t forget.
3. Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory ($10)
The Krohn Conservatory will be having their holiday show, A Zinzinnati Holiday, this 2019 winter season. They will have a display of beautiful nature life. There will plenty of Christmas trees and poinsettias. The conservatory will even have a display of model trains. The show will open on November 9 and run all the way to January 5. So there will be plenty of time to go and capture the beauty of the conservatory. An adult costs $10, while children from 5-17 are $7, and anyone 4 and under are free. This is definitely a sight to see.
2. Findlay Market (No admission fee)
Findlay Market will be hosting their Holiday Market this upcoming winter. Local artisans will have booths full of different holiday gifts and seasonal food and drinks. While shopping, you can enjoy holiday shows and music, as well as a surprise visit from Santa. This is open to anyone, and parking costs will vary based on the amount of time spent at the market. The Holiday will be at Findlay Market the weekend of December 7 and 8. So you better not wait or you will miss out on all the local holiday shopping.
1. Taft Museum of Art (Free)
The Taft Museum of Art is a small art museum in the heart of Cincinnati in a National Historic Landmark built in 1820. Home to an extensive art collection ranging from master European and American paintings, Chinese porcelain, to European decorative art. Featuring other major works from Rembrandt, Hals, Goya, Gainsborough, as well as perhaps the greatest Gothic ivory sculpture in the United States. A small oasis in the downtown area that is perfect for a short 1-2 hour excursion into the world of art. Escape the winter cold and warm up with a full fledged art museum in a compact and concise package. During the winter, there will be Antique Christmas. Here you can find vintage ornaments, toys, and Christmas decorations. Antique Christmas will kickoff at the Taft Museum of Art on December 1st. Although the museum normally has an admission fee, you can go online today and grab your free ticket for this special event.
