4 Top Holiday Events You Don't Want to Miss Near Cincinnati

Living in a city as large as Cincinnati, you have a seemingly endless range of seasonal delights at your feet. In fact, there’s so much to enjoy that it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re in the spirit of the winter season but you don’t know where to begin, try these picks for filling your free evenings and weekends throughout the holidays.

1. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH

The Cincinnati Zoo’s annual holiday celebration will be in full swing through January 1, 2018. The light exhibit begins nightly at 5 p.m. The activities lasts till 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and till 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Bask in the glow of three million lights as they glitter and twinkle across several themed exhibits. You can search for fairies, catch the light show on Swan Lake, eat sweet treats and more at this fun, family-oriented event.

2. Santa’s Workshop Featuring the Shillito’s Elves
6940 Madisonville Rd, Cincinnati, OH

Open Thursday through Sunday throughout the month of December, Santa’s Workshop is a beloved favorite in the Cincinnati area. Visit their site to see how to mail your letter to Santa, then meander through the elves’ workshop that’s on display through 12 animated scenes. This charming little tour is sure to delight visitors of all ages. Less than 30 minutes from our Springs at West Chester community, this is a great pick for a fun afternoon.

3. Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland at the Behringer-Crawford Museum
1600 Montague Rd, Covington, KY

Festive holiday trains will roll through the Behringer-Crawford Museum through January 14. Over 250 feet of track wind through 30 displays that bring beloved stories to life. See the Polar Express chug past, or dive into the world of Charles Dickens. On December 17, you can stop in for a special story hour at 2 p.m. This includes crafts, snacks and a visit from Santa to really elevate your experience to another level.

4. WinterFest at King’s Island
6300 Kings Island Dr, Mason, OH

King’s Island isn’t an attraction you’d usually associate with the winter months, but the theme park gets a makeover for the holidays. Through December 30, you can visit on select nights to view sparkling light displays, go ice skating, catch holiday shows, enjoy seasonal treats and do plenty of themed shopping for the season. Just a 20-minute drive from our Springs at Liberty Township community, this highlight is extremely accessible, offering up outstanding excitement practically in your backyard.

How will you be celebrating the season this winter? Share your top picks with other Springs residents in the comments section below.