Cincinnati truly excels at celebrating the holiday season. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, a plethora of family-friendly events awaits, guaranteed to immerse you in the joyous holiday atmosphere. What makes it even better? Most of these festive enjoyment comes at no cost! Explore our list of 50 Free Things to Experience in Cincinnati during the Holiday Season, and delight in budget-friendly, festive family activities that won’t dent your wallet!
50 Free Things to do in Cincinnati this Holiday Season
Winter Nights and River Lights OpeningÂ
Purple People Bridge
The annual holiday light show features Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge so everyone can enjoy the magic of the season! Events runs through January 4, 2026.Â
Elm Street Plaza Grand Opening
Nov. 21 at Elm Street Plaza
Elm Street Plaza is set to open as downtown Cincinnati’s newest city escape. The 2½-acre outdoor park transforms a long-underutilized space into a destination for recreation, celebration and cultural experiences.
Christmas in Springboro Festival
Nov. 21-23 in Historic Springboro
Sleigh bells ringing from the horse-drawn carriage, a sip of hot cocoa, the sound of children’s laughter and a nip in the air. Welcome to the annual Christmas in Historic Springboro Festival, the largest three-day holiday festival in the tri-state area!
Light Up the Levee
Nov. 22 from 3pm-7pm at Newport on the Levee
You’re invited to celebrate the magic of the holiday season! Enjoy an evening of festive fun including live music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa Claus as we light our magnificent 50-ft tree!
The Holiday O.F.F. Market
Nov. 22 from 10am-4pm at Summit Park
Shop early for the holidays at The Holiday O.F.F. Market! This one-day holiday market, held at Summit Park in Cincinnati’s Blue Ash neighborhood, brings together small businesses, artisans, brewers, bakers, farmers and more to create a shopping experience that builds strong community bonds and supports the local economy.
Hamilton Welcomes the Holidays – Annual Tree Lighting Event
Nov. 22, 5-8 pm at Marcum Park
Please join at Marcum Park for Hamilton’s Annual Tree Lighting Event with Holiday music, live reindeer, carriage & train rides, face painting, balloon artists, cookies, hot chocolate and much more–including a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Fun
Fairfield Parade of Lights
Nov. 22, 5-7pm at Village Green ParkÂ
Celebrate the spirit of the winter season at Village Green Park in Fairfield. Shop the holiday market and listen to live performances before the parade kicks off at 6:00pm. Join Santa for the lighting of the tree after the parade.
Light Up Middletown
Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 6-10 pm nightly
Enter through the tunnel of lights to enjoy a sparkling fantasyland in Ohio. Light up Middletown is a driving tour through a 100-acre park. Oogle the many creative and themed displays, which include a floating Sea Serpent in the reflecting lake, Santa’s Workshop, American Flag, Penguin Village, Deer Leaping Over the Roadway, Helicopter, Whales and more! Admission is by cash donation only – you set the price!
Shillito’s Elves Window Display
Nov. 27 through Jan 4 at Carew Tower
The Shillito’s Elves made their debut in the 1950s in the windows at Shillito’s, Cincinnati’s first department store. They are a collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop.
Light Up the Square
Nov. 28 from 5pm-10pm at Fountain Square
Fountain Square is excited to announce an even bigger and better full-hour show this year full of dazzling performances, fireworks and, of course, the lighting of our Prolink Tree from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This beloved annual holiday celebration kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with special guests Sheree Paolello and Mike Dardis from Channel 5 and Natalie Jones from Q102. The evening will feature live music, dance performances, an appearance by Santa Claus and a dazzling fireworks display. Make sure you’re there so you can help Fountain Square Light Up this year’s Prolink Tree.2nd Wind Band will begin performing at 6 p.m. and will keep the music going till 9 p.m. Extra cost for Ice Rink
Dayton Holiday Festival Grand Illumination & Parade
Nov. 28 from 3-8 pm in Downtown Dayton (worth the drive)
Watch the holidays light up during Dayton’s traditional tree lighting on Courthouse Square, followed immediately by a nighttime parade for children, sparkling with more than 100,000 lights! Enjoy decorative seasonal floats, horses, drill teams and bands, and some special holiday treats.
Related Article: Holiday Markets and Craft Shows
ChristmasTown at Creation Museum
Nov. 28 – Jan. 3 select days from 5 – 8:30 pm at the Creation Museum
Tour the dazzling garden of lights, reflect on the true meaning of the season at the live nativity, enjoy a special holiday dinner, do some unique gift shopping, and experience more during our free, annual ChristmasTown! Parking is not included
Jingle Jams
Select Days Nov. 28 – Dec. 20 at Washington Park
Join for a merry mix of live holiday music, great drinks, and festive vibes all season long. Whether you’re sipping on seasonal cocktails or enjoying your favorite classics, it’s the perfect way to unwind and celebrate the season with friends.
Santa’s Workshop
Nov. 29 through Dec. 21 from 11am-2pm at Washington Park
Bring your family, your dog, your friends, and anyone else you can think of to meet Santa, but of most all–be sure to bring your cameras to capture the best holiday moment!
Pancakes with Santa
Nov. 29 at 8 am at the Norwood Recreation Center
Families are invited to enjoy a cozy breakfast of fluffy pancakes. Bring your camera for photos with Santa.
Santa Parade
Nov. 29 at 5:30 pm in Downtown Middletown
A wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and spirit. It’s not just a Santa Parade, it’s a performance parade! The parade route begins on South Broad Street to North Broad Street ending at Manchester Avenue.
Downtown Dazzle
Nov. 29, Dec. 6, 13, 20 pm from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at Fountain Square
Downtown Dazzle is back to put a holiday twinkle in your eye! Join us in the heart of Cincy for one of the biggest highlights of the holiday season. See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and wait with anticipation for the sky to fill with a fabulous fireworks display!
Holiday Family Funday
Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and 14 from 10 am – 4 pm at Taft Museum of Art
Explore the museum with our free Family Fundays throughout the year! These special days offer a new experience each time you visit. Music, art-making, and gallery engagements throughout the day are sure to inspire your young creators.
ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park
Dec. 1-31 from 6-9pm at Caesar Ford Park (worth the drive)
Forget deck the halls! We’ve decked the park … with dazzling lights! We are lighting up Caesar Ford Park the entire month of December. You’ll wind your way through our Winter Wonderful, North Pole Car Show, Winter Farm and Festive Festival, then wave to Santa at the North Pole!
Gingerbread Friends Scavenger Hunt
Dec. 1-31 at the Loveland Branch Library
Children are invited to find pictures of gingerbread friends doing winter activities throughout the library. Find all nine pictures and pick out a sticker!
Winterfest
Dec. 5 from 6pm-9pm at Kennedy Heights Arts Center
Enjoy live music, student performances, outdoor light displays, art activities, holiday shopping, caroling, food and drinks, and general merriment!
Light Up College Hill
Dec. 5 from 6pm-9pm at Patrick’s Park
Light Up College Hill is coming December 5th, from 6-8:30 pm! This will be an avenue-wide event with the 2nd annual tree lighting in Patrick’s Park, a train ride for kids, Santa, live reindeer, and more! Stay tuned for more event info and be sure to check out our website where we will continue to share details in the coming weeks.
Friday Flurries
Dec. 6 & 12 from 6-8pm at Liberty Center
Meet special holiday guests, indulge in your favorite holiday tunes, capture the perfect snowy moment in front of our Christmas tree and enjoy other fun holiday activities.
Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk
Dec. 6 from 6-9 pm, Downtown Williamsburg
Celebrate the season at the 14th Annual Holiday One Stop Shop at the Wyoming Civic Center! Explore a festive wonderland of local vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, home goods and spirited holiday wear.
Light Up our Library!Â
Dec. 6-27 at Miami Township Branch Library
Ask for a bulb to color when you visit and your creativity can be a part of the library’s seasonal decorations!
CAM Nights & Holiday Lights
Fridays, Dec. 5-26 at the Cincinnati Art Museum
Featuring a holiday-themed projection light show outside in the Alice Bimel Courtyard.
The Magic of Reindeer
Saturdays, Dec. 6-27 from 11am – 1pm at Winton Woods
Drop in anytime to experience the magic of reindeer! While our visiting live reindeer are out for viewing, you can hold an antler, feel some pelts, and learn all about what makes these extra furry friends unique.
Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village
Dec. 5-7 on Main Street in Downtown Waynesville
Waynesville takes on the nostalgic feeling of Christmas past as the downtown is adorned in traditional holiday décor. Make plans to visit this holiday season as we have exciting entertainment, strolling throughout the downtown, and in store fronts.
Winter Fireworks & Holiday Lights
Dec. 6 at 7:30 pm, Downtown Hudson
Bring your lawn chairs and grab a spot on the downtown greens for the best firework views. Enjoy a day filled with festive magic as Santa arrives in Hudson, streets come alive with cozy eateries, artisan coffee, handcrafted gifts, and a holiday pop-up bar. Every corner sparkles with seasonal charm, offering special activities for all ages and a warm, creative holiday atmosphere
Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade
Dec. 6 from 10 am-8 pm, located in Historic Downtown Lebanon
Located in Historic Downtown Lebanon, join the largest event to start the Holiday season. Our parades feature only horse drawn carriages. The Festival begins at 10 am, and runs until 8 pm with food and craft vendors along Mulberry and Mechanic Streets. Be sure to check out our entertainment lineup, and other Holiday activities throughout our Historic Downtown. Visit our amazing downtown businesses for those unique holiday gifts.
Findlay Holiday Market
Dec 6 & 7 from 8 am – 6 pm at Findlay Market
Join them for the holiday season! They will have a bustling Outdoor Market filled with unique gifts, along with our 50+ full-time businesses stocked with food, drinks, décor and handmade goods.
Holiday Market at Washington Park
Dec. 6 & 7 from 3 to 8 pm at Washington Park
Shop local this holiday season! The Holiday Market at Washington Park is a festive event featuring loads of cheer and one-of-a-kind gifts. Browsing is free, but you might want to set aside a shopping allowance!
Holiday in the Village
Dec. 6, 5-7:30 pm in Downtown Montgomery
Head to Olde Montgomery for a healthy dose of holiday spirit. From a tree lighting ceremony to carolers to horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s plenty of free fun for families at this annual event.
The Ultimate Holiday Craft Expo
Dec. 7 from 10am-4pm at the Hilton Cincinnati Airport
Discover a wide array of unique and handmade crafts that will add that extra special touch to your holiday season. From beautiful ornaments and handcrafted wreaths to personalized gifts and stunning home decor, you’ll find everything you need to make this holiday season truly unforgettable.
MadTree’s Winter Market
Dec. 7 from 10am-2pm at MadTree Brewing
Shop a curated lineup of artisans, makers, and small businesses offering everything from handmade goods and cozy winter finds to unique gifts perfect for everyone on your list.
Black Santa
Dec. 7 from 10 am – 5 pm, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
This cherished annual tradition is a unique opportunity for children and families to engage with a representation of Santa that reflects the community’s diversity.
Gingerbread House Craft Night
Dec. 10 from 6:30-7:30 pm at the Harrison Branch Library
Join to decorate paper Gingerbread houses to celebrate the winter holidays! Kits do not include food. Ages 5 and up.
Storytime with Santa
Dec. 11 from 10-11am at Liberty Center
Join MidPointe Library in The Living Room at 10am for a special holiday reading with Santa! Enjoy a special visit with Santa as he reads his favorite stories, sings some festive tunes and more!
Family Holiday Craft Night
Dec. 11 from 6:30-7:30 pm at Monfort Heights Branch Library
Join for an evening of holiday crafts for all ages with many new ideas! This is an after hours program. Reservations are required. Space is limited.
Winter Wonderland @ The MAC
Dec. 13 from 10 am – 3 pm, Morrow Art Center
A festive shopping and holiday experience with carolers, santa, seasonal decor, shopping discounts, and so much more! (info coming soon)
Christmas in Loveland
Dec. 13 in Historic West Loveland
Be swept back in time while visiting Old Historic Loveland on this special day. Everything from Jolly Ole’ St. Nick and Mrs. Claus at the North Pole, to a live Nativity scene, to a Winter Wonderland!
Winter Dance Party
Dec. 13 from 11am – 12pm at Pleasant Ridge Branch Library
Celebrate the season with a dance performance from The Cincinnati Dance and Movement Center followed by refreshments and crafts.
Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
Dec. 13 starting a 2 pm in Downtown Mt. Adams
Why do reindeer get to have all the fun? Easily the most adorable (and furry!) holiday parade in Cincy, the Mt. Adams Reindog Parade has been a tradition for over 20 years! This parade is free to watch and lots of doggone fun!
Christmas on the Farm
Dec. 13 from 11 am to 4 pm at Carriage Hill MetroPark (Worth the Drive)
Christmas is a time for family and traditions to come together to form memories. A Victorian Christmas and its many different traditions will be presented. From cards to holiday foods, various aspects of Christmas will be presented in this festive event.
Penguin Pals
Dec. 13 from 2-3pm at Madeira Branch Library
Join us for a very special visit from a real penguin! You will have the opportunity to get close to a Cincinnati Zoo African penguin and will learn more from their keepers about this iconic and endangered species.
Wump Mucket Puppets presents Frozen Follies!
Dec. 20 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at Pleasant Ridge Library
Celebrate the holiday season with Wump Mucket Puppets’ stories, songs, and silliness! Frozen Follies features Princess G’Wizzl’s visit with Santa to learn about the magic of Christmas around the world, Unka Unka the caveman tries to build a snowman, and a whimsical tale about the “discovery” of marshmallows.
A MadCap Christmas Carol
Dec. 22 from 11am – 12 pm at Downtown Branch Library
Though it’s cold outside, things are getting pretty heated at the Scrooge house. When Marney and Mateo Scrooge seem convinced that Christmas is all about toys, it’s up to Uncle Scrooge to help the kids remember the true spirit of Christmas.
Related Article: Best Holiday Train Rides
Happy Holidays!Â
Have a free holiday event to add? Email [email protected]!
