Things to Do in December

THINGS TO DO // DECEMBER 2022

THURS 01 Story Tree Time Winter Whimsy Join the Cincinnati Children's Museum for a fun and musical story time! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30a cincymuseum.org

Science Stage Show Join the Museum of Natural History at the Austin E. Knowlton Science Stage for a fun science experiment! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 11:30a and 2:30p

cincymuseum.org

DIY Holiday Decor Create a festive, one of a kind holiday door decoration or centerpiece with upcycled skates from the MetroParks Ice Rink. In collaboration with a Second Street Market Vendor, Consider the Lilies, participants will use local greenery and festive treatments to create a one-of-a-kind treasure. Materials are included. As a thank you for attending this class you will also receive free admission to the ice rink and a free skate rental. All ages. • Location: 2nd Street Market, Time: 6-8p metroparks.org

THURS 01—FRI 02 Boonshoft

Museum of Discovery Artifact Display The Dayton Metro Library has partnered with the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery for National Native American Heritage Month. We will have displays of Native American objects and artifacts in three branch locations: Electra C. Doren, Trotwood, and Burkhardt. These displays will feature objects from the Museum’s vast ethnographic collections, including items for the Eastern Woodlands, American Southwest, and The Plains. • Location: Burkhardt Library, Time: December 1- December 2, 9:30a-6p daytonmetrolibrary.org

FREE

FRI 02—SUN 04 Cirque

Dreams Holidaze Cirque Dreams Holidaze dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadwaystyle production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. • Location: Aronoff Center, Time: Friday 7:30, Saturday 11a, 3p, 7:30p, Sunday 1p cincinnatiarts.org

FRI 02 Winter in the Wonderlands Families and adults can follow a beautiful, luminaria-lit trail on a leisurely self-guided hike through the forest. Decorate your own home-baked holiday cookies, make crafts, listen to storytelling at the cabin or sit by a crackling fire enjoying lively acoustic music by Ceol Mohr. • Location: California Woods, Time: 6-8p

cincinnati-oh.gov FREE

Trains of Williamsburg Christmas Walk Visit local businesses filled with activities and refreshments. Stroll amongst the luminary-lined Main Street, taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays with family and friends! Visit Santa at the North Pole and enjoy the many train displays throughout town! • Location: Downtown Williamsburg, Time: 6-9p williamsburg

ohio.org FREE

SAT 03 KidSPACE Open Studio What happens when Science, Play, Art, Creativity, and Exploration combine? Drop into KidSPACE for some creative making activities. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 2p cincymuseum.org

*ONGOING CAM Kids Day: Dance Party Let’s boogie! We are celebrating our Beyond Bollywood Exhibition with a day filled with twisting and twirling for the whole family. Spend the morning in our galleries with hands-on preschool activities then enjoy a family-friendly performance. • Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 11a- 3p cincinnatiartmuseum.org FREE

A Quiet Christmas This sensory friendly event allows families/groups of up to eight people to have a private half hour session in the Christmas Cottage. Visitors will spend time with Father Christmas and enjoy a craft and a cookie. Bring your camera for photo ops. • Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 10a-3p

heritagevillagecincinnati.org

YMCA & St. Vincent Coat Drive The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has partnered with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Cincinnati, and other local nonprofits, to share the warmth this winter. Coat shopping is available for Hamilton County residents, neighbors must bring their IDs. • Location: CCPA Middle School, Time: 9a-12p myy.org

Springdale Santa 5K Come dressed in your best Santa suit or holiday attire as we race (5k/1mile) into the holiday season while supporting a great cause! • Location: Springdale Community Center, Time: 9a

springdale.org

Alpaca Open House and Holiday Market Meet the alpacas up close! We open our doors for the opportunity to meet the herd, hand feed them, and learn all about them! Shop for holiday gifts in our market, and enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks! • Location: Cross Creek Alpacas, Time: 9a-1p FREE

SAT 03—SUN 04 Holiday Market at Findlay Market We will have dozens of farmers and outdoor vendors plus over 50 full-time merchants selling holiday gifts, food and decor. Jane’s will be open, serving beers and festive cocktails. We will also be selling beautiful Christmas trees, wreaths and garland at Jane’s. Shoppers will receive a free commemorative 2022 Findlay Market ornament locally produced by Lucca every tree purchase. • Location: Findlay Market, Time: 10a-4p findlaymarket.org FREE

19th Century Holiday Guided Tour Celebrate the season with a holiday guided tour of the Village! Visit Kemper House, Fetter General Store, Schram Print Shop, Vorhes House, Chester Park Train Station, Elk Lick House, and Hayner House and learn how Christmas celebrations changed and evolved over the course of the 19th century in Southwestern Ohio. • Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: December 3, 7, 9 from 10a-3p heritagevillagecincinnati.org

SUN 04 Bengals vs Kansas City Whodey! Watch the Bengals take on the KC Chiefs at home! • Location: Paycor Stadium, Time: 4:25p bengals.

com

Ho-Ho Hayrides Hidden Valley Orchards Ho-Ho-Hayride features a unique Santa experience that includes a tractor drawn hayride to the HVO Creekside Christmas Cabin, Bonfire, Hot Cocoa and sounds of the season. • Location: Hidden Valley Orchards, Time: 10a-3p

hiddenvalleyorchards.com

MON 05 Super Sprouts: Peppermint Sculptures Join the Cincinnati Children Museum for a special sprouts sensory sculpture! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center Time: 10:30a

cincymuseum.org

Gingerbread Man Fairy Tale STEM This program will explore various versions of the Gingerbread Fairy tales across various cultures! Each activity finds a problem that a character in the story has and asks children to come up with an engineering solution for the problem. Children then work together in teams to design and make their solutions for the problem the characters have in each story! • Location: Reading Library Branch, Time: 4p-5p chpl.org FREE

TUES 06 CAC Art Play Hike Join the Contemporary Arts Center and Cincinnati Parks for some outdoor fun and creativity. Nature activities, family-friendly yoga, and in-person project with a local artist. No registration required for this event. Completely outside program. • Location: LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center, Time: 10:30a cincinnati-oh.gov FREE Paint Your Own Ceramic Tree Come paint your own Vintage Ceramic Holiday Tree at Streetside this season! This class is always a hit, with your seat you’ll receive the lighted ceramic tree, instruction, materials, and a pint of Streetside beer! This event is family friendly, minors must be accompanied by an adult. • Location: Streetside Brewery, Time: 6-8p

mcharpermanor.com

WED 07 Homeschool Science Travel to the past and gather around a fire to learn about different holiday traditions. Craft your own historic ornament from natural materials, try some old timey treats and sing some celebratory songs. Home schooled students ages 5-12 and their parents or guardians are invited to join us in this trip to the past. Dress for weather as this program will take place outside. • Location: Shawnee Lookout, Time: 10a-12p greatparks.org

YMCA & St. Vincent Coat Drive The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati has partnered with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Cincinnati, and other local nonprofits, to share the warmth this winter. Coat shopping is available for Hamilton County residents, neighbors must bring their IDs. • Location: Clippard YMCA, Time: 5p-8p myy.org

Ugly Christmas Sweater Night Hike Join Roads, Rivers and Trails at Valley View for a hike under the moon. This is a great way to see Valley View after hours and for a whole different experience. Meet at the Pattison Entrance at South Milford Road. Join for this festive night hike by wearing your Ugly Christmas Sweater! • Location: Valley View, Time: 5:30-6:30p

valleyviewcampus.org FREE

THURS 08 Story Tree Time Winter Whimsy Join the Cincinnati Children’s Museum for a fun and musical story time! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30a cincymuseum.org

FRI 09 Magic of Christmas Come learn how the reindeer fly and how Rudolph got his red nose! You'll also learn how Santa gets up and down the chimney, all the presents in his sleigh, and how he is able to get around the world in just one night. Learn about magic Snow Fairies while waiting to take pictures with Santa! • Location: Monroe Library, Time: 1:30-2:30p

midpointelibrary.org FREE

Cyclones Snow Globe Giveaway Celebrate the holidays with a Puckchop Snowglobe giveaway to the first 3,000 fans! Watch Cyclones hockey take on the Nailers. • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 7:30p

cycloneshockey.com

Gingerbread Bash Join River Hills for a fun and free interactive experience designed for the whole family! Build gingerbread nativities, play games, sing songs and hear the Christmas story. • Location: River Hills, Time: 6:30-8:30p riverhillscc.com FREE

FRI 09—SAT 10 Revolution Dance Presents Hot Chocolate The region's FIRST African American Nutcracker experience is back! Experience the magic, joy and absolute beauty of Hot Chocolate, RDT's completely original twist on the classical Nutcracker tale. With an exciting party scene, a magical uncle, dancing dolls, waltzing snowflakes and more! • Location: Aronoff Center, Time: Friday 8p, Saturday 2p and 8p cincinnatiarts.org

FRI 09—SUN 11 Holiday Pops

It’s not the holidays until it’s Holiday Pops! Experience the splendor of Music Hall decked out like a winter wonderland, and feel the warmth as JMR and the Pops perform beloved holiday classics. The Annie Moses Band, who wowed Pops audiences at Riverbend last summer, adds to the joy that makes Holiday Pops the perfect tradition. • Location: Music Hall cincinnati

symphony.org

SAT 10 Christmas on the Farm 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 discussed in this festive event. • Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark, Time: 10a-5p metroparks.org FREE

Breakfast with Santa Don't miss this holiday tradition! Come have a delicious breakfast and play some games before meeting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. • Location: Sharonville Community Center, Time: 9:30a-12p sharonville.org

Creative Reuse: Drop-In Art Making with Indigo Hippo One person's trash is another artist's treasure! Spark your imagination through a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional artmaking materials provided by Indigo Hippo and create a new work of art while keeping materials out of the landfill. • Location: Cincinnati Art Museum, Time: 11a-1p

cincinnatiartmuseum.org FREE

Breakfast with the Grinch Help the Grinch's heart grow three sizes from all the holiday love at a special breakfast! In addition to the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and FC Cincinnati's Gary the Lion will be there to visit with our youngsters. There will also be shopping options for the adults as you enjoy a delicious breakfast including Chick-fil-A minis and a variety of continental options. • Location: Little Miami Event Center, Time: 9a-11a milfordmiam

itownship.com

SUN, DECEMBER 04 HO-HO HAYRIDES AT HIDDEN VALLEY ORCHARDS

SantaCon Are you Santa enough? SantaCon is the one-day-a-year celebration of everything Santa! Put on your best Santa suit and spread holiday cheer through downtown Cincinnati. • Location: Hard Rock Casino, Time: 12p-12a cincinnatisantacon.com

SAT 10—SUN 11 Isle of the Misfit Toys Whether they are broken or repaired, smashed or standing tall, all toys are invited to join us where no one is turned away. Come to the Isle of Misfit Toys and explore an interactive and family friendly winter holiday event. Help these misfit toys find a home as we help you build your own keepsakes by recycling discarded toys and creating their fairytale backstories! • Location: Miami Whitewater Forest, Time: 1-4p greatparks.org FREE

SAT 10—SUN 11 Holly Days Step into a storybook Christmas with Holly Days and enjoy the warmth and beauty of a 19th-century holiday season. Meet Charles Dickens and hear an abridged version of his holiday classic “A Christmas Carol.” Visit a little house in the Village and see it decorated as described in the Little House series and hear Laura Ingalls Wilder reminisce about her childhood Christmas celebrations. • Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 12-4p

heritagevillagecincinnati.org

A Quiet Christmas This sensory friendly event allows families/groups of up to eight people to have a private half hour session in the Christmas Cottage. Visitors will spend time with Father Christmas and enjoy a craft and a cookie. Bring your camera for photo ops. • Location: Heritage Village Museum, Time: 12-4p

heritagevillagecincinnati.org *SN

SUN 11 Bengals vs Cleveland Whodey! Watch the Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns at home! • Location: Paycor Stadium, Time: 1p

bengals.com

MON 12 Gingerbread Jamboree Puppet Show Ralphie the Elf has one dangerous job; he has to feed the Gingerbread Beast! It gobbles up cookies, houses, and most of all… stories! With help from the audience, Ralphie must entertain the beast with hilarious versions of The Gingerbread Man, Hansel and Gretel, and a surprising new tale starring the Gingerbread Beast himself. • Location: Reading Branch Libary, Time: 4-5:00p chpl.org Super Sprouts: Christmas Choo Choos Join the Children’s Museum for a fun, preschool-friendly art project! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30a cincymuseum.org

TUES 13 Wild Senses Join the front desk staff for a 20-30 minute mini-program where we make nature discoveries using our senses and feed our resident non-venomous snake. Please meet at the front desk of our Rowe Woods Visitor Center. No registration necessary for this drop-in program. • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 11-11:20a cincynature.org

WED 14 Tiny Tots Open Play Toddlers are invited to explore open play in the PJ Patch room. A variety of activities will be set-up to engage your toddler while you enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend. • Location: Mayerson JCC, Time: 10:30a-11:15a

mayersonjcc.org

THURS 15 Story Tree Time Winter Whimsy Join the Cincinnati Childrens Museum for a fun and musical story time! • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center, Time: 10:30a cincymuseum.org

Wiggle Worms: Christmas Pajama Party Today is the day where you can just roll on out of bed and come in your pajamas! Holiday snacks, crafts and more will await you as we spend the final Wiggle Worms together of the year. Who knows, maybe Santa will come in his pajamas, as well? • Location: Greene County Parks Headquarters, Time: 10a-12p

gcparkstrails.com/event/wiggle-worms-christmaspajama-party

FRI 16 Stories by the Fireside Bring the little ones for some winter themed stories, songs, and activities to kick off the morning. Stay after to experience the Winter Woodland exhibit. • Location: FarbachWerner Preserve, Time: 10:30a greatparks.org FREE

Star Wars Night at the Cyclones Watch the Cincinnati Cyclones hockey team take on the Comets for a special Star Wars night! • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 7:30p cycloneshockey.com

SAT 17 Breakfast with Santa Santa Claus will be making an appearance throughout and while you enjoy a hot breakfast buffet! Afterwards, take a stroll out on the game floor! If you bundle your tickets with game cards, you can make a truly fun morning that your little ones will remember for a lifetime! • Location: Scene 75, Time: 9a-11a scene75.com A Holiday Evening Join the MetroParks for a candlelit Christmas evening. Stroll through the farm and experience what it was like at night. Watch some historic crafts, see some historic cooking in the summer kitchen and explore the barn in the evening. A bonfire will also make the evening complete as an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas will come to life. • Location: Carriage Hill MetroPark, Time: 6p-8p metroparks.org

Family Circus Performance Aerialists, juggling, spinning plates, oh my! You never know what you’ll see until you arrive. Our Circus Mojo performers travel from far and wide to give you a laugh and bring you a smile. Following the show, your family will get to try some exciting circus tricks and learn how you could run away with the circus! Come early for Woodfired Pizza and enjoy popcorn and cotton candy for dessert! • Location: Ludlow Theatre, Time: 2p bircus.com

SUN 18 Breakfast with Santa Join Santa and his Elves for a tasty buffet breakfast prepared by 2nd Street Market vendors. Watch for details on the Market's Facebook page. • Location: 2nd Street Market, Time: 9a and 10a metroparks.org

MON 19 Pajama Party Wear your coziest pajamas and join Midpointe Library for stories and songs! Ideal for ages 2-6. • Location: West Chester Library, Time: 10:30a-11a midpointelibrary.org FREE

TUES 20 Winter Camp Let’s learn how animals survive the winter with crafts, animal talk, hike, games and more! • Location: LaBoiteaux Woods Nature Center Time: 9:30a-3p cincinnati-oh.gov

Greene Grasshoppers : Santa in the Park Santa in the Park will take you on a magical journey of the holiday season.. Stop for a holiday snack, make a winter craft, see the lights…and much, much more! • Location: James Ranch Park, Time: 6-8p

gcparkstrails.com/event/greene-grasshopperssanta-in-the-park

WED 21 Blizzard Blast Bring on the snow! Join in on the fun and go exploring, play seasonal games, get creative with arts and crafts or relax with a story. It will be snow-much fun! • Location: Trailside Nature Center, Time: 9:30a-3p cincinnati-oh.gov

Hanukkah at Fountain Square Celebrate Hanukkah with the Cincinnati Jewish Community! Enjoy outdoor menorah lighting, ice skating, bumper cars, and so much more! • Location: Fountain Square, Time: 6-7:30p mayersonjcc.org

SUN, DECEMBER 18 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT 2ND STREET MARKET IN DAYTON THURS 22 Ice Age! The Ice Ages are back for a day of adventure. Explore outside with your stone age family, sneak up on animals, find their homes, and spot signs of ancient ice. Play group games and help make a glacier. Make a prehistoric beast craft and get up-close and personal with our smaller live critters. Then gather around the fire for hot cocoa and stories. • Location: California Woods, Time: 9:30a- 3p cincinnati-oh.gov

Baby Shark Live! The Christmas Show Splash along with Baby Shark and Pinkfong as they journey into the sea for the holidays to sing and dance through some of your favorite songs. This one-of-a-kind immersive experience will have fans of all ages dancing in the aisles as they join Baby Shark and friends for exciting adventures into the jungle and under the sea to explore shapes, colors, numbers and so much more! • Location: Schuster Center, Time: 6p daytonlive.org

FRI 23 Pretend and Play Does your child love pretending? Join Midpointe Library for play-based open sessions of fun with props, playsets and more! • Location: Trenton Library, Time: 10a-12p

midpointelibrary.org

SAT 24 STEAM Storytime Come explore what makes our world tick through stories, songs, and hands on activities! Recommended for ages 3-6. • Location: Westwood Branch, Time: 10:30a-11:30a chpl.org

FREE

SUN 25 Christmas Day Skate Make a visit to MetroParks ice rink as part of your family Christmas tradition and skate to holiday music under the pavilion. Weather Dependent. • Location: RiverScape Park ,Time: 1p-5p metroparks.org

MON 26 Library Babies Storytime Fun for you and your baby with songs, rhymes, stories and movement. Don't forget to bring an instrument, a ball, a scarf, and if you would like, a blanket to sit on in the children's area! Recommended for ages birth – 18 months. • Location: Madeira Branch, Time: 10:30a-11a

chpl.org FREE

TUES 27 Bedtime Storytime Get cozy with the Cincinnati Library, bring a stuffed animal or come in your favorite pajamas to enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories before you go to bed. • Location: Cheviot Branch, Time: 7-7:30p chpl.org FREE

WED 28 Winter Wizard This one-day camp for young witches and wizards will be spellbinding with science experiments, games, animal encounters, crafts, and more wintertime fun in this nature and magic focused camp. • Location: Caldwell Nature Center, Time: 9:30a-3p cincinnati-oh.gov

WED 28—THURS 29 Animals in

Winter Meet some live animals that call Hamilton County home as we discover some of their incredible adaptations that allow them to survive even the coldest winter. At the end of the program, stay and warm up by the fire during the Winter Woodland exhibit. • Location: Farbach-Werner, Time: 10a greatparks.org FREE

THURS 29 Shakespurr’s Sensory Space Join the Midpointe Library for a drop in session. This is a safe space to learn and explore with added therapeutic benefits. Open to all ages and abilities. • Location: Trenton Library, Time: 4-6p

midpointelibrary.org FREE

The Force Awakens 30 years after the defeat of the Empire, a new threat has arisen. The Resistance and unlikely heroes are the galaxy’s only hope at thwarting a new reign of evil. Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with the full forces of the Cincinnati Pops performing John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score live to the complete, acclaimed film. • Location: Music Hall,

cincinnatisymphony.org

FRI 30 Stories by the Fireside Bring the little ones for some winter themed stories, songs, and activities to kick off the morning. Stay after to experience the Winter Woodland exhibit. • Location: FarbachWerner Preserve, Time: 10:30a greatparks.org FREE

SAT 31 Holiday Hike Join the nature center for a two-hour winter hike that will uncover wonderful holiday stories. • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 10:30a cincynature.org

New Years Eve Blast Ring in the New Year in the heart of downtown with Fountain Square's New Year's Eve Blast! Party on the plaza or celebrate on the ice - either way, Fountain Square is the place to be this New Year's Eve. The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank will be open throughout the entire party! Location: Fountain Square Time: 8p-1a

myfountainsquare.com FREE

New Years Eve Party Bring the family to ring in the New Year. Nakama will celebrate early with crafts, treats, open play, a countdown and balloon drop at 12 p.m. • Location: Nakama Studio Time: 10a-1p

nakamastudio.org

NYE Indoor Fireworks End your 2022 in a family-friendly setting with the Cyclones hockey team. Stick around for the show of the year when the Cyclones shoot off fireworks… inside! • Location: Heritage Bank Center, Time: 6p cycloneshockey.com

ONGOING EVENTS

The Dancing Princesses November 30-December 30. An enchanting mystery is afoot! From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. The Dancing Princesses is suitable for all ages! • Location: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, ensemblecincinnati.org

Celestial Holiday at Krohn Through January 10. Come to the Krohn Conservatory this holiday season to enjoy our Celestial Holiday. Krohn will be transformed into a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by the shimmering lights and twinkling stars. Join us for the unveiling of the newest landmark piece created by the talented artists of Applied Imagination, Music Hall! • Location: Krohn Conservatory

cincinnati-oh.gov

Cincinnati Ballet's The Nutcracker December 15-24. Join us for the magic of The Nutcracker, with sparkling choreography, awe-inspiring sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her on a grand adventure. • Location: Springer Auditorium, Times vary cballet.org

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. December 10-19. The holiday classic soars off the screen in this 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with holiday hits like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™ JR. features all of your favorite characters including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. • Location: Cincinnati Childrens Theatre Times vary thechildrenstheatre.com

PNC Festival of Lights Through January 8. In addition to admiring the beauty of 4 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 at one of two S’mores-n-More stands. • Location: Cincinnati Zoo, Time: Sunday-Thursday 10a-9p, Friday-Saturday 10a-10p cincinnatizoo.org/events/festival-of-lights

Coney Island Nights of Lights Through January 2. This Cincinnati holiday classic is back. Your family will love driving through the region’s largest synchronized holiday light spectacular. Experience more than one million lights synchronized to a mix of traditional and rocking holiday music. Visitors of all ages will be awed by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, fantastic tunnels of lights, and more. • Location: Coney Island

coneyislandpark.com

Downtown Jingle Lights November 25-January 1. See downtown streets transformed into an interactive, drive-thru light show, choreographed to the beat of your favorite holiday tunes! Tune your radio to 105.3 FM as you drive the route. Sponsored by iHeartRADIO • Location: E. Monument Avenue & Main Street

downtowndayton.org FREE

Train Days December 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23. Watch model trains chug through villages, around mountains, and through tunnels in these large model train displays inside Chester Park Train Station, Myers Schoolhouse, and Hayner House. At least 10 trains will be operating and they will include G, N, HO, O, and S scale model trains. • Location: Heritage Village Museum Time: 10a-2p heritagevillagecincinnati.org

Holidays on the Farm Through December 23. Enjoy Parky’s Farm in full festive display!Twinkling LED lights will transform the farm and guests will have the options to participate in self-led exploration of lighted nature trails in the woods, hayrides, caroling music, meet-and-greets with Great Parks animal ambassadors, photos with Santa and so much more! A lighted beer garden will add to the holiday cheer, as well as other food and drink options. • Location: Parky's Farm, Time: Nov. 17–Dec.15: Thursday-Sunday (Thurs. & Sun.: 5–9p; Fri. & Sat. 5–10p); Open Daily Dec.16–23 (Sun.–Thurs. 5–9p; Fri. & Sat. 5–10p) greatparks.org

THE NORTH POLE EXPRESS AT LEBANON RAILROAD

Light Up Middletown November 24-December 31. Celebrating 23 years! Your journey through Light Up Middletown begins with a tunnel of lights. This driving tour fantasyland has an abundance of themed areas. You’ll come across a floating sea serpent in the lake, Santa’s workshop and sleigh, a penguin village and more. Deer leap over the road and there are surprises around each turn. Light Up Middletown's mission is to raise funds for improvement on Middletown City Parks and to create a beautiful holiday event that everybody can enjoy! • Location: Smith Park, Middletown, Time: 6-10p

lightupmiddletown.org

Light in the Forest December 1-January 1. Enjoy a peaceful walk in the winter woods at the annual holiday lights event! Our expanded trail will feature a beautifully lit forest, new installation, added children’s activities, live music, a bonfire, a historic home with nature inspired decorations and holiday shopping. • Location: Cincinnati Nature Center, Time: 5:30-9p cincynature.org

MetroParks Ice Rink November 25-February 26. Whether you’re a skating rookie or have been lacing up your skates for decades, and whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon with the family or a competitive night on the ice, there is a full slate of activities to choose from at the MetroParks Ice Rink. • Location: Riverscape MetroPark metroparks.org/ice-rink

Middletown Holiday Whopla Through January 16. Located in historic and charming downtown Middletown, the third annual Middletown Holiday Whopla features a state of the art ice skating rink, beer & wine garden, food trucks, and Holiday Whoville train rides. It is surrounded by larger than life interactive light displays, nestled amongst specialty shops, bars, restaurants, and so much more. Continue a family tradition or start a new one with us this holiday season! • Location: Middletown N. Broad Street

holidaywhopla.com

Woodland Lights December 1-4, 8-11, 15-23. Woodland Lights offers a fantasy land of holiday lights and displays along the half-mile paved path. The month-long festival has more lights, more vignettes, and the same winter whimsy that enchants thousands of visitors each year. • Location: Countryside Park Time: 6-9p

washingtontwp.org/recreation/ woodland_lights

North Pole Express

December 1-4, 7-11, 14-23. The North Pole Express, operated by the LM&M Railroad, is a magical event where everyone can experience the wonder of the holiday season as they journey down the train tracks of Warren County, Ohio. Passengers spend time with Santa and his elves on the 1 Hour & 15 minute festive train ride. Location: Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, Time: Weekdays 6 & 8p, Saturdays & Sundays: 12p, 2p, 4p, 6p, & 8p lebanonrr.com/

northpole

A Carillon Christmas November 22-December 30. Join the city of Dayton for A Carillon Christmas to see Carillon Historical Park’s 65-acre campus transformed into a winter wonderland of sparkle, magic, and holiday cheer! • Location: Carillon Historical Park, Time: Sunday- Thursday 5pm – 9pm Friday & Saturday 5p- 10p daytonhistory.org/events/special-

events/a-carillon-christmas

Duke Energy Holiday Junction Trains Through January 2. The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple since 1946, delighting generations since they first debuted downtown in 1946. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives steam past anxious passengers waiting to board while cars sit with snow to their hubcaps and the perfect trees strapped to their roofs. • Location: Cincinnati Museum Center cincymuseum.org/holiday-junction

Young’s Dairy Choose & Cut Christmas Trees December 1-31. Cut your own Christmas tree is a great family tradition, choose and cut your tree from Young’s Dairy 30 acre farm or select a freshly cut tree. The farm will shake, wrap and load your tree! • Location: Young’s Dairy youngsdairy.com/

christmas-trees/

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at LaComedia December 1-30. The classic film is the inspiration for this heartwarming musical comedy that is perfect for the whole family. White Christmas features the classic songs “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and the most famous holiday song of all, “White Christmas.”• Location: LaComedia Dinner Theatre lacomedia.com

WinterFest November 25-December 31. WinterFest is an unforgettable holiday experience where Kings Island transforms into eleven enchanting winter wonderlands. Featureing ice skating on the Royal Fountain, the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree, the Winter Wonderland parade, more than 5 million lights and live entertainment throughout the park. Plus, experience up to 20 rides including Mystic Timbers and Kings Mills Antique Autos. • Location: Kings Island visitkingsisland.com/events/winterfest Land of Illusion's Christmas Glow Through December 30. Celebrate the season at The Christmas Glow, over 3.8 million lights at the 2-mile long Christmas Around the World drive-thru experience, visit Santa at the Christmas Village Santa Workshop or just take in the majestic lights of the 45-foot Christmas Tree as you and yours warm by the gas fire pits. • Location: Land of Illusion, Time: 6-10p, closed Christmas Day

landofillusion.com/glow

Fountain Square Ice Rink Through February 20. The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, is an outdoor ice arena that takes over Fountain Square daily through February. • Location: Fountain Square myfountainsquare.com

Christmas at the Junction Through January 1. Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World’s Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a “Journey to the North Pole”, where you can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. • Location: EnterTRAINment Junction, Time: Monday-Saturday 10a-6p, Sunday 12p-6p

entertrainmentjunction.com

Winter Wonderland: Bringing the Outside In December 14- January 20. Step out of the cold and into a cozy winter woodland scene right in Ellenwood Nature Barn! Make a craft and warm up from the winter weather by a log fire. December 14- January 20 Location: Farbach- Werner Preserve Time: 11a-3p greatparks.org

Virginia Kettering's Holiday Train Display November 25-January 2. View this one-of-a-kind model train display given to the community by Mrs. Virginia Kettering. (Use Second St. building entrance.) • Location: Stratacache Tower lobby at the corner of Second & Main sts., Time: View in building lobby Mon-Sat, or through windows anytime.

downtowndayton.org FREE

Rike’s Holiday Windows December 1-31. The redesigned holiday windows revealed in 2019 for the enjoyment of families from all over the Miami Valley. Designed by critically acclaimed theatre and opera scenic designer and Dayton native Adam Koch, along with partner Steven Royal, the windows featuring animated elves, animals and other figures have been a holiday tradition for countless Dayton families since the elves first appeared in the windows of Rike’s Department Store in the 1940s. • Location: Schuster Center

daytonlive.org

Journey Borealis: Holiday Lights on the Hill Through January 1. Drive through a festive tradition of over one million holiday lights, dazzling scenic displays and independent artist displays! We invite you and your family to take in this spectacular show from the comfort of your own car as you get in the holiday spirit. • Location: Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, Time: 6-9p Tuesdays-Thursdays, 6-10p FridaysSundays, Closed Mondays journeyborealis.com

PLEASE NOTE WE WORK HARD TO ENSURE OUR CALENDAR AND GUIDE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. OCCASIONALLY, EVENT SPECIFICS CHANGE AFTER WE GO TO PRESS. THEREFORE, WE ENCOURAGE OUR READERS TO CALL LOCATIONS OR VISIT THEM ON THE WEB TO VERIFY INFORMATION.