From beer and wine festivals to holiday happenings, these are the coolest winter festivals in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky!
ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square
November 25
ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square is the city's annual kick-off to the holiday season and is held on Fountain Square the day after Thanksgiving with a ceremonial lighting of the Square’s 50-foot Christmas tree, live music, fireworks, and an appearance by Santa himself. Perfect your triple-loop (or make a skate-train with a group of friends) at the Rockefeller Center-sized ice skating rink, stop by Graeter’s for a scoop of something sweet, or grab hot chocolate and snacks from one of the local food trucks while you revel in the good cheer. Great for the whole family!
PNC Festival of Lights
November 18 - January 8
The PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a holiday tradition in the Cincinnati region! Visitors will marvel at over 5 million LED lights that transform the zoo into a true winter wonderland, then visit a fairy wonderland, ride the holiday express, and hit up the S'mores-n-More stand for treats. Don't miss the 40th anniversary of this spectacular event! If you're looking for more holiday fun, check out these other dazzling holiday light displays around Cincy!
Cincinnati International Wine Festival
March 9 - 11
Calling all wine lovers! Held at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the International Wine Festival features tastings from hundreds of wineries from across the globe! Even better? Proceeds are donated to dozens of charities. While you're in town for the wine festival, don't forget to experience the rich wine Cincy's award-winning wineries.
Redsfest
December 2 - 3, 2022The official winter warm-up for the Cincinnati Reds, Redsfest is held every year at the Duke Energy Convention Center downtown, giving fans the opportunity to mingle with current and former players and coaches, participate in games and activities (there’s stuff for the kids too!) and stock up on Reds gear and hard-to-find memorabilia.
Cincy Beerfest
February 3 - 4, 2023
Where can you find more than 500 craft beers to sample all in one place? At Cincy Beerfest held at Duke Energy Convention Center. With over 80 breweries in the Cincy region, be sure to explore Cincy's best breweries.
Mittenfest
February 18 - 19
Bundle up and head to Washington Park to fight the winter blues at the 2023 Mittenfest! Sample craft brews, hit up some food trucks, and enjoy a live DJ - plus much more.
Click here for a list of dazzling holiday light festivals.
Written by: Baihley Grandison with updates by Amber Potter & Abby Davidson
