From beer and wine festivals to holiday happenings, these are the coolest winter festivals in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky! We've got you covered from Thanksgiving to March. 

 

Musicians perform under glowing lights in a multitude of color.
The Dark Charge block party (photo: Braxton Brewing)

Braxton Brewing Company's Dark Charge Winter Block Party and STAVE

* December 6th & 7th, 2024

STAVE: A Night in the Dark will be returning this year on December 6th at Braxton Brewing Company in Covington, Kentucky. This premier dining experience will feature a menu expertly crafted by 10 time James Beard nominee Chef Edward Lee as a homage to The B-Line® in NKY and paired carefully with one of Braxton Brewing Company’s 2024 Dark Charge Barrel Aged Imperial Stout variants or a signature O.K.I. Cocktail to elevate the flavor profile. STAVE tickets can be purchased on Braxton's website. 

Looking for more of a party atmosphere? Braxton has hosted a winter block party in their Covington location on the first Saturday of December for the past nine years to celebrate the release of their seasonal Dark Charge beers. Here you can taste all of the Dark Charge variants on tap, enjoy live entertainment, and eat a variety of delicious food prepared by favorite local restaurants. Spend time indoors in Braxton's spacious brewery, outside under the heated tent, or rent a private, heated, igloo for you and up to 7 friends on Braxton's rooftop. 

 
 
Downtown Dazzle
Fountain Square during the holidays is truly magical (photo: @ig_md34)

ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square

*Day after Thanksgiving

ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square marks the official start of the holiday season in the Cincy Region. Taking place annually on Fountain Square the day after Thanksgiving, this festive event features the ceremonial lighting of a 50-foot Christmas tree, live music, fireworks, and a special visit from Santa. It’s a fantastic outing for the entire family! You can perfect your triple-loop or join friends for a fun skate train at the Rockefeller Center-sized ice rink. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a tasty scoop from Graeter’s or enjoy hot chocolate and snacks from local food trucks while soaking up the holiday spirit.

 
 
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Shop for authentic Bavarian gifts at the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (photo: Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt)

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House

*November 22, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Get ready for a festive, Bavarian extravaganza! Right next to the Moerlein Lager House, the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage in Smale Park will transform into a vibrant German-American Christkindlmarkt—fun for all ages!

This enchanting holiday festival will be bursting with mouthwatering food/drinks (think pretzels, pastries and gluhwein) and unique, authentic merchandise like cuckoo clocks and ornaments. Immerse yourself in a dazzling display of holiday lights, and enjoy captivating choral and musical performances that blend European charm with a Cincinnati flair. Join us for a celebration that promises to fill your heart with joy and your spirit with cheer!

 
PNC Festival of Lights
Get ready for festive fun at the PNC Festival of Lights! (photo: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden)

The 42nd Annual PNC Festival of Lights

*November 21, 2024 - January 5, 2025

The annual PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is a beloved holiday tradition in the Cincy Region! Guests can enjoy over 5 million dazzling LED lights that create a magical winter wonderland. Explore the enchanting fairy wonderland, hop on the Holiday Express, and indulge in delicious treats at the S'mores-n-More stand. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit alongside your favorite zoo animals!

 
Cincinnati International Wine Festival
Cheers to the Cincinnati International Wine Festival (photo: Cincinnati International Wine Festival)

Cincinnati International Wine Festival

*March 6 - 8, 2025

Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a total newbie, Cincinnati's International Wine Festival is a fabulous event to sample different varietals from all over the world. Even better: all proceeds from this amazing event are donated to dozens of charities! While you're in town for the wine festival, don't forget to experience unique wines from Cincy's award-winning wineries. 

 

craft beer in Cincinnati (Photo: @linsinnati)
Sample hundreds of beers at Cincy BeerFest (photo: @linsinnati)

Cincy Beerfest

*2025 dates TBD

Where can you taste more than 500 craft beers all in one place? Cincy Beerfest! Enjoy samples from over 150 craft breweries as well as wineries and distilleries from across the country. Want to keep the party going? With over 80 breweries in the Cincy Region you can visit a different brewery every day for over 2 months straight! With Cincy's brewing history, this is a true beer lover's destination.

 

Image is of a sign that is hanging between two trees at Washington Park that says "Mittenfest" with colorful mittens surrounding it.
Mittenfest at Washington Park (photo: 3CDC)

Mittenfest

*Mid February, date TBD

Bundle up and make your way to Washington Park for the exciting 2024 Mittenfest, the perfect antidote to winter blues! Dive into a delightful array of craft brews, savor mouthwatering offerings from local food trucks, and groove to the beats of a live DJ. With plenty of activities and surprises in store, this festive event promises a day filled with warmth, laughter, and community spirit. Don’t miss out on the winter fun!

 

Women in dirndls dancing down the street in Cincinnati's Bockfest parade
The iconic Bockfest parade, in OTR (photo: Bockfest)

33rd Servatii Bockfest

*March 7 - 9, 2025

Bockfest is Cincinnati’s beloved annual celebration signaling the coming of spring and honoring the region's rich brewing heritage with the delightful taste of Bock beer. This year you can joyfully stumble into the 33rd celebration in the charming Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Returning to the Cincy Region's roots, the 2025 festivities will take place in four official Bockfest Halls: Moerlein Lager House, Northern Row Brewery & Distillery, Rhinegeist Brewery, and the new addition, Rosedale OTR. Get ready for a weekend filled with lively festivities, delicious brews, and a sense of community that captures the essence of the Cincy Region. Don’t miss out on the fun—raise a glass to Bockfest!

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