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

Macy's Light Up the Square (photo: Jeff Swinger)
Day after Thanksgiving
 
ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square is the city's annual kick-off to the holiday season. Held in Fountain Square the day after Thanksgiving with the ceremonial lighting of the Square’s 50-foot Christmas tree, live music, fireworks, and an appearance by Santa himself, this event is great for the whole family! 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. 
 

PNC Festival of Lights

PNC Festival of Lights (photo: @anadventureshared)PNC Festival of Lights (photo: @anadventureshared)
Through January 7 2024
 
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 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

Cincinnati International Wine Festival
March 9 - 11 2024
 
Whether you're a wine connoisseur or a newbie, Cincinnati's International Wine Festival is a fabulous event to explore different varietals from all over the world. Held at the Duke Energy Convention Center, the International Wine Festival features tastings from hundreds of wineries from across the globe and proceeds 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. 

Redsfest

RedsfestDecember 1 - 2, 2023
 
The 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

Fifty West Production Works
February 2 - 3, 2024

Where can you find more than 500 craft beers to sample all in one place? Cincy Beerfest! Sample over 150 different craft beers, and check out new wineries and distilleries in the region. If you're a beer lover, don't miss the biggest craft beer party in all of Cincy. With over 80 breweries in the Cincy, be sure to explore Cincy's best breweries. 

Mittenfest

Mittenfest
Mid February
 
Bundle up and head to Washington Park to fight the winter blues at the 2024 Mittenfest! Sample craft brews, check out local food trucks, and enjoy a live DJ, plus much more.  
Food and Drink Culture
Urban Artifact Brewery

Visit the best craft breweries in the Cincy Region

  • 7 minute read

Cincy has a strong connection to its boozy past thanks to a thriving brewery scene in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Toast to the rich history and German heritage while appreciating local, small businesses and modern breweries in the…