Do you have loved ones traveling to the region for the holidays and are looking for things to do? The Cincy Region offers a variety of museums, attractions and holiday displays you can enjoy. Here are just a few suggestions to help get your friends and family out and about during this magical time of the year.

Museums to Explore

Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center
Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to the Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, The Children's Museum, the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center as well as the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater. Here, you can explore a cave system, check out the beloved Duke Energy Holiday Trains and so much more.

Are you a current member of another museum? The Cincinnati Museum Center does honor reciprocity for general admission. Please call them to confirm if your museum is one that is accepted. 

 

Cincinnati Art Museum (photo: Cincinnati Art Museum)

Cincinnati Art Museum  

For those that love art, the Cincinnati Art Museum has a collection of over 73,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years. This is a great place to learn and explore. General admission is free.

 

Model train exhibit at Behringer-Crawford Museum (photo: Behringer-Crawford Museum)
Model Train Exhibit (photo Behringer-Crawford Museum)

Behringer-Crawford Museum

Located inside Devou Park in Covington, Ky. is the Behringer-Crawford Museum. This quaint local museum houses Northern Kentucky’s history through objects, art, programming and more. The museum offers a variety of discounts including student, teacher and military. Be sure to check out their website for the full list of discounts available. While in Devou Park, be sure to head over to the Memorial Overlook for an incredible, panoramic view of Covington, Kentucky and Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.  Great spot for a family photo!

Attractions

Cincinnati Cyclones

Cincinnati Cyclones

The Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey Team provides great entertainment over the holiday season at Heritage Bank Center with a few games featuring $2 beers, $1 popcorn and $3 burgers! Families and friends can enjoy a great night of hockey with additional discounts offered including military and first responder, as well as discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more.

 

Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Scuba Santa

Newport Aquarium

Come and witness life under the water at Newport Aquarium located inside the Newport on the Levee. From Scuba Santa to sharks, sting rays and alligators, there is so much to learn and memories to be made. Visit their website for ticket information and discounts available.

After visiting the Aquarium, explore Newport on the Levee featuring restaurants, shopping and entertainment--the fun doesn’t have to end!

 

Two people's hands are are in the foreground, holding paper B-Line Guides. In the background is a bar with many bottles of bourbon.
Knowledge Bar

The B-Line®

For those interested in sampling Kentucky Bourbon in Kentucky, we have just the thing for you. Northern Kentucky is home to The B-Line®, a self-guided bourbon tour made up of local restaurants, bars and distilleries. Download the free official B-Line Guide or swing by any of the participating locations to pick up your B-Line Passport. If you visit 2 bars, 2 restaurants and 2 distilleries, we will send you a free swag gift! It’s a tasty way to support local.

Holiday Themed Events

PNC Festival of Lights animal lanterns
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

PNC Festival of Lights

Beginning November 21 – January 5, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will hold their 42nd annual PNC Festival of Lights celebration, voted Best Zoo Lights in the U.S. six years in a row by USA TODAY. Come to visit the animals and stay well into the evening as it is transformed by millions of LED lights into a magical place.

 

Ice Skating on Fountain Square

Fountain Square

Head down to the City of Cincinnati’s Fountain Square for a full day of ice skating, hot cocoa, snacks and more! While at Fountain Square, stop into local favorite spot Graeter’s for coffee, donuts, cookies and ice cream! If you have never had Graeter’s, the most popular flavor is their black raspberry chip ice cream. So good!

 

Christkindlmarkt

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House

Need to do some shopping for the holidays? The Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt at Moerlein Lager House opens November 22 – January 5. Enjoy shopping, ice skating, holiday lights, an igloo boardwalk and more! Free to attend. Visit their website for available dates and hours.

 

Deck the Y'alls

Deck the Y’alls

Deck the Y’alls returns for its 3rd year to Thomas More Stadium. Enjoy holiday lights, ice skating, food, fireworks and activities for the kids. From November 22 – January 5. Tickets are on-sale now.

Need more? Visit our "Events" page, updated daily, to showcase all the exciting events happening in the Cincy Region all month long. Need accommodation? Please visit our “Places to Stay” page for a listing of hotels, Bed & Breakfasts and Campsites. And be sure to get a copy of your Visit Cincy Visitors Guide here!