13 things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this November

With holiday light displays and Christmas markets, November kicks off the holiday season in the Cincy Region. If you're not yet feeling holly jolly, there are beer fests, food tours, Bengals games, and more this month. Here's our list of the top things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this November! 

Holiday markets in Cincy this November

Get your holiday shopping done early at these holiday markets! 

Germania Society Christkindlmarkt (Nov. 3-5): Grab a cup of Glühwein (hot mulled wine) or a German beer and enjoy an authentic German Christmas Market in the heart of Cincinnati. Shop for imported German collectibles like steins, and nutcrackers, plus creations from local artisans. 

Crafty Holiday Supermarket (Nov. 25): Indie craft market with over 100 vendors in Cincinnati Music Hall’s grand ballroom. 

Soulful Winter Festival (Nov. 24-26): Shop unique holiday gifts from local businesses, meet & greet with Santa, and live entertainment from Cincinnati Black Theatre Company.

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt (Nov. 22-Dec. 31): Family-friendly holiday event featuring German food and drinks, and live music. Guests can shop for holiday gifts from local artists. 

Looking for more holiday things to do? Check out our full events calendar for holidays in Cincy.

November sporting events in Cincy

Cheer on your favorite sports stars at these Cincinnati sporting events!

Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey (photo: Cincinnati Cyclones)

Cincinnati Cyclones (Nov. 3 & Nov. 22): Hockey is more than a game in Cincy–it's where non-stop action meets affordable family fun. November 3 the Cyclones take on Iowa Heartlanders. Enjoy $2 beer night at the Thanksgiving Eve matchup of the Cyclones vs Indy Fuel. Located in The Banks at Heritage Bank Center, grab your bring the whole family for an exciting night out! 

Black-N-Bluegrass Roller Girls vs DownRiver Roller Dolls (Nov. 4): Cheer on our hometown roller girls during their last home match!

Cincinnati Bengals (Nov. 5, 12 & 26): See reigning AFC champs Cincinnati Bengals go up against the Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Before or after the game raise a glass at one of Cincinnati’s best sports bars. Who Dey!

November food and drink events in Cincy

Raise a glass to Cincy’s delicious food and drink scene at these food tours and events this November. 

Craft beer in Cincinnati (Photo: @linsinnati)

The All-American Food Tour (Nov. 3): Sample the best food and drinks in the historic Pendleton neighborhood. This tour includes lunch and a brewery visit. 

Beer, Booze, Bonks Festival (Nov. 11): Beer tastings, bowling, a mystery beer machine, and music from DJ Daddy Walker. Event proceeds benefit Cincinnati Animal CARE and Raising Rogue Pet Pantry. 

Bricks & Beer: Cincinnati Music Hall History and Hops (Nov. 15): Explore nineteenth-century history as you discover a surprising intersection of the Cincinnati beer industry and its contributions to the development of Music Hall. Take a tour of Music Hall and quench your thirst with beer selections from Rhinegeist.  21+

Family-friendly events in Cincy this November

From holiday lights to immersive exhibits, check out these events for the whole family. 

Light up the Square 

Create and Play at Taft Museum of Art (Nov 15): Explore the galleries with your family while learning about art through guided activities and interactive games. After viewing the galleries, get creative with your family in the studio and make masterpieces to take home. This program is for kiddos 2–6 and their caregivers.

Newport Aquarium F.I.S.H. (Family Inclusive Sensory Hours): Vision Loss (Nov. 18): Experience the aquarium in a safe and comfortable environment with fewer crowds and brighter lighting. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn through touch at artifact stations and more.

PNC Festival of Lights (Nov.17-Jan. 7): Start your holiday season right with a magical visit to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens Wild Winter Wonderland.

Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland (Nov. 24-Dec. 14): Celebrate the season with one of Cincy’s favorite holiday traditions! Experience Newport Aquarium with Scuba Santa, playful penguins, magical bubbles, holiday lights, and more.  

Light Up the Square (Nov. 24): Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the lighting of Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati! Enjoy live music, Santa Claus, ice skating, fireworks, and more. 

Check out our full Cincinnati events calendar for everything happening in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky this month. Start planning your Cincy adventure now!