The best spots in Cincy to be dazzled by holiday lights

Nothing captures the magic of the holiday season quite like being surrounded by thousands of dazzling lights. I’ve pulled together a list of the best spots to see Cincinnati holiday lights in 2025. Here you’ll find both drive thru and walkable light displays.

Drive Thru Light Displays

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights (formerly located at Coney Island) is now at the Clermont County Fairgrounds in Owensville. This display will be open nightly from 5:00pm to 10:00pm beginning November 26, 2025 through January 3, 2026.

This year, you must buy tickets in advance for a 30-minute time slot. Tickets are $33 ($30 + a $3 service) per vehicle with 1-8 passengers and $54 ($50 + a $4 service fee) per vehicle with 9+ passengers. Again, you must buy tickets in advance online, as none will be sold at the gate.

This is our go-to drive through holiday lights display, and is well-worth the cost.

Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights at Clermont County Fairgrounds is located at 1000 Locust St, Owensville, OH, 45160

Pyramid Hill Lights

Pyramid Hill Lights is a drive thru light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum. This light display runs from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Pyramid Hill Lights is open from 6:00pm to 9:00pm Tuesday to Thursday, and from 6:00pm to 10:00pm Friday to Sunday. It is closed on Monday.

Admission is by the carload and tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online. The cost is $25 per carload for non-members and $15 per carload for members.

Pyramid Hill Lights at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park is located at 1763 Hamilton Cleves Rd, Hamilton, OH 45013

Light Up The Fair at The Boone County Fairgrounds

Light Up The Fair is a 2-mile drivable light display through the Boone County Fairgrounds. This attraction is open nightly from dusk to 10:00pm from November 21 to December 27, 2025.

Admission is $15 per vehicle with 1-2 passengers, and $25 per vehicle with 3-8 passengers. Tickets can be purchased online. No reservations are needed

Light Up The Fair at The Boone County Fairgrounds is located at 5819 Idlewild Rd, Burlington, KY 41005

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion

The Christmas Drive Thru at Land of Illusion’s Christmas Glow will be open November 20 through December 30, 2025, but closed Christmas Day. This attraction is open nightly from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. Only the Christmas Drive Thru light display will be open the week after Christmas (December 26-30).

Christmas Glow tickets can be purchased online or at the gate. Adult tickets (ages 13+) are $15 each, while kids (4-12) are $10 each. Kids ages 3 and under are free. Senior and military discount tickets are available at the gate only.

Admission includes the Christmas Drive Thru and the Christmas Village. After you enjoy the lights, explore the Christmas Village on foot, where you can find Santa in Santa’s Workshop, peruse the gift shop, or enjoy the petting zoo.

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion is located at 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, OH 45042

The Christmas Ranch

The Christmas Ranch is a drive thru light experience in Morrow. The ranch will be open from November 21 through December 23, 2025 (closed on Thanksgiving). The hours are 5:00 to 9:00pm Sunday though Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $37 per carload, and can be purchased online (for $5 cheaper!).

Take time to explore the ranch after viewing the light displays. There are Christmas shops, photos with Santa, and train and wagon rides.

The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, OH 45152

Light Up Middletown

Light Up Middletown is a drive thru light display at Smith Park in downtown Middletown. It is open nightly from 6:00pm to 10:00pm beginning Thanksgiving to New Years Eve (November 27 to December 31, 2025). Admission is by cash donation only.

For more holiday fun, checkout nearby Very Merry Middletown (formerly Holiday Whopla), where you’ll find Santa, ice skating, and more.

Light Up Middletown is located at Smith Park at 500 Tytus Ave, Middletown, OH 45042

ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park

ParkLights at Caesar Ford Park is a drive thru light display in Xenia. It is open nightly from 6:00pm to 9:00pm December 1 to December 31, 2025. This event is free!

Caesar Ford Park is located at 520 South Stringtown Road, Xenia, OH 45385

Northern Lights at Perfect North Slopes

Back again is the Northern Lights drive through experience at Perfect North Slopes in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. This attraction runs nightly beginning November 21 to December 23, 2025 (closed November 26 & 27). Gates open at 6:00pm, with last entry at 9:30pm.

NEW for 2025 – guests will be able to walk the mile-long loop on Friday and Saturday evenings only.

Tickets $9 per person ages 13+ and $4.50 for ages 3-12. You can purchase your tickets online or when you arrive.

Perfect North Slopes is located at 19074 Perfect Place Lane, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025

Walkable Light Displays

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The most magical time to visit the Cincinnati Zoo is during the PNC Festival of Lights. Millions of lights adorn the zoo during this outdoor, walkable event that runs from November 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026, but closed on holidays. The Cincinnati Zoo opens at 10:00am, with festivities beginning at 4:00pm. New this year are extended hours, with the zoo closing at 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, at 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 10:00pm from December 20-31.

While at the Festival of Lights, make sure to also check out the light show on Swan Lake, the North Polar Express train ride, blacklight puppet show, visits with Santa and Mrs. Clause, and more. Admission to the Festival of Lights is included in zoo tickets and passes.

PNC Festival of Lights at The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm

Holidays on the Farm is the annual holiday event for Great Parks of Hamilton County. This replaced the Holiday in Lights drive thru display in 2022. Holidays on the Farm will be open nightly 5:00pm to 9:00pm from December 4 to 23, 2025.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door – although it is cheaper to buy tickets in advance. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12 and seniors 62+, and children 2 & under are free.

At Holiday on the Farm, you can expect a walkable light display through nature trails, Santa, animal encounters, hayrides, interactive train display, food and drink options (including a beer garden!), and more.

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center is located at 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231

Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres

The Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres is a lighted forest walk with interactive installations along a 1/3 mile mulched trail. From November 6, 2025 through January 3, 2026, the forest walk will be open 5 days a week (closed Sundays and Mondays) starting at 5:00pm. It will be closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This attraction is great for families with kids of all ages (from toddlers to bigger kids), or even for date night!

Tickets must be purchased in advance online, and include both the forest walk and mini golf. Tickets are $12 per adult, $8 per child ages 4-9, $10 for seniors + veterans, and free for 3 & under.

The Lighted Forest Walk has a bunch of interesting and interactive displays. Our favorites were the LED zip line, the black light flowers, and of course, the giant see saw. The trail is mulched but it’s pretty flat. If you are coming with an infant, I would recommend baby-wearing or bringing a jogging stroller. Plan at least 30 minutes for the Lighted Forest Walk, plus time for mini golf and food.

Lighted Forest Walk at The Acres is located at 9941 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH 45241

CAM Nights & Holiday Lights at Cincinnati Art Museum

New for 2025

The Cincinnati Art Museum has revamped its holiday lights display for 2025 with CAM Nights & Holiday Lights In Partnership with BLINK®. Visitors can enjoy a holiday-themed projection light show outside in the Alice Bimel Courtyard on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 8:00pm beginning December 5 to 26, 2025.

The museum’s collection galleries and 3 exhibitions will be open during this time. Exhibitions are free on Thursdays, but will be ticketed on Fridays.

CAM Nights & Holiday Lights at the Cincinnati Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202

A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park

A Carillon Christmas is a holiday event at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. This event begins November 25 through December 30, 2025, excluding holidays. It is open 5:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm Friday and Saturday. In addition to the light displays throughout the park, there will be train rides, model train display, a carousel, puppet show, Santa, a Christmas village, and more.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 60+, $10 for children ages 3-17, and free for children 2 and under. Dayton History Members also get in free. Tickets can be purchased online.

A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park is located at 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45409

Winter Nights & River Lights on the Purple People Bridge

The Purple People Bridge is a bright purple, pedestrian-only bridge that connects Cincinnati, Ohio to Newport, Kentucky. From November 14, 2025 through January 4, 2026, the bridge is decked out with festive lights and holiday music, in a display known as Winter Nights & River Lights. This event runs nightly and is FREE!

The Purple People Bridge is located at 1 Levy Way, Newport, KY 41071

WinterFest at Kings Island

WinterFest at Kings Island features the amusement park decked out in holiday lights, along with holiday shows, games, and attractions galore. This attraction runs on select nights beginning November 28 through December 31, 2025. Tickets to WinterFest can be purchased online. Admission is included for Gold Pass members.

Some of the most popular rides are also open during the winter festivities, including the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad. Attractions include ice skating, photos with Santa, baking cookies with Mrs. Clause and more.

WinterFest at Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034

Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park

Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park is the Renaissance Fair’s winter holiday attraction. Yuletide Village offers holiday light shows, food and drink, holiday market, Yuletide Express train, and photos with Santa – and Krampus. This attraction is open Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00pm and Saturdays from 3:00pm to 9:00pm beginning November 28 to December 20, 2025.

Admission is $17 per person, with children ages 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online.

Renaissance Park is located at 10542 East State Route 73 Waynesville, OH 45068

Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center

Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center features light installations along a trail through the woods. The display runs from 5:30pm to 9:00pm on select dates December 5 to December 28, 2025. Light in The Forest is closed Monday to Wednesday, except the week of Christmas, when it will be open Monday and Tuesday, but closed Wednesday and Thursday. Please plan for an hour to complete the trail.

It is strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online, as this attraction tends to sell out. Tickets are $15 for member adults, $20 for non-member adults, $6 for member child, and $8 for non-member child.

Light In The Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center is located at 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150

Still here, but not this year

Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium

Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium is a walkable light display. This event has been paused for 2025 due to preparations for the 2026 Frontier League Y’all Star Game.

Deck The Y’alls Lightfest at Florence Y’alls Thomas More Stadium is located at 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, KY 41042

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Thank you for checking out my Cincinnati holiday lights guide for 2025! I hope you find the best spot for your family to enjoy the magic of holiday lights around Cincinnati. Happy Holidays, friends!

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If you enjoyed my guide to Cincinnati holiday lights, make sure to also check out my Santa in Cincinnati, Holiday Trains, and Cincinnati Ice Skating guides for all the holiday fun around Cincinnati.

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Here you’ll find guides to all the best Cincinnati holiday attractions to enjoy this winter! From where to see Santa and enjoy holiday lights, to where to go ice skating and see holiday trains, this guide has it all.

Cincinnati Holiday Attractions

Not sure where to begin to create a magical holiday season with your kids? Use the Cincinnati Holiday Attraction guides below to find all the details on Holiday Lights, Santa, Holiday Trains, and Ice Skating around Cincy this winter.

Cincinnati Holiday Lights 2025

Santa in Cincinnati 2025

Cincinnati Holiday Trains 2025

Cincinnati Ice Skating Rinks

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Thank you for checking out everything Cincinnati has to offer this holiday season.

And for gift ideas, check out my Holiday Gift Guides with all of our favorite things. Happy Holidays, friends!

Ready for your close up with jolly old St. Nick?

How lucky are we that Santa is making so many stops around the Queen City this year? There are many great places to visit Santa – and snap a photo or two. Check out my guide to the best spots to see Santa in Cincinnati for Christmas 2025.

And remember – Santa’s visits usually vary from the days and hours of the holiday attraction he is visiting. Santa typically arrives the weekend after Thanksgiving and heads back up to the North Pole on December 23 or 24. Most holiday attractions run a week or two longer than Santa’s visit, so double check dates before heading out!

Santa in Cincinnati Guide

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion

Christmas Glow is a drive thru light experience at Land of Illusion. After you enjoy the lights, head to the Christmas Village where you can find Santa in Santa’s Workshop. There is an additional fee for photos.

Santa’s Workshop is open daily from 6:00 to 10:00pm beginning November 28 through December 24, 2025.

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion is located at 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, OH 45042

Fifty West Brewery Cincinnati

Awaiting info for 2025

If you’d like a beer with your Santa photos, head over to the Fifty West Burger Bar and Beer Garden. The Fifty West locations on Wooster Pike and in Deerfield are hosting photos with Santa on November 29, 2024 only. This event is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly.

You can buy tickets for your visit with Santa online. First select location, then scroll to events. Tickets are $45 and include one physical print photo, one digital copy and free hot cocoa for the kids.

Fifty West Wooster Pike is located at 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Fifty West Deerfield is located at 5224 District Park Drive, Mason, OH 45040

WinterFest at Burger Farm and Garden Center

Santa will be visiting WinterFest at Burger Farm and Garden Center for two weekends in 2025. You can meet Santa on November 28 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, and November 29, November 30, December 6, and December 7, 2025 from noon to 4:00pm. This event is free! Enjoy refreshments like hot cocoa, coffee, popcorn, and sugar cookies while you’re there.

Burger Farm and Garden Center is located at 7849 Main Street (RT 32), Cincinnati, OH 45244

Ho Ho Hayrides at Hidden Valley Orchards

Take a hayride to go see Santa at Hidden Valley Orchards. Ho Ho Hayrides will run weekends from November 29 to December 20, 2025. You will need to purchase tickets online to reserve a time slot, as walk-ins cannot be guarenteed. Tickets are $20 per person, but free for children 2 and under.

Tickets include a hayride through the lighted orchard, a chance to visit with Santa, time to play at Sproutsville Christmas Village, smore’s, and more.

Hidden Valley Orchards is located at 5474 North State Route 48, Lebanon, OH 45036

Winter Wonderland Santa Event at Wonderland Playground

Wonderland Playground is holding their Winter Wonderland Santa Event on December 3 to 5, 2025, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. There is also one morning session on December 5 from 9:00am to 11:00am. Tickets are $27.50 per child, and include 2 adults, a visit with Santa and the opportunity to take your own photos against a themed backdrop, a ticket to make your own fancy hot chocolate, a slice of pizza and juice box for dinner, and an evening play time session.

You do need to purchase tickets in advance. To buy tickets to this event, go to Buy Tickets, select a date (December 3, 4, or 5 only), then select ‘Winter Wonderland Santa Event’ under Tickets before completing your purchase.

Wonderland Playground is located at 8255 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255

Sundays with Santa at Station Road Farm

Every Sunday from December 7 to 21, 2025, Santa will be visiting Station Road Farm from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Come visit and take a picture with Santa at the Christmas Market, then enjoy a sleigh ride around the farm (weather permitting).

Station Road Farm is located at 6749 Station Road, West Chester, OH 45069

Christmas on the Farm at the Hamilton County Fair

Enjoy visits with Santa, animals, breakfast, crafts, and more at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds. Christmas on the Farm will take place on December 7, 13, and 20, 2025 from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Hamilton County Fairgrounds is located at 7700 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH

Grant’s Garden Center

Head out to Grant’s Garden Center to enjoy their holiday train display, and visits from Santa! Santa will be visiting the garden center on November 22 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, November 29 from noon to 2:00pm, November 30 from noon to 2:00pm, December 6 from noon to 2:00pm, and December 7, 2025 from noon to 2:00pm.

This event is free. Please bring your own camera or smartphone to take photos.

Grant’s Garden Center is located at 2115 S.R. 131, Batavia, OH 45103

Events with Santa in Cincinnati

There are many fun events in 2025 to meet Santa in Cincinnati. Here are some that caught my eye! Many events are free, while others have ticket fees and require advance registration.

• Duke Energy’s Light Up the Square on Fountain Square – November 28
• Cincinnati Fire Museum’s Santa Rescue – November 29
• Holiday Lights Event at Deerfield Town Center – November 29
• Braxton Factory 52’s Tree Lighting – November 29
• Deer Park’s Christmas Tree Lighting – November 29
• Read with Santa at Bike Trail Books – November 30
• Holidays in Deerfield – November 30
• Hartwell Tree Lighting with Santa – December 5
• Christmas Market and Festival at Buck Ridge Farms – December 5-6
• City of Loveland’s Christmas Tree Lighting Festival – December 6
• City of Montgomery’s Holiday in the Village – December 6
• Anderson Park District’s Visit with Santa at Juilfs Park – December 12
• West Chester’s Pioneer Christmas at Keehner Park – December 14

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I hope you and your little ones enjoy meeting Santa while he’s visiting Cincinnati from the North Pole. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, friends!

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If you enjoyed my guide on Santa in Cincinnati, make sure to also check out Cincinnati Holiday Lights, Holiday Trains, and Cincinnati Ice Skating for all the holiday fun around Cincinnati.

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Gift ideas for your favorite 6, 7 and 8 year olds

As our son gets older, he is becoming much more particular in what he wants for the holidays. In this gift guide for school-aged kids in early elementary school, you’ll find some of our favorite toys for little ones ages 6 to 8 years old. These are toys and games our son loves and has on his wish list this year.

School-Aged Kids Gifts

Board Games for School-Aged Kids

One of my favorite things about this age is that my son loves board games. Here are our favorites for family game night for 6 to 8 year olds..

Bigger Gifts for 6-8 Year Olds

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Thank you for checking out my gift guide for school-aged kids from 6 to 8 years old. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift for your six, seven, or eight year old in this list of toys my son has loves so much.

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If you enjoyed this gift guide for school-aged kids, make sure to check out my full collection of holiday gift ideas for kids, including Gift Ideas for Babies, Gift Ideas for One Year Olds, Toddler Gift Guide, Preschooler Gift Guide, Hanukkah Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers Guide.

ALL ABOARD for Cincinnati holiday trains season!

Enjoying Cincinnati holiday trains has been a staple festive activity in our house since my son was a baby. In 2025, there are 13 Cincinnati holiday train displays and ride-on train attractions around Cincinnati. So hop on board, and enjoy Cincinnati holiday train seasons before it choo choos out of town.

Holiday Train Displays

Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at Cincinnati Museum Center

The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have been a Cincinnati staple for decades. The trains are on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center as part of Holiday Junction November 14, 2025 through January 5, 2026. The museum is open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. Access to Holiday Junction is included in museum admission and membership.

The big attractions at Holiday Junction are the Duke Energy Holiday Trains and the Brickopolis LEGO display. But also make sure to check out the holiday scavenger hunt, interactive holiday exhibits, and visits with Santa.

Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center is located at 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203

Festival of Ferns at Krohn Conservatory

Festival of Ferns is this year’s annual holiday event at Krohn Conservatory. This event features a train display set among miniature replicas of Cincinnati landmarks and holiday flora. Festival of Ferns runs daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm November 1, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Please check their calendar for dates with limited hours.

Tickets can be purchased at the door. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-17, and free for ages 4 and under.

Krohn Conservatory is located at 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Holly Jolly Days at Behringer-Crawford Museum

Holly Jolly Days is the holiday event at Behringer-Crawford Museum. This attraction runs November 11, 2025 to January 11, 2026. The museum is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm Tuesday to Saturday, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm on Sunday. BCM is closed on holidays and Monday.

This event features a holiday toy train display with interactive accessories for guests to enjoy. There will also be family fun activities, a LEGO Makerspace, and a special vintage Christmas decor exhibit.

Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60+, and $5 for children ages 3-17 (under 3 is free). Wednesdays are Grandparents Days with free admission for one grandchild per paid grandparent.

Behringer-Crawford Museum is located in Devou Park at 1600 Montague Road, Covington, KY 41011

Train Days at Heritage Village Museum in Sharon Woods

Heritage Village Museum, located within Sharon Woods, is a living history museum set in 19th century life in Ohio. During the holidays, the museum hosts Train Days, featuring a large model train display inside a historic train station.

Train Days runs December 17, 2025 to January 4, 2026 from 10:00am to 3:00pm (noon to 3:00pm on Sundays). It will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Years Day. Tickets are $5 per person, and children under age 4 are free.

Heritage Village Museum is located at 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, OH 45241

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm

Great Parks of Hamilton Country’s Holidays on the Farm at Parky’s Farm in Winton Woods is back, and bigger than ever. This holiday attraction includes a walkable light display, visits with Santa, a train display, animal encounters, wagon rides, food & drink, and more! The interactive holiday train display is located in Santaland in the red barn area. Here you can also find Santa and his reindeer, letters to Santa, crafts, and pony rides.

Holidays on the Farm will be open nightly 5:00pm to 9:00pm from December 4 to 23, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door – although it is cheaper to buy tickets in advance. Admission is $17 for adults, $12 for kids ages 3-12 and seniors 62+, and children 2 & under are free.

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods Farm & Equestrian Center is located at 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati, OH 45231

Grant’s Garden Center

Grant’s Garden Center will transform their greenhouse into a winter wonderland, complete with model train display. There is no charge to check out the trains. This winter wonderland is on display November 15 through December 21, 2025. Check their website for extended holiday hours.

Grant’s Garden Center is located at 2115 S.R. 131, Batavia, OH 45103

Ride-On Holiday Trains

North Polar Express at PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

While enjoying the Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, make sure to hop aboard the North Polar Express train for a special view of all the lights. Train rides begin at 2:30pm daily.

The Festival of Lights runs from November 20, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The Cincinnati Zoo is open from 10:00am to 9:00pm, with festivities beginning at 4pm. Extended hours are back, with the zoo closing at 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, at 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday, and at 10:00pm from December 20-31.

Admission to the Festival of Lights is included in zoo tickets and passes. However, train tickets must be purchased with an Admission + Ride Packages ticket or with a membership that includes rides (Gold level and above).

PNC Festival of Lights at The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati, OH 45220

Liberty Center Express at Liberty Center

Liberty Center Express at Liberty Center is also currently running. The train is open from 11:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Saturday, and noon to 6:00pm on Sunday. The Liberty Center Express is located on the upper level of the Foundry in the new Liberty Fun Zone. Tickets are $6 per ride.

Liberty Center is located at 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township, OH 45069

North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad

Looking for an authentic train experience? Then check out the North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad. This experience includes an hour and 15 minute train ride in cars decked out in Christmas decorations. Santa and his elves are on board to spread Christmas cheer.

The North Pole Express runs in select dates in November and December. Advanced reservations are required and tickets can be purchased online. Tickets begin at $30 per person.

LM&M Railway Ticket Office is located at 16 E. South Street, Lebanon, OH 45036

Holiday Trains at A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park

A Carillon Christmas is a holiday event at Carillon Historical Park in Dayton, Ohio. This holiday attraction offers 3 train options. The Carillon Park Railroad is a narrated, mile-long ride on a replica of one of the first trains to arrive in Dayton, and costs $5 per person, per ride. The Midnight Express Train rides go through a winter wonderland of lights reminiscent of a trip to the North Pole, and cost: $1 per person, per ride. There are also model train displays, included with admission.

This event begins November 25 through December 30, 2025, excluding holidays. It is open daily from 5:00pm to 9:00pm Sunday to Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm Friday and Saturday. In addition to the holiday train, enjoy the light displays, Santa, a Christmas village, and more.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors ages 60+, $10 for children ages 3-17, and free for children 2 and under. Dayton History Members also get in free. Tickets can be purchased online.

A Carillon Christmas at Carillon Historical Park is located at 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton, OH 45409

K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad at Kings Island’s WinterFest

WinterFest at Kings Island features the amusement park decked out in holiday lights, shows, attractions and more. One of the attractions running during WinterFest is the K.I. & Miami Valley Railroad. Hop on the train to ride around this WinterFest wonderland.

King Island’s WinterFest runs on select nights beginning November 28 through December 31, 2025. Tickets can be purchased online. Admission is included for those with an annual Gold pass.

WinterFest at Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034

The Christmas Ranch

The Christmas Ranch is a drive thru light experience in Morrow. After enjoying the lights, head into the village to check out shops, see Santa, and hop on one of the holiday train and wagon rides. Ride around the village to enjoy the lights from a different vantage point. Tickets for the train and wagon rides are $4.50 per person. Ages 3 and under are free.

This attraction runs from November 21 through December 23, 2025. It is open 5:00 to 9:00pm Sunday though Thursday, and 5:00pm to 10:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $37 per carload, and can be purchased online (for $5 cheaper!).

The Christmas Ranch is located at 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, OH 45152

Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park

Yuletide Village at Renaissance Park is the Renaissance Fair’s winter holiday attraction. Yuletide Village offers holiday light shows, food and drink, holiday market, Yuletide Express train, and photos with Santa – and Krampus. This attraction is open Fridays from 5:00 to 9:00pm and Saturdays from 3:00pm to 9:00pm beginning November 28 to December 20, 2025. Admission is $17 per person, with children ages 12 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online.

The Yuletide Express train journeys around the park, through Santa Lane, Candy Cane Row, Krampus Way, and Jingle Bell Lane. Train ride tickets are $5/ person and ages 3 & under are free.

Renaissance Park is located at 10542 East State Route 73 Waynesville, OH 45068

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I hope you enjoy the magical Cincinnati holiday trains around town this year. Happy Holidays, friends!

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If you enjoyed our post on Cincinnati holiday trains, make sure to also check out Santa in Cincinnati, Holiday Lights, and Cincinnati Ice Skating for all the holiday fun around Cincinnati.

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Gift ideas for your favorite 4 and 5 year olds

As a preschooler, my son loves many of the same types of toys as he did as a toddler, including building toys, puzzles, and play pretend toys. But these toys are a bit more advanced and have more pieces – and are honestly a bit more fun to play with. The toys on this list are best for ages 4 to 5 years old. Everything on this gift guide for preschoolers are toys that we own or are similar to things we loved when our son was 4 and 5 years old.

Preschooler Gifts

Big Gifts for Preschoolers

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Thank you for checking out my gift guide for preschoolers. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift for your four or five year old in this list of toys my son has loves so much.

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If you enjoyed this gift guide, make sure to check out my full collection of holiday gift ideas for kids, including Gift Ideas for Babies, Gift Ideas for One Year Olds, Toddler Gift Guide, School-Aged Kids Gift Guide, Hanukkah Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers Guide.

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Our favorite toys for 2 & 3 year olds

Toddlers are the perfect combination of fun and crazy. At this age, my son really loved puzzles, building toys, play pretend toys, and toys that helped him get out all that energy – and my daughter is the same way! In this holiday gift guide for toddlers, you’ll find our favorite toys for two and three year olds. And most of these toys are still played with today. I’m sure you’ll find something on this list that your toddler will love for many years to come.

Toddler Gifts

Big Gifts for Toddlers

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Thank you for checking out my holiday gift guide for toddlers. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift for your two or three year old in this list of toys my kids have loved so much.

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If you enjoyed this gift guide for toddlers, make sure to check out my full collection of holiday gift ideas for kids, including Gift Ideas for Babies, Gift Ideas for One Year Olds, Preschooler Gift Guide, School-Aged Kids Gift Guide, Hanukkah Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers Guide.

Gift ideas for your favorite 12 to 24 month olds

One year olds can be hard to shop for – especially if you’re a first time mom and you’re not sure what they would like or be appropriate for their age. In this gift guide for 1 year olds, you’ll find some of our favorite toys for little ones ages 12 to 24 months that our children loved for many years. You’re sure to find something perfect for your little one this Christmas!

1 Year Old Gifts

Big Gifts for 1 Year Olds

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Thank you for checking out my gift guide for 1 year olds. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift for your little one in this list of toys my children love so much.

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If you enjoyed this gift guide for 1 year olds, make sure to check out my full collection of holiday gift ideas for kids, including a Gift Guide for Babies, Toddler Gift Guide, Preschooler Gift Guide, School-Aged Kids Gift Guide, Hanukkah Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers Guide.

Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds Gift guide for 1 year olds

Where to hit the ice with your littles

Ice skating is such a fun and festive activity to enjoy during the holidays. Here’s a guide to all of the Cincinnati ice skating rinks opening this winter. So don your pom pom hat and strap on your skates, and get ready to hit the ice with your kids!

Cincinnati Ice Skating Rinks 2025

Before you hit the ice this holiday season, here are a few things to note:

• All of the places featured in the Cincinnati Ice Skating Rinks are all outdoor rinks, and therefore are subject to weather-related closures
• The hours for most ice rinks vary by day of the week and calendar date – please double check an ice rink’s hours on their website before heading out
• There are several places that had an ice rink last year that do not have one this year

UC Health Ice Rink at Elm Street Plaza

New location

The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, has a new home this year at Elm Street Plaza. The ice rink will be open November 1, 2025 through February 16, 2026. It is open daily (including on holidays), with Pre-Holiday, Holiday, and Post-Holiday hours listed on their website. Admission is walk-ups only – no reservations required!

Ice skating is $12 per person, and includes admission and ice skate rental. Children ages 5 and under are free with paid adult admission. Also, children under 55 inches tall must be accompanied by an adult at all times out on the ice.

Nearby parking information can be found on their website under the FAQ section.

Elm Street Plaza is located at 150 W. Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Rink at Summit Park presented by Medpace and Warm 98.5

The Ice Rink at Summit Park, presented by Medpace and Warm 98.5, opens November 15, 2025 through January 4, 2026. From November 15 to December 13, the rink is open Monday to Friday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm, with 2-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday. Beginning December 14, the rink moves to daily 2-hour sessions. Check their website for holiday hours and special events.

Admission and ice skate rental is $7 per person. Tickets are only available at the rink. While there is no age range specified on their website, it does say that rental skate sizes range from junior size 8 to men’s size 14.

Summit Park is located at 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, OH 45242

Fifty West Ice Skating Rink

Ice skating at Fifty West Brewing is back this year – and now at both the Wooster Pike and Deerfields locations. The ice rinks are slated to open for the 2025-26 season the week of November 24, 2025, and are typically open through late February.

Enjoy the ice skating rink from 11:00am to 11:00pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11:00am to 9:00pm on Sunday. The cost of a 1-hour session and skate rental is $10 per person. Children ages 4 and under are free. You can book a slot online (coming soon). You can also rent curling lanes on weekend evenings.

Fifty West Wooster is located at 7605 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45227

Fifty West Deerfield is located at 5224 District Park Drive, Mason, OH 45040

Reimagine Middletown Ice Rink 

Enjoy ice skating in downtown Middletown during Very Merry Middletown (formerly Holiday Whopla). The ice rink will be open November 10, 2025 through January 11, 2026. Check their website for regular and holiday break hours. The ice rink is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Unlimited daily skate admission is $12 per person, and includes skate rental. Children ages 5 and under are free. There are several theme days with $6 admission if you dress the theme.

Very Merry Middletown is located at 39 N. Broad Street, Middletown, OH 45042

Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating at Kings Island’s WinterFest

Snow Flake Lake Ice Skating at Kings Island is open during WinterFest on select nights from November 28 to December 31, 2025. There are three 90-minute ice skating sessions per night during WinterFest. The rink is located on International Street.

The cost of an ice skating voucher starts at $17, and goes up depending on date and time of skate session. The voucher includes a 90 minute skating session and ice skate rental. This cost is in addition to park admission. You must purchase ice skating tickets in advance online. Also, you need to complete an online waiver before your ice skating session (it is linked under the ice skating FAQ section on their website).

After you purchase your ice skating tickets online, you will receive a voucher to bring to the park with you. To redeem your voucher, head to the Ice Skating Rental Booth located across from Tinker’s Spielzeug Haus (Festhaus) on the left-hand side of International Street. The park encourages guests to check in for ice skating 30 minutes prior to your session beginning to allow enough time to redeem your voucher and try on ice skates.

WinterFest at Kings Island is located at 6300 Kings Island Drive, Kings Island, OH 45034

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If you enjoyed my guide on Cincinnati Ice Skating Rinks, make sure to check out my other Cincinnati holiday guides – Holiday Lights, Santa in Cincinnati, and Holiday Trains for all the holiday fun around the Queen City.

Gift ideas for your favorite 0 to 12 month olds

Looking for the perfect gift for baby’s first Christmas or Hanukkah? In this holiday gift guide for babies, you’ll find some of our favorite gifts for littles under 12 months old. I’ve included both toys and practical gifts too. Many of these items are things we loved with both of our kids as infants.

You’re sure to find something perfect for your baby’s first Christmas or Hanukkah!

Gifts for Babies 0-12 Months

Big Gifts for Babies

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Thank you for checking out my gift guide for babies 0-12 months old. I hope you are able to find the perfect gift for your sweet baby’s first Christmas or Hanukkah in this list of toys and gear we have loved so much.

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If you enjoyed this gift guide for babies, make sure to check out my full collection of holiday gift ideas for kids, including a One Year Old Gift Guide, Toddler Gift Guide, Preschooler Gift Guide, School-Aged Kids Gift Guide, Hanukkah Gift Guide and Stocking Stuffers Guide.