Photograph courtesy of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Whether you are celebrating New Year’s Eve with your family or friends, there are events happening all over town, from hockey games to punk performances.
Happy ZOO Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Spend the end of 2025 at the Cincinnati Zoo for its 17th annual Happy ZOO Year celebration. The event will feature photo opportunities, glow games, giveaways, and access to the Zoo’s annual light show, the Festival of Lights. While all ages are encouraged to join, Happy ZOO Year takes more of a kid-friendly approach to the New Year, including a mock countdown at 8 p.m. featuring the Zoo’s 40-foot-tall digital tree. Free with zoo admission. 3400 Vine St., Avondale
BB Riverboats New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
Take a New Year’s Eve dinner cruise with BB Riverboats. The evening will feature a three-course meal, live music, views of the Cincinnati skyline, and champaign at midnight. The dinner buffet will provide both vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as a chilled seafood display. This year’s New Year’s Eve Cruise will sail from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., so guests can watch fireworks from the water all night long. $130 for adults, $90 for kids ages 4–12. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport
Cincinnati Cyclones New Year’s Eve Game
The puck drops at 6 p.m. for the Cincinnati Cyclones game against the Indy Fuel this New Year’s Eve. The family-oriented event will include indoor fireworks for the New Year’s Eve celebration and ensures that you will still be home in time before the ball drops at midnight. $25–56. 100 Broadway St., downtown
STARFALL: Rhinegeist New Year’s Eve Party
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Rhinegeist Brewery, which is transforming its taproom into a fantasy-themed venue from Sarah J. Maas’s popular book series, A Court of Thorns and Roses. The taproom will have a full bar along with themed drinks to purchase, immersive ethereal décor, light bites, and a live DJ. The night begins at 8 p.m. and will feature a countdown at midnight, (better known as Starfall in the ACOTAR world). This event is 21+ and costumes are strongly encouraged. $25 general admission, $100 VIP. 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
New Year’s Eve WinterFest at Kings Island
Leave 2025 behind at WinterFest at Kings Island. WinterFest has been a Kings Island holiday tradition for more than 40 years, and New Year’s Eve is its last day of the season. WinterFest features shows, ice skating, select amusement rides, a WinterFest parade, an assortment of specialty tastes and sips, and ice skating. For guests with an earlier bedtime, a countdown will take place at 10 p.m. in the Festhaus food court. Another countdown will occur at midnight, followed by fireworks. Free with general admission. 6300 Kings Island Drive., Mason
Photograph courtesy 3CDC
Ice Skating at the UC Health Ice Rink
Spend the New Year on the ice at Elm Street Plaza. The evening will first feature a family-friendly kids show featuring a live DJ, interactive games and giveaways, and a firework show at 8 p.m. If you stick around after, late night skating is offered until 1 a.m. with a countdown at midnight along with another firework show. You can also stop by the Pavillion Bar for drinks to cheers into the New Year. $12 for adults, free for children 5 and under. 150 W. Fifth St., downtown
Go Bananas Comedy Club New Year’s Eve Show
Spend your time laughing into the New Year at Go Bananas Comedy Club. The club’s longstanding tradition of hosting a NYE show is a favorite event for many longtime customers and staff. This year’s show will be hosted by Zach Wycuff and feature L.A.-based comedian Tyrone Hawkins and Ran Barnaclo. You must be 18+ to purchase tickets. $20–35. 8410 Market Pl. Ln., Montgomery
Weird Year’s Eve with The Woodward Theater
If you are looking to end your year with a little more chaos, Weird Year’s Eve at The Woodward Theatre is the place to be. The event will feature music, 3D visuals, mutants, and mayhem with performances from Ernie Johnson from Detroit with Touchdown Jesus, Henry Sugar, and MAW. Barf Bags are included due to the flashing lights and 3D visuals. $31. 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine
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