Winter days bring snowflakes and holiday fun. Don’t get lost in the swirl of activity—block off some time to slow down and experience these essential celebrations of the season.
Illustration by Dan Sipple
WinterFest at Kings Island
After a 12-year hiatus, Kings Island brought back WinterFest in 2017. It’s a theme park–turned–winter wonderland with millions of lights—most dazzling on the 314-foot Christmas tree (a.k.a. the Eiffel Tower)—ice skating at the Royal Fountain, costumed carolers, and a holiday buffet with a view of all the merriment on International Street.
Select nights in November and December, 6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, (513) 754-5700
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival
Historic downtown Lebanon already feels quaint and nostalgic. Now imagine more than 100 horse-drawn carriages—some pulled by adorable miniatures, others by heavy Percherons—decked out for the holidays, parading the streets by candlelight. Browse the shops, see Santa, sip hot chocolate, and basically feel like you’ve stepped into Christmas past.
Dec 7, downtown Lebanon, (513) 932-1100
Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker
You can catch a performance of The Nutcracker anywhere, but Cincinnati Ballet’s world-class production, in its 46th year, celebrates our city in sweet ways, from the local child dancers taking the stage to the appearance of Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo’s beloved hippo, donning a pink tutu and dancing with Clara in the Land of Sweets.
Dec 19–29, Music Hall, (513) 621-5282
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