20+ Things to Do Near Cincinnati in Winter
Nov 08, 2024Nature trails, holiday shopping, and more: These Cincinnati day trips will have you exploring all the fun things to do near Cincinnati in winter
From the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping to a relaxing stroll on a crisp day, winter is a beautiful time of year to explore Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
This year, the Improveit team is sharing their favorite Cincinnati day trips so you can enjoy the season all over the region! With a busy 2024 winter calendar, there’s no lack of things to do near Cincinnati in winter. Every item on the list below is within a 2-hour drive of Cincinnati. Scroll through, embrace the chill, and plan your Cincinnati day trips to explore Ohio and Kentucky all season long.
Clck the buttons below to see events in your area:
Cincinnati in winter! Things to Do Around Cincinnati, Southern Ohio & Northern Kentucky
Ice Skating in Fountain Square - Staff Pick!
Nov. 2, 2024 – Feb. 17, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH
The UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, opens in Fountain Square on Nov. 2. Skate rental is available, along with a full-service concessions tent, restrooms, and on-site parking. Skaters of all ages are welcome, and on-ice bumper cars add extra fun during select time periods. Hours change during the season. Check the website to plan your visit.
myfountainsquare.com
Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights – Staff Pick
Nov. 21, 2024 – Jan 5, 2025 | Cincinnati, OH
The 42nd annual PNC Festival of Lights is bright and beautiful way to spend a family-friendly day in Cincinnati. Come early to see the animals in their winter habitats, keep your eyes out for five “Fiona fairies” in honor of Fiona the hippo, and take in a Wild Lights show and the immersive “Under the Sea” area, as well as the North Polar Express train and Conservation Carousel rides! Animal ambassadors will be on-hand to meet in person. Attendees on December 31 will enjoy a special “Happy Zoo Year” bash.
cincinnatizoo.org
Deck the Y'alls
Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 1, 2025 | Florence, KY
The Florence Y’alls amateur baseball team keeps the fun going during the off-season by decking out the ballpark for the holidays. Themed areas, holiday shopping, ice skating, and carnival attractions are just the beginning, with more than 2 million lights brightening the ballpark. Holiday movies, pet-friendly dates, and a sensory-friendly evening are all on the calendar. decktheyalls.com
King's Island WinterFest
Nov. 29 – Dec. 31, 2024 (select nights) | Mason, OH
King’s Island’s winter celebration transforms the beloved amusement park into 11 enchanting winter wonderlands. Ice skate by the Eiffel Tower, enjoy the Wonderland Parade, and wander through more than 5 million lights throughout the park. Twenty rides including Mystic Timbers and Kings Mills Antique Autos will be running so the whole family can enjoy the fun. visitkingsisland.com
Perfect North Slopes – Staff Pick
Dec. 2024 - Feb. 2025 | Lawrenceburg, IN
With skiing, snowboarding, and tubing all in one place, Perfect North Slopes is a fun way to take advantage of the region’s hills. Located in Lawrenceburg, IN, the ski resort is an easy drive from Cincinnati. Whether you like to plan your snow days in advance or get a surprise day to enjoy the winter weather, the lodge has everything you need from food, to ski tuning, to a stocked gear shop.
perfectnorth.com
Light in the Forest at Rowe Woods
Dec. 5 - 29, 2024 | Milford, OH
On select evenings in December, the Cincinnati Nature Center will open the trails of their Rowe Woods location to the public. The vast lights display will include new installations by regional light artists, including five BLINK artists. Other attractions include a bonfire, holiday shopping, and children’s activities.
cincynature.org
Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
Dec. 13-15, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH
The Music Hall will be dressed for the holidays as the CSO is joined by chorus groups, dance troupes, and local ensembles to bring seasonal classics to life. Vocalist Norm Lewis and several local your choruses join the festivities under the direction of John Morris Russel. Sold-out performances are expected throughout the weekend.
cincinnatisymphony.org
Christmas at the Junction
Dec. 13 & 14, 20-23 & 26-30, 2024 | West Chester, OH
Celebrate the holidays with EnterTRAINment Junction one last time! Families with little ones will love taking a magical journey through a Winter Wonderland during Christmas at the Junction. From Mrs. Claus in her kitchen to Santa’s reindeer and elves at the North Pole, kids will get to enjoy the world’s largest train display, the A-Maze-N FunHouse, and more. Take in all the “EnterTRAINment” with extended hours on select days in December. The Junction will close permanently in January 2025.
entertrainmentjunction.com
New Year's Eve with the Cincinnati Cyclones
Dec. 31, 2023 | Cincinnati, OH
Wrap up 2024 with indoor fireworks as the Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Toledo Walleye. Puck drops at 6pm so you can get home in time to watch the ball drop. Tickets are available online.
Cincinnati Day Trips to Columbus
Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo – Staff Pick
Nov. 22, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Columbus, OH
Animated light displays and character ambassadors are must-see attractions at the annual Wildlights event at the Columbus Zoo. Stop to see the Zoo’s reindeer herd in their winter habitat on your way to visit the Santa Experience and 12 Days of Wildlights train ride. Visit the s’mores and frosted nuts station for a treat, check out the Dino Island Yuletide Boat Ride, and many more activities. Reminder: The Columbus Zoo is now cashless – only debit cards and digital payments will be accepted at the Zoo.
columbuszoo.org
Franklin Park Conservatory Aglow
Nov. 23, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025 | Columbus, OH
For 2023, the annual Conservatory Aglow event will take you back with a nostalgic 90s themed party this year, plus new cozy igloos onsite so you can relax and unwind! Your favorite eye-catching ornament trees life-size gingerbread house, garden railway, and other activities add to the festive atmosphere. Closed for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
fpconservatory.org
Columbus Winterfair Artist & Gourmet Market
Dec. 6 – 8, 2024 | Columbus, OH
Your admission ticket is valid for all three days of this event hosted by the Ohio Designer Craftsman non-profit. Hundreds of artisans will be on-hand displaying their artwork, jewelry, home goods, tasty treats, and more. Find gifts for everyone on your holiday list – and for yourself! New this year, purchase advance tickets for the Winterfair Raffle Contest for a chance at a $500 grand prize, or one of two $100 Winterfair gift cards! Tickets can be purchased at the Ohio Craft Museum or online. The winner will be announced December 3 (prior to Winterfair).
Ohio RV & Boat Show - Staff Pick!
Jan. 10 - 19, 2025 | Columbus, OH10
The largest and longest-running show of its kind lets you leave the winter weather in the rearview mirror and start thinking about what you’ll do when spring arrives. The whole family will love exploring and touring RVs, boats, golf carts, ATVs, camping, and watersports exhibits. Spend time at the on-site beer garden while you indulge in your daydreams and planning your next adventure. ohiorvandboatshow.com
60th Annual Hocking Hills Winter Hike
Jan. 18, 2025 | Logan, OH
Enjoy everything winter has to offer in this 6-mile trek from Old Man’s Cave to Ash Cave in Hocking Hills State Park. The family-friendly event offers continuous starts from 9 to 11am, and free pre- and post-hike refreshments will be available. Improvements have been made to the trails, walkways, and bridges since last year’s hike, and you might even get to glimpse a member of Southern Ohio’s growing black bear population! A shuttle bus returns hikers to the Old Man’s Cave parking area. Layered clothing and good footwear are recommended.
Columbus Golf & Travel Show
Jan. 24-26, 2025 | Columbus, OH
Start planning for spring tee times or your next golf vacation at this popular, hands-on golf and travel show! In addition to the manufactuer’s demo range and great discounts on golf equipment, accessories, and trips, you get a free subscriptions to Golf Magazine with your paid admission! Feeling competitive? Enter the long drive championship, long putt challenge, or a game of golf darts! Free seminars and PGA instruction will also be on-hand.
columbusgolfshow.com
Winter Day Trips from Cincinnati to Dayton
Christmas in Springboro
Nov. 22-24, 2024 | Springboro, OH
The festivities last all weekend as Springboro kicks off the holiday season with their opening ceremony and tree lighting on Friday evening. Free activities are available in the children’s tent and entertainment tent. Start Saturday morning with the event’s 10th annual 5K run/walk, followed by a holiday parade on Main St. More than 70 crafters and 25 food vendors will be on hand with all your seasonal favorites.
Downtown Dayton Holiday Festival
Nov. 29, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025 | Dayton, OH
Running from Thanksgiving weekend through the New Year, holiday festivities in Downtown Dayton were created in 1972 to ensure children of any means could enjoy the magic of the season. Free and low-cost attractions include the Grande Illumination and Children’s Parade on opening night, a gingerbread house contest, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice skating, a family movie series, and more.
downtowndayton.org
Purple Pointsettia Craft & Vendor Show
Dec. 7 - 8, 2024 | Xenia, OH
More than 130 artists, crafters, and other small businesses will be on-hand for this festive event hosted by Craft Shows for a Cause. Your $3 admission will benefit a local Xenia-area animal shelter, and organizers are also accepting paper towels, cleaning supplies, blankets, and other shelter donations as well. A wide variety of crafts, artwork, food gifts, jewelry, and more will be available as you shop for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!
facebook.com/purplepoinsettia/
Winter Solstice Trial Race
Dec. 21, 2024 | Yellow Springs, OH
Welcome in winter with a brisk pace in some brisk weather. Hosted by the Ohio River Road Runners Club, the Winter Solstice Half-Marathon Trail Race will take runners through picturesque John Bryan State Park in Yellow Springs. Race day registration will take place in the Campground shelter. Multiple awards will be given by age group. orrrc.org
2025 Meltdown Throwdown & Fireworks
Jan. 25, 2025 | Richmond, IN
Will Team Fire or Team Ice prevail in this exciting Meltdown weekend? You’ll decide! This annual event draws world-class ice carvers from around the country to Richmond for activities in Jack Elstro Plaza. More than 22 tons of ice will be transformed during the festival, and carvers will go head-to-head to vie for best ice sculpture and fasted sculptor. richmondmeltdown.com
Lexington & Louisville Holiday Events
Lights Under Louisville - Staff Pick!
Nov. 8, 2024 - Jan. 4, 2025 | Louisville, KY
This one-of-a-kind underground holiday light show will take you on a 30-minute drive through a portion of the Louisville Mega Cavern. More than 6.5 million lights, laser lights shows, and the only domestic holographic Santa will give visitors a megadose of holiday cheer.
lightsunderlouisville.com
Nights Before Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes
Nov. 29 & 30, Dec. 6 & 7, 2024 | Madison, IN
Enjoy the charm of historic Madison in a whole new way with two weekends of historic home tours. The Candlelight Tour of Homes gives visitors a view into historic sites, private homes, and a local church all on Madison’s sprawling National Historic Landmark District, and all beautifully decorated for the holidays. Stops include the Richwood on the River, the Christ Episcopal Church, the Masonic Schofield House, and more.
nightsbeforechristmas.com
Paristown Fete de Noel & Brent Street Holiday Market
Nov. 29, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025 | Louisville, KY
Louisville’s only authentic outdoor ice skating rink is the centerpiece of this annual holiday festival. Alongside the Brent Street Holiday Market and the Paristown Express trackless train, visitors will enjoy everything the holidays have to offer. paristown.com
Louisville Christmas Gift & Decor Show
Dec. 13-15, 2024 | Louisville, KY
The Name says it all! Thousands of attendees are expected at this Christmas gift and décor event with more than 700 exhibitors and FREE admission! Bring your camera for free pictures with Santa while you shop for gifts to treat all your friends and family. Improveit will also be on-hand to talk about how you can give yourself the gift of affordable, beautiful home improvements!
A Kentucky Christmas at Ashland
Dec. 7, 12 & 14, 2024 | Lexington, KY
Enjoy a full day of seasonal activities on December 7 on the beautiful grounds of the historic Henry Clay Estate. Start with the Christmas Market at noon, leading up to the Kentuckians Chorus and Ashland Illumination in the evening, and candlelight tours into the night. Additional opportunities for candlelight tours will be available on December 12 an 14.
henryclay.org
Old Louisville Holiday Home Tour
Dec 7-8, 2023 | Louisville, KY
Returning on the first full weekend in December, the Holiday Home Tour gives visitors a glimpse inside historic Victorian mansions and townhouses stylishly dressed for the holidays. The self-paced, easy walking tour lets you take your time enjoying participating homes with docents to greet you on your way. Tickets fees support the Old Louisville Neighborhood Council and historic preservation district. oldlouisville.org
Kentucky Flea Market & New Year Spectacular
Dec. 28-31, 2024 | Louisville, KY
More than 800 booths – including an antique pavilion – means you’ll need the entirety of the last days of 2024 to peruse this mega savings event! Enjoy the $5-and-under overstock sale, along with amazing discounts on everything from home improvement (including Improveit!) to jewelry and décor. Admission is FREE. This is also your last chance to enter the Improveit $45,000 Home Makeover Sweepstakes in person! Stop by the Improveit booth for your chance to win before the year ends.
stewartpromotions.com
Franklin County Farmers Market Winter Market
Dec. 14-Mid April, 2025 | Frankfort, KY
Farmers markets don’t end in the summer! Enjoy the bounty of winter produce, baked goods, and seasonal crafts at the Winter Market held at the Market Pavilion at River Veiw Park. A holiday market will be held on Dec. 14, and biweekly winter market dates will begin in January, running every-other Saturday through mid-April.
franklincountyfarmersmarket.org
Cincinnati Day trips: Winter Home & Garden Shows
Winter is prime time to begin a home improvement project! Embrace the New Year, New Home mindset and add these winter home shows to your list of fun things to do near Cincinnati this season. Improveit will be on-hand to answer all your questions and help your start your 2025 remodeling projects on the right foot!
- Columbus Building & Renovation Expo | Jan. 3-5
- Greater Dayton Home Show | Jan. 4-5 & 11-12
- Louisville Build, Renovate & Landscape Expo | Jan. 10-12
- Nashville Home Expo | Jan. 11-12
- Greater Cincinnati Remodeling Expo | Jan. 17-19 & 24-26
- Southeastern Nashville Home Show | Jan. 17-19
- Miami County Home & Outdoor Living Show | Feb. 14-16
- Dispatch Spring Home & Garden Show | Feb. 15-23
- Louisville Home, Garden & Remodel Show | Feb. 28 – Mar. 2
- Greater Cincinnati Home Expo | March 14-16
