There’s nothing like the holidays in the Tristate. We’re a region that loves their holiday traditions, be it lights and music or plays and community celebrations. Many beloved events were placed on hold thanks to COVID-19, but they’re back in full force in 2023, along with many new ones that were created during the pandemic.

But how to find the events that are right for you and your family? With the return of our Holiday Traditions calendar, we hope to provide information on as many seasonal events as possible, making this your guide to the season. So pull on your Santa hat and find your best snow boots, it’s time to enjoy the holidays.

Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race
Nov. 23
Put on your running shoes this Thanksgiving and have some fun at the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race/Walk as it celebrates its 114th year.

The event’s origin, and the choice of Thanksgiving Day, is a bit hazy, even to long-time race organizers. “Some say the race was started by the downtown YMCA under the provisions of its charter. Others suggest that a few local runners simply decided to organize a race one year, chose a holiday when most people would be off work and never imagined that it still would be going strong in the 21st century,” says Julie Isphording, race director of the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race for the past 25 years.

Participants can experience the brand new 10k course in Cincinnati, as well as a new TQL 5k which will allow more people to participate. The race starts and finishes at TQL Stadium for the first time this year.

“There’s a finish line party, the Pella Party, on the field at TQL Stadium. Who gets to stand on a field? Can you imagine the pictures and the pride and the beauty of those moments?” says Isphording.

The Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race starts at 9 a.m. Nov. 23 at TQL Stadium.

“It’s a beautiful community event, full of health, happiness, togetherness, family, friends, tradition, thankfulness, corporate support, charities and fun! There are more than 12,000 people with 12,000 stories of why they are sharing that moment in time,” says Isphording.

Registration and more info can be found at thanksgivingdayrace.com.
– Sheridan Caraway

Light Up Middletown
Nov. 23-Dec. 31
Take in holiday lights while supporting a good cause. The park will be filled with light and the proceeds go toward improvements in Middletown City Parks. Smyth Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown.

Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Nov. 24- Dec. 24
Celebrate a Cincinnati holiday tradition with Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium on Newport on the Levee. See Scuba Santa swim underwater with all his animal friends and tell him what you want for Christmas!

Guests can meet cheerful elves straight from the North Pole and enjoy a Water Wonderland full of colorful holiday lights, festive music and magic bubbles. It’s the only attraction where kids can talk to Scuba Santa as he dives with shark rays, a curious loggerhead sea turtle and other fishy friends.

“The tradition started 21 years ago when Santa’s reindeer ran away, so he made a stop at the aquarium to search for them. He loved the animals and the guests so much, he comes back every year before making his big trip around the world,” says Madison Brady, public relations manager at Newport Aquarium.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy the bubbles pouring into Shark Ray Bay Theater, where you meet Scuba Santa. Guests will also notice a lot more decorations and lights this year and it’s all thanks to Scuba Santa’s hardworking elves.

“These magic bubbles are what carries everyone’s Christmas wishes to Scuba Santa. They say every time a bubble pops, someone’s wish comes true. You can also color your own magic bubble to make sure your most important requests make it to the big man,” says Brady.

Scuba Santa will be swimming in Shark Ray Bay Theater at Newport Aquarium Nov. 24-Dec. 24.

“My favorite part about Scuba Santa is watching the kids get excited coming into Shark Ray Bay Theater. They see the magical bubbles floating down and get excited about that and then they see Scuba Santa waiting to greet them with all their favorite animals behind him. It’s really memorable and it puts me in the holiday spirit,” says Brady.

Tickets and more info available at newportaquarium.com.
– Sheridan Caraway

A Christmas Carol 
Nov. 24-Dec. 30
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park presents Charles Dicken’s classic holiday tale, A Christmas Carol, with a brand-new production specially designed for The Rouse Theatre. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Cincinnati.

Christmas Time at Ark Encounter 
Nov. 24-Dec. 30
Experience an evening of festive lights, live music, holiday dining, gift shopping and more for free at the Ark Encounter. Ark Encounter, 1 Ark Encounter Drive, Williamstown, Ky.

Holidays on the Farm
Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Visit Parky’s Farm in Winton Woods to celebrate the holidays with hayrides, lights, pony rides, farm animals, reindeer and more. Parky’s Farm in Winton Woods, 10073 Daly Road, Cincinnati.

WinterFest
Nov. 24-Dec. 31
Step into a world of holiday magic at Kings Island’s annual Winterfest. The event includes ice skating, a parade, more than 5 million lights and many of the park’s beloved rides. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.

Deck the Y’Alls
Nov. 24-Jan. 1
Thomas More Stadium will be decked out with more than 2.5 million lights for this annual event. Additional activities include ice skating, fireworks, food and drink. Thomas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, Ky.

Holiday Lights at Deerfield Towne Center
Nov. 25
Bring along friends and family to Deerfield Towne Center to take part in holiday festivities including train rides, a giant snow globe, an iceless skating rink, a gingerbread playland, sweet holiday treats, snow axe throwing, live reindeer, festive music and more! Deerfield Towne Center, 5503 Deerfield Blvd., Mason.

Downtown Dazzle
Nov. 25-Dec. 16
Downtown Dazzle returns to Fountain Square! Held on Saturdays, this event will feature a rappelling Santa, fireworks and ice skating. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Cincinnati.

UDF’s Santa’s Workshop 
Nov. 25- Dec. 17
Bring your family, pets and friends for free photos with Santa at Washington Park on Saturdays through Dec. 17. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

19th Century Holiday Guided Tour
Nov. 29-Dec. 2 & Dec. 6-8
Take a step back in time to Christmases of the past during this guided tour at Hertiage Village Museum. Visitors can see glimpses of the earliest Christmases of Cincinnati, discover popular 19th century gifts and more! Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, in Sharon Woods.

White Christmas
Nov. 30-Dec. 23
The Covedale Center for the Performing Arts presents the beloved holiday classic, White Christmas. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Cincinnati.

This is Jesus: A Christmas Worship Concert
Dec. 1
Performers Tauren Wells, Katy Nichole and Jordan Smith team up for an uplifting show featuring Contemporary Christian holiday music. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati.

Straight No Chaser
Dec. 1
A cappella group Straight No Chaser takes over the Taft Theatre stage for one night to perform holiday favorites. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati.

Messiah
Dec. 1-2
Collegium Cincinnati presents Handel’s masterwork, Messiah, conducted by Collegium Artistic Director Matthew Phelps. Christ Church Cathedral, 314 E. Fourth St., Cincinnati.

Christmas in the Village 
Dec. 1-3
Make plans to visit Waynesville this holiday season for Christmas in the Village. The event features Santa Claus, carolers, choirs, characters in costume, a gingerbread house making contest and more. Downtown Waynesville.

Hot Chocolate
Dec. 1-9
Revolution Dance Theatre, Cincinnati’s professional Black ballet company, puts its own spin on The Nutcracker in this soul-stirring production. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati.

Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Christmas Festival 
Dec. 2
Lebanon’s annual Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Christmas Festival returns for another year! There will be two horse-drawn carriage parades—a daylight parade and the traditional candlelight parade—as well as live entertainment. Downtown Lebanon.

Cincinnati Civic Orchestra Holiday Concert 
Dec. 3
Springfield Township is hosting a free orchestra show, performed by the Cincinnati Civic Orchestra. This concert gives families the opportunity to hear a 60-piece orchestra, live and up close, plays classic songs you know and love. The Grove Event Center, 9158 Winton Road, Cincinnati.

Village of Mariemont Annual Tree Lighting and Luminaria Event
Dec. 5
Mariemont residents can enjoy a hometown holiday when the luminaries light up the village of Mariemont! You might even catch a glimpse of Santa in his sleigh on his way around town. Downtown Mariemont.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) 
Dec. 7-30
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents its annual production of Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!), a slightly irreverent look at all our favorite beloved holiday classics, including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! The Otto M. Budig Theater, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer
Dec. 8
Music Hall’s Albee Mighty Wurlizer Organ was first installed in 1927, but it continues to fill the hall with music to this day. This performance will feature holiday favorites on the organ with assistance from the Cincinnati Boychoir and Revolution Dance Theatre. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

 Holiday Pops
Dec. 8-10
Music Hall will be decked out for the season with choruses, vocalists, dancers, handbell ringers and Queen City favorite Capathia Jenkins joining the Pops to bring festive favorites and holiday classics to life. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Reindog Parade
Dec. 9
Register your pup for the Reindog Parade in Mt. Adams! The parade will feature hundreds of costumed dogs dressed in their holiday best. The procession through the streets will be led by Santa himself, and there will be a group of celebrity and sponsor judges that help determine the best costumed dogs for prizes. Mt. Adams.

Narnia The Musical
Dec. 9-17
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents Narnia The Musical, based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati.

Holly Days 
Dec. 9-10
Heritage Village Museum will celebrate the holidays with the help of A Christmas Carol. Visitors can meet the characters from the book and see the story told live. There will also be live music, treats and crafts. Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, in Sharon Woods.

Family Holiday Bash
Dec. 10
Matthew 25: Ministries transforms its facility into a Christmas Wonderland! The bash will include crafts, games, characters, photos with Santa and more. Matthew 25: Ministries, 11060 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash.

The Nutcracker
Dec. 14-24
The Cincinnati Ballet celebrates a favorite holiday tradition with the return of The Nutcracker. Dozens of local performers take the stage for the show each year! Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Egg Nog Jog
Dec. 16
Run through Mt. Adams and Eden Park for a good cause! Participants will enjoy beautiful views of the city as they run and a portion of the proceeds go to a local food pantry. Mt. Adams.

Luminaria
Dec. 17
Mt. Adams will be lit with thousands of luminaries to celebrate the holiday. The night begins with a parade and then ends with a stroll through the streets. Mt. Adams.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Holiday Party
Dec. 20
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy brings its contemporary swing music to the Taft Theatre to celebrate the holidays. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Cincinnati.

Train Days at Heritage Village 
Dec. 20-22
Nothing screams holiday like the nostalgia of watching model trains chug through villages! Train Days features large model train displays inside three buildings at Heritage Village Museum. Send a letter to Santa, make holiday crafts and enjoy some hot cocoa and cookies. Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, in Sharon Woods Park.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis
Dec. 20-23
Actor David Payne will bring the author C.S. Lewis to life in this holiday show, which tells the story of how Lewis converted to Christianity. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati.

A Magical Cirque Christmas 
Dec. 22
World-class entertainers will perform to your favorite holiday music during this acrobatic show. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati.

Christmas with No Promises
Dec. 22
Holiday magic comes to the Warsaw Federal Incline Theater thanks to a cappella group No Promises. They’ll be performing holiday favorites from groups like Pentatonix and Peter and Paul & Mary. Warsaw Federal Incline Theater, 801 Matson Place, Cincinnati.

North Pole Express
Through Dec. 23
Experience the joy of the holidays aboard the North Pole Express, operated by the LM&M Railroad. All children will receive a souvenir bell and a holiday cookie. Hot chocolate will also be available for purchase during the ride! LM&M Railroad Ticket Office, 16 E. South St., Lebanon.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Dec. 29
Trans-Siberian Orchestra will put rock ‘n’ roll into the season when it brings its show, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO & More, to the Heritage Bank Center. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati.

Happy Zoo Year
Dec. 31
Ring in the New Year at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Famlilies are invited to celebrate a kid-friendly, early countdown at 8 p.m. featuring the zoo’s new 40-foot-tall digital tree. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Cyclones NYE Indoor Fireworks 
Dec. 31
The Cincinnati Cyclones take on the Toledo Walleye in their last game of the year. After the hockey game, make sure to stick around to see fireworks set off inside the Heritage Bank Center. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati.

New Year’s Eve: Ellington at 125
Dec. 31
The Pops will ring in the New Year with the jazz music of Edward “Dule” Ellington to celebrate the 125th anniversary of his birth. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights 
Through Dec. 31
Drive through the region’s largest synchronized holiday light spectacular at Coney Island’s Nights of Lights. You can experience more than 2 million lights fully synchronized to holiday music, large Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, fantastic tunnels of lights and more. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., Cincinnati.

Pyramid Hill Lights
Through Dec. 31
Drive through over 1 million lights and art installations by local artists at Pyramid Hill’s annual light show. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton.

Christmas at the Junction
Through Jan. 2
The holidays take over EnterTRAINment Junction for the month of December. In addition to seeing the world’s largest indoor train display, you can meet Santa and take a journey to the North Pole. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester.

Holly Jolly Days
Through Jan. 7
Visitors to the Behringer-Crawford Museum this holiday season will enter a Winter Wonderland at the PlayScape and enjoy the “Window Through Time” exhibit featuring antique Christmas decorations dating back to the 1800s. In addition, they’ll see the 32nd annual Holiday Toy Trains. Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington, Ky.

PNC Festival of Lights
Through Jan. 7
The Cincinnati Zoo lights up once again to transform into a “Wild Wonderland” for the 41st annual PNC Festival of Lights. Surrounded by over 4 million LED lights, visitors can find the five Fiona fairies in Fairyland, see a blacklight puppet show, view the spectacular Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, or snack on s’mores. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St. Cincinnati.

Winter Nights & River Lights
Through Jan. 7
The Purple People Bridge connect Ohio and Kentucky with holiday lights and decorations. Purple People Bridge, Cincinnati.

Holiday Junction
Through Jan. 8
Celebrate 77 years of this Cincinnati tradition at Holiday Junction featuring The Duke Energy Holiday Trains. The trains have been a Cincinnati holiday staple since 1946. After you view the trains, make sure to participate in the Holiday Scavenger Hunt, visit Brickopolis and meet Santa. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Cincinnati.