Holidays in the Queen City
'Tis the season to celebrate something good happening in Downtown Cincinnati.
Featured Holiday Events
-
Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Over-the-Rhine
December 15-24 Join us for the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Share Clara’s candy-coated adventure to the Land of Sweets, as your family enjoys Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her to a wondrous land where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. Dozens of local young performers join Cincinnati Ballet onstage for these holiday performances. It’s a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family!
Address: 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
-
Christkindlmarkt
The Banks
November 25 - December 31- Thursdays: 4-10pm
- Fridays: 4-11pm
- Saturdays: 11am - 11pm
- Sundays: 11am - 7pm
Address: 1115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH 45202
-
The Dancing Princesses
Over-the-Rhine
November 30 - December 30 Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Address: 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
-
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
Over-the-Rhine
December 8 - 31, 2022 CSC's holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high octane jollity and frivolity. Run Time: 110 minutes plus a 15 minute intermission Content Advisory: Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa
Address: 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH
Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker
December 15-24 Join us for the magic of The Nutcracker this holiday season. Share Clara’s candy-coated adventure to the Land of Sweets, as your family enjoys Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. When Clara receives a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, her dreams take her to a wondrous land where a fantastic cast of characters awaits. Dozens of local young performers join Cincinnati Ballet onstage for these holiday performances. It’s a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family!
Address: 1241 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
Over-the-Rhine
Christkindlmarkt
- Thursdays: 4-10pm
- Fridays: 4-11pm
- Saturdays: 11am - 11pm
- Sundays: 11am - 7pm
Address: 1115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati OH 45202
The Banks
The Dancing Princesses
November 30 - December 30 Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Address: 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati OH 45202
Over-the-Rhine
https://ensemblecincinnati.org/calendar/the-dancing-princesses/
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)
December 8 - 31, 2022 CSC's holiday smash hit Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more! Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun as we send up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss in an evening of high octane jollity and frivolity. Run Time: 110 minutes plus a 15 minute intermission Content Advisory: Not recommended for any theatergoer who still believes in Santa
Address: 1195 Elm Street, Cincinnati OH
Over-the-Rhine

Events
Looking for something fun to do this holiday season in Downtown Cincinnati? Here are the holiday happenings.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
-
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-11 p.m.
The Dancing Princesses | 1127 Vine Street
- Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
-
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
The Dancing Princesses | 1127 Vine Street
- Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
-
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
The Dancing Princesses | 1127 Vine Street
- Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
-
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens | 1241 Elm Street
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with the full forces of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performing John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score live to the complete, acclaimed film. Tickets can be found here.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 4-10 p.m.
The Dancing Princesses | 1127 Vine Street
- Ensemble Theatre. From the creators of last season’s hit Cinderella comes a whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale! This is the heartfelt and humorous story of five uniquely different princesses who embark upon a journey of the imagination that explores the universal quest for understanding, acceptance, and love. Find tickets here.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told | 1195 Elm Street
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre's Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back again for another season of holiday hilarity! What begins as another annual production of A Christmas Carol, soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens | 1241 Elm Street
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with the full forces of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performing John Williams’ Oscar-nominated score live to the complete, acclaimed film. Tickets can be found here.
Fountain Square | 520 Vine Street
- Ring in the New Year in the heart of downtown with Fountain Square's New Year's Eve Blast, 6:00pm - 12:30a! We're doubling the firework fun: the Kids Countdown starts at 7:10p and the Midnight Countdown starts at 12a.
Christkindlmarkt | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
- The inaugural Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt is a European seasonal market traditionally held during Advent, offering food, drink, and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional choral singing, lighted decorations, and entertainment. 11 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Cincinnati Pops Orchestra | 1241 Elm Street
- Damon Gupton and the Pops give the holidays an afterglow and keep the celebration going into the New Year! Tickets can be found here.
Northern Row | 111 W. McMicken Avenue
- Tickets 3-course New Years Eve dinner including 'drinks around the world.'
Schwartz's Point Jazz Club | 1901 Vine Street
- Ticketed New Year's Eve Party as well as several musician-led holiday jazz music parties. Check website for details.
Taft's Ale House | 1429 Race Street
- New Year's Eve party: Back to the '90s. 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.

Downtown Specials
Find specials at your favorite Downtown Cincinnati shops, bars and restaurants this holiday season.
1215 Wine Bar & Coffee Lab | 1215 Vine Street
- 10% off all 1215 branded merchandise on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday
- Sale on Dutch ovens, Porterhouse steak knife set, Sorrento Double Walled glass mugs and Emile Henry pie dishes
- 20% off Cristel Induction-ready Roasting Pan
Bang & Olufsen | 6 W. Fourth Street
- Purchase 2 Bang & Olufsen connected speakers and receive 10% off or purchase 3 or more, and receive 15% off. Exclusions and restrictions apply. Offer valid on qualifying in-store and online purchases through December 31 2022. Please visit your local Bang & Olufsen store for more information.
- Special holiday hours
- Cincinnati Food Tours is running a Gift Card Promotion the entire weekend of Black Friday through Cyber Monday. Use promo code BONUSBUY2022 and get a 20% bonus on any gift card purchase. You choose how much you want to spend. Your recipient gets an extra 20% and can apply it toward any tour on any future date
Homemakers Bar | 39 E. 13th Street
- Women's Market Wednesdays (featuring three women owned businesses a week) from now until the new year
- Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Sunday – storewide sale and luck of the draw discounts
- Special holiday hours
Indigo Hippo | 1334 Main Street
- Special Black Friday hours
- Starting on Black Friday and running through January, the annual Holiday Gift Show will feature over 25 local artists' handmade wares that make perfect gifts. Ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, fiber goods, handmade candles, art prints, and more
- Black Friday-Cyber Monday – 10% off furniture and 20% off everything else
- 20% off store wide, and 10% off consignment items by local artists, on Black Friday & Small Business Saturday
Oasis Face Bar | 1345 Walnut Street
- Black Friday specials: $39 facials and $10 add on services
- Small Business Weekend: One free add-on service with any Taegeted Treatment Facial.
- Gift card specials: Buy 3 facial get 1Free, Free HydraFacial upgrade (select dates) and free facial in a box with any gift card purchase of $200 or more
- Special holiday hours
Switch Collection | 312 W. Fourth Street
- Up to 25% off all new orders: accessories, lighting, and furniture
- 20% off the whole store, starting November 24-28
- Black Friday, Small Business Saturday & Sunday – storewide sale and luck of the draw discounts
- Special holiday hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cherbourg Cyprus | 1804 Race Street
- Special holiday hours December 22-23
- Special menu: cranberry apple pies, crust shells, holiday cut-outs and peppermint brownies
- Holiday gift card sale: Get $25 off the purchase of $100 gift card. Receive bonus $25 gift card when purchased in-person
Taft's Ale House | 1429 Race Street
- Black Friday Gift card special! Buy $25 gift card, get $5 gift card. Buy $50 gift card, get $10 gift card. Buy $75 gift card, get $15 card card. Buy $100 gift card, get $20 gift card.
Oasis Face Bar | 1345 Walnut Street
- Black Friday specials: $39 facials and $10 add on services
- Small Business Weekend: One free add-on service with any Taegeted Treatment Facial.
- Gift card specials: Buy 3 facial get 1Free, Free HydraFacial upgrade (select dates) and free facial in a box with any gift card purchase of $200 or more

Catering and Rental Spaces
Looking for a space to host your holiday party, or trying to find catering options Downtown? Look no further.
- Artichoke | 1824 Elm Street – Contact hannah.bender@artichokeotr.com
- BRICK Pop Up Shops | 340 Reading Road – Contact brick@weareMORTAR.com
- Cherbourg Cyprus | 1804 Race Street – Contact info@cherbourgbakery.com
- Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | 1195 Elm Street – Contact sara.clark@cincyshakes.com
- Corkopolis | 640 Main Street – Contact events@corkopolis.com
- Ensemble Theatre | 1127 Vine Street – Contact jdoren@ensemblecincinnati.org
- Findlay Market | 1801 Race Street – Contact scampbell@findlaymarket.org
- Flatiron Cincy | 1833 Sycamore Street – Contact amanda@flatironcincy.com
- Friends of Music Hall | 1241 Elm Street – Contact btroendly@cincinnatiarts.org
- Moerlein Lager House | 115 Joe Nuxhall Way – Contact privatedining@moerleinlh.com
- Northern Row | 111 W. McMicken Avenue – Contact alexh@northernrow.com
- OTR Funplex | 1112 Race Street – Contact Frank (513) 675-0525
- Play Library | 1306 Main Street – Contact joni@playlibrary.org
- Queen City Radio | 222 W. 12th Street – Check website for booking
- Richter & Phillips | 601 Main Street – Contact events@richterphillips.com
- Rookwood Pottery | 1920 Race Street – Contact SWhitcomb@Rookwood.com
- Tablespoon Cooking Co. | 1731 Elm Street – Check website for booking
- Taft's Ale House | 1429 Race Street – Contact events@taftsbeer.com
- Taft Museum of Art | 316 Pike Street – Contact events@taftmuseum.org
- Union Hall | 1311 Vine Street – Contact bookings@unionhallcincy.com
- Goose & Elder | 1800 Race Street – Offering boxed lunches
Heading Downtown? Be sure to check out the Shillito's Elves located at The Foundry at Vine and Fifth streets.
Looking to make the most out of your time Downtown? Hop on the free Cincinnati Bell Connector and check out everything going on at each of its 18 stops.

Looking for parking? There are plenty of garages and surface lots Downtown. Park once and hop on and off the free streetcar to make the most of your visit. There are also plenty of other ways to get around, including Red Bike, scooters and the Metro.

Your ticket to shopping local.
Need a gift with incredible possibilities? The Queen City Card can be used for retailers, restaurants, and experiences throughout Downtown.
See participating businesses