Cincinnati’s Best Post-Thanksgiving Weekend Events
Thanksgiving has arrived, and Cincinnati is buzzing with incredible events to kick off the holiday season. From dazzling light displays and festive markets to a legendary concert, there’s a vibrant array of activities for locals to enjoy this weekend. Get ready to make new holiday memories and experience the Queen City’s charm.
Holiday Festivities & Family Fun
Cincinnati transforms into a winter wonderland right after Thanksgiving, offering enchanting experiences for all ages.
Light Up the Square
Kick off the holiday season with the spectacular Light Up the Square event. Enjoy performances, a dazzling fireworks display, and the highly anticipated lighting of the Duke Energy holiday tree. While at Fountain Square, you can also experience CVG’s Fountain of Lights show and warm up with festive drinks inside Winterhaus. Join the magic on Friday from 6-10 p.m. at Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Immerse yourself in a European-style holiday atmosphere at the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt. This magical festival features delicious food, seasonal beverages, unique merchandise, holiday lights, choral performances, character visits, an Igloo boardwalk, and musical entertainment. The market runs through December 28th at 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, with varied hours: Thursday 5-9 p.m., Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m., and Sunday noon-7 p.m.
Downtown Dazzle
Experience the joy of the holidays at the YMCA’s Downtown Dazzle. Kids can enjoy ornament and cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, embark on a Santa scavenger hunt, and even earn their elf certification. The highlight? Watching Santa rappel down a tall building! Don’t miss the chance to snap a picture with Santa and Buddy the Elf. This event takes place Saturday from 6-9 p.m. at Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown.
Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium
Dive into a unique holiday tradition by visiting Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium. Watch in awe as Santa swims alongside sharks, rays, schools of fish, and a majestic sea turtle. The aquarium is beautifully decorated with holiday lights, guaranteeing to get you in the festive spirit. Open Friday-Saturday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and weekdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at 1 Aquarium Way, Newport.
WinterFest at Kings Island
Head to Mason for WinterFest at Kings Island, running from November 28th to December 31st. Admire countless twinkling lights, enjoy festive live shows, and ride select Kings Island attractions. You can also meet Santa, savor specialty holiday food and drinks, and glide across the ice rink. Hours are Friday and Sunday 5-10 p.m., and Saturday 4-10 p.m. at 6300 Kings Island Drive.
Entertainment & Unique Finds
Beyond the traditional holiday cheer, Cincinnati offers exciting entertainment and opportunities to discover one-of-a-kind treasures.
Stevie Nicks Concert
Music fans rejoice! The legendary Stevie Nicks is finally gracing the Queen City stage. See the first woman to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice perform iconic hits like “Edge of Seventeen,” “Rhiannon,” and “Landslide.” Grab your tickets for this unforgettable concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown.
Crafty Supermarket
For those ready to start their Christmas gift shopping, the Crafty Supermarket is a must-visit. Browse creations from over 100 talented regional artists, offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and textiles to original artwork, ceramics, and home decor. Find unique presents Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine.
Final Friday Art Walk
Discover local artistic talent at Final Friday. Explore more than 250 studios across four buildings and visit shops hosting artists. The featured artist of the month is Rickena Bowman, located in the main warehouse, Studio 614. Enjoy this free event on Friday from 5-9 p.m. at the Pendleton Art Center, 1310 Pendleton St., Pendleton (valet parking available for $10).
Event Comparison
To help you plan your weekend, here’s a quick look at two distinct event types:
| Event Category | Family-Friendly | Shopping Focus | Entertainment Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christkindlmarkt | Yes | Holiday Gifts, Food | Market, Choral, Characters | Variable (purchases) |
| Crafty Supermarket | Yes (older kids) | Artisan Gifts | Art Showcase | Free Entry (purchases) |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main holiday events happening this weekend?
Key holiday events include Light Up the Square, Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt, Downtown Dazzle, Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium, and WinterFest at Kings Island. - Is Stevie Nicks performing this weekend in Cincinnati?
Yes, Stevie Nicks will be performing live at the Heritage Bank Center on Sunday at 7 p.m. - Where can I find unique Christmas gifts this weekend?
For unique, handcrafted gifts, visit the Crafty Supermarket on Saturday or the Final Friday art walk on Friday. The Christkindlmarkt also offers holiday merchandise. - Are there many activities for children and families?
Absolutely! Light Up the Square, Downtown Dazzle (with Santa rappelling!), Scuba Santa, and WinterFest at Kings Island are all fantastic options for families and kids.
With such a diverse range of activities, Cincinnati offers the perfect opportunity to extend your holiday cheer and create lasting memories this post-Thanksgiving weekend.
Cincinnati Best Post Thanksgiving Weekend Events
