Looking for something to get you in the holiday spirit? The whole family will enjoy celebrating the magic of the holidays with these spectacular light displays around Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 

Light up Fountain Square

Kids enjoying the Fountain Square tree during the holidays
Fountain Square during the holidays 

ProLink Staffing's Light Up the Square is back in person on Friday, November 24th to kick off the holiday season. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. and continue into the evening with live music, a special appearance by Santa Claus, and a dazzling fireworks display. 

Light up the Levee

Holiday tree at Light Up the Levee (photo: Newport on the Levee)
Light Up the Levee (photo: Newport on the Levee)

​Start off the season festively with Light Up the Levee's tree lighting ceremony, visits with Santa, live music, an ice skating rink, and fireworks at Newport on the Levee. Light up the Levee is scheduled for November 18 from 1:30-7 p.m.

Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island

Car driving through the colorful Christmas Nights of Lights (photo: Coney Island)
Christmas Nights of Lights (photo: Coney Island)

Enjoy a two-and-a-half mile drive through Christmas Nights of Lights featuring one million LED lights synchronized to holiday music playing in your car. You will see larger-than-life trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, and fantastic tunnels of lights, all from the safety and warmth of your own vehicle. This magical drive opens at Coney Island on November 10.  

Light Up the Fair at Boone County Fairgrounds

Light Up the Fair at Boone County Fairgrounds promotional image
Light Up the Fair at Boone County Fairgrounds

Half a million lights greet visitors at Light Up the Fair, the only drive-through lights experience in Northern Kentucky. Lights are synchronized to holiday music that you can play via the radio in your car. November 10 through December 30.

Winter Nights, River Lights at Purple People Bridge

Purple People BridgeWinter Nights, River Lights at Purple People Bridge (photo: @apkoehler)

The Purple People Bridge lights up the Ohio River with Winter Nights, River Lights. The free, outdoor walk across the pedestrian-only bridge features 1,000 lights, projections, and holiday tunes to put you in the spirit of the season. The 2023 season kicks off on November 17 and runs through January 7, 2024. 

Pyramid Hill Lights

Holiday lights show at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum (photo: Pyramid Hill)
Holiday lights show at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum (photo: Pyramid Hill)

‘Tis the season for this unique outdoor museum to flip on the switch for over a million lights and laser light displays woven through the park's trees, gardens, and sculptures. The 2.5-mile annual drive-through features holiday art installations by regional and national artists. Pyramid Hill Lights kicks off on November 17 and runs through December 31, 2023.

PNC Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

PNC Festival of LightsPNC Festival of Lights (photo: @mcan409)

Celebrate the season with a stroll through PNC Festival of Lights' three million LED lights and themed areas like Fiona's Fairyland. Don't forget to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus and the reindeer, take a ride on the North Polar Express train, eat a s'more, or catch the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake. November 17 through January 7, 2024. 

Kings Island Winterfest

kings island winterfestWinterfest (Photo: @markketterer)

Every holiday season, Kings Island transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland. Get in the holiday season exploring the glittering light displays and live entertainment throughout the park. Plus there is ice skating on the Royal Fountain and the Eiffel Tower turned into a magical Christmas tree! Winterfest begins November 24-December 31.

ChristmasTime at Ark Encounter

Exterior of the Ark Encounter lit up for ChristmasTime at the Ark holiday event
ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter (photo: Answers in Genesis)

During ChristmasTime at Ark Encounter, you can view the Ark Encounter bathed in rainbow-colored lights, visit with animals at the Ararat Ridge Zoo, sing traditional Christmas carols, shop for fair trade and one-of-a-kind gifts, explore inside the massive Ark Encounter itself, and much more. Select dates starting on November 24 through December 30.

Christmastown at the Creation Museum

Exterior of Creation Museum lit up with holiday lights for ChristmasTown event.
ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum (photo: Answers in Genesis)

During ChristmasTown, view the museum’s bridges, waterfalls, and trails as never before with thousands of multi-colored lights in the botanical garden, and remember the true meaning of the season with a live nativity. Enjoy the crisp air as you visit the petting zoo and taste festive treats. Select dates starting on November 24 through December 30.  

Light in the Forest at Cincinnati Nature Center

Light display at Light in the Forest (photo: Cincinnati Nature Center)
Light in the Forest (photo: Cincinnati Nature Center)

This winter, lighting installations reflecting themes of peace, tranquility, and inspiration illuminate the Cincinnati Nature Center's trails in the Light in the Forest experience. Bonfires, holiday shopping, and music greet visitors as they walk along the trails adding to the festive atmosphere. Registration is required, open on select dates. 

Deck the Y'alls Lightfest

Join the fun at the first-ever Deck the Y'alls Lightfest and experience more than 2 million lights, themed areas, holiday shopping, food, a visit from Santa Claus, ice skating, carnival rides, and much more! Deck the Y'alls opens November 24 and tickets are on sale now

If you're looking for more holiday fun in Cincinnati we've got you covered. Discover ice skating rinks and holiday events to warm your heart during your visit.