Cincinnati Christmas Lights 2024-2025

Macy's Lights Up the Square, which takes place at Fountain Square in late November, marks the official kickoff of the Christmas season in Cincinnati. However, some holiday light displays are erected as early as mid-November, and most of them last up to early January. The best places to immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas include the Pyramid Hill Park, Cincinnati Zoo, and Kings Island.

Christmas Nights of Lights, Clermont County Fairgrounds (November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Christmas Nights of Lights is a beloved local drive-through event that features over a million dazzling holiday lights, with the show running from dusk until 10 pm. Since its debut in 2016, this synchronized light show has drawn visitors away from downtown Cincinnati, with Coney Island Park serving as the previous location until its closure in 2023. Now in its ninth season, Cincinnati's Nights of Lights will move to a new location at the Clermont County Fairgrounds, just minutes off the interstate in Owensville, Ohio.

To avoid the crowds, it's recommended to visit around 9 pm. Carload tickets, valid for up to 8 guests, are typically priced at $30.

Cincinnati Zoo Christmas Lights (November 21, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Another holiday tradition cherished by Cincinnati is the annual PNC Festival of Lights, which transforms the Cincinnati Zoo into a "Wild Wonderland" of 4 million shimmering lights. You can visit the zoo early and stay for the Christmas lights, starting at 4 pm, as the festival is included with the zoo admission. Besides the glowing decorations, the program offers the North Polar Express train rides, the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, and seasonal treats at S'mores-n-More stands.

Zoo hours during the PNC Festival of Lights are from 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and from 10 am to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Note that the zoo will be closed on Thanksgiving (November 28), Christmas Eve (December 24), and Christmas Day (December 25). The North Polar Express train and Conservation Carousel rides begin at 2:30 pm.

Kings Island WinterFest (November 29–December 31, 2024)

If you don't mind a half-an-hour drive to Kings Mills, visit Kings Island WinterFest. In addition to dazzling Christmas lights, you'll get an array of seasonal activities to enjoy. Go ice skating, caroling, holiday shopping, or feast on finger-licking goodies.

WinterFest's program typically offers something for everyone, starting each evening with a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony, where the Eiffel Tower transforms into a breathtaking 314-foot-tall Christmas tree. As the night continues, the excitement builds with the WinterFest Wonderland Parade, the highlight of the event, bringing even more festive fun. The WinterFest is open select nights from late November traditionally to New Year's Eve.

Pyramid Hill Lights (November 15, 2024–January 5, 2025)

No holiday season would be complete without experiencing the Pyramid Hill Lights show. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2024, this event offers a one-of-a-kind journey through a sculpture park filled with art and nature. Over one million lights illuminate the path and showcase captivating installations by local artists. Families are welcome to enjoy this festive drive-through experience. The Pyramid Hill Lights is open at 6 pm on select days, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day, with closures on Mondays and Christmas Day.