Fun Holiday Happenings for Kids

Jolly days! Bring your family magic this year by participating in fun holiday happenings! Santa visits, Christmas markets and merry-making activities are in order (see our calendar of holiday events) and there are the little things, too. Think, reindeer games, driving around town to check out your neighbors’ Christmas light displays, Santa visits and so much more. Read on for all of the holly!

SEE TRAINS

Take the kids to see a magical train display! Chug along the tri-state and you’ll discover: the Krohn Conservatory’s Golden Days of Yule featuring traditional garden railways and miniature Cincinnati landmarks (this year’s newest addition, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center); the Duke Energy Holiday Trains at the Cincinnati Museum Center; EnterTRAINment Junction’s Main Street Holiday Train Display at the Expo Center (note: this will be temporarily closed on select days due to private events, check their website for details and dates); Behringer-Crawford Museum’s Holiday Toy Trains (a holiday tradition since 1992!); Heritage Village Museum’s Train Days; and hop on the LM&M Railroad North Pole Express.

VISIT SANTA

CREATIVE TOTS’ ANNUAL LUNCH WITH SANTA
Kenwood Country Club, 6501 Kenwood Road, Cincinnati
eventbrite.com/e/creative-totsannual-lunch-with-santa-tickets-690584325307
Dec. 13, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Enjoy a tasty lunch, smile big with Santa and Mrs. Claus, watch a puppet and marionette show and make a special ornament!

TEA WITH SANTA AT THE BONBONERIE
2030 Madison Road, Cincinnati
513-321-3399; bonbonerie.com
Dec. 16 & 17; Choose from three seatings: 10 a.m., 12:30 or 3 p.m.; includes all of your favorites from the Bonbonerie menu plus holiday favorites; each registration includes tea, meet-and-greet and cookie decorating!

MARKETS, ETC.

PURPLE PEOPLE BRIDGE WINTER NIGHTS RIVER LIGHTS
1 Levee Way, Newport; purplepeoplebridge.com
Through Jan. 7, 2024; Christmas lights and holiday decorations spread across the bridge; complete your walk by stopping by the 25-foot-tall Christmas Wish Tree!

THE WINTER MARKET WASHINGTON PARK
1230 Elm St., Cincinnati; washingtonpark.org/series/winter-market-2023
Dec. 16 & 17 Regional artisans and crafters in cozy huts selling unique, one-of-a-kind pieces; stop by the Porch for full concessions including beer, wine and hot drinks.

CINCINNATI CHRISTKINDLMARKT 2023
cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com
Wednesdays & Thursdays: 5 – 9 p.m.; Fridays: 5 – 11 p.m.; Saturdays: 12 – 11 p.m.; Sundays: 12 – 7 p.m. through Dec. 31; A holiday-themed Christmas festival featuring food, drinks, lights, choral, themed character visits, a four-lane Ice slide, Igloo rentals and musical entertainment; visit their website for the full schedule of events. Located next to the Moerlein Lager House on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn and Stage in Smale Riverfront Park adjacent to The Banks.

PICK A TREE

BIG TREE PLANTATION
2544 South Waynesville Road. Morrow |
513-836-0975 | bigtreeplantation.com/christmas
Late Season Dec. 11 – 20; includes wagon ride to field, cut your own.

JOHN T. NIEMAN NURSERY
3215 Hamilton New London, Road., Hamilton
5133-738-1012; johnniemannursery.com/christmas-trees
Through December 23; cut your own, choose a pre-cut or a balled and burlapped tree to plant after Christmas; enjoy cocoa and cookies in the Christmas barn!

SHAKER TRACT TREE FARM
8626 New Haven Road Harrison
864-986-8510; shakertract.wixsite.com/index
Dec. 16 & 17; Cut your one and sip on a complimentary warm-up beverage and cookies in their gift shop and more.

STATION ROAD FARM
6749 Station Road. West Chester
513-777-3650 | stationroadlandscaping.com
A variety of trees, wreaths, holiday decor, and of course, hot cocoa in the barn!

REINDEER GAMES

These fun holiday happenings bring out the best in your kids!

‘SEPARATION ANXIETY’ MINUTE TO WIN IT GAME
You need a cup full of various holiday candies; sort out the candies by type in under 60 seconds without dumping them out. Source: liveabout.com.

CHRISTMAS STACKING CUPS
Another minute-to-win-it game, a DIY Jenga game; pick up some festive cardstock and a sleeve of red solo cups, and watch the fast-paced fun unfold. Source: kidfriendlythingstodo.com.

GO ON A CHRISTMAS LIGHT SCAVENGER HUNT
Go for a walk around the neighborhood (or drive through many!) and bring along a free printable scavenger hunt; see how many candy canes, wreaths, nutcrackers and more you can spot. Source: happinessishomemade.net.

For Christmas lights, ice skating, trees, holiday shows and more merry festivities,

check out our award-winning events calendar: