Cincinnati Family Magazine

Your # 1 Hometown Family Resource

November 3, 2024

mallsanta

There are plenty of chances for visits with Santa this season!

Bring kids big and small to Union Baptist Church (1985 Mount Zion Road, Union) on Dec. 14 at 9 a.m. for a pancake breakfast and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, including a special story time and holiday activity.  Cost is $5 adults, $3 children, and proceeds benefit the Boone County PeeWee Football League.  Visit bcpeeweefootball.com.

 

Breakfast with Blitzen and his friends on Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Independence Senior and Community Center (2001 Jack Woods Parkway, $7 adults, $5 children).  Join Blitzen, Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Frosty and Chilly Willie for a pancake breakfast with treats and fun.  Call 859-363-2934.

 

Bring your camera to the Erlanger Branch Library (401 Kenton Lands Road) on Dec. 8 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. for pictures with Santa (until 2:30 p.m.), carriage rides and crafts.  Visit kentonlibrary.org.

 

St. Nicholas arrives in the Mainstrasse Village in Covington on Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.  Bring your kids to the Goose Girl fountain to watch him ride in on horseback, then enjoy free hot chocolate and cookies.  Visit mainstrasse.org.

 

The Newport Express Holiday Depot at Newport on the Levee is just $5 and includes a free one-hour game card from GameWorks and photo opportunities with Santa for an additional cost.  Open Tuesday through Sunday, 12 – 8 p.m.  Visit newportonthelevee.com for tickets.

 

Buckle up the family for a mile of fantastic seasonal lights to be enjoyed from the warmth of your car in Great Parks’ Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods (11450 Lebanon Road).  Featuring over 120 moving figures, there’s something for everyone, including Santaland for hot chocolate, live entertainment, and photos with Santa.  Open 6 – 9 p.m. Sun – Thu; 6 – 10 p.m. Fri – Sat; $13 per car; call 513-769-0393 or visit holidayinlights.com.

 

Enjoy a sparkling fantasyland in Middletown’s circle driving tour of lights, featuring Santa’s Workshop, Santa’s sleigh, animated swans and more twinkling displays.  Families can also enjoy visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus every Friday and Saturday night from 7 – 9 p.m. (through Dec. 21).  Open 6 – 10 p.m. each night through Dec. 31; donations appreciated.  Visit lightupmiddletown.org.

 

Have Brunch with Santa at the Mill Golf Course in Winton Woods (1515 West Sharon Road) on Dec. 8 or 15 at 10 a.m. or 12:30 p.m.  RSVP for a delicious buffet, and visits with Santa plus a complimentary photo for each child.  Cost is $14.95 adults, $7.95 ages 2 – 12; call 513-825-6467.

 

Head to Big Tree Plantation (2544 South Waynesville Road, Morrow) for their Winter Wonderland, including crafts, cookies, live animals and visit with Santa (bring your camera!).  Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat and Sun through Dec. 15; admission is $5.  Call 513-836-0975 or visit bigtreeplantation.com.  Winter Wonderland is also open during the Night Time Christmas Tree Cutting Adventure on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13 (see site for details).

 

Santa and his elves will spend some time in Washington Park this month making gifts, ornaments and other fun crafts.  Bring your wish lists and your cameras from 1 – 3 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21.  Visit washingtonpark.org for details on extra holiday activities, like Caroling in the Park!

 

Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at a magical indoor holiday celebration at EnterTrainment Junction (7379 Squire Ct., West Chester)!  Enjoy holiday lights and decorations, train displays, a special walk through the “Journey to the North Pole,” reindeer stables, the elves’ workshop, Santa’s house, and more.  Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon – Sat, and 12 – 6 p.m. on Sun. Tickets start at $9.95; call 513-898-8000 or entertrainmentjunction.com.

 

Take a train ride to the LM&M Junction to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and get a small gift and share your Christmas wishes.  Stop at the Holiday Post Express to color pictures or write letters destined for the North Pole, and enjoy a holiday cookie and a cup of hot chocolate while watching the Elves perform!  Trains depart from 127 South Mechanic St., Lebanon, at 10 a.m., 12:15, 2:30 and 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 1, 8, 15, 21 and 22; at 10 a.m., 12:15 and 4 p.m. on Dec. 7, and an additional 7 p.m. departure time on Dec. 14, 21 and 22.  Cost is $20.50 adults, $15.50 seniors and ages 5 – 16, $8.50 ages 2 – 4, free infants 1 year and younger; call 513-933-8022 or lebanonrr.com.

 

Catch Santa rappelling down the side of an office tower to the Macy’s rooftop to kick off a spectacular holiday fireworks display on Fountain Square at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 and 14.  After the fireworks, head inside to Macy’s Fountain Place for a story time with Mrs. Claus. Visit downtowncincinnati.com.