Bustling shoppers, twinkling lights, falling snow – there’s nothing quite like the way the holiday season transforms the city. And this season there are scads of great Cincinnati traditions to enjoy like “The Nutcracker,” skating on Fountain Square, the lights at the Zoo and trains – lots of trains. Check out this list of some of the holiday activities the Greater Cincinnati area has to offer. And, to make the season even brighter, some of them are free!

• Holiday Train Display at Behringer-Crawford Museum, November 12- January 15, open during museum hours, access to train display FREE with museum admission!
  More than 250 feet of track offers hands-on fun for guests of all ages! The holiday layout features Lionel, Plasticville and Faragher model trains.
• Holiday Junction at Cincinnati History Museum, November to January 1, closed Christmas Day, open during museum hours, access to train display FREE with museum admission!
  Bring your family to see vintage model trains running through wintry holiday scenes!
• Krohn Conservatory’s Holiday Floral Show: Trains, Trestles, and Traditions, November 11-January 1, see website for times, admission is $6 Adults, $5 Seniors, $4 Children. $1 off coupon here. 
  Walk through a “home” decorated in full holiday attire including hundreds of poinsettias, cyclamen and evergreens, and see trains run through models of Cincinnati landmarks.
• Skating on the Square, November 24- February 19, see website for times
  This favorite holiday pastime is back! Make some fond memories skating across Fountain Square on a frosty winter day.
• Festival of Lights, November 25-January 1, 5-9 p.m., see website for ticket prices
  Come see the Cincinnati Zoo in a whole new way! Walk through thousands of beautiful lights and enjoy other fun holiday festivities for the whole family.
• Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland, November 25-January 1, open during aquarium hours, access to exhibit is included with aquarium admission
  In one of the most unique holiday attractions in the Greater Cincinnati area, Scuba Santa and his underwater sleigh will delight visitors young and old at the Newport Aquarium.
• Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley, Weekends November 25 - December 18, noon- 5 p.m. (trolleys leave every 10 minutes), admission is FREE!
  Ride around downtown in seasonal style on decorated trolleys running from The Westin in Fountain Square and making stops at all the major holiday attractions along Fourth and Fifth Streets.
• Lebanon Mason Holiday Train, December 3-4, 10-11, & 17-18, see website for departure times and ticket prices
  Ride on a vintage train and visit with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves while enjoying hot chocolate and cookies.
• Santa at Macy’s Fountain Place, Fridays and Saturdays, November 25—December 23; 11 a.m.—8 p.m.Sundays, November 27—December 18; noon—6 p.m., admission is FREE!
  Bring your camera for photos with Santa on the first level of Macy’s Fountain Place store.
• Carriage Rides at Macy’s Celebration Station, December 10-11, 11-12, 17-18, from noon-5 p.m. (final boarding at 4:45 p.m.), admission is FREE!
  Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of the city starting at Macy’s Celebration Station on the corner of Fifth and Race Streets.
• “A Christmas Carol”, December 1-30, see website for show times and ticket prices
  Watch as this Christmas classic comes to life on the stage of the Robert S. Marx Theatre.
• Victorian Holiday Village, December 8 - 9, 6-8:30 p.m., admission is FREE!
  Explore a child’s sized holiday village and get a photo with St. Nick himself!
• Macy’s Downtown Dazzle, December 10, 17, 6:30 p.m. (choir starts 5:30 p.m.), admission is FREE!
  Enjoy live music and then watch in awe as Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine Building to kick off a spectacular holiday fireworks display!
• Happy Holidays with the Pops, December 9-11, see website for times and ticket prices
  The Cincinnati Pops and Sandi Patty will warm your heart with beautiful holiday music and memories.
• Candy Cane Hunt in Goebel Park, December 10, 2 p.m., admission is FREE!
  Bring your kids to hunt for thousands of hidden candy canes. Win prizes and enjoy treats – and even a visit from Santa!
• Cincinnati Ballet presents “The Nutcracker”, December 15-24, see website for times and ticket prices
  Stunning costumes and extravagant characters expertly dance across the stage in this famous ballet – an annual tradition in Cincinnati.
• New Year’s Eve on Fountain Square, December 31, 8 p.m. (fireworks at midnight), admission is FREE!
  Ring in the New Year at Fountain Square with DJ skating, drinks, yummy snacks and dazzling fireworks. You don’t want to miss the biggest celebration of the year!
• Metamora Christmas Walk, December 10-11, 17-18, admission is free! Stroll under the Christmas lights, shop in unique stores, grab a cup of hot chocolate. Walk along the canals or take a carriage ride to meet Santa.