With the holidays in full swing, it’s now time to enjoy some cheer for the month of December. Included is a list of local holiday events in and around the Kings district and Cincinnati area.

Breakfast With Santa
Join the King’s Baseball team Saturday morning from 8:00 am – 11:00 am. The tickets are for sale for $7 a person or $25 for a family of four. Pancakes and sausage will be served along with milk, juice and coffee to drink. Families are welcomed to bring their own cameras to get pictures with Santa.  

Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade and Festival
This Saturday, Dec. 3 there will be the annual daylight parade at 1:00 pm and the candlelight parade at 7:00 pm. Other festivities along with the parade include food vendors and gift vendors, as well as Lebanon’s historic antique shops. These shops and vendors will be located on E. Mulberry Street. That’s not the only entertainment that will be offered, there will be Christmas carolers, carriage rides, train rides to the North Pole on the LM&M Railroad. Families will also be able to enjoy a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Fountain Square Ice Rink
An outdoor skating rink that takes over Fountain Square for the holidays. Admission is $6.00 and to rent a pair of skates will cost $4.00. Guests will be able to enjoy concessions stands serving hot beverages, food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which will be available during rink hours. Other accommodations include lockers, benches, and a viewing area.

Hours (through Dec. 15)

Monday-Thursday 12pm – 10pm
Friday 12pm – 11 pm
Saturday 9am – 11pm
Sunday 9am – 9pm

Hours (Dec. 16 – Jan. 2)

Monday – Sunday 9am – 11pm

Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt
The German-speaking community brings to fountain square their 5th annual German style market. Guests can enjoy traditional European desserts, handmade gifts, and seasonal decorations. Guests can enjoy a traditional spiced wine (Gluhwein) and traditional German roasted almonds. This event takes place all throughout December on the weekend. The last weekend it will be held is Sat. 17 and Sun. 18.

Saturday hours: 12pm – 10pm
Sunday hours: 12pm – 5pm

Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo offers again this year the PNC Festival of Lights. 2.5 million LED lights adorn the zoo create a spectacular like no other. This event was voted “#1 zoo light in the country by USA Today”. The amazing light display isn’t the only thing offered to guests, there will be a puppet show, ride the Toyland Express, and try and find the fairies in Fairyland. Guests can also view the “Wild Lights” show on Swan Lake and if you’re looking for a snack S’mores-n-More stands will be located around the park. More activities include a gingerbread village, a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and a holiday post office.

Open until Jan. 1, operating hours: Sunday – Thursday – 5pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday – 5pm – 10pm

Holiday in Lights
The Allen Company presents an outdoor light display at Sharon Woods. This outdoor display is viewed from the comfort of the guests’ own car. The light show decorates the forest with a mile long drive. If guests turn their radio to station Warm 98 they can enjoy the music and festive noises that each display emits. Attractions include Santa and every animal that was on the ark. Admission is $13 for a vehicle.

Opened until Dec. 31, operating hours: Sunday – Thursday – 6pm- 9pm
Friday – Saturday – 5:30 pm – 10pm

Christmas Ranch
The Christmas Ranch presents a jaw dropping light display with 1 million bright colored holiday lights. This is a walk through, outdoor exhibit of lights, theres also a Christmas village, a Toy Factory, and train and wagon rides. Guests can even walk through the village to get to Santa and get their picture with him. The Christmas shops sell a variety of toys, ornaments, and cheery decorations. The cost of admission is $20 per vehicle on Friday – Sunday and $15 Monday – Thursday.

Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday – 5pm – 9pm
Friday – Saturday – 5pm – 10pm

By Katie Ernst