5 Fun Filled Winter Activities

5+Fun+Filled+Winter+Activities

By Chloe Keith

WinterFest at Kings IslandIMG_0681.jpg
This year, Kings Island has created a winter wonderland called “WinterFest”. With multicolored light displays, entertaining performances, an ice skating rink, and thrilling amusement park rides, you can’t go wrong. “…It’s a fun place to spend time with the people you love” says Renee Perpignan of Kings Junior High. At WinterFest, there’s fun for the whole family. Children can decorate cookies and even meet Santa. You won’t want to miss out on this unique experience!
Operating Hours:
December 15-30 (Exc. 12/24 and 12/25):
Sunday -Friday 5pm-10pm /  Saturday 4pm-10pmChristkindlmarkt on Fountain Square
Be sure to put Christkindlmarkt on your calendar for 2018, it’s an activity you won’t want to miss! For 20 years, the Germania society of Cincinnati has organized a German Christmas Market in Colerain Township. You can go shopping, listen to German music, and go on carriage rides. Children can visit the petting zoo and join the lantern parade while parents enjoy authentic German food and drinks. Whether you have German heritage, or would just like to have fun, Christkindlmarkt is the place to be next holiday season.
Operating Hours:
TBA

Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden IMG_0682.jpg
The Festival of Lights has existed as a tradition at the Cincinnati zoo for 35 years, and there’s a reason it’s been around for so long. Walking through the Festival of Lights is like walking through a Winter Wonderland. As you walk through the display, you can watch enchanting light shows on Swan Lake, grab a bite to eat, and see some animals. Children can meet Santa and visit the Gingerbread village. The Festival of Lights is fun for the whole family!
Operating Hours:
Dec. 15 – Jan. 1:
Sunday-Thursday 5pm-9pm / Friday and Saturday 5pm-10pm

Fountain Square Ice Rink
This winter, take a trip downtown and visit Fountain Square to go ice skating. Open from October to February, the O’Keeffe’s Ice Rink includes a heated concessions tent and individual lockers. Skates and lockers can be rented at the rink. Ice skating is open to all ages at any skill level. Ashley Davis, a junior at Ursuline Academy, says that she would definitely recommend skating at Fountain Square. “I love cities and ice skating, so it [is] like a combination of two things I enjoy.” So if you’re a fan of ice skating and cities like Ashley, then you’ll want to make sure you visit O’Keeffe’s Ice Rink at Fountain Square this year.
Operating Hours:
Dec. 15 – Jan. 1:
Monday-Sunday 9am-11pm
Jan. 2 – Feb. 19:
Thursday 12pm-9am / Friday-Sunday 12pm-9am

Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
Holiday in Lights is a lesser known activity, however, it’s one you’ll regret not visiting. From the warmth of your car, you can drive through a wonderland of lights. At over a mile long, Holiday in Lights has everything from Santa and his sleigh to Noah and his ark. It’s fun for people of all ages! When you’re done with the drive, you can stop by Santaland for even more fun. You can get some food, meet Santa, and listen to carolers. You’ll want to be sure you stop by Holiday in Lights this Winter season.
Operating Hours:
Dec. 15 – Dec. 31:
6pm-Midnight