Merry Christmas!!

While many places in the Queen City take a well-deserved rest on December 25th, Cincinnati is far from a ghost town. If you’re looking to step out of the house after the presents are unwrapped, there are plenty of ways to keep the holiday spirit alive.

From glowing light trails to gliding across the ice, here is your guide to Christmas Day 2025 in Cincinnati.

⛸️ Outdoor Adventures

Ice Skating at Elm Street Plaza

For the 2025 season, the iconic outdoor rink formerly at Fountain Square has moved to the brand-new Elm Street Plaza (next to the Convention Center).

  • The Details: Unlike many attractions, the UC Health Ice Rink is open on Christmas Day.

  • Why go: It’s a quintessential Cincy tradition. You can rent a private igloo or a pergola with a fire pit to stay warm between laps.

Fountain Square "Winterhaus"

While the ice rink has moved, Fountain Square still hosts Winterhaus, a cozy, glass-enclosed tent. Note that while the Square is open for a festive stroll to see the massive tree, the Winterhaus bar and heated seating typically observe holiday hours, so check ahead for their specific Christmas Day opening time (often mid-afternoon).

🚗 Dazzling Light Displays

Cincinnati is famous for its drive-through light shows, most of which remain open on Christmas night to welcome families.

Event Location 2025 Christmas Day Hours
PNC Festival of Lights Cincinnati Zoo 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Holiday Lights on the Hill Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Light Up Middletown Smith Park 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Light Up the Fair Boone County Fairgrounds 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Pro-Tip: The Cincinnati Zoo's PNC Festival of Lights is a local favorite on Christmas Day. While the animals may be tucked away early, the 4 million LED lights make for an incredible evening walk.

🍽️ Where to Eat: Restaurants Open Dec 25

Skip the dishes and let someone else do the cooking. Several Cincinnati staples and hotel restaurants stay open for the holiday:

  • Buca di Beppo (Rookwood): Perfect for a large family-style Italian feast. They are traditionally open for both dine-in and carry-out on Christmas Day.

  • Metropole at 21c: Located downtown, this upscale spot often offers a curated holiday menu in a contemporary art-filled setting.

  • The Golden Lamb (Lebanon): If you’re up for a short drive, Ohio’s oldest inn offers a historic, "Dickens-style" Christmas dinner (Reservations are a must!).

  • Prime Cincinnati: A great choice for a high-end steakhouse experience in the heart of the city.

🎬 Relaxed Fun

Movie Theaters

Most major cinemas like AMC Newport on the Levee and Regal Wilder are open on Christmas Day. It’s the perfect time to catch the season's biggest blockbusters with a bucket of popcorn.

Casino Holiday

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati remains open 24/7, including Christmas Day. If you're looking for an adult night out with live music, gaming, and various dining options, this is a lively secondary option.

⚠️ Closed for the Holiday

To save you a trip, keep in mind that the following are closed on December 25th:

  • Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal)

  • Newport Aquarium (Reopens Dec 26)

  • Krohn Conservatory

  • National Underground Railroad Freedom Center