November is when Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky start to sparkle. The leaves are still turning, the first holiday markets open, and both sides of the river light up for the season. Here's my guide to the best things to do this month, from German Christmas markets to ice skating and live music.
As always, confirm dates and times with each venue before you go, since schedules can change.
Early November (Nov. 3–8)
Jazz at Winterhaus, Tuesdays starting Nov. 3 | Fountain Square
Live jazz inside Winterhaus, Fountain Square's heated glass tent, every Tuesday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. through the end of December. Fountain Square events
Cincinnati Ballet LIVE!, Nov. 6–7 | Music Hall
The Cincinnati Ballet performs alongside Over the Rhine and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Tickets
Germania's Christkindlmarkt, Nov. 6–8 | Germania Park, Colerain Township
The region's oldest German-style Christmas market, under heated tents, with German food, glühwein and handmade gifts. Germania Christkindlmarkt
Downtown ice skating opens, Nov. 7 | Elm Street Plaza
The UC Health Ice Rink has a bigger home at Elm Street Plaza, two blocks from Fountain Square, with a warming tent, igloos and fire pits. Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
Mid-November (Nov. 9–19)
Cincinnati Pizza Week, Nov. 9–15 | Restaurants across the region
$11 pizzas from participating restaurants all over the area. Participating restaurants
Holiday Junction opens, Nov. 13 | Cincinnati Museum Center
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains return to Union Terminal for their 80th year, running through early January. Holiday Junction
Summit Park ice rink opens, Nov. 14 | Blue Ash
Skate outdoors through Jan. 10, then take in the view from the park's observation tower. Summit Park Ice Rink
Holly Jolly Days begins, Nov. 14 | Behringer-Crawford Museum, Covington
Holiday toy trains and seasonal exhibits at Northern Kentucky's history museum in Devou Park. Holly Jolly Days
Neighborhood Nature Fest, Nov. 14 | Great Parks Nature Center at The Summit, Roselawn
A free, all-ages urban wildlife event with a guided nature walk. Event details
PNC Festival of Lights opens, Nov. 19 | Cincinnati Zoo
The 42nd annual festival lights up the zoo with millions of LED lights, plus the North Polar Express Train. Tickets
Late November and Thanksgiving Weekend (Nov. 20–28)
Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt opens, Nov. 20 | Smale Riverfront Park
A riverfront German-American holiday market beside the Roebling Bridge, open through Dec. 28. Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt
Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, Nov. 20–22 | First Financial Center, downtown
Hundreds of vendors, live carolers and photos with Santa, and a great head start on holiday shopping. Tickets
Light Up the Square, Nov. 27 | Fountain Square
Cincinnati's tree lighting the night after Thanksgiving, with live music, Santa and fireworks. Festivities start at 6 p.m. and stretch along Fifth Street to Elm Street Plaza. Fountain Square
Crafty Supermarket, Nov. 28 | Music Hall Ballroom
Cincinnati's longest-running indie craft show, with 100+ makers, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Crafty Supermarket
Looking Ahead: The East Row Victorian Christmas Tour & Tea
On the first weekend in December, Newport's East Row Historic District opens the doors of beautifully restored Victorian homes, decorated for the holidays. It's one of my favorite traditions of the year, and I'm proud to help bring it to life. Tickets for the tour and the Christmas Tea are available now. Get tickets
Love historic neighborhoods? Read my guide to Columbia Tusculum, Cincinnati's oldest neighborhood, home to the city's famous Painted Ladies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do in Cincinnati in November?
November in Cincinnati brings the start of the holiday season: Christkindlmarkts at Germania and Smale Riverfront Park, the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo, Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center, outdoor ice skating, and the Light Up the Square tree lighting on Fountain Square the night after Thanksgiving.
When does the Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights open in 2026?
The PNC Festival of Lights opens Nov. 19, 2026. Check the Cincinnati Zoo's website for hours and tickets.
When is Light Up the Square in Cincinnati?
Light Up the Square takes place Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, with festivities starting at 6 p.m. on Fountain Square.
What holiday events are in Northern Kentucky?
Highlights include Holly Jolly Days at the Behringer-Crawford Museum in Covington starting Nov. 14 and the East Row Victorian Christmas Tour & Tea in Newport the first weekend of December.
Making Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Home
If you're thinking about a move, or just love exploring the region's historic neighborhoods, I'd be glad to help. I'm Alexis Galligan, a Global Real Estate Advisor with Robinson Sotheby's International Realty, licensed in Ohio and Kentucky and focused on the region's most distinctive homes.
Let's connect for a no-pressure conversation over coffee.
