Southwest Ohio Parent Magazine

Cincinnati may be a long way from the North Pole, but come December, you’ll find the Jolly Old Elf all over the Queen City! And sure, you can find Santa at the expected spots (i.e., most local malls and shopping centers), but you’ll also find him in the most unexpected places.

Here’s Where to Find Santa in Cincinnati 2026:

PNC Festival of Lights runs Nov. 19 through Jan. 3 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. About 5 million LED lights cover the grounds, and it’s included with regular zoo admission. That makes it one of the easier holiday nights out to sell to the whole family.

Lights, lanterns and themed areas 65 larger-than-life animal lanterns along the walking route. ...

Need a little extra holiday cash? It might be hiding in your kids’ closets! Those outgrown clothes, forgotten toys, and unused baby items could put some extra spending money in your pocket this holiday season.

If your kids have outgrown their clothes, shoes, or toys, turn that clutter into cash at Once Upon a Child! It’s an easy way to clean out those closets and toy r...

As children grow, they start asking big questions about who they are and where they belong. Family stories can help them find answers.

Every family is different, and so are family histories. Some are told again and again, passed down through generations. Others are harder to tell because they are complicated, incomplete or shaped by difficult circumstances. Even everyd...

Light in the Forest turns about a mile of trail at Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rowe Woods into a lit-up winter walk through the woods, past ponds and across fields. It’s a good pick for families who have done the drive-thru light shows and want to get out of the car for once.

On the Trail

The trail is mostly flat and about a mile long. Along the way: