These local events are perfect for those looking for some holiday cheer
Not feeling the holiday season yet? Try one of these local holiday events to escape the winter doldrums and to get excited for the coming holiday.
Christmas Light Spectacular at Cedar Springs Pavilion
7951 South County Road, 25A, Tipp City.
Through Dec. 30. 6-9 p.m.
$10 per person, 3 and under free. Free parking.
At this holiday event, guests can experience special light displays including an igloo with penguins, arctic animals, Grinch’s Whoville Village, a Gingerbread House in Candy Cane Lane and many more. In addition, visitors will be able to experience what’s being called a “Magnificent Ballet of Dancing Fountains” that is choregraphed to Christmas lights and music. Santa Claus will also be visiting and guests are invited to take photos with him. At the end of the night, guests can relax at Santa’s Snack Shop where different snacks and hot cocoa will be served.
Winterfest at Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason.
Dec. 10-12, 17-23 & 26-31. Weekdays 5-10 p.m., weekends 4-10 p.m., Dec. 31 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Ticket prices vary, with deals available online.
During Winterfest, visitors can celebrate the holiday season with attractions like Blitzen’s Brass Band, Carriage Rides and Charlie Brown’s Christmas Spectacular in addition to park favorites like Mystic Timbers and The Great Pumpkin Coaster. In the Action Ice Zone, guests will experience a winter wonderland, which includes a sledding hill, ice-carving presentations and an inflatable snow globe.
North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad
16 E. South Lebanon St., Lebanon.
Dec. 9-12, 16-19, 22-24 & 26. Weekdays 6 p.m. & 8 p.m., weekends noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Coach $22-$26, Deluxe class $35-39, infants under 2 $5.
LM&M Railroad in Lebanon is taking guests on a magical ride on the North Pole Express throughout the month of December. For 1 hour and 15 minutes, guests take a train ride through Warren County, meet Santa and his elves, and enjoy a cookie. Each passenger also receives a special souvenir bell. Before or after riding, visitors are encouraged to visit Lebanon’s historic downtown, which is home to the Golden Lamb (https://www.goldenlamb.com/#view-1) and other shops and restaurants.
Rike’s Holiday Windows
Schuster Performing Arts Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton.
Through Dec. 31. Weekdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sundays noon-6 p.m.
Free.
The Schuster Center is once again displaying Rike’s Holiday Windows after taking a forced year off in 2020. The free program recreates the displays observed at the former Rike’s Department Store where the Schuster Center stands today. During this beloved Dayton tradition, guests will witness all types of holiday scenes from Silent Night to The North Pole.
