Top 10 Cincinnati events this weekend: Holiday markets, wine festivals and fall jamborees
The cobwebs are coming down, and the twinkle lights are going up! Ease into the holiday season with holiday markets, live music and fine wine. Or if you think it's too early for Christmas festivities, we've got something for you as well.
If you are ready to get a jump on the jolly festivities, the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market and Christkindlmarkt are the best places to start. Both events are perfect for crossing some names off your shopping list.
You can toast to the new season this weekend by heading to Jungle Jim's International Wine Festival, featuring two days of sipping and sampling a variety of wines, whether you prefer reds or whites. Or if you're not ready to say goodbye to fall yet, stop by the Great Parks' 1800s Harvest Jamboree to participate in historic traditions and sit down for a picnic, 19th century-style.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to be this weekend.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we'll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market
Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market runs Nov. 7-9.
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than doing some Christmas shopping? Stop by the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market, celebrating a milestone 25th year. Browse over 230 vendors, enjoy even longer hours and more food options. And it couldn't be a holiday market without your favorite jolly old man with a white beard in attendance for meet-and-greets.
Details: 12:30-8 p.m. Friday, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. $15. Free parking. cincinnatiholidaymarket.com.
2. Christkindlmarkt 2025
At this traditional German holiday market, browse handcrafted ornaments, artisan gifts and festive treats from Germany and local crafters. Get into the holiday spirit by listening to seasonal tunes, sip on a cold beer or a cup of glühwein (hot mulled wine), and shop for everyone on your list.
Feel free to bring along the kids. They can enjoy free face painting Sunday, a Santa and Mrs. Claus meet and greet, carriage and pony rides, a lantern parade, a petting zoo and more.
Details: 5-10 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, Germania Society, 3529 W. Kemper Road, Colerain Township. $5, free ages 12-under and retired or active military with ID. germaniasociety.com.
3. Jungle Jim's International Wine Festival
Sample more than 400 wines from around the world. Enjoy pours from top wineries, gourmet bites and receive a commemorative glass.
Details: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, The Oscar Station, 8871 N. Gilmore Road, Fairfield. Admission varies for drinkers, non-drinkers and VIP. junglejims.com.
4. 1800s Harvest Jamboree
Step back in time at this 19th-century party, celebrate fall, food and fellowship. Taste traditionally prepared dishes at the pioneer picnic, join in frontier festivities, toss tomahawks and enjoy family-friendly games.
5. Festival of Ferns
Step into a botanical wonderland at Krohn Conservatory. Enjoy a miniature model of Cincinnati's skyline and find classic trains and iconic landmarks from the Cincinnati Museum Center to the Roebling Bridge. Surround yourself with ferns of all shapes and sizes, from towering ferns to maidenhairs and seasonal poinsettias.
6. Clifton Heights Music Festival
The neighborhood-wide festival will return this year with two nights of live music across various venues, including Rohs Street Cafe, Uncle Woody's, Mac's Pizza Pub and U Square. Expect local bands, late-night sets and great vibes along Calhoun and West McMillan streets.
7. DAV 5K
Walk, roll, run or ride to thank those who served. Raise awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. Lace up your sneakers or participate virtually to show up for this great cause.
8. Roughneck Lager release party
Northern Row Brewery and Distillery and Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48 have collaborated to honor the "roughnecks" that keep our communities safe with the release of Roughneck Lager. At the release party, see who will win the barbecue competition, and try the new beer. Proceeds will benefit the 501(c)(3) Cincinnati Fire Fighters Charitable Fund.
9. 'The Great Gatsby' opening weekend
Cincinnati Ballet dancers Tatiana Melendez and Thomas Dilley are seen in a promotional photo for the company’s production of “The Great Gatsby,” running Nov. 7-15 at the Aronoff Center.
Go back in time to the 1920s jazz age in the live adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel. Join millionaire Jay Gatsby in his pursuit of former love, Daisy Buchanan, over the backdrop of lavish parties and social upheaval.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. Sunday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. cballet.org.
10. Christmas Boutique
Get into the Christmas spirit (and knock some gifts off your shopping list!) Browse over 50 crafters and vendors. Grab a tasty treat at the bake sale and luncheon.
