College can be fun. It's a time you get to express yourself, start making your own decisions, and get out from under your parents' thumbs. You make new friends, do what interests you, and you get to live on your own. But while all of this is wonderful, it's nice knowing that you can always go back home, especially for the holidays. For me, home is Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been for 21 years. When I was younger, I dreamed of escaping Ohio. I didn't fully appreciate everything that Cincinnati had to offer. As I've grown older though and have watched as Cincinnati has been revitalized, I've grown to love it even more. There's usually plenty to do in Cincy, if you know where to look, and that's even more true during the holiday season. So if you're going back to Cincinnati for winter break, don't worry, there's plenty to do.
1. Krohn by Candlelight
On Dec. 16 and 23, make sure to visit the Krohn Conservatory as it's lit up with holiday lights! The conservatory has been decked out in a holiday makeover that only enhances its beauty. While you're there, go ahead and make a holiday card! Usual entrance fees apply: $7 for adults, $4 for children, Free for children under 4.
2. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
Sharon Woods hosts its traditional holiday light display through Jan. 2. For $13 per car, drive through a holiday light spectacular. This is one of my favorite holiday traditions and every year, Sharon Woods manages to amaze me with their displays.
3. Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
The Festival of Lights is one of the top rated winter light events at one of the country's top rated zoos. Highlights include: gingerbread village, new wild lights show on Swan Lake, a "Frozen" winter wonderland (with a meet'n'greet with Anna and Elsa!), campfires for s'mores, Madcap Puppet shows, and so many more!
4. Light Up the Levee at Newport on the Levee
Everyone knows that Newport on the Levee and Cincinnati are basically the same. Go experience all the fun of Newport, but with holiday light shows! The show starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 1:30 a.m. with shows running every 20 minutes!
5. The Nutcracker presented by the Cincinnati Ballet
We all know this classic Christmas story, so why not see it played out it a beautiful ballet?
6. A Christmas Carol presented by Playhouse in the Park
Playhouse in the Park is running its annual holiday show: "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This show is one of Cincinnati's favorite and has been running every holiday season for the past 25 years.
7. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt 2015
"Join us for the fourth annual Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German Christmas market—the premier holiday event in downtown Cincinnati." This market is hosted for four weekends starting Nov. 28 in Fountain Square.
8. BRICKmas Holiday Display
Also at Newport of the Levee, don't forget to visit the large LEGO display!
9. North Pole Express by LM&M Railroad
Head up to Lebanon and board the North Pole Express! This half-hour train ride takes you through a winter wonderland and straight to Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Don't forget to enjoy a holiday cookie and warm hot chocolate while you wait!
10. U.S. Bank Ice Rink
Finally, slide on down to Fountain Square for some ice skating! U.S. Bank hosts the annual ice skating rink downtown! Also grab some hot drinks, snacks, or even some Eli's BBQ to refuel in between skating!
There is so much to do and enjoy in Cincinnati! These events are just the ones that run season-long! Check out 365 Cincinnati for a list of events happening each weekend! Finals are over. Take a break back home in Cincinnati and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer.
