It’s the holiday season, and Santa Claus has lots of toys for every good girl and good little boy. And Northern Kentucky has lots of fun for the whole family.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with your kids while they’re off school, need somewhere to take out-of-town family, or you’re looking for a Christmas-y date night, there are plenty of options for festive fun in NKY.
From ice skating to visits with the big man himself to light displays and more, there’s something for everyone. Read on to find an NKY holiday event for you:
Deck the Ya’lls Lightfest – Thomas More Stadium
Thomas More Stadium is decked out in over 2 million lights in celebration of the festive season. This is the second annual iteration of this holiday extravaganza, and this year, there are eight immersive themed displays, plus an ice skating rink and more. Select nightly events include fireworks displays, date nights, kids free skating and “lights and leashes” for pet parents. Open daily through Dec. 31. Tickets start at $9 for kids, $13 for adults and $11 for military/seniors; kids under 3 are free. Find more information at decktheyalls.com.
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland – Newport Aquarium
Head over to the Newport Aquarium to see Santa don a scuba suit and take a dip in the Surrounded by Sharks tank to visit with the tank’s three rare shark rays, Denver the loggerhead sea turtle and the rest of their fishy friends. While he’s diving, visitors can take the opportunity to tell him what they want him to bring them this holiday season. Wish-makers will also be able to color their own magic bubble to make sure their requests make it right to Santa’s ears. Open daily through Dec. 23. Scuba Santa is included with a general admission ticket for the aquarium, which starts at $22.99 for ages 13 and up. Find more information at newportaquarium.com.
The Reindeer Farm – Bowling Green
While it is a bit of a drive, The Reindeer Farm in Bowling Green promises to get the whole family in the holiday spirit. Visit with live reindeer (yes, they are real animals), play games on the farm, enjoy the indoor playground and spend time at the petting zoo. Food trucks and free hot chocolate are available every day, and adults can enjoy tastings with wine from local Carriage House Vineyards. On select days, there will be visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, plus book a reindeer encounter where guests can get in the pen with some reindeer. Open daily through Dec. 23. General admission tickets are $15. Find more information at thereindeerfarm.com.
Winter Nights & River Lights – Purple People Bridge
Walk the Purple People Bridge from Newport to Cincinnati and experience thousands of holiday lights, projected lighting, seasonal music, wreaths and views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The bridge also features a 25-foot-tall Christmas Wish Tree, which connects with the community to provide gifts for individuals in need. Winter Nights & River Lights is free to the public and is available through Jan. 7.
A Window Through Time – Behringer-Crawford Museum
Celebrate Christmas past at the Behringer-Crawford Museum’s “A Window Through Time” exhibit. Visitors can view vintage feather Christmas trees, antique German ornaments, toys and more donated by Mary and Pat Ashcraf. Guests can check out the displays of British cottages and scenes, then take a trip to the “A Christmas Carol” display with Dickens-themed decor. Finally, stop at the classic “Holiday Toy Trains” display, which has been ongoing since 1992, featuring eight O-gauge Lionel model trains circling over 250 feet of track, with 30 moving accessories. The exhibit is available during museum hours through Jan. 7. Tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors 60 and older, $5 for children ages 3-17. Find more information at bcmuseum.org.
Light Up The Fair – Boone County Fairgrounds
Drive through over a million lights throughout the Boone County Fairgrounds during the sixth annual Light Up The Fair at the Boone County Fairgrounds. Visitors can enjoy the 2-mile drive-through route from the comfort of their warm cars by tuning their car radios to 97.7 FM and watching the show, which lines up with the broadcast music. Open daily through Dec. 30. Tickets are $7 per person or $25 per car (up to eight passengers); children under 3 are free. Find more information at lightupthefair.com.
ChristmasTown 2023 – Creation Museum
Walk through the Creation Museum’s botanical gardens, which have been lit up with thousands of lights, creating the Garden of Lights this Christmas season. This free event includes access to a petting zoo and children’s playground, plus performances at Legacy Hall. Open Tuesday through Sunday through Dec. 30. ChristmasTown is free with the cost of parking; tickets to the museum are separate. Find more information at creationmuseum.org.