Cincinnati in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cincinnati

4°C (39°F) High Temp

-4°C (25°F) Low Temp

76 mm (3.0 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas Markets transform downtown into a winter wonderland - Fountain Square's Christkindlmärkte runs daily through December 24th with authentic German vendors and glühwein
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer months, with luxury properties like The Westin offering rooms from $89-129/night instead of $200+
Zero tourist crowds at major attractions - American Sign Museum, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Findlay Market are pleasantly uncrowded for photos and exploration
Winter brewery scene peaks in December with special releases - local breweries like Rhinegeist and Taft's Ale House debut seasonal porters and winter warmers unavailable other months

Considerations

Outdoor activities severely limited - riverfront walks become treacherous with ice, and Ohio River boat tours shut down completely from mid-December through February
Daylight extremely short with sunset at 5:15 PM by winter solstice, giving you only 6-7 hours of natural light for sightseeing
Weather unpredictability makes planning difficult - temperatures can swing 15°C (27°F) in 24 hours, and lake effect snow from Lake Erie can dump 15 cm (6 inches) without warning

Best Activities in December

Historic Architecture Walking Tours

December's bare trees provide unobstructed views of Cincinnati's Victorian and Art Deco architecture. The cold keeps crowds minimal, and overcast skies create perfect even lighting for photography. Over-the-Rhine's 19th-century buildings look spectacular dusted with snow, and you can warm up in historic pubs every few blocks.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work best in December - book indoor backup venues ahead of time. Architecture tour apps cost $5-15 and let you go at your own pace. Duck into heated buildings every 20-30 minutes to avoid frostbite.

Underground Railroad Museum Tours

Indoor cultural attractions like the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center are ideal for December weather. The museum offers special winter programming and extended holiday hours. December's reflective atmosphere enhances the powerful historical exhibits.

Booking Tip: Book online for 15% discounts and skip entrance lines. Combination tickets with Cincinnati Museum Center save $8-12 per person. Allow 3-4 hours for full experience with warming breaks at museum café.

Rhine River District Food Tours

December showcases Cincinnati's comfort food at its peak - goetta breakfast, Cincinnati chili, and German-inspired dishes perfect for cold weather. Indoor food halls and heated brewery taprooms provide warmth between stops. Holiday menus feature seasonal specialties unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Food tours run year-round but December requires indoor venues. Expect 3-4 hour tours costing $65-85 per person including 6-8 tastings. Book through licensed operators with heated transportation between stops.

Christmas Market and Holiday Shopping

Fountain Square's German Christmas Market is Cincinnati's premier December attraction. Authentic European vendors sell handcrafted goods, and heated tents serve traditional German holiday foods. The adjacent Macy's holiday window displays and nearby shops in downtown create a festive shopping district.

Booking Tip: Christmas markets are free entry but expect premium pricing for food and drinks - budget $25-40 per person for full experience. Peak crowds on weekends after 4 PM, visit weekday mornings for better photos and service.

Cincinnati Museum Center Exploration

The Art Deco Union Terminal houses multiple museums perfect for December's indoor weather. Special winter exhibits typically debut in December, and the building's architecture provides impressive photo opportunities. The attached Omnimax theater offers warm entertainment between museum visits.

Booking Tip: Museum combo tickets cost $18-24 for adults covering 2-3 museums. Parking is free but fills up on snowy days when locals seek indoor activities. Allow full day - 5-6 hours minimum for complete visit.

Casino and Entertainment Districts

Indoor entertainment peaks in December when outdoor options disappear. Hollywood Casino and The Banks entertainment district offer climate-controlled gaming, dining, and nightlife. December promotions and holiday shows provide unique winter entertainment unavailable in warmer months.

Booking Tip: Casino promotions intensify in December to attract locals avoiding outdoor activities. Entertainment venues offer holiday-themed shows and extended hours. Book dinner reservations 1-2 weeks ahead as locals increase indoor dining during winter.

December Events & Festivals

Late November through December 24th

Fountain Square Christkindlmärkte

Authentic German Christmas market with traditional wooden stalls, imported crafts, and heated Glühwein stands. Live entertainment includes German folk music and holiday performances. Creates downtown Cincinnati's most festive winter atmosphere.

Mid November through early January

Festival of Lights at Cincinnati Zoo

Over 4 million LED lights transform the zoo into a winter wonderland. Most animal exhibits remain open with winter viewing opportunities. Features holiday train rides and seasonal food vendors in heated pavilions.

Multiple dates throughout December

Pops Orchestra Holiday Concerts

Cincinnati Pops performs traditional holiday concerts at Music Hall throughout December. The heated venue showcases the city's musical heritage while providing elegant indoor entertainment during peak winter weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - sidewalks ice over frequently and salt creates slush puddles 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) deep

Layered clothing system: thermal base layer, fleece mid-layer, waterproof outer shell - temperature swings require quick adjustments

Insulated gloves plus liner gloves - you'll need dexterity for phone photos but protection from -8°C (18°F) wind chill

Wool or synthetic beanie covering ears - heat loss through head becomes dangerous in Cincinnati's December winds

Waterproof phone case - snow melts on devices and December humidity 78% creates condensation issues

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster than normal

Small umbrella for snow/sleet - different from rain gear, needs wind resistance for lake effect weather

Moisturizer and lip balm - indoor heating combined with outdoor cold creates severe skin dryness

Sunglasses - snow glare off sidewalks and buildings causes eye strain despite low UV index

Hand/foot warmers - disposable heat packs essential for outdoor Christmas market visits lasting over 30 minutes

Insider Knowledge

Download the Red Bike app but expect 80% of stations shut down December-February - plan walking routes between indoor destinations instead

Local restaurants offer 'polar bear specials' - discounted comfort food menus during cold snaps when temperatures drop below -7°C (20°F) for 48+ hours

Fountain Square's underground parking connects via tunnel to several downtown buildings, avoiding outdoor walking in severe weather

UC and Xavier students leave mid-December for break, opening up popular restaurants and entertainment venues that are normally crowded

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting riverfront activities - Ohio River winds create dangerous wind chill and walkways become icy death traps by December 15th

Underestimating weather changes - packing only for forecast temperature without considering Cincinnati's notorious 24-hour weather swings of 15°C (27°F)

Scheduling tight outdoor itineraries - December weather forces indoor backup plans, build 2-3 hour flexibility into daily schedules