New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati is a sight to behold. Not only is the city famous for its vibrant food and event scene, but Cincinnatians also make it a point to welcome the new year with a bang!
From fireworks lighting up the night sky to tantalizing food events, Queen City sure offers its inhabitants and guests a diverse range of events to ring in the New Year with joy and excitement.
Here are the top five, can’t-miss New Year’s Eve events in Cincinnati that you must attend to experience the dynamic spirit of the city first-hand.
We’ve given you the top five events name, their venue, and tentative time based on past events. Be sure to verify these times beforehand.
#1 Fountain Square Blast
Join thousands of Cincinnatians at the Fountain Square for a fantastic New Year’s Eve celebration. The Fountain Square Blast is an annual event that’s open to all and promises fun, entertainment, and a sense of community.
People are free to just show up with their friends and family to witness an electrifying evening featuring live music from local bands, mouthwatering food trucks, and a lively dance floor. The traditional crescendo of the event is a mesmerizing firework show that illuminates the night sky.
As the clock strikes midnight, spending New Year’s Even in the Fountain Square Blast will fill your heart with anticipation for the year ahead. It’s a characteristic that is as much a part of Cincinnati as its brew.
Event Name: Fountain Square Blast
Venue: Fountain Square, Downtown Cincinnati
Time: 8:00 PM onward
#2 Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
If you want a family-friendly event, you can celebrate the magic of the holiday season at Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights. It’s a spectacular event that continues through New Year’s Eve.
Visitors get to stroll through the zoo’s enchanting winter wonderland lit up with over three million LED lights. Your family can spend the evening marveling at the sparkling light displays, visit Santa Claus, and enjoy delightful holiday-themed shows and activities.
The Festival of Lights is a perfect family event to bid farewell to the old year and embrace the new, in the true joy and warmth of the holiday spirit.
Event Name: Cincinnati Zoo Festival of Lights
Venue: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
#3 Riverside Foodie New Year’s Eve Cruise
Location: BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY
Time: Boarding at 8:30 PM, Cruise from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
If you’re in mood for something unique, step aboard the BB Riverboats to embark on a culinary adventure this New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati.
The Riverside Foodie New Year’s Eve Cruise offers a delectable experience that food lovers will thoroughly enjoy. The cruise will sail along the scenic Ohio River as those onboard savor a sumptuous buffet of mouthwatering dishes prepared by some of the best private chefs in Cincinnati.
Patron of the cruise will spend the night dancing to live music, enjoying the glittering city lights, and toasting the New Year with complimentary champagne at midnight. It promises to be a memorable experience filled with delicious flavors and great company, all curated by Cincinnati’s best chefs.
Event Name: Riverside Foodie New Year’s Eve Cruise
Boarding: BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY
Time: Boarding at 8:30 PM; the Cruise is from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
#4 Taft Theatre New Year’s Eve Gala
A city’s New Year’s Eve would not be complete without a gala! For those seeking a touch of elegance and sophistication, the Taft Theatre New Year’s Eve Gala is the perfect choice.
Participants are the cultural high and mighty of the city, who are dressed to impress at one of Cincinnati’s most iconic venues. If you turn up at the gala, you’ll get to enjoy live performances by talented musicians and entertainers from different genres, meet the veritable elite of the city, and rub noses with some of the most talented people who live in Cincinnati.
Plus, there’s no other venue that comes close to the gala in pomp. The Taft Theatre exudes an atmosphere of grandeur, making it an exceptional setting to welcome the New Year in style.
Remember to book your tickets in advance, this popular event sells out quickly!
Event Name: Taft Theatre New Year’s Eve Gala
Venue: Taft Theatre, 317 E 5th St.
Time: 8:00 PM – 12:30 AM
#5 The Newport on the Levee Party
When it comes to family-friendly activities, Cincinnati is no laggard. For celebrating the New Year’s Eve in Cincinnati with your family, head over to Newport on the Levee.
Newport on the Levee is a popular retail entertainment destination on the banks of the Ohio river. It has many entertainment and dining options and is a stone’s throw away from the boarding dock for the Riverside Foodie New Year’s Eve Cruise, BB Riverboats.
New Year’s Eve here promises fun and excitement for the whole family. You’ll get to choose from a wide range of activities, from face painting and watching balloon artists to lively music and dance performances. As the clock nears midnight, people at Newport on the Levee customarily gather for a spectacular display of fireworks that will is truly memorable for kids and adults.
Event Name: The Newport on the Levee Party
Venue: 1 Levee Way, Newport
Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
There’s Something for Everyone on New Year’s Eve
Cincinnati has something for everyone to celebrate the New Year. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and prepare to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new in style.
The five New Year’s Eve events we’ve covered are not the only game in town, but they are a safe bet for helping create lasting memories, setting the tone for a fantastic year ahead.