Ohio comes alive with holiday cheer as the season of sparkling lights, festive celebrations, and merry gatherings arrives. From dazzling light displays in Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus to cozy Christmas-themed bars serving up seasonal drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking to admire stunning light displays or sip on a festive cocktail in a uniquely decorated holiday bar, Ohio offers plenty of ways to make the season bright.

Cleveland: Lights, Cheers, and Holiday Spirit

Cleveland is home to some of Ohio’s most festive light displays, but the city also boasts a collection of Christmas-themed bars where you can enjoy a festive drink in a winter wonderland setting.

1. Public Square Winterfest

Public Square’s annual Winterfest is a must-see for visitors in Cleveland. The square is transformed into a glowing holiday haven, with a towering Christmas tree adorned with thousands of twinkling lights, an ice skating rink, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your holiday season before heading to nearby festive bars.

2. The Cleveland Botanical Garden: Glow at the Garden

For a more tranquil experience, visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Glow at the Garden, where more than 1 million twinkling lights transform the landscape into a glowing holiday paradise. Stroll through illuminated gardens or take part in family-friendly activities before warming up at one of Cleveland’s Christmas-themed bars.

3. Christmas Bars in Cleveland

Bad Tom Smith Brewing: This brewery in Cleveland’s Tremont neighborhood offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere perfect for the holidays. It often features holiday-themed beers and cocktails to help get you into the Christmas spirit.

The Velvet Tango Room: Known for its classy ambiance, this speakeasy-style cocktail bar turns festive during the holidays with signature Christmas cocktails, holiday decorations, and live jazz performances to add a touch of sophistication to your seasonal celebrations.

The Holiday Spirit at Society Lounge: This downtown Cleveland bar gets fully into the Christmas spirit with seasonal cocktails, festive décor, and cozy vibes that make it a perfect stop after checking out the local lights.

Cincinnati: Bright Lights and Merry Cocktails

Cincinnati is known for its Christmas light displays, but it’s also a city that knows how to celebrate the season with fun and festive holiday-themed bars.

1. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

One of the most popular holiday events in the city, the PNC Festival of Lights, transforms the Cincinnati Zoo into a glittering winter wonderland with over 4 million lights. After enjoying the lights, head to one of the city’s seasonal bars to keep the holiday cheer going.

2. Macy’s Light Up the Square

Macy’s Light Up the Square at Fountain Square features a dazzling display of lights and a large Christmas tree in downtown Cincinnati. Visitors can enjoy ice skating, festive food trucks, and live entertainment. After soaking in the lights, cozy up at a nearby holiday bar.

3. Christmas Bars in Cincinnati

The Silver Dollar: A favorite in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, this bourbon bar is known for transforming into a Christmas haven each December. With holiday-inspired cocktails like eggnog and mulled wine, it’s the perfect place to warm up after a night of light displays.

Japp’s Since 1879: This craft cocktail bar in the heart of Cincinnati is a holiday destination in itself. During the season, the bar serves festive cocktails and hosts Christmas-themed events. The old-timey atmosphere adds an extra layer of holiday charm.

Over-the-Rhine’s Christmas Bars: The Over-the-Rhine District is known for its lively bar scene, and several of its venues get into the holiday spirit. Keep an eye out for festive pop-up bars like “The Miracle on 12th Street,” which offers Christmas-themed cocktails and holiday cheer in abundance.

Columbus: Festive Lights and Seasonal Spirits

In Ohio’s capital, Columbus, the holidays are celebrated with vibrant light displays and a growing number of Christmas bars that add to the fun.

1. Columbus Commons Winterfest

Winterfest at Columbus Commons is a popular event that includes a massive 60-foot Christmas tree, ice skating, and thousands of lights sparkling throughout the park. The Winterfest market and holiday performances make it a great stop before heading to a local Christmas bar.

2. Zoo Lights at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo’s Zoo Lights event, featuring over 3 million lights, offers a mesmerizing display of animal-themed light sculptures, holiday trees, and live entertainment. After strolling through the zoo, enjoy a hot cocoa or a holiday cocktail at one of the city’s cozy bars.

3. Christmas Bars in Columbus

The Miracle on High Street: A seasonal pop-up bar located in the Short North Arts District, Miracle on High Street is one of the most popular Christmas-themed bars in Columbus. Decked out in holiday décor, the bar serves up creative cocktails like the “Snowball Old Fashioned” and “The Christmas Carol Barrel.”

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse: While not a traditional bar, Roosevelt Coffeehouse offers a seasonal twist on its regular menu, featuring holiday lattes and festive cocktails. It’s a great spot for a warm drink after exploring Columbus’ holiday light displays.

The Edison: Known for its craft cocktails and chic ambiance, The Edison is a great spot for a festive night out in downtown Columbus. During the holidays, they feature a special holiday menu with festive drinks and décor, making it a cozy spot for some seasonal cheer.

Tips for Enjoying Ohio’s Holiday Lights and Christmas Bars

Dress for the Weather: Ohio winters can be quite cold, so bundle up before heading out to light displays or bar-hopping.

Check Dates and Hours: Many of Ohio’s light displays and holiday bars are open only during specific dates, so be sure to plan ahead.

Stay Safe: If you plan on drinking holiday cocktails at one of the Christmas bars, always have a designated driver or consider using public transport or a rideshare service to get home safely.

Make Reservations: Some of Ohio’s popular Christmas bars, especially the seasonal pop-up spots, can get crowded during peak times, so reservations are a good idea if available.

Whether you’re marveling at Cleveland’s glowing public squares, exploring Cincinnati’s over-the-top zoo lights, or sipping a festive cocktail in Columbus, Ohio is full of holiday magic. With both stunning light displays and vibrant Christmas-themed bars, the Buckeye State provides everything you need to make this holiday season one to remember.

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