Weekend drive · Nov 27–29, 2026
Cincinnati Thanksgiving weekend lights road trip 2026
Spend the Friday after Thanksgiving at Kings Island's WinterFest, shop local makers at Music Hall on Saturday, then walk the Cincinnati Zoo's Festival of Lights that evening. On Sunday, see the holiday trains at Union Terminal before you head home. November 27–29, 2026.
The four stops
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Friday night · Holiday theme park
Kings Island WinterFest
Friday, November 27 · Mason, Ohio · event dates: November 27 - December 31, 2026
Kings Island turns into a winter park on select nights from November 27 through December 31, 2026, and November 27 is the first night. Check the park's calendar for hours and tickets before you go.
- Drive about 30 min (about 25 mi) to Cincinnati.
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Saturday daytime · Makers market
Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
Saturday, November 28 · Cincinnati, Ohio · event dates: November 28, 2026
Cincinnati's indie craft show fills the Music Hall Ballroom for Small Business Saturday, from 11 am to 5 pm.
- Drive about 10 min (about 4 mi) to Cincinnati.
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Saturday evening · Holiday lights
PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
Saturday, November 28 · Cincinnati, Ohio · event dates: November 19, 2026 - January 3, 2027
The zoo is lit for the holidays, and the festival is included with zoo admission. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 am to 10 pm, with evening activities from 4 pm and puppet shows at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 pm.
- Drive about 15 min (about 6 mi) to Cincinnati.
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Sunday on the way home · Holiday train display
Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
Sunday, November 29 · Cincinnati, Ohio · event dates: November 13, 2026 – January 4, 2027
The Duke Energy Holiday Trains run at Cincinnati Museum Center in historic Union Terminal, open daily 10 am to 5 pm through January 4, 2027. Check the website for tickets.
Drive home to Mason, OH: about 30 min (about 25 mi). Gas prices near Cincinnati
Drive times are approximate. Check your route before you leave.
At a glance
| Stop | Type | Dates | Drive from previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Kings Island WinterFest | Holiday theme park | Friday, November 27 (runs November 27 - December 31, 2026) | Start |
| 2. Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show | Makers market | Saturday, November 28 (runs November 28, 2026) | about 30 min |
| 3. PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo | Holiday lights | Saturday, November 28 (runs November 19, 2026 - January 3, 2027) | about 10 min |
| 4. Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains | Holiday train display | Sunday, November 29 (runs November 13, 2026 – January 4, 2027) | about 15 min |
Event websites
- Kings Island WinterFest
- Crafty Supermarket Holiday Show
- PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
- Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains
Dates can change, so check the event’s website before you go.
More: All weekend drives · Ohio events