On the Bright Side
Cincinnati Nights of Lights
Clermont County Fairgrounds
1000 Locust St., Owensville
Gates open at 5 p.m., close at 10 p.m.
Tickets: $30 (+$3 service fee) per carload
up to 8 people
No limos, RVs, buses longer than 21 feet.
Tickets at queencitylightshow.com.
The holiday season is officially upon us, and if you're anything like my husband, Eli, and I, you're constantly on the lookout for fun, family-friendly activities that also allow for maximum coziness (especially with little ones in tow!). Well, let me tell you, we found a winner: the Cincinnati Nights of Lights in Owensville!
We decided to kick off our festive celebrations by heading to opening night, and it was everything we hoped for and more. Imagine this: you're snuggled up in your car, toasty warm, with big travel mugs of hot chocolate (Eli and I highly recommend this part!), and your favorite people by your side. That's exactly how we rolled into the light show.
Our littlest, Ruby, who's 8 months old, was already in dreamland by the time we arrived. She completely snoozed through the entire magical journey – a testament to how smooth and relaxing the experience is! Rosie, our two-year-old, was perfectly content, happily munching on snacks and bundled up in her favorite blanket.
Upon entering, we were instructed to tune our car radio to a specific station, and then the real magic began! The music was perfectly in sync with all the dazzling lights, creating an immersive and enchanting atmosphere. Lighted arrows throughout the show made navigating a breeze, so we could just sit back and soak it all in.
Rosie was absolutely mesmerized, especially by the light tunnels! Each one felt like we were driving through a kaleidoscope of color, and the jolly holiday music playing along made her little feet want to dance.
But the absolute most magical moment of the evening happened right at the very end. As we were driving past a giant, shimmering lighted Elsa display, Rosie's favorite song, "Let it Go," started playing on the radio! You should have seen her eyes twinkle with pure excitement and wonder. It was a picture-perfect moment that truly encapsulated the joy of the holidays.
The Cincinnati Nights of Lights was a fantastic start to our holiday season, offering a delightful and super cozy way to experience the festive spirit. If you're looking for a low-key, high-magic outing with your family this year, we wholeheartedly recommend it! Get those hot chocolates ready, grab your coziest blankets, and prepare for a twinkling good time.