Holiday Cheer on Tap
The holiday season is right around the corner, and if you’re looking for a way to get into the festive spirit, The Banks’ 12 Drinks of Christmas: A Holiday Bar Crawl is the perfect event to add to your calendar! On Saturday, December 7, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can grab your friends, don your ugliest holiday sweater, and sip on some festive drinks as you explore 12 fantastic bars and restaurants.
This isn’t your average bar crawl—it’s a celebration of holiday cheer! At each of the participating locations, you’ll find festive drink specials, holiday cocktails, seasonal beers, and even ciders. Participating venues include:
AC Upper Deck
The Filson
Fishbowl
Holy Grail
Jefferson Social
Killer Queen
Moerlein Lager House
Nation
The Park
Red Leprechaun
The Stretch
Tin Roof
But the fun doesn’t stop there! From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy holiday music performed by the Young Professionals Choral Collective (YPCC) Carolers in the plaza. And to really make the event magical, Santa and Mrs. Claus will make guest appearances at each location. (Yes, you can totally get a selfie with the big guy and his better half!)
To kick off the experience, you’ll check in at The Stretch (191 E. Freedom Way). While you’re there, be sure to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Holden Hands! The first 100 attendees to do so will receive a souvenir cup, a perfect keepsake to remember the night.
Holiday attire is highly encouraged. Whether it’s a classic ugly sweater, your favorite reindeer onesie, or a Santa hat that jingles with every step, this is your time to shine (or sparkle)! And if you’re still full of holiday spirit after the crawl, stick around for the late-night ugly sweater party, which keeps the festivities going until 2 a.m.
Here’s everything you need to know about arriving, parking, and getting home safely:
Check-In: Head to The Stretch at 191 E. Freedom Way for your holiday passport. Check-in is open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., so be sure to arrive early and get ready to explore.
Parking: Parking is a breeze thanks to The Central Riverfront Garage (CRG) located underneath The Banks. You’ll find entrances on:
2nd Street
Nuxhall Way
Mehring Way
Race Street
Broadway
West Pete Rose Way
Prefer street parking? There are metered spots available on Freedom Way between Marian Spencer and Race Street.
Rideshare Drop-Off: If you’re planning to use Uber or Lyft (which we strongly recommend—don’t drink and drive!), the drop-off points are on Second Street between Walnut and Main or on both sides of Freedom Way between Rosa Parks and Joe Nuxhall Way.
The best part? This holiday adventure is FREE to attend! All you need to budget for are the delicious drinks and food you’ll enjoy along the way. You can register for the event at 12drinksofchristmasbanks.eventbrite.com to secure your spot.
The holiday season is all about giving, and The Banks is spreading that spirit through a partnership with Holden Hands, a local organization. Your toy donation at check-in will go a long way in making someone’s holiday a little brighter.
The Banks’ 12 Drinks of Christmas is more than just a bar crawl—it’s an experience that combines community, creativity, and, of course, cocktails. Whether you’re a Cincinnati local or just visiting for the weekend, this is a chance to explore some of the city’s best bars, celebrate the season, and maybe even run into Santa along the way. Plus, who doesn’t love sipping holiday drinks while carolers serenade you under the glow of holiday lights?
So mark your calendar, grab your holiday gear, and get ready for a festive night out at The Banks. We’ll see you there—cheers to a season filled with good friends, great drinks, and holiday magic.