A Holiday Classic Hits the Ice
Cincinnati steps into the holiday spotlight on December 12 when the Cincinnati Cyclones host National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Night at Heritage Bank Center. The event draws inspiration from the film that turned Clark Griswold, Cousin Eddie, and the rest of the chaotic family into seasonal icons. The Cyclones plan a night filled with humor, nostalgia, and winter excitement that fits perfectly with the spirit of the season.
The game begins at 7:30pm and invites fans to arrive in their most spirited Christmas Vacation attire. Many will represent Cousin Eddie. Others will show up in moose mug sweaters. Some will channel Clark with a hopeful grin and a commitment to holiday fun. The arena presentation blends music, visual cues, and interactive elements that carry the movie’s signature charm. The goal is to create a setting that feels festive from the opening warmups to the final horn.
The team is also offering a limited pre-order for replica Christmas Vacation jerseys. Supporters can choose a sublimated version with lightweight construction or a tackle twill version with stitched details. The Cyclones will accept pre-orders through December 14. Production and shipping will require ten weeks. Fans can reserve their jersey directly through the official merchandise page. The jerseys allow supporters to take home a piece of the event and display it long after the game ends.
The live experience extends beyond the ice. A night with the Cyclones introduces fans to a culture built around energy, creativity, and community. The atmosphere inside Heritage Bank Center resonates with people who attend their first hockey game and people who have supported the team for years. Families arrive for holiday fun. Coworkers attend as part of year-end celebrations. Friends gather simply because the theme offers a playful twist on a winter evening. A Cyclones game delivers connection and entertainment in a way that feels natural to everyone in the building.
Groups of ten or more qualify for special pricing and experience support. Many organizations use Cyclones outings to strengthen team culture. Families use them to create new December traditions. Youth teams attend to celebrate achievements. Group details and inquiries can be found through the Cyclones website at the Groups and Experiences page. The team treats these gatherings as an opportunity to show that hockey can be welcoming and fun for anyone.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Night also reflects the growing influence of theme nights in Cincinnati sports. These events create easy entry points for people who are motivated by culture, movies, and unique experiences. The Cyclones have leaned into this approach with specialty jerseys, custom game presentations, and promotions that resonate far beyond traditional hockey circles. Christmas Vacation Night may become a first touchpoint for many fans who discover that the live experience offers more than they expected.
The full Cyclones schedule is available on the team’s seasonal calendar. The page also includes future theme nights, promotional dates, and weekend matchups. Ticket specials provide accessible entry options. Heritage Bank Center sits at 100 Broadway and offers convenient access to restaurants and entertainment across The Banks. Many fans pair the game with a winter night out that extends beyond the arena. The location strengthens Cincinnati’s larger holiday entertainment landscape.
A film with cultural staying power finds a new space when the puck drops on December 12. Fans will quote lines. Kids will wear themed outfits. Adults will laugh at memories tied to the movie. The Cyclones understand how these emotional connections bring people together. The game becomes more than a matchup on the schedule. It becomes a celebration that lifts the holiday season and invites the entire city to participate.
Tickets are available at the Cyclones ticketing page. Replica jerseys can be reserved through the merchandise portal. Group packages can be explored through the team’s dedicated group sales page. Cincinnati thrives on shared experiences during the holidays. Christmas Vacation Night captures that momentum and turns it into a full evening of entertainment, community, and winter fun.