Talk Turkey Travel Cincinnati Style

As the final leaves fall across the Ohio River Valley, Cincinnati transforms into a tapestry of community, color, and celebration. For travelers looking to make the most of Thanksgiving week, the Queen City and its neighboring towns offer more than turkey and touchdowns. Within a short drive, you will find family-friendly parades, scenic farm festivals, glowing lights, and holiday markets, each with its own reason to give thanks.

A Cincinnati Tradition: The Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade

There is no better way to start Thanksgiving morning than with a hometown parade. The Price Hill Thanksgiving Day Parade steps off at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, beginning at Ferguson and Glenway Avenues before winding toward St. Lawrence Church.
The two-mile route is filled with local marching bands, dance troupes, and neighborhood groups decked out in holiday flair. According to Cincinnati.gov, roads close around 9:45 a.m. and reopen near noon, just in time to head home for lunch.
This event nearly disappeared in recent years, but community members and Price Hill Will revived it with local sponsors and volunteers. Arrive early for a front-row view, bundle up, and enjoy a nostalgic start to the holiday.

The Runner’s Rite of Autumn: Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race

Just a few miles east, the Western & Southern Thanksgiving Day Race transforms the streets around TQL Stadium into a moving celebration.
The 2025 race features a Kids Fun Run for ages 5 to 10 beginning around 8:30 a.m., followed by a Chick-fil-A 5K and the flagship 10K. Packet pickup opens earlier that week, and participants enjoy free garage parking and a post-race “Pella Party” on the stadium field.
This is the nation’s sixth-oldest road race, dating back to 1908, and it remains one of the city’s most spirited holiday gatherings. Whether you are logging miles or cheering from the stands, it is an energizing way to earn that extra slice of pie.

After-Dinner Magic: PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo

When the turkey leftovers are packed away, the lights come on. Beginning November 20, 2025, the PNC Festival of Lights transforms the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden into a glowing winter wonderland through January 4, 2026.
The zoo is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but Friday through Sunday you can stroll under millions of LED bulbs, meet illuminated animal lanterns, roast s’mores, and visit indoor exhibits. Evening temperatures dip, so layer up and arrive before dusk to see the animals before the lights dominate the skyline.
For families traveling into town, this is Cincinnati’s most recognized holiday attraction, a perfect way to cap off Thanksgiving weekend with warmth, wonder, and wildlife.

A Scenic Pause: Krohn Conservatory and Eden Park

For a quieter day, head to the Krohn Conservatory at Eden Park, just east of downtown. Its annual train show, Solstice Glow, runs from early November through early January, filling the greenhouse with model trains weaving through intricate landscapes made of natural materials.
Eden Park’s river overlooks provide an easy outdoor stroll for visiting families, while the Conservatory’s climate-controlled gardens are ideal on gray or chilly days. Pair the visit with a stop at a nearby café or dinner in Mount Adams for a full-day itinerary that balances nature and nostalgia.

Beyond the City: Farms, Festivals, and Fall Markets

Shaw Farms Market – Milford, OH

Just 30 minutes east of downtown, Shaw Farms delivers a classic Midwest fall experience. A 12-acre corn maze, horse-drawn hayrides, and farm animals complement a bustling market filled with pumpkins, mums, and fresh produce. Admission to the grounds is free, with individual activity tickets for the maze, hayrides, and train rides. It is an easy half-day trip for visitors staying in the city.

Niederman Family Farm – Liberty Township, OH

North of Cincinnati, Niederman Family Farm hosts one of the area’s most popular fall festivals, featuring a 4-acre corn maze, wagon rides, a jumping pillow, play zones, and an impressive lineup of family activities. The 2025 season runs September 19 to October 26, offering online tickets around $15 per person. Weekdays tend to be quieter if you prefer fewer crowds.

Country Pumpkins Fall Festival – Dry Ridge, KY

An hour south on I-75, Country Pumpkins offers U-pick pumpkins, a corn maze, petting zoo, and hayrides from September 6 to November 1, 2025. The farm’s cozy charm and Kentucky scenery make it worth the drive, and the Friday evening hayrides are a local favorite. Pair it with lunch in Williamstown or a stop at the nearby Ark Encounter for a full-day southern excursion.

Burger Farm and Garden Center – Newtown, OH

Closer to home, Burger Farm and Garden Center hosts weekend Fall Festival events through late October with hayrides, puppet shows, kids’ zones, and live music. The garden center transitions to Christmas trees and greenery by mid-November, making it a smooth stop for both Thanksgiving décor and early holiday shopping. It is perfect for travelers who want quick seasonal fun without leaving the metro area.

Planning Your Thanksgiving Weekend

For travelers building a holiday itinerary around Cincinnati, each location offers something distinct:

ExperienceLocationIdeal TimingDistance from DowntownPrice Hill ParadeCincinnati, OHThanksgiving Day 10 a.m.10 minThanksgiving Day RaceCincinnati, OHThanksgiving Morning 8:30 a.m.10 minFestival of LightsAvondale, OHNov 20 to Jan 4 (evenings)15 minKrohn Conservatory and Eden ParkCincinnati, OHOpen daily10 minShaw Farms MarketMilford, OHSept to Nov40 minNiederman Family FarmLiberty Township, OHSept to Oct45 minCountry PumpkinsDry Ridge, KYSept to Nov 11 hr 15 minBurger Farm and Garden CenterNewtown, OHSept to Oct25 min

Whether you are visiting Cincinnati for the first time or returning home for the holidays, this region delivers Thanksgiving charm in every direction, from the cheer of Price Hill to the glow of the zoo, from rural hayrides to city lights. Pack a warm coat, plan your route, and discover why Cincinnati remains one of the Midwest’s most rewarding Thanksgiving travel destinations.