The Queen City is sparkling again — twinkling lights, seasonal cocktails, and cozy date-night energy are everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a luxe dinner before the ballet, a boozy Christmas pop-up bar, or a skyline brunch surrounded by holiday décor, Cincinnati’s restaurant scene knows how to celebrate.
Here are some of the best Christmas-themed spots to visit this month and next for a truly festive date night.
🍫 The Melting Pot — “Tacky Sweaters & Holiday Fondue”
📍 11023 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati
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Tacky Sweater Party — December 11
Dust off your wildest holiday knit and dip the night away. The Melting Pot’s annual tacky-sweater party includes a four-course fondue dinner for $49 per person — think cheddar, filet mignon, and their limited-edition Pumpkin Pie White Chocolate Fondue. -
Friendsgiving Specials — Nov 24-26
Cozy lighting, shareable courses, and couples-friendly booth seating make this a perfect pre-holiday date spot.
✨ Date-Night Tip: Go all in on the theme — matching sweaters, festive photos, and dessert martinis. For a low-key follow-up, stop at DeSha’s Tavern nearby for live music and hot buttered rum.
🍷 Via Vite — “Holiday Magic on Fountain Square”
📍 520 Vine St, Downtown Cincinnati
Nothing beats dinner with a view of Fountain Square’s skating rink and twinkling tree. Via Vite transforms into a cozy Italian escape each winter, with velvet booths, candlelight, and a seasonal menu featuring truffle pastas and rich red wines.
✨ Date-Night Tip: Time your reservation for just before sunset. After dinner, grab a hot cocoa from the rink below and stroll under the lights.
🍸 The Overlook Lodge — “The Miracle Pop-Up Bar”
📍 6083 Montgomery Rd, Pleasant Ridge
Back for another year, The Miracle is Cincinnati’s most famous holiday pop-up bar — an immersive Christmas explosion of garland, ornaments, and cheeky seasonal cocktails like the “Christmapolitan” and “Yippee Ki Yay Mother Christmas.”
✨ Date-Night Tip: This one’s made for couples who love photo ops and playful energy. Dress festive (think sparkles or red and green) and come early — the line forms fast on weekends!
🍽 Eighteen at the Radisson — “Skyline Views & Holiday Brunch”
📍 668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
A classic revolving restaurant overlooking downtown Cincinnati, Eighteen hosts Brunch with Santa every Sunday in December, plus Christmas Eve dinner and a New Year’s Eve celebration. The rotating skyline backdrop adds a wow-factor that’s hard to beat.
✨ Date-Night Tip: Book a window seat, toast with mimosas, and make it a festive Sunday tradition. Parking is free and views are unforgettable.
🎁 Bonus Round: Holiday Hot Spots to Add to Your List
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Metropole at 21c Museum Hotel – creative cocktails, art-filled ambiance, and a cozy winter prix-fixe menu.
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Ghost Baby – holiday jazz nights and candlelit speakeasy vibes.
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Boca – romantic fine dining with subtle holiday décor and a snow-globe-like glow from the big windows.