Ark Encounter & Creation Museum Christmas - OH/KY

Duration: 5 Days | Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

 

Trip Highlights:

 

American Sign Museum

Signs in their simplest form are meant to inform. Whether it’s how fast to drive or where a business is located, we depend on signs to help navigate our daily lives. But what about a sign makes us pay attention to it? Come and see a collection that explores both the innovation and ingenuity of the signs that shape our culture.

 

The Banks Cincy

Discover The Banks Cincinnati, the city’s premier riverfront destination where energy, entertainment, and community come together. Nestled between Paycor Stadium and Great American Ball Park, The Banks offers a vibrant mix of dining, nightlife, luxury living, and unforgettable experiences along the Ohio River.

 

Creation Museum

Explore biblical history at the Creation Museum, where you can journey through stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, a petting zoo, and more. Step into the pages of the Bible as you walk through the Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, and the Tower of Babel exhibits. See the captivating theater production, “The Last Adam.” Stroll through the museum’s botanical gardens amid the breathtaking display of thousands of multi-colored lights. Keep an eye out for biblical characters such as the shepherds roaming the garden and talking about their connection with the birth of Christ. Spend time at the Creation Museum’s Christmas Town and experience the wonder that surrounded the Savior’s birth. This event features a live nativity, spectacular lights displays, and more! Your special evening includes access to the exhibits, a collectible souvenir mug with unlimited hot chocolate refills during your visit, and entry to a high-tech show in the brand-new 4D Special Effects Theater.

 

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, built in 1895, is the Mother Church of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky. Often referred to as “America’s Notre Dame,” its impressive façade was modeled after the famed cathedral in Paris, while the interior reflects the design of the Abbey Church of Saint-Denis. This French Gothic masterpiece features 82 stunning stained-glass windows and numerous remarkable works of art, including a mural by internationally acclaimed local artist Frank Duveneck. A visit to this cathedral offers a beautiful example of Gothic architecture’s purpose—to lift the heart and mind toward God.

 

Kellie's Homestead

No One Leaves Hungry! Kellie’s Homestead is family friendly and foodie approved. They are a locally owned business with a mission to serve their neighbors and any new friends just passing through. Their food is prepared fresh using Kellie’s own recipes. The menu is sure to please everyone from the pickiest little eater to the seasoned foodie.

 

Patriots Landing

At Patriot's Landing, they help veterans heal by creating space for purposeful work, spiritual support, and shared camaraderie. Inside the woodshop, veterans build handcrafted products and rebuild parts of themselves in the process. Every piece is made in a safe, faith-based environment where veterans are surrounded by others who understand what it means to serve, struggle, and overcome.

 

Christmas at the Ark Encounter

Discover the Ark Encounter, home to a full-size Noah’s Ark constructed to the biblical dimensions. Standing seven stories tall and over a football field and a half long, this engineering marvel is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. Tour three decks filled with scores of world-class exhibit bays. These stunning exhibits are designed to answer your questions about the biblical account of Noah’s Ark and allow you to experience what Noah’s life may have been like. Following your visit, stay for ChristmasTime at the Ark, a magical evening filled with festive lights, ice skating, gift shopping, and more. See the full-size Ark, surrounding lake, and gardens illuminated in a remarkable sea of rainbow-colored lights. Enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating on Glice®, a special synthetic rink that feels just like real ice, and visit the Ararat Ridge Zoo, where even the goats get into the holiday spirit with cozy Christmas sweaters. Your evening also includes a holiday buffet dinner at Emzara’s Restaurant.

 

Northern Kentucky & Cincinnati Sightseeing Tour

Our guided tour begins at the quaint MainStrasse Village in Covington, KY where you will learn all about the German heritage of this area and hear the famous folk tales of the Pied Piper and the Goose Girl. Next, view some of the gorgeous old riverboat Captain’s mansions and hear about the incredible tales of the Underground Railroad as well as the tragic story of the Garner’s escape. Plus, see one of the area’s most magnificent views of the Cincinnati skyline.

 

Krohn Conservatory

Stop at the Krohn Conservatory for the holiday floral show "Poinsettia Express." The show features hundreds of poinsettias spread throughout the indoor conservatory. Among the iconic Christmas flowers, visitors will also find miles of model train tracks complete with miniature versions of local landmarks.

 

Element Eatery

Located in Madisonville, Element Eatery is a lively food hall bringing a fresh chapter to Cincinnati’s culinary scene. Featuring 10 unique local food vendors, a 48-tap beer garden and bar, spacious outdoor patio, lawn games, and live entertainment space, it’s the perfect spot to relax and explore a variety of flavors. Enjoy lunch on your own and sample whatever catches your eye

 

Doscher's Candies

Step into sweet history at Doscher’s Candies, home of the original handcrafted candy cane and the beloved French Chew. Founded in Cincinnati in 1871, Doscher’s still uses the same copper kettles, real peppermint oil, and hand-rolled techniques that give its candy canes their signature soft, airy texture. While the factory itself isn’t open for full tours, you’ll enjoy a narrated mini-tour sharing the company’s story and time-honored craftsmanship—and have the chance to shop for candy canes, French Chews, and other nostalgic treats to take home.

 

Shillito Elves in Mariemont

Experience the Cincinnati tradition of the Shillito Elves in Mariemont with a walk-through experience similar to the original SantaLand that was at the Shillito department store in the 1980’s. Mail your letter to Santa in the original mailbox and then tour his workshop featuring over 60 of the restored animated elves in 14 original scenes starting with the mailroom and ending with NORAD’s Santa-tracking command center.

 

Meal Information:

 

Dinner on day two is included at Hofbräuhaus Newport

Menu TBA

 

Dinner on day three is included at Emzara's Restaurant at Ark Encounter

Dinner will be served buffet-style and features a variety of delicious entrées, salads, and desserts.

 

Menus are subject to change.

 

Need to Know:

• Every Starr trip includes deluxe round-trip motorcoach transportation from one or more of our departure locations.

• A Starr Tour Director will accompany you on this trip.

 

Accessibility:

• The Ark Encounter & Creation Museum have scooter rentals upon arrival. They are on a first come/first serve basis.

• Starr has a select quantity of wheelchair accessible motorcoaches available; therefore, we suggest you contact a Travel Advisor to discuss any needs you may have before reserving your trip.

Day 1 & 4: Drury Inn Columbus Grove City (Grove City, OH)

The hotel features an outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness room. Guest rooms include mini-fridge, microwave, hair dryer, and iron/board.

 

Day 2 & 3: Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati Riverfront (Covington, KY)

The hotel features an indoor pool and fitness room. Guest rooms include a coffee maker, mini-fridge, hair dryer, and iron/board.