Cincinnati Holiday Traditions
Every city has its holiday traditions. My favorite, long-time Cincinnati tradition is a visit to the Krohn Conservatory, located at 1501 Eden Park Drive–usually on Christmas Eve.
Overlooking the Krohn Conservatory with a light sprinkling of hoiday snow.
The Conservatory has been part of the Eden Park landscape in one form or another since the late nineteenth century. The “new” building on the site today was designed in the Art Deco style and built of aluminum and glass. It is the third building to sit here, replacing an 1894 municipal greenhouse, which in turn replaced a building constructed after the 1879 Cincinnati Exposition. The Krohn Conservatory opened to the general public on March 26, 1933. Named for Irwin M. Krohn in honor of his 25 years of service on the Board of Park Commissioners, the conservatory contains more than 3,500 plant species from all over the world.
Krohn seasonal display
Krohn is one of the country’s few conservatories that still put on seasonal shows.
Miniature Taft house at the Krohn Conservatory.
This years’ holiday show (continuing through January 6, 2013) combines beautiful traditional holiday blooms with a train and light display.
Robling Suspension Bridge miniature at the Krohn Conservatory.
Miniature Krohn Conservatory and Eden Park Springhouse.
Miniature buildings that replicate Cincinnati’s famous landmarks are always a huge draw.
The Krohn Conservatory is also the site of a full-size Nativity scene with stable, crèche, statues, and live sheep and cows.
Western-Southern Nativity display at the Krohn Conservatory.
Originally displayed in downtown Cincinnati in 1939, in Lytle Park, the Nativity was moved to the Conservatory’s front lawn in 1960. Last year, a baby lamb was born on Christmas Day at the Nativity display, capturing the magic of the holiday season. Named “Mary Christmas”, she was permanently adopted by the staff of the Cincinnati Park Board.
“Mary Christmas”, born December 25, 2011.
As we continue through this year’s 12 Days of Christmas, another baby lamb was born just yesterday at the Nativity display…so on that note…
Enjoy your Holidays and have a Merry and Safe New Year!
