As winter time approaches, Seven Hills students begin cramming their final assignments before heading into their break full of family time, celebration, and even traveling inside and out of the state. The large number of students who spend their winter breaks here in Cincinnati often find many activities to participate in that keep them entertained and busy, making the winter an unforgettable time.
Around the holiday season, lights and decorations become a huge trend in the Cincinnati area. Whether it’s a small house decorated with blinking lights or a designated place for light shows, Cincinnati takes on this assignment as if it’s out of a movie. One example of a popular and impressive light show is at the Cincinnati Zoo. According to junior Devu Bandinani, “The Zoo is very popular and festive with their light festival… It goes throughout the whole Zoo and is super cool to look at. I think they do a very good job at taking part in this festive time of the year.” For many families, visiting the Zoo becomes an annual tradition, not just for the animals, but for the lights and transformation of the entire atmosphere as it creates a welcoming space for all. Some come with friends and others come with family.
When looking deeper into the Seven Hills community, it is clear that family and deep connection are the center of our growth. For Bandinani, family is one of the most magical and beautiful parts of the holiday season, especially at Kings Island. In fact, Bandinani said, “I would definitely take someone to Kings Island because there are plenty of things to do that are perfectly festive for this time of year: ice skating, drinking hot chocolate, sitting in warm igloos and even enjoying a small ride.” Kings Island has become one of the experiences that many Seven Hills students talk about long after their breaks end all thanks to the warmth, thrill, and tradition it brings to the holiday season.
Speaking of thrill, Seven Hills students say winter is also a time to go downtown and experience the excitement and energy of Cincinnati in action. Junior Will Stock shared what comes to his mind when he thinks about winter: “Just going downtown and enjoying the snow, decorations, and lively community.” For those who enjoy being around groups of active people, Fountain Square is a major draw. Stock says, “I’d take someone to Fountain Square first because it’s really fun to ice skate with your family and friends from out of town, especially if they’ve never seen the city center get turned into an ice skating rink before.” Beyond ice skating, Will mentions how fun it is to just drive around and admire the houses across the city, which he says reminds him of a yearly family tradition that “builds a bond between them.”
Winter in Cincinnati isn’t all about the outdoor activities; it’s also about the atmosphere. Stock mentioned his favorite hangout places to go to around the holidays. Even casual places like Starbucks become part of the Cincinnati winter experience. Stock proceeded to say, “Their drinks are really cool, and they always have some good seasonal products for each drink.” Not only that, but he mentioned the attire of the workers at Starbucks who dress in holiday colors, Bengals holiday jerseys and festive outfits that “make the city feel alive.”
Overall, whether it’s spending time under the lights at the zoo, skating across the ice rink and Kings Island or Fountain Square, drinking festive drinks, or admiring the neighborhood festivities, Cincinnati truly proves that winter is magical and doesn’t require a plane ticket out of the state. For Seven Hills students, what truly makes it magical isn’t just the activities; it’s the memories made throughout these activities. Although winter break only lasts two weeks, the bonds created during those moments with friends and family in the city we live in are those that stick forever. This year, Cincinnati is ready to prove that sometimes the most memorable memories are right outside the window.
