Krohn Conservatory - A Fern Filled Holiday
A tropical escape in winter featuring flowering plants, a waterfall, and Cincinnati's historic live nativity scene.
When the ground outside is frozen and the trees are bare, there’s something magical about stepping into Krohn Conservatory. The warmth hits you immediately, and suddenly you’re surrounded by flowering plants, lush greenery, and the sound of a waterfall. It’s a tropical escape in the middle of an Ohio winter.
A Winter Refuge
The Krohn Conservatory, located in Eden Park, has been a Cincinnati treasure since it opened in 1933. Named after Irwin M. Krohn in honor of his 25 years of service on the Board of Park Commissioners, the conservatory houses more than 3,500 plant species from around the world.
During the holiday season, the conservatory puts on special displays that make an already beautiful space even more festive. Walking through the tropical and desert rooms while it’s freezing outside is a wonderful contrast.
The Crib of the Nativity
Just outside the conservatory sits one of Cincinnati’s most treasured holiday traditions: The Crib of the Nativity. This isn’t just any nativity scene—it’s a piece of Cincinnati history dating back more than 80 years.
The tradition began in 1939 when Western & Southern Financial Group constructed the first display in Lytle Park downtown. During World War II, the crèche was moved to Union Terminal, where it served as a source of inspiration for departing and arriving troops and their families. After the war, it returned to Lytle Park before finding its permanent home beside Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park in 1967.
What makes this nativity truly special is the live animals. Under a thatched roof with hand-hewn beams, you’ll find sheep, a cow, and a donkey alongside life-size figures in handmade garments. It’s a beautiful, reverent representation of the first Christmas.
The Biedenharn family of Crittenden, Kentucky has played a vital role in operating the nativity every year since it started—three generations carrying on the tradition established by their patriarch. Donations placed in the collection box are matched by Western & Southern Financial Fund and given to The Salvation Army to help those in need.
A Perfect Winter Outing
If you have a Friends of Krohn membership, admission is included, making this an easy and affordable outing. Even without a membership, it’s worth the visit. The combination of the warm, plant-filled conservatory and the historic outdoor nativity makes for a perfect winter visit.
Final Thoughts
Krohn Conservatory is one of those places that reminds you why Cincinnati is special. The nativity scene alone—with its 80+ years of history and live animals—is reason enough to visit. Add in the chance to escape the cold and walk among tropical plants and a waterfall, and you have one of the best low-key holiday experiences in the city.