Shillito’s Elves Return to the Heart of the Fountain District in New Location at Carew Tower

New Display Location Joins Exciting Lineup of New Fifth Street Holiday Programming 

CINCINNATI (November 6, 2025) – Cincinnati’s beloved Shillito’s Elves are returning to the heart of the Fountain District this holiday season. After delighting visitors on Main Street in 2024, the Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC) along with partners and sponsors Victrix, Decal Impressions, and Merus are bringing the treasured holiday tradition to the iconic Carew Tower for the 2025 holiday season.

The move to Carew Tower places the Elves at the center of downtown’s holiday festivities on Fifth Street. Guests can park once and enjoy the Elves, Fountain Square’s newly announced Winterhaus, and the UC Health Ice Rink, presented by Fifth Third Bank, which will soon be open on the new Elm Street Plaza. This collection of attractions solidifies Fifth Street as the premier destination for holiday cheer this season.

“We are thrilled to bring the Shillito’s Elves back to the Fountain District,” Emily Stowe, Marketing Director for 3CDC, said. “With Winterhaus and the ice rink just serving as bookends to the holiday festivities separated by just one block, we’re creating a concentrated, walkable experience for families to make new memories of old traditions this holiday season.”

The decades-old collection of mechanized figures will be on display beginning November 27 and will remain there until January 4. Dating back more than 70 years, the timeless holiday tradition has long been a favorite for children and adults alike, bringing folks from across the tri-state area to see for themselves.

The same six elves will be on display again this year, including The Mail Sorter, Little Woodshop, Pete the Painter, Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap, and Elves at Home, including the Piano Player Ned the Newspaper Reader, and the Bunkbed Elves. Artist Mark Trierweiler, who is known for creating installations and designing floats for previous local holiday events, stores the Elves during the offseason and keeps them in flawless, working condition. His enthusiasm for bringing the Elves back for another year is unmatched.

“I always enjoy bringing the Elves back during the holiday season, but seeing them return to the Fountain District feels extra special,” said Trierweiler. “Carew Tower is such a landmark Cincinnati location, and I’m excited for a new generation to experience the magic right in the heart of downtown.”

Though the Elves will be on display in Carew Tower 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the holiday season, they will only be animated at certain hours.

All are welcome and encouraged to come see the Elves, visit Winterhaus, and skate at Elm Street Plaza. Learn more about the Elves and related holiday programming in the Fountain District at www.downtowncincinnati.com/elves/.

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