As we bid our farewells to turkey and stuffing, it’s time to say hello to festive cheer, twinkling lights and scouting for the perfect gift. However you want to ring in the festive season, the Greater Cincinnati area has something for you, from holiday craft markets and cheerful performances to themed sporting events and wine tastings. So, grab your mittens and ugly sweaters and make some holiday memories this weekend.

Cincinnati Cyclones v Nailers Game When: Friday, Nov. 29, 1:30 p.m. Where: Heritage Bank Center, Downtown What: Head over to the Cyclone’s Black Friday Matinee for a 513 Friday featuring all of your favorites from the Peanuts gang. Who: Cincinnati Cyclones Why: Beer, burgers, popcorn, Snoopy. Photo: Princess Ford
Bellevue Bellevue has something a bit different (the term is different because it’s a different state), but the concept is the same. The Bellevue Entertainment District (BED) allows those over 21 to roam with open containers as they shop. The BED opened in November 2019 between O’Fallon Avenue and Riviera Drive on Fairfield Avenue. Hours of operation are noon-11 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. BED patrons must purchase a reusable cup for 50 cents from a participating business. Photo: Liz Davis
That One Mailman at The Funny Bone When: Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30 Where: The Funny Bone, West Chester What: You know him, you love him. TikTok’s most loved mailman is making his debut at The Funny Bone this weekend and you don’t want to miss it. Who: The Funny Bone Why: Tickets are still available at etix.com. Photo: Aidan Mahoney
Christmas in the Cabin When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 9:30-10:45 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Where: Lohman’s Feed Store and Garden Center, Harrison What: Head to Lohman’s this weekend and make your own festive wreath or table arrangement. Spots are limited, call Lohman’s Feed Store and Garden Center to reserve your spot. Who: Lohman’s Feed Store and Garden Center Why: This event is perfect for the whole family, a few friends or a festive date. Photo: facebook.com/lohmansgreenhouse
Crafty Supermarket When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: Cincinnati Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine What: Explore over 100 craft vendors, local food and drink options, live music and hands-on craft activities. Who: Crafty Supermarket Why: Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a handmade gift from the heart. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Opera
The Nutcracker Presented by Madcap Puppets When: Saturday, Nov. 30 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Where: Clifton Cultural Arts Center, Clifton What: Enjoy a twist on the classic Christmas tale with Madcap Puppets and leap into a world of imagination. Who: Madcap Puppets and Clifton Cultural Arts Center Why: This is the perfect afternoon event for the whole family, tickets are only $10, and children under 1 are free. Photo: facebook.com/CliftonCAC
19th Annual Thanksgiving Barrel Sampling When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 12 p.m. Where: Harmony Hill Vineyards, Bethel What: Enter Harmony Hill Vineyards underground wine cave and spend your afternoon exploring the local winery scene. Who: Harmony Hill Vineyards Why: Grab your friends and head into the cave, there’s wine, we promise. Photo: facebook.com/HarmonyWines
Emo Nite at Bogart’s When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. Where: Bogart’s, Corryville What: Enjoy a night of your favorite emo hits from crowd favorites like Sleeping With Sirens, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance and more, all hosted by Travis Clark. Who: Emo Nite Why: Head to your 2014 Tumblr archives for some outfit inspo, younger you might’ve been onto something.
Self-Guided Cincy Ghost and Dark History Tour Any time this weekend Looking for something to liven up your urban walk? With the weather finally taking a turn toward actual spring and summer, why not trot around Over-the-Rhine and learn some haunting, historical facts? Did you know there’s a Witch of Washington Park? There’s also plenty of haunted restaurants and stories of Charles Manson’s local connections. Spooky. This self-guided audio tour is a great way to mix it up, plus you don’t have to awkwardly navigate the city with a crowd. Take a date or take yourself if you dare. Tickets are $6.75, and the tour starts outside Memorial Hall. Book your experience at the link above. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. www.walkntours.com/cincinnati-oh. Photo: CityBeat Staff
UC v TCU Game When: Saturday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Where: Nippert Stadium, Clifton What: Don’t miss out on The University of Cincinnati’s last home game of the 2024 football season as they face off against TCU. Who: University of Cincinnati Why: Tickets are still available at seatgeek.com. Photo: Anders Saling
Duke Energy’s Light Up The Square When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m. Where: Fountain Square, Downtown What: Kick off the holiday season at Fountain Square with live music, dance performances, visits from Santa, and a fireworks display by Who: Duke Energy Why: ‘Tis the season for ice skating and fireworks. Photo: Vincent DiFrancesco
Holiday Junction When: Now-Jan. 8 Where: Cincinnati Museum Center, West End What: Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Holiday Trains Who: Cincinnati Museum Center Why: Another Cincinnati holiday tradition. Photo: Provided by Cincinnati Museum Center
Jingle Jams at Washington Park When: Friday, Nov. 29, 6-9 p.m. Where: Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine What: This Friday enjoy the musical performances of Meaghan Richardson, festive vibes, and sip on a seasonal cocktail at the Sherwin-Williams Porch. Who: Washington Park Sherwin-Williams Porch, Cincinnati Ballet Why: This is the perfect way to close out your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving celebrations this weekend. Photo: facebook.com/@WashingtonParkOTR/
Pride Winter Market When: Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Where: Washington Park, Over-the-Rhine  What: The fourth annual Pride Winter Market is here, showcasing many LGBTQ+ owned and affirming vendors offering handmade crafts, original artwork, apparel and more.  Who: Washington Park  Why: Attendees will also receive a special appearance from Santa Clause. Photo: Hailey Bollinger