WEDNESDAY 18 MUSIC: Mannequin Pussy Mannequin Pussy brings a roller-coaster ride of emotions to Woodward Theater. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. $12 in advanced; $14 day of the show. Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, woodwardtheater.com. Photo: Marcus Maddox
WEDNESDAY 18 ATTRACTIONS: WinterFest at Kings Island WinterFest has returned to Kings Island for the 2019 holiday season, transforming the park into a nostalgic winter wonderland. Kings Island’s International Street will be decked out with holiday lights and displays, featuring a Snow Flake Lake ice skating rink under the Christmas tree-styled Eiffel Tower. In addition to strolling carolers and holiday shows, you can stop by an artisan village selling holiday crafts, indulge in booze-infused hot beverages, watch ice carvers in the “Action Ice Zone,” take a horse-drawn carriage ride and stop by Blitzen’s Hot Beverage Bar for some blue hot chocolate. Nineteen of the park’s rides will be open to enjoy, including Mystic Timbers and Kings Mills Antique Autos, with plenty of vignettes in between — like the oversized Candy Cane Lane — for family-friendly photo ops. Through Dec. 31. Tickets start at $27.99. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com. Photo: Megan Waddel
THURSDAY 19 MUSIC: 10,000 Maniacs Formed in 1981 in Western New York, 10,000 Maniacs emerged from the same College Rock scene that had pushed bands like R.E.M. — who they’d tour, collaborate and become friends with — into superstardom. With a breezy, earthy mix of Folk and Pop, the group’s breakthrough came with their second major-label album, 1987’s In My Tribe, and they’d reached the peak of their popularity in 1992 with Our Time In Eden. The band’s 1993 MTV Unplugged album was also massively successful, but just prior to the release, Natalie Merchant — the face and voice of the band — decided to leave for a solo career. The remaining members quickly enlisted vocalist (and violinist) Mary Ramsey, who has been a part of 10,000 Maniacs — on and off — ever since. Ramsey and longtime core members Dennis Drew (keyboards), Steven Gustafson (bass), John Lombardo (guitar) and Jerome Augustyniak (drums) have kept the Maniacs alive as a popular touring act, releasing various albums, EPs and live recordings, including 2016’s Playing Favorites. In 2015 they released Twice Told Tales, an album of traditional British Folk songs. 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. $35-$65. Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, ludlowgaragecincinnati.com. Photo: Jeff Fasano
THURSDAY 19 DANCE: The Nutcracker A favorite family tradition is back onstage at Music Hall as the Cincinnati Ballet presents their annual rendition of The Nutcracker. It’s Christmas Eve, and Clara and her nutcracker prince must wage war against an evil mouse king and journey to the Land of Sweets, where a Sugar Plum Fairy and dancing delicacies from around the globe celebrate Clara’s bravery. Choreographed by the ballet’s artistic director, Victoria Morgan, the imaginative two-act event features swirling snowflakes, Tchaikovsky’s iconic score played by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and an appearance by the ever-graceful Fiona the hippo, in her tutu. Through Dec. 29. $29-$125. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cballet.org. Photo: Peter Mueller
THURSDAY 19 COMEDY: Tammy Pescatelli Though she’s on the road a lot, headlining clubs and theaters across the country, Tammy Pescatelli still makes it back to her home state of Ohio every now and then. “I don’t make it back to work as often as I’d like, but I’m there,” says the Perry, Ohio native. She’s still a Midwestern gal at heart. “In the words of Madonna, ‘I don’t compromise my artistic integrity.’ The audience will find you. I will talk about local things if I know (about them). There’s no way I could go to Ohio and not talk about the Browns, Indians, Buckeyes, Reds and Bengals. You can’t not do that, because that plays such a big role in Ohio life.” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20; 7 and 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. $15-$45. Liberty Funny Bone, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township, liberty.funnybone.com. Photo: PESCATELLI.COM
THURSDAY 19 FILM: The Mini Microcinema’s Holiday/Closing Party Celebration After over three years at its current Main Street location, The Mini Microcinema announced earlier this fall that it would be closing at the end of December. An experimental, independent and local film hub, it has given a space for filmmakers — especially in the local scene — working outside of the mainstream to share their work. Celebrate that work with The Mini family on Thursday, Dec. 19 at the nonprofit’s closing party celebration. Though its future schedule is uncertain, founder C. Jacqueline Wood hopes that, even without a physical home, the organization will be able to host pop-up events and screenings. “At the end of December, we will have held more than 391 screenings in our 4+ year history,” reads a release. “Pretty good for a scrappy volunteer-run organization!” Cheers to The Mini Microcinema; you’ve served Cincy well. 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19. Free. The Mini Microcinema, 1329 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, mini-cinema.org. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
FRIDAY 20 FILM: Gremlins and Gremlins 2 Catch a double feature of Gremlins and Gremlins 2: The New Batch at the Esquire. It’s Christmastime and Billy gets a new fuzzy pet, Gizmo — an adorable mogwai — who comes with three very important rules: don’t get him wet, don’t feed him after midnight and don’t expose him to bright light. After breaking more than one of those, he unleashes a bunch of mischievous monsters on an unsuspecting small town. Things take a turn in Gremlins 2, when Gizmo has been taken by scientists. Skyscrapers, building sprinklers, genetic serums and food courts lead to an entire anarchic gremlin army. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 and 2 p.m. Dec. 21; Gremlins 2: The New Batch 10 p.m. Dec. 20 and 4:20 p.m. Dec. 21. $10.25 adults; $7.75 seniors and kids. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, esquiretheatre.com. Photo: Emerson Swoger
FRIDAY 20 ONSTAGE: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s high-octane holiday romp Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) is back onstage with your favorite festive characters and a boozy Santa. The comic tale begins with a production of A Christmas Carol before spiraling into “beloved holiday classics,” which are retold with irreverent wit. The cast sends up the likes of It’s a Wonderful Life, Frosty, Rudolph, Charlie Brown and more. It’s a jolly 100-minute jaunt, but Cincy Shakes does warn the show is not for “any theatergoer who still believes in Santa.” Through Dec. 29. Tickets start at $30. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com. Photo: Cincyshakes.com
SATURDAY 21 MUSIC: Merry Spliffmas with Afroman Hip Hop cult hero Afroman returns to host and headline another “Merry Spliffmas” concert. The L.A. native singer/rapper/multi-instrumentalist broke through in a big way in 2001 with “Because I Got High,” a c’est-la-vie tale of stoner’s remorse that became a cultural phenomenon, earning slots on soundtracks like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back and garnering Afroman a Grammy nomination and a short-lived major label record deal. While he’s never enjoyed that level of success since, Afroman’s funny songs, diverse sound and pothead persona have enabled him to maintain a steady career touring and self-releasing music. Afroman has previously done Spliffmas shows at Newport’s Thompson House, but this year he’ll be throwing down at Riverfront Live featuring a lineup loaded with area Rap and Rock acts, including See You In The Funnies, Toybox Killer, Lazy Ass Destroyer and Mike Defendant + Katrina Jo. 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. $10. Riverfront Live, 4343 Kellogg Ave., Columbia Tusculum, riverfrontlivecincy.com. Photo: FACEBOOK.COM/AFROMAN
SATURDAY 21 EVENT: Mount Adams’ Egg Nog Jog There may be nothing you want to do less after drinking egg nog than jog but thankfully gulping the creamy yuletide drink is not a requirement for this race — despite the name. The 28th-annual Egg Nog Jog takes festive runners through the frigid and scenic streets of Mount Adams and Eden Park. It’s a winding and hilly courses which offers great city views. 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 21. $27. Chapter Mount Adams, 940 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, facebook.com/eggnogjogmtadams. Photo: FACEBOOK.COM/EGGNOGJOBMTADAMS
SATURDAY 21 EVENT: Winter Solstice Celebrations at Union Terminal Honor the winter solstice, lunar new year, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas at Union Terminal. There will be hands-on activities to explore holiday traditions around the world. Noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21. Free members; included with Discovery Ticket. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, facebook.com/cincymuseum. Photo: FACEBOOK.COM/CINCYMUSEUM
SUNDAY 23 ATTRACTION: The Christmas Ranch Take a drive up to Morrow to visit the Christmas Ranch, a winter wonderland that features one million lights synchronized to music. Drive along an animated, illuminated route or park the car to visit the Christmas village with seven shops, a bakery and cafe, train and wagon rides and a toy factory. A portion of proceeds benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Little Miami Food Pantry, Neediest Kids of All and Shriners Hospital for children. Through Dec. 23. $20 per carload. 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, thechristmasranch.com. Photo: Thechristmasranch.com
MONDAY 23 EVENT: Lots o’ Latkes Mayerson JCC is hosting Hanukkah festivities featuring a latke bar, music, crafts and a menorah lighting. 5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 23. Free but RSVP online. Mayerson JCC, 8485 Ridge Road, Amberley Village. Photo via Facebook/EventPage
TUESDAY 24 EVENT: Latkapalooza Head to Braxton Brewing Co. on Christmas Eve for a full-blown party hosted by the Mayerson JCC and the Jewish Federation’s Young Adult Division. There will be drinks, a DJ and dreidels, plus a cash bar, Kosher eats and a menorah lighting. The night before (5-6:30 p.m. Dec. 23), the Mayerson hosts a Lots o’ Latkes Hanukkah party featuring a latke bar, music and more. 8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 24. Free admission. Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, facebook.com/mayerson.jcc. Photo via Facebook/EventPage