It’s already December and the weather outside is frightful, but the variety of things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky is delightful. From holiday markets to pinball tournaments to high-proof beer, there’s no shortage of unique and engaging things to keep you and your loved ones busy and entertained this weekend. For a look at even more things to do in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky every day of the week, be sure to visit CityBeat‘s event calendar to see what’s happening.

Dark Charge Winter Block Party at Braxton Brewing Co.  3-11 p.m. Dec. 2; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 3 From the event’s website: “For the past 8 years on the first Saturday in December, Braxton has held a winter block party to celebrate the collision of bourbon and beer through the release of our Dark Charge barrel-aged imperial stout. We call it the Dark Charge Winter Block Party. Now it’s back, and this year for the first time ever, it’s two days long. Join us at our Covington, Kentucky taproom for an incredible celebration of community, our rich history, and the 2022 Dark Charge release.” VIP tickets and rooftop heated “igloos” are available on top of general admission. Read CityBeat digital content editor Katherine Barrier’s full writeup to learn more. 3-11 p.m. Dec. 2; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Dec. 3. Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. 7th St., Covington, darkchargeday.com. Photo: Provided by Braxton Brewing Co.
Mr. Red has fun with fans as the Cincinnati Reds host the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park on Oct. 5, 2022. Photo: Ron Valle
Market Bleu at Contemporary Arts Center 6-10 p.m. Dec. 3 This quarterly event features handcrafted products and fine art made by local creatives. Stop by Market Bleu at the Contemporary Arts Center to find unique gifts to help make the holidays more enjoyable for friends and family. Have a drink while you browse this nighttime bazaar and let it turn your Saturday evening into a fun night out while supporting local artists and artisans. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 3. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. 6th St., Downtown, marketbleu.com. Photo: facebook.com/marketbleu
Styx at Hard Rock Casino Ballroom 8 p.m. Dec. 3 If you’re a regular karaoke goer, you’ll know it’s about to get ugly when someone is slated to sing a Styx song — no one can handle the vocal range achieved by the band’s former head singer/songwriter Dennis DeYoung in songs like “Come Sail Away” or “Mr. Roboto.” That is, except for the new singer, Lawrence Gowan. Check out Styx at Hard Rock Casino Ballroom to see how it’s done. Even though the show’s in a casino, it’s a safe bet you’ll have a great time. 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Hard Rock Casino Ballroom, 1000 Broadway, Downtown, hardrockcasinocincinnati.com. Photo: Ralph Arvesen
‘A Christmas Carol’ at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 2 p.m. Dec. 4 Since this beloved holiday show won’t be performed at Playhouse in the Park this year while the theater arranges a brand new script, set and production, give A Christmas Carol at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts a chance to fill the yuletide void. Miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge gets haunted so thoroughly he turns from exploitative capitalist to full-blown socialist — a true Christmas miracle. 8 p.m. Dec. 2-3; 2 p.m. Dec. 4. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com. Photo: Mikki Schaffner Photography
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 3 Like a scene straight from a Hallmark holiday film, the 33rd-annual Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival brings some quaint Christmas charm to downtown Lebanon on Dec. 3. The day includes two processions — one at 1 p.m. and a candle-lit one at 7 p.m. — with horses from clydesdales to pint-sized ponies pulling carriages decked out in holiday finery. And there’s more than just bells on bobtails to enjoy that day: Lebanon is also hosting a Christmas Festival from 10 a.m.-8 p.m., with live entertainment, craft vendors, holiday activities and plenty of food, from funnel cakes and roasted almonds to barbecue. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Downtown Lebanon, lebanonchamber.org/carriage-parade. Photo: Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce
Chanukah Bazaar at Adath Israel Synagogue 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 4 This holiday market is known for its “exquisite dreidel collection from all over the world,” according to the market’s post on the CityBeat events calendar. On top of dreidels, find spices, jewelry, hand-crafted gifts, artwork and much more from more than two dozen vendors, including food from Cafe Alma, Sweet Butter Bakery and Graeter’s Ice Cream. A ticketed gift raffle is available to play. Support local Jewish artists while shopping for loved ones this holiday. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 4. Adath Israel Synagogue, 3201 E. Galbraith Rd., Avondale, kellywalsh.space/sisterhood/giving/chanukah-bazaar. Photo: facebook.com/adathisrael
CCM Choral: Feast of Carols at Corbett Auditorium 2 p.m.and 5 p.m. Dec. 4 From the event’s website: “A Cincinnati holiday tradition for more than 100 years, CCM’s annual Feast of Carols embraces a variety of seasonal songs ranging from the classic and traditional to the contemporary.” This performance features CCM Chamber Choir, Chorale and Concert Orchestra, UC Choruses and Cincinnati Youth Choir, along with guest choirs from Lakota East High School, Sycamore High School, Walnut Hills High School and May Festival Youth Chorus. 2 p.m.and 5 p.m. Dec. 4. Corbett Auditorium, 290 CCM Boulevard, University of Cincinnati’s Main Campus. Photo: David Beale, Unsplash
Pincinnati Pinball Show at Holiday Inn and Suites Eastgate 2 p.m.-midnight Dec. 2; 10 a.m.-midnight Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec 4 Leave your quarters at home; all the pinball machines will be set for free play at this three-day show and tournament. Pincinnati Pinball Show at Holiday Inn Eastgate, which runs Dec. 2-4, gives you the chance to challenge more than 120 machines and compete against the region’s best pinball wizards in daily tournaments. Play machines from the 1970s through present day in this dazzling pinball spectacle. Free entry for children 12 and under. Read CityBeat special section editor Maija Zummo’s full write up. 2 p.m.-midnight Dec. 2; 10 a.m.-midnight Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec 4. Holiday Inn and Suites Eastgate, 4501 Eastgate Blvd., pincinnati.com. Photo: Senad Palic
Samuel Adams Cincinnati Taproom 1727 Logan St., Over-the-Rhine There’s no need to truck over to Boston for fresh Sam Adams. This taproom — across from the Samuel Adams Cincinnati Brewery — features indoor and outdoor space, spans nearly 9,000 square feet and offers an array of unique beers brewed both onsite and across the street. These include fan favorites like the Cincy-inspired 513, Boston Lager and Summer Ale. “We’ve been dreaming of opening a taproom in the neighborhood since we purchased the brewery 21 years ago, so we could share our beers with local drinkers,” says Samuel Adams founder Jim Koch. “Cincinnati is my hometown with such a rich brewing history and I’ve seen our city blossom as a craft beer mecca that is home to some of the finest breweries and taprooms in the country.” What to try: Coffee Pale Ale, a taproom exclusive that’ll perk you right up. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger