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Tired of the same ol’ holiday celebration? This weekend’s roster of events in Greater Cincinnati is sure to shake up your holiday routine. In need of some cabaret and laughs? Real Housewives royalty Luann de Lesseps is coming to town with her holiday show. Or maybe you’d rather roast one of the most controversial rock bands? In that case, head to the Commonwealth Sanctuary in Dayton, Kentucky, to roast the one and only Nickelback. Here are just a few of our favorite events in Greater Cincinnati this weekend.
If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.
Tinsel Town – A Burlesque & Aerial Holiday Spectacular at Somerhaus
When: Dec. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.
Where: Somerhaus, Over-the-Rhine
What: This sexy holiday tradition at Somerhaus includes a burlesque and aerial acrobatic performance reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamor. Leave the family behind and bring your honey or friends to this sensual holiday event at Somerhaus.
Who: Somerhaus
Why: “‘Tinsel Town'” is the perfect holiday show to get those chestnuts roasting and eggnog flowing,” the event description reads. Photo: Aidan MahoneyDie Hard is a Christmas Movie at Know Theatre
When: Dec. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 22 at 2 p.m.
Where: Know Theatre, Over-the-Rhine
What: Die Hard — selected by the Library of Congress in 2017 for preservation in the National Film Registry — spawned a host of imitators about a hero battling impossible odds in a challenging environment. But it seems unlikely that anyone has seriously considered transforming it into a holiday stage show. Until now. Creative Cincinnati playwrights Alexx Rouse and A.J. Baldwin have partnered to create a clever script, and director Tatiana Godfrey is staging the show as Know Theatre of Cincinnati’s seasonal offering.
Who: Know Theatre
Why: This is a holiday tradition we can get behind. Photo: Katie Hartman/Know TheatreAn Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
When: Dec. 20-22
Where: Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine
What: This year’s run of shows at Memorial Hall, billed as “An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine,” will undoubtedly feature a slew of offerings from Cincinnati band Over the Rhine’s seasonal songbook as well as some surprises.
Who: Memorial Hall and Over the Rhine
Why: Extra credit: Listen to Over the Rhine’s holiday albums: The Darkest Night of the Year, Snow Angels and Blood Oranges in the Snow. Photo: Darrin BallmanWinter Solstice Hike and Coffee
When: Dec. 21 from 8-9:30 a.m.
Where: Cincinnati Nature Center, Milford
What: Say hello to winter at this morning winter walk at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Your reward for trekking through the woods in the cold? Warm coffee!
Who: Cincinnati Nature Center
Why: Basking in nature is the only way to celebrate the darkest day of the year. Photo: Provided by Great ParksThe City Flea at Washington Park
10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22
Support small businesses and local artists at the monthly City Flea, Cincy’s monthly curated, urban flea market. Shop for yourself or others from a wide selection of jewelry, trinkets, vintage memorabilia, home decor and more. Don’t have time to stop by? The City Flea will be back Aug. 12, Sept. 16 and Oct. 14.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 22. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St. cityflea.com. Photo: Hailey BollingerAn Olde English Christmas with Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
When: Dec. 21 at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Where: Ludlow Garage, Clifton
What: British Invasion legend Peter Noone will be serenading Cincinnatians with Christmas classics.
Who: Ludlow Garage and Peter Noone
Why: Read CityBeat’s recent interview with Peter Noone here. Photo: Cindy Funk, FlickrUgly Christmas Sweater Murder Mystery Party
When: Dec. 21 from 7-9 p.m.
Where: Northwood Cider Company, Norwood
What: Put on your ugliest Christmas sweater and try to uncover who committed murder at this suspenseful dinner event.
Who: Northwood Cider Company
Why: Murder and mayhem — but this time with a dash of holiday cheer as well. Photo: ShutterstockThe People vs. Nickelback presented by The Fullspin Club and Commonwealth Sanctuary
When: Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.
Where: Commonwealth Sanctuary, Dayton, Ky.
What: Host David Stewart returns to the bench in this mock trial to decide if Nickelback truly sucks, or if we’re all being just a bit too harsh in our criticism.
Who: The Fullspin Club and Commonwealth Sanctuary
Why: Audience members could be called to sit on the jury. Photo: Richard BelandSolstice Holiday Market
When: Dec. 22 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Cintas Center, Evanston
What: Over 50 vendors will be on-site selling a variety of handmade goods, crafts and gifts perfect for any last-minute holiday shopping.
Who: Cintas Center
Why: There will also be a gift-wrapping station for those who aren’t so proficient at wrapping gifts. Photo: cintascenter.comA Very Countess Christmas! Starring Luann de Lesseps
When: Dec. 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ludlow Garage, Clifton
What: The countess is back, darling. Our favorite Bravo housewife is back on the stage performing the holiday classics, and, fingers crossed, spilling all the Real Housewives tea.
Who: Luann de Lesseps and Ludlow Garage
Why: Ugh, the outfits! The drama! This is the present we never knew we needed. Photo: ShutterstockBest LGBTQ+ Bar No. 2: The Birdcage
927 Race St., Downtown Photo: Hailey Bollinger