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Is your calendar looking a little empty this weekend? Never fear. The Greater Cincinnati area has everything you need to give your weekend a glow-up. We’ve got all the holiday happenings, from Christmas festivals and holiday tours to all the best shopping opportunities. But, if you aren’t ready to deck the halls just yet, we’ve got plenty of options for you too, from hockey games and pinball expos to coffee cocktail classes. Keep scrolling for your ultimate Cincinnati weekend guide.
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.
Feast of Carols Holiday Concert
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 and 5 p.m.
Where: UC-CCM Corbett Auditorium, Clifton
What: Enjoy the talents of the University of Cincinnati’s CCM combined choirs, Cincinnati Youth Choir and a featured guest choir as they serenade with a mix of holiday favorites.
Who: University of Cincinnati CCM
Why: Tickets are still available at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com. Photo: David Beale, UnsplashArt on Vine Holiday Gift Sale
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 12-6 p.m.
Where: Rhinegeist Brewery, Over-the-Rhine
What: Art on Vine is returning to Rhinegeist this weekend with up to 80 local vendors offering apparel, fine art, handcrafted goods and more, along with food from local vendors and restaurants.
Who: Rhinegeist Brewery and Art on Vine
Why: Finish up your holiday shopping and support small businesses all in one. Photo: Provided by James JenkinsCelebrate the season at Heritage Village
When: Dec. 6-8
Where: Heritage VIllage Museum, Sharonville
What: This holiday season, Heritage Village has plenty of events to keep you feeling festive. This weekend, check out their Holiday Guided Tours and Holly and Hearth Nights.
Who: Heritage Village Museum
Why: Check out all of Heritage Village’s festive celebrations this season here. Photo: Provided by Bethany JewellPhoto: facebook.com/SewValleyWaynesville’s Christmas in the Village
When: Dec. 6, 6-9 p.m.; Dec. 7, 1-8 p.m.; Dec. 8, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Main Street, Waynesville
What: Experience Christmas magic in Waynesville this weekend with children’s activities, visits from Santa, hot cocoa, horse drawn carriage rides and over 40 shops and dining options.
Who: Waynesville Area Chamber of Commerce
Why: This family friendly event is perfect for you and the kids to have some fun. Photo: facebook.com/waynesvilleCIVPincinnati Pinball Show
When: Dec. 6-8
Where: Holiday Inn, Eastgate
What: The largest pinball expo is returning this weekend, and features over 120 pinball machines free to play, along with tournaments and food trucks available.
Who: Pincinnati
Why: It’s time to get your pinball on. Photo: Senad Palic/UnsplashChristmas in Mason Tree Lighting Ceremony
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Mason Downtown Plaza, Mason
What: Ring in the season with Mason’s annual tree lighting ceremony, with the Santa Claus Caravan bringing holiday favorites like Buddy the Elf and Cindy Lou Hou. The event will also have free photos with Santa, food and drink, ice-less skating and more.
Who: The City of Mason and the Mason Mile Project
Why: Grab an adult beverage and ride a mechanical snowboard — what could go wrong? Photo: facebook.com/whatsupindowntownmasonMarket 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/marketbleuRecords Market at Northwood Cider
When: Friday, Dec. 6, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Northwood Cider Co., Norwood
What: Spend your Friday night shopping a collection of vinyl records and vintage clothing.
Who: Northwood Cider Co. and Feel It Records
Why: Find the perfect gift for someone special in your life, maybe that person is yourself — we won’t judge. Photo: Provided by Jon Lorenz8th Annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 2-9 p.m.
Where: Over-the-Rhine
What: Throw on your ugliest sweater and crawl to all your OTR favorites.
Who: Bar Crawl USA
Why: Even the grinchiest of Grinches can’t resist getting drunk in an ugly sweater. Photo: facebook.com/UglySweaterBarCrawlsIrish Coffee Cocktail Class
When: Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Homemakers Bar, Over-the-Rhine
What: Homemaker’s Irish Coffee Cocktail class is here to make you a pro behind the bar. Your ticket includes the class, a welcome cocktail, whiskey flight, Sixteen Bricks pastry and snack mix, giveaways and more.
Who: Homemakers Bar
Why: Bring home a skill to impress your friends. Facebook.com/HomeMakersBarCincinnati Cyclones v. Nailers
When: Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m.
Where: Heritage Bank Center, Downtown
What: Watch the Cyclones in action and meet some of your favorite Marvel Superheros at this Marvel-themed matinee game against the Wheeling Nailers.
Who: Cincinnati Cyclones
Why: Is there anything better than eating a hot dog and seeing Spiderman? Probably not. Photo: Princess Ford