Not only is the weekend right around the (freezing cold) corner, so is Christmas Day. For those who celebrate, the weekend is full of festive events. “Merry Spliffmas,” Cincinnati — that’s the way Afroman plans to extend a holiday greeting at Riverfront Live. Or visit Coney Island one last time, since they’ve announced their permanent closure after Dec. 31, 2023. Scroll down for more of our weekend picks. 

To suggest a future weekend event for our weekly events article, email CityBeat arts & culture reporter Katie Griffith at kgriffith@citybeat.com.

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.

Afroman’s Merry Spliffmas When: Dec. 23 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Riverfront Live, The Banks What: Afroman live Who: Afroman Why: As Riverfront’s website puts it: “‘Because I got high’ is also a good excuse when your friends and family ask why you didn’t bring any gifts to the holiday shindig.” Photo: YouTube screengrab
Peacock Sneak-Easy When: Dec. 23 from 12-8 p.m. Where: Liberty Center, Liberty Township What: One-day pop-up lounge to “sneak” away from shopping and watch the game. Who: NBC’s streaming service, Peacock Why: Everyone needs a sanity break. Photo: Dave Adamson via Unsplash
Winter Solstice Celebration at Fibonacci Brewing Company When: Dec. 23 at 12 p.m. Where: Fibonacci Brewing Company, College Hill What: Winter Solstice gathering with activities and drinks. Who: Fibonacci Brewing Company Why: Celebrate the official start of winter. Photo: Fibonacci Brewing Co. Facebook
Cincinnati Cyclones’ Christmas Ornament Giveaway Night When: Dec. 9 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Heritage Bank Center, Downtown What: Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game versus Toledo Walleye Who: Cincinnati Cyclones Why: Hockey fan or not, a Cyclones game is a wintertime must-do. Photo: Bryan Houston
Free Painting Class at Lusso Studios When: Dec. 22 from 6-9 p.m. Where: Lusso Studios, Covington What: A free painting class Who: Lusso Studios Why: Lusso Studios’ mission is to make art accessible to all. Photo: Provided by Adam Lusso
Japp’s Not So Silent Night When: Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m. Where: Japp’s Since 1879, Over-the-Rhine What: Live music and cocktails Who: The Burning Caravan and DJ K-Smuv Why: $13 Chillaccino Martinis and $10 Cup of Cheers. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Killer Queen Christmas Pajama Party When: Dec. 23 at 6 p.m. Where: Killer Queen, The Banks What: Holiday pajama party Who: Killer Queen and your PJs Why: Celebrate Christmas the way it was meant to be, in your pajamas. Photo: instagram.com/@killerqueencin
S’mores Fun Run and Walk When: Dec. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Where: 50 West Brewing Company, Milford What: Holiday run/walk Who: Fleet Feet Cincinnati Why: Get ahead of those holiday calories. Photo: 50 West Facebook
Island Dreams presents Crush 003 Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day Party 10 p.m. Feb. 11 A secret dance party on the weekend before Valentine’s Day? Yes, please. Not only is it a chance to find or celebrate love, it’s also a recognition of the annual transition between Zodiac signs. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, representing an alignment of elegance, beauty, mercy and luck. The Island Dreams experience is a monthly underground party that transforms spaces into immersive, sensory experiences as it channels house music and techno vibes. Tickets are $10, other options available for private tables and bottle service. Feb. 11, 10 p.m. secret location revealed with ticket purchase, facebook.com/events. Photo: Marcela Laskoski, Unsplash
Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge 1432 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Nostalgia Wine & Jazz Lounge, which officially opened on Aug. 21, features bottles from women and minority winemakers, as well as eight wines on tap, live music, a limited selection of spirits and beer, and small plates from local businesses. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
No. 1 Best Overall Bar/Club: Good Judy’s 4169 Hamilton Ave., Northside Photo: Provided by Good Judy's
Gingerbread House Competition at Northwood Cider Co. When: Dec. 23 from 12-4 p.m. Where: Northwood Cider Co., Norwood What: Gingerbread house competition Who:Northwood Cider Co. Why: The event page suggests that a “gingerbread mansion” could be built…game on. Photo: Brian Cross
Funky Fest 9 When: Oct. 28 from 1-9 p.m. Where: Funky Sunshine, Anderson What: Live music, food, local artists and vendors. Who: Funky Sunshine and participating vendors. Why: Help this local business celebrate 9 years of creating unique tie-dye creations. Photo: Katie Griffith
Take an Amazing Drive Through the Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island 6201 Kellogg Ave., California Coney Island transforms into a drive-thru Christmas show during Christmas Nights of Lights. Enjoy the warmth of your car while lights manipulated to resemble dancing candy canes, glowing snowmen, colorful tunnels and giant holiday trees are synchronized to Christmas tunes both classic and new, available via your car radio. The two-and-a-half-mile-long display features more than 1 million lights. Through Jan. 2, 2022. $7 per person. coneyislandpark.com. Photo: Provided by Coney Island

Katie Griffith is CityBeat’s arts and culture reporter. She proudly hails from the West Side of Cincinnati and studied journalism at the University of Cincinnati. After freelancing for CityBeat for many...