Overview:
There's fun to be had in every corner of the Queen City this weekend.
Greater Cincinnati is still decking the halls to celebrate the holiday season, and you’re invited. Whether you still need to get in some last-minute holiday shopping or you’d rather indulge in some beer-fueled escapades in a Santa suit, there’s fun to be had in all corners of the Queen City 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.
Dec. 12-14 at Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
Conductor John Morris Russell and grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry will be leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra through festive holiday favorites during these special performances at Music Hall.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Dec. 12-14 at the Otto M. Budig Theater, Over-the-Rhine
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents another season of “high-octane jollity and frivolity.” NSFW for true Santa believers, it’s a light-hearted spoof of classic Christmas tales like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that promises an evening of Santa-style belly laughs.
The Botany of Beverages Opening Reception
Dec. 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Lloyd Library and Museum, Downtown
The Botany of Beverages will explore the deep-rooted connection between plants and drinks, from coffee and tea to wine, beer and tequila. Visitors will also get to learn how plants shape the flavor, aroma, color, chemistry and cultural significance of these beverages.
Dec. 13 from noon to midnight across Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Adams, Newport and Covington
It’s about to get sloppy. Hundreds of humans dressed in Santa outfits will be taking over Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Mt. Adams, Newport and Covington in a festive holiday pub crawl. There will be singing and drinking, and proceeds will benefit The Cure Starts Now, a nonprofit focused on cancer research.
Black Santa at the Cincinnati Museum Center
Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Cincinnati Museum Center, Queensgate
Black Santa will be at the Cincinnati Museum Center this weekend as part of the museum’s special Holiday Junction experience. No matter where you fall on the nice or naughty scale, Black Santa will be taking Christmas wishes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that day.
36th Annual Mt. Adams Reindog Parade
Dec. 13; registration runs from 12:30-1:45 p.m. and the parade immediately follows at 946 Pavilion St., Mt. Adams
This event features festively costumed dogs of all sizes and their humans as they parade through the neighborhood and spread holiday cheer. Santa will be the parade’s grand marshal. The parade also includes a dog costume contest, with several categories and prizes for each winner.
Dec. 13 from 3-8 p.m. in downtown Loveland
Christmas in Loveland will transform the city’s downtown area into a Christmastime oasis, offering carriage rides, children’s train rides, holiday shopping and more.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party with Michael Marcagi
Dec. 13 from 5-9 p.m. at MadTree Taproom, Oakley
Cincinnati-native musician and TikTok phenom Michael Marcagi is visiting MadTree for an acoustic performance, meet and greet, limited release of “Midwest Kid” branded beer, an ugly sweater contest and more.
Dec. 13 and 14 from noon-6 p.m. at Factory 52, Norwood
Soak in the spirit of the season (and do some damage on your credit card) at Factory 52’s Holiday Fair, where you can peruse handmade and unique gifts while sipping on spiked hot cocoa from Jack Frost’s Bar.