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Winter has arrived perhaps more quickly than many of us anticipated but it’s here nonetheless, and the Queen City has gone all out to celebrate the “most wonderful time of the year.” If you’re looking to get in the holiday spirit, we’ve put together a list of all the best events, attractions, light shows, theater productions and more to keep you and your family entertained this winter.
Events: Mount Adams Reindog Parade
Dress your pets in holiday gear for the 29th-annual Mount Adams Reindog Parade. The parade features multiple costume categories including those for small dogs, large dogs and dog/owner look alike. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, festive and unique costumes. Registration begins at noon. Donations go to support the SPCA. 12:30 p.m. registration Dec. 8; parade begins at 2 p.m. There is a suggested donation to the SPCA to register.
1055 Saint Paul Place, Mount Adams, spcacincinnati.org.
Photo via Facebook.com/MtAdamsReindogParadeEvents: Ice Rink at Fountain Square
Whether you’re a professional skater or someone who can barely stand on skates, this slice of winter wonderland on Fountain Square is open to everyone. Skate rental is available and concessions include snacks, hot chocolate and alcohol. Santa skates select weekends in December.
Through Feb. 18. $6 admission; $4 skate rental. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/FountainSquareEvents: Gremlins at the Esquire Theatre
Gizmo and his gremlin friends take over the big screen at the Esquire for this wacky holiday classic.
10 p.m. Dec. 14. $10.25; $7.25 senior/child. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, esquiretheatre.com.
Photo: Emerson SwoggerEvents: Miracle the Overlook Lodge Pop-Up Bar
The Overlook Lodge gets a festive makeover with lights, decorations and curated holiday-themed cocktail menu.
Overlook Lodge, 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, facebook.com/overlooklodge.
Photo: Hailey BollingerEvents: Drag Brunch: Sugar Plum Fairies
The queens get festive this holiday brunch. Naughty and nice sugar plum fairies will be stomping it out in this seasonally inspired drag show and brunch featuring family-style dining and emcees Amaya Sexton and Jessica Dimon.
11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dec. 16. $35 per person; includes brunch, show and a welcome mimosa. Metropole, 609 Walnut St., Downtown, metropoleonwalnut.com.
Photo via 21cmuseumhotels.comEvents: The Pedal Wagon Polar Bear Express
While the weather outside is frightful, pedaling on the Polar Bear Express is a cheerful way to warm up your body temp. The 15-passenger kind-of pedal-powered wagon stops at local bars in downtown and OTR for drink specials.
Through February 2019. $20-$25 per person public; $245-$295 private full wagon. Pedal Wagon, 1114 Bunker Alley, Over-the-Rhine, pedalwagon.com.
Photo via pedalwagon.comEvents: A Christmas Nightmare at Dent Schoolhouse
The spirits of Dent Schoolhouse get in the holiday spirit with the first Christmas Nightmare event at the haunted house. Charlie the Janitor is Santa Charlie in a scary attraction full of garlands, lights and twisted holiday monsters.
6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 7 and 8. $25-$55. The Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, frightsite.com.
Photo: Provided by Dent SchoolhouseEvents: Santa’s Workshop at Washington Park
Each Saturday, elves from Happen Inc. will be at the gazebo at Washington Park with a letter-writing station and fun activities while kids wait for their free photo with Santa Claus. Photos are free, but you must bring your own camera. Each week there’s a different theme, like ornament making or holiday-card making.
Through Dec. 22. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.
Photo via washingtonpark.orgEvents: The North Pole Express
HO-HO-HOld onto your hats. Presented by LM&M Railroad, this hour-long train to the North Pole features cookies, hot chocolate and an appearance from Santa and his elves.
Through Dec. 29. $24 adults; $19 kids. LM&M Railroad, 127 S. Mechanic Road, Lebanon, lebanonrr.com.
Photo via lebanonrr.comEvents: Christmas Eve Dinner Cruise
Grab the family and take a trip down the Ohio River on Christmas Eve.
5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 24. $55 adults; $38 children; $27 adults sightseeing only; $18 children sightseeing only. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., bbriverboats.com.
Photo via bbriverboats.comEvents: otrAGLOW
This storefront display competition pits OTR businesses against each other to see who can create the most magical winter wonderland in the shop’s window. From 5:30-10 p.m. nightly, shops will illuminate their displays.
Through Dec. 31. Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/otraglow.
Photo via Facebook.com/otrAGLOWEvents: The 2018 Holiday BRIGHT Ride
Light things up during this nighttime bike ride. Decorate yourself and your bike in battery powered lights, glow necklaces, reflective devices and more. The slow-pace four-mile ride is flat and easy so kids can ride too.
6 p.m. Dec. 15. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/margyandmelridebikes.
Photo via Facebook.com/MargyAndMelRideBikesEvents: Luminaria Night Lights at the Cincinnati Observatory
This is the 43rd year for the Mount Lookout tradition. Neighborhood streets will light up with luminaria and the observatory will open its buildings and telescopes for exploring and viewing. There will be carolers, a “spacey” gift shop and hot drinks.
6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout, cincinnati-observatory.org.
Photo: Jesse FoxEvents: OTR Rail Dog Parade
The OTR Kennel Club hosts the sixth-annual Rail Dog Parade from Queen City Radio to Second Sunday on Main. Dress your furry friends in all their holiday finery.
Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 9; parade steps off at 2 p.m. Free. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/queencityradiobar.
Photo via Facebook.com/OTRRailDogParadeEvents: Sweet Treats from the Greeks
Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church hosts a weekend-long pastry sale. Purchase your favorite Greek pastries and hors d’oeuvres in time for holiday entertaining.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dec. 7; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 8; noon-3 p.m. Dec. 9. Prices vary. Holy Trinity-St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 7000 Winton Road, Finneytown. Holytrinity.oh.goarch.org.
Photo via holytrinity.oh.goarch.org/Events: Star Wars Holiday Special at the Video Archive
The much-maligned Star Wars Holiday Special gets a small-screen screening at the bar as Chewbacca and Han Solo try to get to Kashyyyk in time for Chewie to celebrate Life Day with his father, wife and son.
5-11 p.m. Dec. 12. Free admission. The Video Archive, 965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, facebook.com/videoarchivecincinnati.
Photo: Hailey BollingerEvents: Cincinnati SantaCon
Don’t drink and fly your sleigh; the 11th-annual SantaCon bar crawl is on its way. Dress in your best Santa costume or other holiday-themed wear and trek to various bars and pubs to spread Christmas cheer. More than 40 locations will be participating. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit pediatric cancer research and The Cure Starts Now foundation.
Noon-midnight Dec. 8. $10-$15 registration. Leaves from JACK Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton, cincinnatisantacon.com.
Photo: 3CDCEvents: December Tea Dance: Winter Wonderland
This LGBTQA afternoon dance party takes over Igby’s with a Winter Wonderland theme. Dress to impress while you listen to music by Thaddeus and Bjorg, imbibe specially priced drinks and meet new people.
For 21 and older. 4-7 p.m. Dec. 9. Free. Igby’s, 122 E. Sixth St., Downtown, facebook.com/teadancecinci.
Photo: Patty SalasEvents: Ugly Sweater & Reindeer Games Pub Crawl
Head to Covington for an ugly sweater-themed interactive pub crawl. Don your worst holiday outfit for fun and games (and prizes) at stops including The Globe, Octave, the Hannaford, Rich’s Proper Food & Drink, Olde Town Tavern and Braxton Brewing Co.
7 p.m.-midnight Dec. 15. Free admission. Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, facebook.com/braxtonbrewingcompany.
Photo: Hailey BollingerEvents: Santa-Bration at Carol Ann’s Carousel
Make winter-inspired crafts and snap a selfie with Santa.
11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Dec. 21-22,;11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free admission. Carol Ann’s Carousel, 8 W. Mehring Way, Downtown, cincinnatiparks.com.
Photo: Jesse FoxEvents: One Night One Craft: Alcohol Ink Gifts
Perfect for that one friend who is impossible to shop for, this class lets you create a set of coasters and card made with colorful alcohol inks.
2-4 p.m. Dec. 15. $20; $15 members. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
Photo via contemporaryartscenter.orgEvents: Die Hard: Live Script Reading at Overlook Lodge
Yippie Ki Yay: Actors will take over Overlook Lodge for a live script reading of Christmas action classic Die Hard while guests sip on curated cocktails from the bar’s themed Miracle Menu.
7-10 p.m. Dec. 17. Overlook Lodge, 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, facebook.com/overlooklodge.
Photo via Facebook.com/DieHardLiveScriptReadingEventPageEvents: Egg Nog Jog 5K
The 27th-annual Egg Nog Jog takes festive runners through the frigid and scenic streets of Mount Adams and Eden Park.
10 a.m.-noon Dec. 15. $20. Chapter Mount Adams, 940 Pavilion St., Mount Adams, facebook.com/runningtimeraceservices.
Photo via Facebook.com/EggNogJob5KEventPageEvents: Between Light and Dark: Solstice Gathering
Yoga instructor/mediation coach/reiki master Sonya Verma and singer/songwriter Paulette Meier come together to host a celebration of the winter solstice aka the longest night of the year, The duo will lead guests through an evening of gentle movement, singing and gong meditation to welcome the renewal, regeneration and rebirth the event can symbolize.
7-9 p.m. Dec. 21. $20. The Hive, 1662 Blue Rock St., Northside, facebook.com/cincyhive.
Photo via Facebook.com/CincyHiveEvents: Cincinnati Black Santa Claus
The Voice of Black Cincinnati brings Cincinnati’s Black Santa Claus to the art museum for the fourth year in a row. Santa will be on hand to greet children of all ages, listen to their Christmas wishes and have pictures taken.
Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 15. Free. Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Photo via cincinnatiartmuseum.orgEvents: Brink Holiday Bash
Santa will be visiting Brink (1-3:30 p.m.) for a family-friendly brunch. The brewery will tap a special Christmas ale, served in an artist-designed pint glass. Bring an unwrapped present for a kid up to 12 years old to donate to Bethany House.
Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 15. Free. Brink Brewing Co., 5905 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, facebook.com/brinkbrewing.
Photo: Hailey BollingerLight Displays: Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo
More than 3 million LED bulbs will transform the park into a “Wild Wonderland” with festively adorned foliage, glowing animal sculptures, the ever-so-instagrammable rainbow-light tunnel and fun holiday and nature scenes depicted in twinkling bulbs. There will also be a black-light puppet show, Toyland Express train ride, everyone’s favorite synchronized holiday music-and-light display on Swan Lake and assorted s’mores stands.
Through Jan. 1. Free with zoo admission. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Photo: Devin LuginbillLight Displays: Holiday Lights on the Hill at Pyramid Hill
The Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum is no stranger to outdoor beauty, but why not ramp it up this winter with a holiday-themed display? Load up the van and drive through the looped two-mile glowing hybrid sculpture and light display. This year, Brave Berlin — the creative team behind last year’s BLINK art and light festival and the previous Lumenocity events — has crafted something extra special. Entry fee is by the carload so the kids can bring a friend.
Through Jan. 1. $20 per carload Monday-Thursday; $25 per carload Friday-Sunday; $15 for members all days. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
Photo via pyramidhill.orgLight Displays: Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods
For 28 years, this annual event has transformed into a staple Cincy holiday tradition. Kick back in your car and take a joy ride through a mile-long stretch of Sharon Woods. Dial the radio to Warm 98 — the lights are synchronized to the music. After or before, take the kiddos to the wonder-filled Santaland, open through Dec. 23 (just in time for him to get his sleigh in gear.)
6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Through Dec. 31. $15 per vehicle. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, holidayinlights.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/HolidayinLightsLight Displays: Christmas Nights of Lights at Coney Island
What’s cuter than dazzling lights depicting gleeful snowmen, colorful trees, grooving candy canes and snowflakes? Not much. Bonus: You can see it all in the warmth of your own car. Listen to tunes via the radio — Coney Island has their own station that’s synchronized to the light display — and shamelessly jam to as much holiday spirit as you please.
Through Jan. 6. $6 per person. Coney Island Amusement Park, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.
Photo via christmasnightsoflights.comLight Displays: Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion
This haunted Halloween attraction transforms for the season. Instead of ghosts and ghouls, find a glowing drive-through light display commemorating “Christmas Around the World,” with a twinkling Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and Big Ben.
Through Dec. 30. $16 per vehicle; $20 with Christmas Village admission. Land of Illusion, 8762 Thomas Road, Middletown, landofillusion.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/LandofIllusionAttractions: ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum
Check out a reenactment of the birth of Christ at the Creation Museum’s holiday nativity. In addition to watching the arrival of Jesus, get a 360-degree view of the Garden of Lights multicolored display as you take a zip line through the park. Family dining is available, with hot chocolate and wandering costumed bible characters.
Through Dec. 30. Free admission. The Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky., creationmuseum.org.
Photo via creationmuseum.orgAttractions: A Crystal Holiday at the Krohn Conservatory
The Krohn’s annual holiday display’s theme is A Crystal Holiday and the conservatory’s cache of tropical and lush green plants will be complemented by a “shimmering frozen landscape,” fragrant holiday floral displays, model trains and mini Cincinnati buildings constructed out of whimsical natural materials.
Through Jan. 6. $7 adults; $4 youth; free ages 4 and under. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com/krohn.
Photo: Devin LuginbillAttractions: WinterFest
WinterFest is back! Kings Island’s nostalgic winter wonderland returns this year, complete with festive food and drinks, special holiday shows and ice skating underneath a Christmas tree-bedecked Eiffel Tower. There will be an artisan village selling holiday crafts, booze-infused hot beverages, ice carvers, carriage rides and even blue hot chocolate.
Through Dec. 31. Tickets start at $25.99. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visit- visitkingsisland.com.
Photo: Hailey BollingerAttractions: Victorian Holiday Village
The 17th-annual Victorian Holiday Village features miniature decorated Victorian homes with thousands of sparkling lights plus cocoa and cookies. Please bring a nonperishable food item, which will be donated to the Freestore Foodbank.
6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. Free admission. Ohio National Financial Services, 1 Financial Way, Montgomery, ohionational.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/VictorianHolidayVillageEventPageAttractions: Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa
Scuba Santa trades in his reindeer for a herd of seahorses at the Newport Aquarium. The man in red will be underwater in the 385,000-gallon Surrounded By Sharks exhibit to give kids a chance to interact with him and tell him their holiday wishes. And visit Santa’s special magic-bubble mailbox in Penguin Palooza.
Through Dec. 31. $24.99 adults; $17.99 children. Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Ky., newportaquarium.com.
Photo provided by the Newport AquariumAttractions: Holly Days at Heritage Village Museum
Be transported to the 19th century for a simple holiday celebration. Heritage Village’s historical buildings will be traditionally decorated and costumed villagers will offer 1800s-style storytelling, craft making, train displays and holiday treats. Visit Mother Christmas and watch a reenactment of the first Christmas dinner in Cincinnati in 1788.
Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. $10; $6 children; free 4 and under; free members. Heritage Village Museum, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Photo via heritagevillagecincinnati.orgAttractions: Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction
EnterTRAINment junction invites all of Santa’s little helpers to journey to the North Pole with a magical indoor train display. Watch as Santa’s elves pack gifts and Mrs. Claus bakes cookies.
Through Jan. 2. $9.95-$17.95. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, entertrainmentjunction.com.
Photo via entertrainmentjunction.comAttractions: Holiday Toy Trains at Behringer-Crawford Museum
With over 250 feet of model train tracks, a Charles Dickens village, 30 moving displays and an appearance from Thomas the Tank engine, this event is for kids and locomotive lovers alike.
Through Jan. 13. $9 adults; $8 seniors; $5 kids; free members. Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington, Ky., bcmuseum.org.
Photo via bcmuseum.org bcmuseum.orgAttractions: Antique Christmas at the Taft Museum of Art
The Taft Museum of Art gets into the holiday spirit with its annual display of antique ornaments, toys and décor. Wander the rooms of the museum to see displays of antique German paper nativity scenes and small wooden toys, a historic feather tree with glass fruit ornaments, turn-of-the-century holiday china and other trees “bedecked with fairy figures, Japanese Santas, early wax ornaments and angels.”
Through Jan. 6. $12 adult door; $10 adult advance; $10 senior door; $8 senior advance; free for members and 18 and under; free admission for all on Sunday. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Photo via Facebook.com/TaftMuseumAttractions: Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Trains at the Cincinnati Museum Center
After the Museum Center’s multi-million-dollar facelift, the space has reopened and the Duke Energy trains, which have played some part in local holiday festivities since 1946, are back for the season. The exhibit features hundreds of model trains making their way through a little winter wonderland. Get a bird’s eye view by watching the trains from overhead, venture through a LEGO brick display, step inside a storybook and more.
Through Jan. 27. Free with museum admission. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
Photo provided by Cincinnati Museum CenterOnstage: An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Local Folk/Americana superheroes Over the Rhine create Christmas magic with their annual performance featuring a wintry mix of holiday classics and songs from their oeuvre.
8 p.m. Dec. 21; 8 p.m. Dec. 22; 2 p.m. Dec. 23. $40-$65. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com.
Photo: Hailey BollingerOnstage: The Nutcracker with the Cincinnati Ballet
This favorite Cincinnati holiday tradition returns as the ballet’s professional dancers perform sparkling choreography to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, played live by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. New this year? A Fiona ballerina.
Dec. 13-24. $36-$125. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cballet.org.
Photo via Facebook.com/CincinnatiBalletOnstage: Crystal by Cirque du Soleil
The acrobatics of Cirque meet the ice in this new show.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 27-28; 12:30, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 29; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Dec. 30. Tickets start at $55. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, usbankarena.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/CrystalbyCirqueduSoleilOnstage: Holiday Pops
Just a couple weeks before Santa slides down that chimney, enjoy a night of cheer, holiday spirit and classic Christmas songs with the Cincinnati Pops and CCM graduate/Broadway star Ashley Brown. Bring a new or gently used coat, hat, gloves or socks to benefit City Gospel Mission.
8 p.m. Dec. 7; 2 and 8 p.m. Dec. 8; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9. $25-$120 adults; $15 children. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Photo via Facebook.com/CincinnatiPopsOnstage: The Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s The Ghosts of Christmas Eve returns to the U.S. Bank Arena stage for its annual laser-light-infused holiday musical extravaganza. Famous for its Rock opera stylings, the tale follows a runaway teen who breaks free from her home to find a theater full of old spirits.
4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 14. $41.50-$76. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway St., Downtown, usbankarena.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/TSOOnstage: A Christmas Carol at the Playhouse in the Park
The tradition returns. Watch as the miserly Scrooge miraculously transforms his view of humanity (just in time for Christmas), realizing its never too late to change your ways.
Through Dec. 29. $30-$106. Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mt. Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.
Photo via cincyplay.comOnstage: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some) with Cincy Shakes
A silly spin on all things Christmas. This play pokes fun at holiday classics like Rudolph, Frosty and A Christmas Carol, all lampooned with the help of three high-octane actors and tipsy Santa. It’s high-octane holiday fun.
Dec. 14-30. $43. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincyshakes.com.
Photo via cincyshakes.comOnstage: A Christmas Story at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts
Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun hit the stage at the Covedale for a musical retelling of this holiday favorite.
Through Dec. 23. $29 adults; $26 seniors/students/children. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
Photo via cincinnatilandmarkproductions.comOnstage: The Naughty List with OTR Improv
Using audience suggestions, OTR Improv improvisers skewer the holidays in cheerful and cheeky ways.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 11-27; arrive by 6 p.m. if you want to order dinner. $20 (dinner not included). Arnold’s Bar & Grill, 210 East Eighth St., Downtown, otrimprov.com.
Photo via Facebook.com/OTRimprov
