It’s going to begin to look a lot like Christmas in Cincinnati starting this weekend with the arrival of the annual Duke Energy Holiday Tree.
The tree will be delivered to downtown Cincinnati’s Fountain Square at 7 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15. The 55-foot Norway Spruce will be hoisted into place at 7 a.m. at the southwest corner of the square by O’Rourke Demolition Company, with strands of over 25,000 LED lights and a custom-made 14-point star added throughout the day.
Spectators are invited to enjoy the Square’s Tree Trimming Party in the brand new Winterhaus, an oversized tent that will host programming throughout the winter, from 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Not Your Average Paint & Sip will lead a free ornament-making event, and there will also be holiday music. Then from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Winterhaus, pianist Ben Levin will play some winter tunes, and the bar will serve hot chocolate, Coca-Cola products and alcoholic beverages.
Visit Cincy will also host the Grand Opening Party at Winterhaus Saturday from 6-10 p.m., with more ornament-making, photo-ops, the chance to win some Fountain District swag and CVG’s Fountain of Lights, a new light installation at the Tyler Davidson Fountain that is reminiscent of the city installations from the ‘50s.
After it’s decorated, the tree will serve as the centerpiece of Duke Energy’s Light Up the Square event, happening on Friday, Nov. 28 this year, and the Downtown Dazzle series, which kicks off on Nov. 29.
If you’re looking to ice skate in downtown Cincinnati during the holiday season, the UC Health Ice Rink has moved to the new Elm Street Plaza and will open on Friday, Nov. 21.
Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. More info: myfountainsquare.com.