Light Up College Hill returns this Thursday with a night full of holiday festivities for the whole family. Photo: Provided by College Hill CURC

College Hill will transform into a winter wonderland this week for its annual holiday celebration.

Light Up College Hill returns for its fourth year on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 6-9 p.m. The event will take place along the neighborhood’s business district on Hamilton Avenue and promises an enchanting evening filled with holiday cheer and community spirit.

“Light Up College Hill has become a cherished tradition, bringing the community together to celebrate the joy of the season. We’re thrilled to create lasting memories and foster a sense of unity among residents, businesses and visitors,” Kate Greene, CEO of College Hill Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation (CURC), which is putting on the event, said in a press release.

Attendees can enjoy the tree-lighting ceremony at Patrick Wolterman Memorial Park (5923 Hamilton Ave.) at 7:30 p.m., with a special appearance from Cincinnati Bengals’ mascot, Who Dey. One child will be selected to help with the tree lighting. You can nominate a child by completing CURC’s community survey here.

The event will also have tons of free, fun activities designed for all ages. Attendees can take a train ride, visit Santa’s workshop and get a picture with him, see real reindeer and watch live performances from Aiken High School’s dance team and marching band and Mercy McAuley’s vocal ensemble. There will also be a scavenger hunt, baby goats wearing holiday sweaters and many of College Hill’s businesses offering complimentary activities:

  • Brink Brewing (5905 Hamilton Ave.): Kids’ coloring pages and decorating Brink’s Christmas tree; receive 25% off your first beer purchase.
  • Just Q’in BBQ (5901 Hamilton Ave.): Pop-up from 6-9 p.m.
  • Sleepy Bee Cafe (5920 Hamilton Ave.): Make a Sleepy Bee gift bag to take home.
  • Silk Road Textiles (6106 Hamilton Ave.): Create a Winter Solstice sun catcher.
  • Luminary by La Terza (6128 Hamilton Ave.): Make a luminary to take home.
  • Marty’s Hops & Vines (6110 Hamilton Ave.): Artwork and draw-along with Richard Cowdrey, illustrator of the “Fiona, the Hippo” books.
  • Lusheous Collection (5846 Hamilton Ave.): Sip and shop.
  • Bacalls Cafe (6118 Hamilton Ave.): Take an Elfie Selfie and enjoy free hot chocolate and candy canes.
  • Set The Vibez (5852 Hamilton Ave.): Meet the Grinch.
  • Schwartz Jewelers (6114 Hamilton Ave.): Get a free holiday bracelet.
  • Manga Manga (5908 Hamilton Ave.): Open for shopping.
  • Fern (6040 Hamilton Ave.): Make your own leaf print Christmas card.
  • Kreative Soulutions (5846 Hamilton Ave.): Light up the world with kindness by writing kind messages on cardboard bulbs.
  • Find Your Flow (5846 Hamilton Ave.): Ornament decorating station.
  • Big Chill (5912 Hamilton Ave.): Free hot chocolate and s’mores by the fire pit.
  • DeeDee’s Butter Bar (1612 Cedar Ave.): Create DIY holiday-scented sachets.

Learn more about Light Up College Hill and College Hill CURC here.

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This article appears in Nov 29 – Dec 12, 2023.

Katherine Barrier is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s journalism program and has nearly 10 years of experience reporting local and national news as a digital journalist. At CityBeat, she...