Santa’s helpers are returning to the heart of downtown Cincinnati this holiday season.
The famous Shillito’s Elves made their first appearance in the storefront window of Cincinnati department store Shillito’s in the ‘50s. The mechanized figures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting Santa’s mail. Last year, the display delighted holiday revelers along Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. This year, the elves are moving into the Carew Tower along Fifth Street from Nov. 27 to Jan. 4.
The display’s move is part of expanded holiday programming that will stretch throughout downtown’s Fountain District, says 3CDC. The UC Health Ice Rink will open for the first time at the new Elm Street Plaza, while a new attraction, Winterhaus, takes over Fountain Square. Winterhaus is an oversized tent that will offer daily programming and be available to rent for parties, happy hours or as a co-working space during the day. 3CDC will also connect the two holiday activations along Fifth Street with decorations and lights, creating a magical winter corridor that features several local restaurants and bars, including The Davidson, Marigold, Vintage on Race and Mita’s.
“We are thrilled to bring the Shillito’s Elves back to the Fountain District,” Emily Stowe, 3CDC’s marketing director, said in a press release. “With Winterhaus and the ice rink just serving as bookends to the holiday festivities separated by just one block, we’re creating a concentrated, walkable experience for families to make new memories of old traditions this holiday season.”
The same six elves will return this year: The Mail Sorter; Little Woodshop; Pete the Painter; Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap; and Elves at home, including Ralph the Piano Player, Ned the Newspaper Reader and the four-stack of Bunkbed Elves dreaming of their toy deadline.
Artist Mark Trierweiler is known as the “keeper of the elves,” storing and maintaining them during the off-season.
“I always enjoy bringing the Elves back during the holiday season, but seeing them return to the Fountain District feels extra special,” said Trierweiler. “Carew Tower is such a landmark Cincinnati location, and I’m excited for a new generation to experience the magic right in the heart of downtown.”
The elves will be viewable 24/7, but they’ll only be animated Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information on the elves and other holiday happenings, visit downtowncincinnati.com/elves.