Ah, Christmas — the perfect day for cozying up inside with your near and dear and watching the gentle snowfall from in front of a fireplace.
Just kidding. It’s supposed to hit 60 degrees in Cincinnati on Christmas Day, and who says you have to spend your holiday cooped up inside, anyway? Not CityBeat, that’s for sure.
While most businesses shut down for the day, there are at least a few places in the city that are keeping the lights on as holiday havens for all: those who don’t celebrate Christmas, those who want to extra-celebrate and those who desperately need to escape celebrations gone awry after the mulled wine is gone and the in-laws start talking politics.
Some are hosting special Christmas events, while others are simply flipping on the open sign and unlocking the door for everyone from the Santas to the Scrooges. Stay home if you must, or head to these Cincinnati-area establishments and start a new Christmas tradition:
Longfellow
Opens at 8 p.m. 1233 Clay St., Over-the-Rhine, longfellowbar.com
Arlin’s Bar & Garden
2 p.m.-2:30 a.m. 307 Ludlow Ave., Clifton, facebook.com/arlinsbar.
Jerry’s Jug House
6 p.m.- 1 a.m., 414 E. 7th St., Newport, facebook.com/jerrysjughouse.
MOTR Pub
7 p.m.- 2 a.m. 1345 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, motrpub.com.
Tillie’s Lounge
6 p.m.-midnight. 4041 Hamilton Ave., Northside, tillieslounge.com.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS HOSTING SPECIAL EVENTS:
Coppin’s at Hotel Covington
Coppin’s is open during regular hours from breakfast ‘til dinner. The regular dinner menu will be available, plus a Christmas prix fixe menu that includes cauliflower soup, prime rib, risotto, s’mores brownies and apple butter cheesecake. 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m, $55 prixe fixe. 638 Madison Ave., Covington, hotelcovington.com.
Northside Yacht Club: 4th Annual Xmas Night Karaoke Party
Sing your heart out to classic karaoke tunes or Christmas favorites — just do everyone a favor and skip “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Doors open at 8 p.m., karaoke starts at 9 p.m. 8 p.m.- 2 a.m. 4231 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. northsideyachtclub.com.
Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar: Tiki Metal Xmas
Bartenders will be slinging tiki-style cocktails and serving food from Rich’s Proper and chef Tom Hull. Proceeds will benefit the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky. 8 p.m.-midnight. 629 Main St., Covington, oldkybourbonbar.com.
Rosedale OTR: A Very Tipsy Christmas
Get in the holiday “spirit” with spiked hot cider and Christmas movies. 9 p.m.- 2:30 a.m. 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine, facebook.com/rosedaleotr.
West Side Brewing
Stock up on half-price growler fills and bring the pups along — every Wednesday is dog-friendly day in the taproom. 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 3044 Harrison Ave., Westwood, westsidebrewing.com.
