Downtown Cincinnati is spreading holiday cheer this festive season with plenty of activities and events planned for all ages. This Wednesday enjoy an evening that includes the unity lighting of an 18-foot menorah at 5:30 p.m. Indulge in ice skating to Hannukah-themed music at the U.S. Bank Ice Rink and enjoy Jewish cuisine, including jelly donuts and hot latkes. The event is free and open to the public with regular fees for ice skating ($3 admission, $3 skate rentals). If you haven’t had your fill of holiday ice skating, the U.S. Bank Ice Rink is opened every day, including holidays, through Feb. 19. Santa makes his way across the ice rink Christmas Eve during Santa Skates from 11 a.m.-noon. Parents and children will be transported to a magical North Pole setting with photos with Santa at Macy's Fountain Place. Bring your own camera and pose with the jolly old elf one last time before Christmas. Admission is free to the public through Dec. 24. If you’re in the mood to take things down a notch, try a leisurely ride through downtown, taking in the view of historic buildings including City Hall and historic churches via a horse-drawn carriage. Tickets are $35 through Carriage Occasions LLC through Jan 1. Go to myfountainsquare.com for details.
