Antique Christmas — The Taft Museum of Art’s annual holiday display features antique decorations, toys and ornaments, including Italian ornaments created just after World War II. Also showcased is a Noah’s Ark display from Germany with more than 200 animal figurines. Through Jan. 3. $10 adults; $5 children 17 and under. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, 513-241-0343, taftmuseum.org.Ball of the Beasts — Welcome 2016 at Urban Artifact’s New Year’s Eve masquerade, which encourages guests to don creature-inspired costumes. Ticket price includes unlimited drinks. 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $65; $15 designated driver. Urban Artifact, 1660 Blue Rock St., Northside, 513-620-4729, artifactbeer.com.
BB Riverboats Holiday Cruises — BB Riverboats hosts a series of holiday cruises including Sightseeing with Santa Claus, Rhinegeist’s Brew Ho Ho Ho Dinner Cruise, Christmas Eve Cruise and more. Check online for dates, time and tickets. 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, Ky., bbriverboats.com.
Beach Mountain — The Beach Waterpark gets winterized with 400-foot-long snow-tube runs. Also explore the more than 100,000 lights that make the property glow. Through March 6. Prices vary. The Beach Waterpark, 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, 513-398-4356, thebeachmountain.com.
BRICKmas on the Levee — Partnering with the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana LEGO Users Group, Newport on the Levee presents BRICKmas, a LEGO-themed celebration that features more than 13 scenes created with the colorful bricks. A life-size Santa head and Star Wars tribute are displayed along with towering models of Washington Park, Music Hall and the Roebling Bridge.
Through Jan. 1. $10. Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Ky., newportonthelevee.com. A Charlie Brown Christmas — Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents this live rendition of the TV holiday special, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Charlie Brown and the rest of the gang remind us what’s most important about the Yuletide season.
Dec. 4-13. $18-$22. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org. Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction
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Home to the world’s largest train display, the Main Street Holiday Trains, this destination also features a reindeer and elf workshop and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Through Jan. 4. $16.95. EnterTRAINment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, 513-898-8000, entertrainmentjunction.com. Christmas Town — The Creation Museum’s annual Christmas Town exhibit features a free live nativity, dazzling lights, Christmas music and more. 5-8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Through Dec. 26. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky., creationmuseum.org . Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt — The fourth-annual authentic German market brings local artisans, traditional German fair and Glühwein — hot spiced wine — to Fountain Square. Hosted by Cincideutsch, a group for German-speaking Cincinnatians.
Weekends through Dec. 20. Free admission. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown, cincideutsch.com.
Cincinnati Boychoir:
The Polar Express
— The Cincinnati Boychoir performs a musical reading of The Polar Express. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12; 3 p.m. Dec. 13. $10-$25. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
CityBeat New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Party — Fedoras, flappers and bathtub gin. Get the password to hit the hottest speakeasy party of the season and ring in the New Year. 8 p.m.
Dec. 31. Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine, citybeat.com. A Christmas Carol — Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park celebrates 25 years of presenting Charles Dickens’ classic starring Ebenezer Scrooge. No “bah humbugs” here.
Through Dec. 30. $30-$85. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, 513-421-3888, cincyplay.com.
East Row Victorian Christmas Tour — The annual East Row Historic District Victorian homes tour takes visitors through decorated Queen Annes and Italianate mansions. Noon-6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6. $18. Leaves from The Carnegie Event Center, 403 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., east-row.org.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) —Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents a play that takes audiences on a ride through various holiday classics. The show starts out as A Christmas Carol but morphs into various holiday favorites, including everything from It’s a Wonderful Life and Frosty to Rudolph and Charlie Brown.
Dec. 16-27. $30. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 719 Race St., Downtown, 513-381-2273, cincyshakes.com.
A Feast of Carols (CCM) — Classic and traditional holiday songs collide during the College-Conservatory of Music’s annual Feast of Carols at the University of Cincinnati. Selections are performed by CCM’s Chamber Choir, Chorale and Concert Orchestra, the UC Men’s and Women’s Choruses and Cincinnati Children’s Choir with guests choirs from Conner Middle School, Lakota East High School and Mason High School. 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7. $12. Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village, University of Cincinnati, 2600 Clifton Ave., 513-556-4183, ccm.uc.edu.
Fly Me to the Moon
New Year’s Eve Concert — This Pops performance simultaneously rings in the New Year and celebrates Frank Sinatra’s 100th birthday. Jazz vocalist Tony DeSare joins the orchestra for familiar songs including “Luck be a Lady,” “One for my Baby” and “Come Fly with Me.” 8 p.m. Dec. 31. $20-$95. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Frisch’s Presents The Nutcracker — The Cincinnati Ballet performs the classic, whimsical tale of dancing toys and rat kings. Accompanied by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the play has been a local tradition since 1974. Dec. 19-27. Tickets start at $32. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, 513-621-ARTS, cincinnatiarts.org.
Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer
— Listen to the sounds of the Albee Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ accompanying Cincinnati Opera Young Artist Tyler Alessi and students from the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Buddig Academy performing holiday favorites with all of the bells, whistles and special effects that only the Wurlitzer can create. 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 10. $25. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Happy Zoo Year — Welcome the New Year with a bunch of party animals at the zoo. This family-friendly party caps off with early 8:55 p.m. fireworks. 5-10 p.m. Dec. 31. Free with zoo admission. Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
Holiday in Lights — Enjoy Sharon Woods’ outdoor light display from the comfort of your car. Elves, festive animals, snowflakes and much more line a winding path through the park. Through Jan. 2. $13. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, 513-563-4513, holidayinlights.com.
Holiday Lights on the Hill — Sculptures provide a backdrop to this large drive-through light display at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park. Through Jan. 3. $20 Monday-Thursday; $25 Friday-Sunday. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, 513-868-1234, pyramidhill.org/holiday-lights.
Holiday on the Hill — Head to Price Hill for a tree lighting, art walk, music, carols, crafts, kids activities and holiday performances. Dec. 4-6. Free. Price Hill, holidayonthehill.org.
Holiday Pops — Hear holiday favorites as Mr. Christmas, aka John Morris Russell, conducts the Cincinnati Pops with Grammy-winning vocal quartet New York Voices. Santa himself joins in the fun. Dec. 11-13. $10-$128. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, 513-381-3300, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Holiday Junction at the Museum Center
— The Duke Energy Holiday Trains have rolled through the museum since 1946, featuring more than 300 miniature rail cars and 1,000 feet of track. New this year is a LEGO train layout and cityscape and a rare 1904 Carlisle & Finch set.
Through Jan. 3. $40 adults; $20 children; free for Duke Energy customers via an online form. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7000, cincymuseum.org.
Holiday Toy Trains at Behringer-Crawford — The museum’s 24th-annual Holiday Toy Trains are accompanied this year by three additional exhibits. Inspect tiny replicas of room scenes and period furniture created by the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts; see 3-D wood carvings by the River Valley Wood Carvers; and experience “Christmas in Victorian England,” which includes lighted Charles Dickens displays by Department 56. Through Jan. 17. $9 adults; $5 children 12 and under. Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington, Ky., 859-491-4003, bcmuseum.org.
International New Year’s Eve Celebration — Have your kids celebrate the New Year by traveling the world at the Cincinnati Museum. They’ll get their passports stamped as they learn how the holiday is celebrated in countries around the world through games, music and crafts. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31. Free. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7001, cincymuseum.org.
Ice Rink at Fountain Square — Rent a pair of skates onsite and spend the day in the heart of downtown. Skate with Santa Fridays and Saturdays through December, and on Dec. 31 count down to 2016 on the ice. Through Feb. 15. $6 admission; $4 skate rental. Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas — A dance-packed play revolving around a song-and-dance team who fall for a sister act in the process of putting on a show. Expect to hear Berlin classics including the ever-popular “White Christmas.” Through Dec. 6. Tickets start at $29. Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Las Posadas in Price Hill — A Posada-style party with food, music and piñatas. 5:30-9 p.m. Dec. 18. Free. MYCincinnati Firehouse, 3120 Warsaw Ave., Price Hill, holidayonthehill.org.
Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade — Horses from Clydesdales to miniature ponies pull decorated carriages through downtown Lebanon during this popular parade, which draws between 150,000 and 200,000 people annually. 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5. Free. Downtown Lebanon, lebanonchamber.org.
Let it Snow — A holiday-themed laser light show at the Drake Planetarium. The planetarium turns into a virtual snow globe with a choreographed light show set to festive classic Christmas songs. Through Dec. 30. Tickets start at $8. Drake Planetarium, 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood, drakeplanetarium.org.
Light Up Fairfield — Help decorate a large-scale community ginger bread house, participate in holiday-themed pottery painting and more before the main event — the official lighting of a Christmas tree on the Village Green Amphitheater Stage. Visit fairfield-city.org/lightup for a full schedule of events. 10 a.m. Dec. 5. Begins at Fairfield Lane Library, 1485 Corydale Drive, Fairfield, fairfield-city.org/lightup.
Light Up OTR — Help distribute luminaria throughout Over-the-Rhine before watching the lighting of the neighborhood’s 30-foot tree at 9 p.m. Ornament decorating and other kid-friendly activities take place in Washington Park throughout the evening. 5-9:30 p.m. Dec. 12. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, lightupotr.com.Light Up the Levee — Newport on the Levee hosts a festive holiday light show as lights are synchronized to holiday tunes. Shows every 20 minutes starting at 5 p.m. Through Jan. 3. Free. Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportonthelevee.com.
Luminaria: Night Lights at the Cincinnati Observatory — When Mount Lookout lights up its streets, the observatory opens its doors and invites the public to utilize its telescope to get a closer look at the sights and the stars. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. Cincinnati Observatory, 3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout, 513-321-5186, cincinnatiobservatory.org.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
— This year celebrates the 31st anniversary of the album Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis has created a show that features classic Christmas hits from Mannheim Steamroller and dazzling multimedia effects in an intimate setting. 7 p.m. Dec. 13. $38.25-$78.25. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Mount Adams Reindog Parade — Bust out your canines’ most festive accessories, costumes and ugly sweaters for this 21st-annual party for pooches. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed small and large dog as well as the most convincing master/dog lookalike duo. Registration begins at noon; parade commences at 2 p.m. Dec. 12. Free. 1055 St. Paul Place, Mount Adams, mtadamstoday.com, spcacincinnati.org.
New Year’s Eve Blast — Ring in the New Year on Fountain Square with a fireworks display and ice skating. Full-service bar and drink specials.
7 p.m.-midnight. $4 skate rental. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
North Pole Express — Hop aboard a half-hour train ride to visit Santa on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad. Kids can stop by the Holiday Post Express to write and send a letter to Santa, who has a small gift for them to take home. Through Dec. 22. $22 adults; $17 children 16 and under; $11 toddlers 2-4. Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad, 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, 513-933-9022, lebanonrr.com.
Ohio National Victorian Holiday Village — Grab a cup of free cocoa and wander through a town comprising miniature, fully decorated Victorian-style homes. The village glows with thousands of lights. Through Dec. 31. Free. Ohio National Financial Services, One Financial Way, Montgomery, ohionational.com.
An Old Kentucky Christmas — Travel back in time for an old-fashioned holiday celebration. Christmas caroling, ornament decorating and more comprise the evening. Christmas Candlelight services commence at 7 p.m. nightly, with an additional 5 p.m. service held Dec. 13. Dec. 10-13. Free. First Church, 6080 Camp Ernst Road, Burlington, Ky., 859-586-4673, anoldkentuckychristmas.com.
Over the Rhine — Favorite local indie singer/songwriters Over the Rhine head to the Taft for their annual holiday concert. Features special guest Max Gomez. 8 p.m. Dec. 19. $40. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.
Pancakes with Santa — Enjoy a hot cake buffet with St. Nick himself. Then, participate in hands-on activities and have your photo taken with Santa. Dec. 5. $40 adults; $20 children. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7000, cincymuseum.org.
PNC Festival of Lights at the Zoo — More than 2 million lights transform the Cincinnati Zoo into a “Wild Wonderland.” New this year is the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake, a newly themed Gingerbread Village and a Frozen-themed area featuring Anna and Elsa. Though Jan. 2. $27 adults; $21 seniors and children 12 and under. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, 513-281-4700, cincinnatizoo.org.
Poinsettia Express at Krohn Conservatory —
In addition to deep-red poinsettias and candy-cane-striped amaryllis, the Krohn’s holiday floral show features a 12-foot Christmas tree, motionettes from the 1940s and a model town inspired by A Christmas Carol. Through Jan. 3. $7 adults; $4 children.
Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park, cincinnatiparks.com/krohn-conservatory.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical — This beloved claymation TV classic hits the stage with a musical adventure featuring Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 9. $31.75-$61.75. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
The Santaland Diaries — Add a dash of humbug to the holidays with this grownups-only play about an elf gone bad, who reluctantly provides Santa a helping hand during the holiday shopping rush at Macy’s. Presented by the Human Race Theatre Company. Dec. 10-19. $24. Loft Theatre, Metropolitan Art Center, 126 N. Main St., Dayton, 937-228-3630.
Santa’s Workshop at Washington Park — Santa visits the park every Saturday in December. Each day features a different theme, ranging from Carol Karaoke to Frozen Fun, and kids can spend the day making crafts alongside Santa’s elves.
Through Dec. 19. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org. The Spirit of Christmas with Michael W. Smith — Michael W. Smith, one of the most celebrated Christian artists of all time, ushers in the spirit of Christmas with family-friendly favorites.
7:30 p.m. Dec. 15. $25-$110. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Water Wonderland with Scuba Santa — Santa’s fishy underwater adventure has been re-imagined, promising to include more magic than ever this year. Through Dec. 31. Free with aquarium admission ($23 adults; $15 children 12 and under). Newport Aquarium, 1 Aquarium Way, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportaquarium.com.
Wiley Wahoo’s Winter Wonderland — Based on children’s book The Holiday Adventures of Wiley Wahoo & Me, this Winter Wonderland takes over Goebel Park as part of MainStrasse’s Village Holiday. The attraction features ice-skating dogs, a candy cane forest, photos with Santa and more. Through Dec. 20. Free. Goebel Park, 501 Philadelphia St., Covington, Ky., mainstrasse.org.
Winter Solstice Celebration Weekend — An international celebration at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Participate in hands-on activities in the history museum pertaining to holidays around the globe, including Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, the Lunar New Year and more. Noon-3 p.m. Dec. 19 and 20. Single-museum pass $10.50 adults; $8.50 children 12 and under. Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, 513-287-7001, cincymuseum.org.
This article appears in Dec 2-8, 2015.
