55TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS NATIVITY DISPLAY — Come and see the life-size nativity scene put on by Comboni Missionaries. 6-9 p.m. daily through Dec. 30. Admission by canned-good donation. Comboni Mission Center, 1318 Nagel Road, Anderson. 513-474-4997 or www.ComboniMissionaries.org.
AQUARIUS HOLIDAY MAGIC — Discover all the magical energy floating around this time of year for a lecture on Holiday Magic. 2-3 p.m. Saturday. Free. Aquarius, 904 Main St., Downtown.
513-721-5193.
BOOKS & CO. HOLIDAY EVENTS — You know, you ought to watch out, and you should not cry. It's best if you don't pout; I'll tell you why: Santa Claus is comin' to ... Books & Co. for kids' storytime. 11 a.m.-noon (two sessions, 11-11:25 a.m., and 11:35 a.m.-noon) Saturday. Free. Through Dec. 28. ... Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering. 937-298-6540.
CANDLELIGHT SINGLES CHRISTMAS DINNER PARTY — Beat the chill factor by meeting some hotties this holiday. Proceeds will (in part) benefit Hospice and the YWCA. The age groups for this party are 23-45 and 45 and up. Reservations are required. 6:30-10 p.m. Sunday. 513-761-6201 or www.candlelightsingles.com.
A CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAYS — Randolph Wolfe leads the alumni, tour, resident and training choirs of the Cincinnati Boychoir in a performance of Benjamin Britten's "A Ceremony of Carols." 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. $8; $5 ages 7-18. Mother of God Church, 119 W. Sixth St., Covington. 513-396-7664.
CHRISTIAN SINGLES' HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA — There are a lot of family events at your church for the holidays. Feel left out? Join over 300 singles of all ages, races and denominations for a night of entertainment, food (buffet dinner), games, prizes and more. 8 p.m. Friday. $20. Econolodge, 4670 Dixie Hwy., Fairfield. 513-589-3400 or 513-589-3400, ext.129.
CHRISTMAS CAROL SING — All you gotta' bring is your voice for this night of carols which will be accompanied by a pipe organ and a brass quartet. 12:15 p.m. Wednesday. Free. ... The ladies of the church are making lunch for you. 11:30 a.m. $5. ... Trinity Episcopal Church, 326 Madison Ave., Covington. 859-431-1786.
CHRISTMAS IN RABBIT HASH — Rabbit Hash offers several holiday events to celebrate the season ... Beaded ornament workshop: 5 p.m. Thursday. $15 supply fee. ... Cookie exchange: 2 p.m. Saturday. ... Live music from the Hot Crust Playboys: 3 p.m. Saturday. ... Kids holiday crafts: 1 p.m. Sunday. ... A visit from Santa: 2 p.m. Sunday. ... Live music from Jake Speed: 3 p.m. Sunday. ... Old-fashioned greens gathering: 11 a.m. Monday. ... Jewelry making with Lisa: 1 p.m. Tuesday. ... Ornament making workshop: 3 p.m. Tuesday. ... The General Store, Downtown Rabbit Hash, Ky. 859-586-7744.
CINCINNATI CHORAL SOCIETY — The Choral Society presents Mozart's classic Solemn Vespers of a Confessor, a blending of modern and traditional holiday music. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $12; $10 students/seniors. Summerside United Methodist Church, 638 Old State Route 74, Summerside. 513-534-4705.
A CINCINNATI HOLIDAY AT KROHN CONSERVATORY — Come enjoy the festive poinsettias, cyclamen, evergreens and nativity and menorah display. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 7-30; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 31-Jan. 5, 2003. Admission by donation. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Eden Park. 513-352-4080 or www.cinciparks.org.
COLLEGE OF MOUNT ST. JOSEPH — Presents the Mount Community Concert Band Holiday Concert. 2 p.m. Sunday. Free. College Theatre, MSJ campus, 5701 Delhi Road, Delhi. 513-244-4723 or www.msj.edu.
Cpa homes for the holidays tour — The Cincinnati Preservation Association presents a tour through seven turn-of-the-20th-century houses on Clifton's Whitfield Avenue. The tour includes refreshments and live music. 2-6 p.m. Saturday. $20; $15 in advance. 513-721-4506 or www.cincinnatipreservaton.org.
FLORENCE MALL — Hop on Santa's lap, tell him what you want and have your picture made. 10:30 a.m. daily through the holiday season. ... Take part in the "Giving Trees," a gift-giving project for the Salvation Army. Through Wednesday. ... Don't' forget to wrap it up, that is with the free holiday gift wrap you get with the purchase of two holiday items. Through Dec. 23. ... TubaChristmas will perform on center stage. 5 p.m. Saturday. Free. ... Kid's Appreciation Day will provide your children with puppet shows and crafts all day long. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday. ... Florence Mall, 2028 Mall Road, Florence. 859-371-1231.
GRAILVILLE HOLIDAY FEAST AND CONCERT — The Dorff family comes together in concert for some yuletide tunes, followed by dinner and a stroll through the international nativity scene. Concerts: 3 and 7:30 p.m.; dinner: 5 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $28-$14 concert and dinner; $15-$8 concert or dinner only. Grailville, 932 O'Bannonville Road, Loveland. 513-683-2340 or www.Grailville.org.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE POPS — In addition to Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, special guests Nick Clooney and Kevin Anderson will perfom, as well as CCM's Musical Theatre Department and a few talented local choirs for their "Happy Holidays from the Pops" concert. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. $65-$27 ($35.25-$12.75 for Sunday matinee). Music Hall, 1243 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-1919 or www.cincinnatisymphony.org.
HILLFOREST HOUSE MUSEUM — See the museum in Victorian holiday décor as you tour the facility for the Victorian Christmas Exhibit, sponsored by American Electric Power of Lawrenceburg, Ind., 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through December. Don't' forget to check out the gift boutiques. ... Come out this weekend for their open house for Victorian holiday festivities, including refreshments. ... Hillforest also offers holiday luncheons Tuesday-Thursday through Dec. 19. $19; $17 Hillforest members. Reservations are required. ... Holiday dinners take place on Fridays through Dec. 20, starting off the evenings with wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres, courtesy of Chateau Pomije Wnery and Restaurant, followed by a Victorian dinner and live entertainment. $33; $29 Hillforest members. Reservations required. ... Hillforest House Museum, 213 Fifth St., Aurora, Ind. 812-926-0087.
HOLIDAY ART SHOW AT MAPLE KNOLL VILLAGE — Genesis & Generations, Maple Knoll Village's Holiday Art show, features the diverse works of 19 local artists and is curated by Daniel Brown. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Maple Knoll's Benevolent Care Fund, which allows them to care for their financially-dependent residents. Through Jan. 13, 2003. Hours: 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. Maple Knoll Village, 11100 Springfield Pike, Springdale. 513-782-2400.
HOLIDAY FEST AT THE BEACH — An outdoor ice-skating rink, shopping and live entertainment hit The Beach for some wintry wild times. Take a carriage ride, or roll around in the real snow for authenticity. 4-10 p.m. daily through Dec. 31 (2-10 p.m.). $6; $4 children 6-12. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason. 800-886-7946 or www.thebeachwaterpark.com.
HOLIDAY TOY TRAINS AT BEHRINGER-CRAWFORD MUSEUM — Bring your children to see this awesome train display setup. There will be 14 interactive stations, which will allow you to operate two of the trains and navigate them around 200 feet of track. While at the museum children can also enjoy old-fashioned toys and activities in the parlor area. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Through Jan. 5, 2003. $3; $2 seniors/students; $8 for family of four. Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington. 859-491-4006.
HOLLY DAYS IN THE VILLAGE — Tour the illuminated Heritage Village, 9 fully restored historical buildings decorated for the holidays. You will be greeted with cheer by the fully costumed staff. $5; $4 seniors; $3 children. ... Dinner by the Hearth Candlelight Christmas Dinner (no, you don't get two dinners): 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday. $40 couple; $25 per person. Reservations required. ... Heritage Village Museum, Sharon Woods Park, Sharonville. 513-563-9484 or www.thinkhistory.org.
THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL — The Anneliese von Oettingen Ballet Company, made up of children as well as adults, will perform this favorite in celebration of the holidays. Proceeds will benefit the Hillforest Historical Foundation. 2 p.m. Saturday. $7; $6 children. Saint Mary's Activity Center, Fourth Street, Aurora, Ind. 812-926-0087.
LUMINOUS MUSIC CELEBRATON — College Hill Presbyterian Church's chancel choir, children's choir, handbell choir, soloists and orchestra present this evening of traditional and modern seasonal songs. 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 4 p.m. Sunday. Free. College Hill Presbyterian Church Sanctuary, 5742 Hamilton Ave., College Hill. 513-541-5676, ext. 152.
MAIL BOXES ETC./TODAY SHOW TOY DRIVE — Mail Boxes Etc. joins The Today Show in their holiday Toy Drive. Drop off a new, unwrapped, non-violent toy, book, game or CD for local needy children at any one of the 26 Mail Boxes Etc. in the Greater Cincinnati area. They will be accepting presents through Dec. 13. To find participating stores, go to www.mbe.com/toydrive/ohcincinatti.html.
MAINSTRASSE CHRISTMAS — Spin until you can't see straight. Or if you wanna keep the evening light, this bedecked vintage carrousel is a beauty to look at. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free. MainStrasse Village, Covington. 513-357-MAIN or www.mainstrasse.org.
MILLENNIUM HOTEL — It's the most wonderful time of the year at the Millennium Hotel. Check out the live entertainment they've got goin on for the holidays. ... The Covedale Elementary Choir performs at noon Thursday. ... At 1 p.m., Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati performs excerpts from The Frog Princess. ... The Oak Hills High School Choir gets jazzed at their 5:30 p.m. performance Monday. ... The Houston Elementary First Grade Choir performs at noon Tuesday. ... The Little Miami High School Choir performs at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday. ... At noon, listen to a jazz quartet from the School for Creative and Performing Arts. ... 141 W. Sixth St., Downtown. 513-352-2100.
NEW MILLENNIUM CIRCUS HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA — My Nose Turns Red Theatre Company presents this holiday hootenanny, complete with clowns, music, juggling, singing reindeer and more. 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday. $8. Jarson-Kaplan Theatre, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. 513-241-SHOW.
NEWPORT ON THE LEVEE — Stop by for storytime with Santa 2 p.m. daily, on the Riverwalk level inside the Gallery building. ... Be on the lookout for some of Santa's elves throughout the season at various locations. ... The Dickens Carolers will be strolling around in full Dickens-era costume, singing holiday faves from days of yore, at various times and locations. ... Newport on the Levee, One Levee Way, Newport. 859-291-0550 or www.newportonthelevee.com.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY CHILDREN'S ENSEMBLE — Just hear those sleigh bells jinglin' with the Northern Kentucky Children's Ensemble in their holiday concert. 2 p.m. Saturday. $5; $3 children. Cathedral Basilica, Madison Avenue, Covington. 859-572-7737.
NORTHERN KENTUCKY YOUTH STRINGS HOLIDAY CONCERT — The Northern Kentucky Prep Strings, Northern Kentucky Youth Orchestra, Northern Kentucky Youth Sinfonia, with beginning strings from St. Pius, St. Joseph Cold Spring, St. Joseph Crescent Springs, Covington Independent and Hillsdale Elementary perform their annual holiday concert. 4 p.m. Saturday. $5; $3 children. Greaves Concert Hall, Northern Kentucky University campus, Nunn Drive, Highland Heights. 859-572-7737.
THE NUTCRACKER — The School for Creative and Performing Arts' Dance Ensemble performs the magical holiday ballet. 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. $12-$7. Abigail Cutter Theater, SCPA, 1310 Sycamore St., Over-the-Rhine. 513-632-5910 or www.scpa.org.
PEASLEE HOLIDAY CONCERT — The Over-the-Rhine Steel Drum Youth Band, Peaslee Piano Players, Mallet Music Makers, Peaslee Poets and others perform at the Peaslee Neighborhood Center holiday concert and boutique. 3:30 p.m. Saturday. $5 donations welcome. St. Francis Seraph Church, corner of Liberty and Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine. 513-621-5514.
PNC FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS — The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens lights up, this year with more than 2.5 million lights (the most lights at any zoo in the U.S.). It's a twinkling, walking-tour winter wonderland, thanks to PNC. Do some shopping, catch a train, join in on a carol or two and grab a snack. Never ever saw the Northern Lights? Not to worry; you can see them at the Northern Lights laser show. 5-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 5-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Through Dec. 30. ... This Friday, the Livingword Mission Baptist Youth Group from Blanchester will perform at 7 p.m.; the Zion Kidz Koir (yes that's the spelling) from Norwood: 7 p.m. Sunday; Fairfield Church of God Choir: 7 p.m. Monday; Roger Bacon High School Spartan Express: 7 p.m. Tuesday; last but most certainly not least is the Mount Zion Baptist Church from Woodlawn: 7 p.m. Wednesday. .... $11.50; $9 seniors; $6 children 2-12 years old. Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. 513-281-4700 or www.cincyzoo.org.
PYRAMID HILL LIGHTS UP HAMILTON — Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum's landscape light show just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Proceeds help with the Summer Series for Kids and the Concert Series that takes place during the summer. $12 per vehicle (of one to eight passengers) Monday-Thursday; $14 Friday-Saturday. $24 mini-buses (nine to 16 passengers) Monday-Thursday; $28 Friday-Saturday. Buses (with 16 to 25 passengers) $60 Monday-Thursday; $72 Friday-Saturday. Hours: 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Saturday. Through Jan.5, 2003. 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton. 513-868-8336 or www.pyramidhill.org.
SHARON WOODS HOLIDAY IN LIGHTS — The Alleen Company and Aggreko present this glittery light display throughout Sharon Woods. Bring the fam, a date or group of kindred spirits for a holiday drive-through. 6-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 6-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Through Jan. 5, 2003. $45 vans with 15 or more passengers; $10 per car Friday-Saturday and holidays; $8 per car Sunday-Thursday. Sharon Woods, route 42 off I-275 Sharonville exit, Sharonville. 513-769-0393 or www.holidayinlights.com.
SOWELL NIGHT MIXER AT THE CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM — The CAM's Sowell Committee, a volunteer organization dedicated to African-American involvement with the museum, presents this holiday event that includes a tour of the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, hors' doeuvres, cash bar and a performance of Langston Hughes' The Black Nativity by the Cincinnati Black Theatre Company. 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. $5. Cincinnati Art Museum, Castellini Room, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. 513-721-ARTS.
VICTORIAN HOLIDAY VILLAGE — Ohio National Financial Services takes you back in time for the holiday season. Their Victorian Village includes dazzling twinkle lights, hot cocoa, photos, wandering carolers, mini Victorian decorated houses and costumed characters. 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday. Free with one non-perishable food item. Ohio National Financial Services, One Financial Way, intersection of I-71 and Pfeiffer Road, Blue Ash. 513-794-6100 or www.ohionatl.com.
WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT NATIONAL HSTORIC SITE — The National Park Service wants you to have a holly jolly Victorian Christmas at the birthplace of the 27th U.S. President. ... Make your own keepsake, say hello to Father Christmas and catch a carriage ride noon-4 p.m. Saturday. Free. ... 2038 Auburn Ave., Mount Auburn. 513-684-3262 or www.nps.gov/wiho.
