Events, attractions and light shows for friends, family and more.
Metro Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley — Hop aboard a trolley at Fifth and Vine streets to see the sights of downtown. Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays. Through Dec. 20. Free. 21 E. Fifth St., Downtown, downtowncincinnati.com.
Santa’s Workshop at Washington Park — Ditch the mall trip and head to Washington Park for a photo with Santa while his elves make gifts, ornaments and other fun creations. 1-3 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 20. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.
Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings — Rosemary Clooney tells the Plaids that harmony is needed to cheer a discordant world. Through Dec. 21. Covedale Center for Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
A Soldier’s Christmas — A play by local playwright Phil Paradis that commemorates the Christmas Truce of 1914. Through Dec. 21. NKU’s Corbett Theatre, Highland Heights, Ky., soldierschristmas.net.
North Pole Express — A 45-minute-long vintage train ride through the countryside. Enjoy a reading of The Polar Express, carols led by elves and a visit with Santa Claus. Through Dec. 22. $20.50 adults; $15.50 seniors and children; $8.50 toddlers. 127 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, lebanonrr.com.
Christmas Town — A live nativity, petting zoo, garden of lights and more at the Creation Museum. Through Dec. 27. 5-8 p.m. Free. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Ky., creationmuseum.org.
Spirit of Christmas Tour — American Legacy Tours hosts a tour of the Gateway Quarter, where you’ll visit local churches with holiday-themed scenes. Through Dec. 27. $20. Leaves from 1332 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, americanlegacytours.com.
A Christmas Carol — The classic returns to the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Through Dec. 28. $30-$90. 962 Mount Adams Circle, Mount Adams, cincyplay.com.
Let it Snow at Drake Planetarium — The full-dome planetarium turns into a snow globe with a laser show choreographed to holiday classics. Through Dec. 31. $10. Drake Planetarium, 2020 Sherman Ave., Norwood, drakeplanetarium.org.
Santa’s Workshop featuring the Shillito’s Elves — Visit the historic Shillito’s Elves in their new workshop. Through Dec. 31. $4; free for 3 and younger. 6940 Madisonville Road, Mariemont, thesantaworkshop.com.
The Christmas Ranch — A walk-through Christmas wonderland with Christmas shops, more than one million lights, Santa and more. Through Dec. 31. $15 per vehicle. 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, thechristmasranch.com.
Holiday in Lights — Thousands of twinkling lights line miles of festive drive-through displays through the wooded hills of Sharon Woods. Also visit Santaland for hot chocolate and photos with the man in red. Through Dec. 31. $13 per car. Sharon Woods, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, greatparks.org.
Light Up the Levee — More than one million LED lights are synchronized to holiday music. Through Jan. 1. Free. Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportonthelevee.com.
BRICKmas at Newport on the Levee — Features giant LEGO sculptures of Cincinnati landmarks. Through Jan. 1. $8. Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportonthelevee.com.
Holiday Lights at Pyramid Hill — Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum presents a drive-through exhibit with more than a million lights and laser displays. Through Jan. 4. $20 per car weekdays; $25 weekends. 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, Hamilton, pyramidhill.org.
Antique Christmas — This holiday favorite returns to the Taft with antique ornaments, toys and decorations on display throughout the season. Through Jan. 4. $10 adults; $8 seniors; $4 children. Taft Museum of Art, 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.
Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center — Featuring the Duke Energy Holiday trains — more than 300 miniature rail cars and 60 engines running along 1,000 feet of track. Through Jan. 4. $12.50 adults; $8.50 children; 11.50 seniors; $4.50 toddlers; free for members. Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
Magic and Mistletoe at the Krohn Conservatory — A holiday floral show with poinsettias and cyclamen, plus a miniature train chugging through botanical architecture. Through Jan. 5. $7 adults; $4 children. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams, cincinnatiparks.com.
Holiday Toy Trains — Celebrating 23 years. More than 250 feet of track, Thomas the Train and a Dickens village. Through Jan. 18. $7 adults; $6 seniors; $4 children. Behringer-Crawford Museum, 1600 Montague Road, Covington, Ky., bcmuseum.org.
Beach Mountain — The Beach Waterpark transforms into a winter wonderland with snow and tubing during winter. Through Feb. 1. $6. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, thebeachmountain.com.
Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer — A holiday performance accompanied by the Albee Theater’s Mighty Wurlitzer and special guest Mary Ellen Tanner. 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 11. $25. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org.
Fountain Square Ice Rink — Includes concessions and lockers. The ice rink is available for private rental and groups. Special events include Santa Skates on weekends and a New Year’s Eve blast. Through Jan. 1. $4 admission; $4 skate rental. 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Ugly Sweater Party at Union Terminal — Party includes appetizers, games, drinks and Omnimax admission. Wear an ugly sweater. 7 p.m. Dec. 11. $40; $30 Enjoy the Arts members. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.
The Eight Reindeer Monologues — The reindeer finally speak up about the man in red in this naughty (and nice) Christmas play. 8 p.m. Dec. 11-13. $17-$19. Falcon Theatre, 636 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., falcontheater.net.
Victorian Holiday Village — Thousands of lights, miniature decorated Victorian-style homes, entertainment and free cocoa, goodies and photos with Saint Nick. 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 11-12. Free. Ohio National Financial Services, One Financial Way, Montgomery, ohionational.com.
Unsilent Night — A holiday parade of boomboxes, hosted by the Contemporary Arts Center. 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 12. Free. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, contemporaryartscenter.org.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra — The orchestra brings their Rock opera, The Christmas Attic, to Cincinnati. 4 and 8 p.m. Dec. 12. $34-$61.50. 1000 Broadway, Downtown, usbankarena.com.
Powerhouse Factories Lights Out for the Holidaze Party — Founding Fathers play, seasonal beverages by Ei8ht Ball Brewing, a slo-mo photo booth and Rock posters for sale. 6 p.m.-midnight Dec. 12. Free. Powerhouse Factories, 33 E. Ninth St., Newport, Ky., powerhousefactories.com.
A Traveler in Winter — Krista Detor plays Bluegrass with a blend of story telling. 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 12. $25. The Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, Ky., womenswayohio.org.
Light Up OTR — An eight-block radius on Elm, Race and Main streets will be framed with the soft-glow of 2,000 luminaries. 5-10 p.m. Dec. 12. Free. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, washingtonpark.org.
Reindog Parade in Mount Adams – Dogs bring the holiday spirit to Mount Adams parading around in their best Christmas attire, with donations benefiting the SPCA. Noon-2 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. Registration at The Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place, Mount Adams, spcacincinnati.org
Christmas in Loveland — Enjoy an evening of carriage rides, crafts, caroling, a bonfire and more in historic downtown Loveland. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. W. Loveland Ave., Loveland, historicloveland.com.
The Snow Queen — The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati presents this play based on Hans Christian Anderson’s story of the same name. 2 and 5 p.m. Dec. 13. $7-$22. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, thechildrenstheatre.com.
Santacon — Before embarking on an epic pubcrawl, more than 500 Santas will meet at Fountain Square to sing songs, make merry and spread good cheer through the city. Noon-midnight. Dec. 13. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, cincinnatisantacon.com.
Downtown Dazzle — Santa rappels down the side of the 525 Vine building office tower to the Macy’s rooftop at Fountain Square to kick off a spectacular fireworks display. 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Handel’s Messiah: Part the First — The Cincinnati Boychoir and Collegium Cincinnati perform at Christ Church Cathedral. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13; 3 p.m. Dec. 14. $10-$25. 318 E. Fourth St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Holly Days at the Heritage Village Museum — An afternoon full of crafts, storytelling, model trains, holiday food, music and more. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14. $8 adults; $5 children; free for members and children younger than 5. Heritage Village Museum, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.
Holiday Pops — John Morris Russell and Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell lead the Pops in traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. 8 p.m. Dec. 13; 2 p.m. Dec. 14. $25-$95. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Downtown, cincinnatisymphony.org.
Miracle on 34th Street — A one-night-only radio-style production and fundraiser for New Edgecliff Theatre. 7 p.m. Dec. 14. $35. Northside Tavern, 4163 Hamilton Ave., Northside, newedgecliff.com.
Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt — Cincideutsch’s traditional German Christmas market features traditional German food, mulled wine, sweets, beer and artisan gifts. 4-9 p.m. Dec. 12; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 13; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 14. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, cincideutsch.com.
Luminaria Night — The Cincinnati Observatory Center hosts the 39th annual evening of carolers, stargazing, shopping and hot drinks. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 14. Free. Cincinnati Observatory Center, 3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout, cincinnatiobservatory.org.
Expectations of Christmas — Songs, stories and facts of the holiday seasons are relayed during this one-night only show. 7 p.m. Dec. 15. $10; proceeds benefit Tender Mercies. Ensemble Theatre, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine, ensemblecincinnati.org.
Light Up the Square — The city holds its annual menorah lighting, followed with skating on the ice rink with accompanying Hanukkah music. 5:30 p.m. Dec. 17. Free. Fountain Square, Fifth and Vine streets, Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.
Striking 12 — A Rock musical based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story about “The Little Match Girl” set on New Year’s Eve. Dec. 18-27. Falcon Theater, 636 Monmouth St., Newport, Ky., 513-479-6783.
The Nutcracker — A magical and family-friendly interpretation of the Tchaikovsky score, danced by the Cincinnati Ballet and soundtracked by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Dec. 19-27. Tickets start at $32. Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.
Over the Rhine — Everyone’s favorite local Indie band Over the Rhine plays their Christmas special. 8 p.m. Dec. 20. $40 advance; $42.50 day of. Taft Theatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.
Lighting the Serpent — Celebrate the Winter Solstice at the Serpent Mound with the 10th annual Lighting the Serpent ceremony. 4-8 p.m. Dec. 21. Free. Serpent Mound, 3850 State Route 73, Peebles, Ohio, serpentmound.org.
Boar’s Head and Yule Log Festival — The Christ Church Cathedral presents the oldest continuing festival of the Christmas season featuring a cast of more than 200 people in 14th century English character and attire. 2 and 5 p.m. Jan 3; 2:30 and 5 p.m. Jan. 4. Free. 318 E. Fourth St. Downtown, boarsheadfestival.com.
Lohdi celebration: The Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati hosts a celebration of the end of the Winter Solstice. 4 p.m. Jan. 13. Free. Hindu Temple of Greater Cincinnati, 4920 Klatte Road, Summerside, cincinnatitemple.com.
Scuba Santa at the Newport Aquarium — Scuba Santa’s magical dive show includes an elf, some friendly fish and a special underwater version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Through Jan. 1. Free with admission ($23; $15 children). Newport Aquarium, Newport on the Levee, Newport, Ky., newportaquarium.com.
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some) — What begins as another production of A Christmas Carol devolves into an irreverent look at beloved holiday classics. Dec. 17-28. $22-$36. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 719 Race St., Downtown, cincyshakes.com.
Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction — Enjoy a magical indoor scene with lights, decorations, Santa and Mrs. Claus and free holiday-themed train displays. Through Jan. 4. $12.95 adult; $11.50 senior; $9.95 children. 7379 Squire Court, West Chester, entertrainmentjunction.com.
Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights — Visit your favorite animals and enjoy holiday lights strung throughout the zoo, with Madcap Puppets in blacklight, a light show on Swan Lake, North Polar Express train rides, s’mores, Santa and more. Through Jan. 3. $15 adults; $11 child/senior. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org.
