Top Ten Holiday Happenings in Greater Cincinnati
Happy Holidays! Wow, I've been inputting so many holiday events into our monthly top picks calendar. From twinkling lights to Santa sightings and holiday performances, there will be plenty of things to do to keep you in a festive spirit this season. With so many events to choose from, I thought I'd narrow down our top ten holiday happenings that we'd like to do as a family. I'd love to hear what might be on your list so leave a comment below in the Disqus comment box or head to MasonMetu's facebook page and leave a comment so we can keep on sharing.
The 2014 holiday happenings are in no particular order. Hopefully, we'll be able to enjoy most of them.
1.Niederman Christmas Walk - This is an amazing experience and has become a family tradition every year. You will take a long walk seeing plenty of twinkling lights with biblical themed stops along the way. At the end of the walk, visit the indoor heated barn for some hot chocolate and cookies. FREE! 4972 Lesourdsville - West Chester Rd., Liberty Township, Ohio 45011. Open Nov. 28 - Dec. 30 from 5:30-10:00 p.m.
2.Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center - No holiday season can be complete without a visit to the historic Cincinnati Museum Center. Seeing the large Christmas tree in the rotunda always makes me smile. We also love visiting Holiday Junction and seeing all the intricate train displays. Even though my girls are too old to ride the holiday train, they still enjoy the trains. If you are a Duke Energy customer, you can get FREE ticket vouchers (2 adults/2 kids 12 and under) to see Holiday Junction. Click here for more information. Plus you can also spend the day visiting the Cincinnati History Museum. 1301 Western Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45203, (513) 287-7000.
3.Beach Mountain - New this year! We finally have a place close to home to enjoy some tubing fun. We can't wait to try out Beach Mountain.
Two-hour rates are less on Thursday & Friday ($20/over 42") and go up on the weekends and holidays ($25/over 42"). They will be open Nov. 21 through March 1, 2015. 2590 Waterpark Drive, Mason, Ohio 45040. (513) 398-4356.
Prasco continues to wow us each year with all they do for our community.
They have plenty of free events every summer at Prasco Park and during the winter, they set aside a weekend for FREE ice skating (Dec. 12-14, 2014). They also have a day (Dec. 13) where you visit Santa's Frosty Town, get a FREE photo with Santa and then enjoy as many holiday treats (candy, cookies, cocoa) as you'd like in their adorable dining room. Registration is required for this and registration opens Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. 6125 Commerce Court, Mason, Ohio 45040.
5. Antique Christmas at the Taft Museum of Art - The Taft Museum of Art welcomes families to enjoy their beautiful holiday displays. Every room is festively decorated and you will enjoy the feather trees adorned antique ornaments. It is also fun for the kids to see antique toys. Open through Jan. 4, 2015. If you visit on a Sunday, admission is FREE. They are also having a FREE Holiday Kick Off event on Nov. 30 where you can get pictures with Santa, make an ornament and listen to carolers. 316 Pike Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
6. Ice Skating - Fountain Square comes alive during the holidays. It is always fun to visit the heart of Cincinnati and see skaters zipping around the ice rink. We always enjoy it when Santa Skates too (every weekend from Noon-1p.m). The rink opens Nov. 24 through Feb. 14, 2015. $3/admission and $3/skate rental. If you get cold, head over to Macy's to visit with Santa (click here for dates/times). You can also coordinate your skate time with Macy's Downtown Dazzle events (Nov. 29, Dec. 6 & 13). 520 Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.
7. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati - It's always fun to get dressed up and see a show. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati is a crowd pleaser with their fantastic costumes, lively sets and exciting performers. This year get your tickets to see The Snow Queen at the Taft Theatre. Show dates are Dec. 5-7 & 13.
8. PNC Festival of Lights - The Cincinnati Zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland every year. With amazing light displays, a Madcap Black-Light puppet show, holiday post office, visit with Mrs. Claus, themed areas, North Pole Express, reindeer, and a new wild lights show at Swan Lake, the PNC Festival of Lights is a family favorite. Of course, we can't forget the animals. Open Nov. 22 - Jan. 3, 2015. 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45220, (513) 281-4700.
9. Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - Another theatrical highlight this season is seeing a show at the ETC. This is an itimate theater filled with amazing talent. This year they present Sleeping Beauty. Show dates are Dec. 4 - Jan. 3, 2015. 1127 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7226, (513) 421-3555. After the show, take a stroll down Vine Street and have a late lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants. Taste of Belgium is always a hit with the kids (tip, if you have an Entertainment Book they have a BOGO meal deal).
10. Boar's Head Yule Festival - If you've never visited Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Cincinnati, then make this one of your "must do's". This is a FREE festival held Jan 3-4, 2015 complete with old world charm, glorius music, fanciful costumes and lots of tradition. Tickets are free but you need to get them in advance. Tickets will be available on Dec. 13 at 8 a.m. 318 East Fourth Street.
