Holiday Happenings & Upcoming Events in Greater Cincinnati - November 26-Dec. 3, 2015.

During the holiday season, Greater Cincinnati is jam packed with family fun. Since there is so much to see and do, we're going to break down the upcoming events into weekly installments. Hopefully, this will help you with your planning. We'll also have a listing of ongoing events at the end of the post which will get longer as more recurring events are added. You can also find these events on our monthly top picks calendar and many will be posted in our FREE weekly e-newsletter (click here to join). It's also a good idea to check with the venue before heading out in case of inclement weather or possible date/time changes.

Thursday Nov. 26 - Happy Thanksgiving

10K on Turkey Day - Lifetime Fitness - Deerfield Township

"If you are looking for low-cost, low key Thanksgiving Day alternative, this is it! We will start early so you can get the race in and get on with your day. The 10K race, 5K race, and 5K walk will begin and end at Lifetime Fitness. Come join us for the Deerfield Township Lifetime Fitness Thanksgiving Day Race!" (from www.choosedeerfield.com).

Thanksgiving Day Race - Paul Brown Stadium - 9 a.m. Proceeds benefit many local charities.

Light Up Middletown Opening Night - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Smith Park, downtown Middletown - 6-10 p.m. nightly. Cash donation for admission.

Friday, Nov. 27

Santa's Arrival & Tree Lighting - Cincinnati Museum Center - FREE - 11 a.m. - Noon.

The holidays just aren’t the holidays until Santa Claus arrives! Join us the day after Thanksgiving as Santa and his family arrive at Union Terminal by helicopter to light the Christmas tree in the Rotunda and usher in the holiday season here at Cincinnati Museum Center. Santa will be joined by characters from Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Ballet and The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati. It's a family tradition that you won't want to miss! (from cincymuseum.org).

Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-8 p.m. - every Friday & Sat. through Dec. 19 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.

Weekend Carriage Rides - Macy's Celebration Station - FREE

"Boards at corner of Fifth and Race Streets November 27-29, December 5-6, 12-13, noon–5 p.m. (Final boarding at 4:45 p.m.–please arrive early!) FREE! Enjoy free horse-drawn trolley carriage rides through the heart of the city. Courtesy of Macy’s." (from www.downtowncincinnati.com)

Turkeys in the Garden - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m. , 1p.m. & 4 p.m.

"Join us to learn all about turkeys. From their parts to their behavior, we’ll have you talkin' turkey in no time! Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)." (from GreatParks.org)."

The Nutcracker Jazzed Up - de la dance Company - Aronoff Center for the Arts - 8 p.m.

Niederman Family Farm - Opening Night for Christmas Display and Walk through the Bible - FREE - 6-10 p.m.

Family Fun Friday - "Pilgrims & Indians" - Run, Jump & Play - 6-9 p.m. - $15/admission. Dress up as your favorite early American.

Gingerbread House Display & Contest - Warren County Historical Society - 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. & 6:30 - 8 p.m. FREE admission for Gingerbread House Display Nov. 27-29.

Holiday Illumination - Christmas Tree Park - Downtown Lebanon - 6:30 - 8 p.m. FREE - horse-drawn carriage rides in front of City Hall and visit with Santa inside the City Hall lobby. (Carriage rides from 4-8 p.m.).

Saturday, Nov. 28

Small Business Saturday - support local small businesses when doing your holiday shopping.

The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Take a half hour train ride to the decorated LM&M Junction to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Take a moment to visit Santa and tell him your Christmas wishes. Each child will receive a small gift from Mr. Claus himself! Stop at the "Holiday Post Express" to color pictures or write letters to be delivered to Santa. Enjoy a holiday cookie and a cup of hot chocolate to keep you warm while you are entertained by Santa's talented Elves! (from www.lebanonrr.com)

The Crafty Supermarket - Music Hall Ballroom - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - FREE - get some creative holiday shopping done.

Gingerbread House Display & Contest - Warren County Historical Society - 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. FREE admission for Gingerbread House Display Nov. 27-29.

Santa's Workshop - Washington Park - FREE - 1-3 p.m.

"Rudolph & Friends - Create your own “Reindeer Games” board game with Happen, Inc. or explore Mr. Cowpie’s winter animal education farm. "(from washingtonpark.org).

Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-8 p.m. - every Friday & Sat. through Dec. 19 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.

Weekend Carriage Rides - Macy's Celebration Station - FREE - Noon-5 p.m. (last boarding is 4:45 p.m.)

Metro's Holly Jolly Downtown Trolley - FREE trolley rides from Noon-5 p.m. - Stops at Fourth, Fifth, Pike & Elm Street. Held every Sat. through Dec. 19.

The Nutcracker Jazzed Up - de la dance Company - Aronoff Center for the Arts -2 & 8 p.m.

Family Festival - Sound Sculptures - Contemporary Arts Center - Included with museum admission - Noon-3 p.m.

Downtown Dazzle - Foutain Square - Choirs sing at 5:45 p.m., then see Santa rappel down a building (6:30 p.m.), followed by fireworks. Also held Dec. 5 & 12. After the fun, head inside Macy's for a story with Mrs. Claus. FREE.

Holiday Lights - Deerfield Township - Deerfield Towne Center - 5-7p.m. - FREE - petting zoo, live entertainment, tree lighting, Santa arrives on Firetruck.

A Toast to Dickens Pub Crawl (over 21 only) - Meet at the Gazebo at the Golden Lamb, Lebanon - have ID and first 100 get free t-shirt. FREE. 5 p.m.

Home Alone - Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - Music Hall - 7 p.m.

"This beloved comedy classic features John Williams’ charming score, performed live to picture. Hilarious and heartwarming, Home Alone is holiday fun for the whole family!" (from cincinnatisymphony.org).

Sunday, Nov. 29

Gingerbread House Display & Contest - Warren County Historical Society - 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. Noon-4 p.m. FREE admission for Gingerbread House Display Nov. 27-29.

The City Flea - Small Mall- 21c Museum - Noon-6 p.m. - FREE admission. Get some cretive holiday shopping done.

The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-6 p.m. - every Sunday through Dec. 20 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.

Weekend Carriage Rides - Macy's Celebration Station - FREE - Noon-5 p.m. (last boarding is 4:45 p.m.)

Holiday Season Kick Off - Taft Museum of Art - FREE admission on Sunday! Today enjoy a fun filled day from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. - Bring your camera for photographs with Santa.
1–3 p.m. - Make an old-fashioned ornament.
3–4 p.m. - Christmas melodies with carolers in the galleries.

The Nutcracker Jazzed Up - de la dance Company - Aronoff Center for the Arts - 2 p.m.

Wednesday, December 2

Opening Night - Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati presents Cinderella (through Jan. 3, 2016).

Thursday, December 3

Annie Jr. - Lebanon Theatre Company - 7 p.m. - 10 S. Mechanic Street. (also Dec. 4 & 6).

Ongoing Holiday Events:

Light Up Middletown - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Smith Park, downtown Middletown - 6-10 p.m. nightly. Cash donation for admission.

Gingerbread House Display & Contest - Warren County Historical Society - 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon. Dec. 1-30, 10am-4pm (Tues-Friday, and open until 5 p.m. on Saturdays). $7 Adults, $6 Seniors, $4 Students 5-18) and includes all museum exhibits.

A Christmas Carol - Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - Nov. 25 - Dec. 30.

Cinderella - Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - Dec. 2-Jan. 3, 2016.

"FAMILY-FRIENDLY MUSICAL.What do you get when you combine a nearsighted bookworm heroine, two fabulously self-absorbed stepsisters, one devilishly diva stepmother, along with a self-empowering Well-Wisher? A fun spin on the classic fairy tale that demonstrates being smart is true beauty! When the King pressures his romantically challenged son to choose a bride from hundreds of “applicants,” a cross-country tour of the kingdom ensues to reunite a missing sneaker—yes a sneaker!—with its rightful owner." (from ensemblecincinnati.org).

Niederman Family Farm - Opening Night for Christmas Display and Walk through the Bible - FREE - Nov. 27-Dec. 30, Sunday-Thursday, 6-9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday, 6-10 p.m. Donations welcomed. 4972 Lesourdsville-West Chester Rd.

Weekend Carriage Rides - Macy's Celebration Station - FREE

Brickmas - Newport on the Levee - Nov. 24 - Jan. 1, 2016. $10/ticket, FREE for ages 3 and under.

"BRICKmas is a fun holiday attraction that provides a place for LEGO lovers of all sizes to come celebrate one of the world's favorite toys and see some awesome LEGO displays. BRICKmas will feature large-scale LEGO displays – including a 32 ft. long model of the iconic Roebling Bridge – as well as an interactive children’s area where kids can build their own “brick” masterpieces; creative LEGO Duplo displays; and even an area for writing letters to Santa!" (from newportonthelevee.com).

Holiday Lights on the Hill - Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park - Nov. 20 - Jan. 3, 2016. Open Daily Including Holidays, Monday – Thursday 6 – 9 PM, $20 Per Carload, Friday – Sunday 6 – 10 PM, $25 Per Carload, Members Always $15. 1763 Hamilton-Cleves Road, State Route 128Hamilton, Ohio 45013513-868-1234.

PNC Festival of Lights - Nov. 21 - Jan. 2 - closed on Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 (open during the day and closed at night & Dec. 25). Open Sunday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Friday & Saturday, 5-10 p.m.

Holiday Toy Trains - Behringer Crawford Museum - Nov. 21-Jan. 17, 2016. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. $9/adults, $8/seniors, $5/kids 3-17 years. Grandparents Day is on Wednesdays, one free child admission with a grandparent admission. RSVP for their Polar Express readings.

Holiday in Lights - Sharon Woods - Nov. 20 - Jan. 2, 2016

"Sun-Thu, 6-9 p.m. & Fri-Sat, 5:30-10 p.m.: Come out for a Cincinnati holiday tradition! Enjoy more than a mile of fantastic seasonal lights all from the warmth of your car. See more than 120 moving and standing holiday-themed figures depicting everything from Santa to the 12 Days of Christmas. For more information, call 513-769-0393 or visit holidayinlights.com. Sharon Woods ($13/car, $45/buses & 15-passenger vans)." (from GreatParks.org). Get $2 off coupon.

Santaland - Nov. 20-22 & Nov. 27-Dec. 23 - Sharon Woods - FREE.

"Visitors can venture out of their cars and warm up with a cup of their favorite holiday beverage inside Santaland and enjoy entertainment provided throughout the week. The Dickens Carolers stroll throughout Santaland on the weekend nights singing traditional holiday melodies. Santa's Confectionaries have holiday baked goods and candies available, and the Nature's Niche Gift Shop is open for holiday shopping. Also featured is a holiday train display and photos with Santa starting at $6.75. Santaland at Sharon Centre will be open from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. There is no additional admission fee to visit Santaland." (from holidayinlights.com).

The Poinsettia Express - Krohn Conservatory - Nov. 14 - Jan. 3. Get $1 off coupon by visiting CincinnatiParks website.

Christmas at EnterTRAINment Junction - November 14, 2015 - January 02, 2016

"Create a holiday tradition for your family! See the magic of Christmas at the home of the World's Largest Indoor Train Display. Take a "Journey to the North Pole", where you can can meet Mrs. Claus and Santa himself. See our "Main Street Holiday Trains" displays which offers some beautiful winter train displays that are FREE to the public. Extended Hours! From December 12th through December 23rd and December 26th through December 30th we will remain open until 9pm. The Junction is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day and closes at 4pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Santa goes on vacation after Christmas." (from EnterTRAINment Junction).

Ice Skating - Fountain Square - Pre-Holiday Hours (through Dec. 18)

Monday – Thursday: Noon to 10:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Exceptions:
Friday, October 30: 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Wednesday, November 25: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Thursday, November 26: 9:00am to 11:00pm
Cost: $6.00 admission and $4.00 skate rental. Payable by cash or credit card (Visa/MasterCard/AmEx).

Holiday Junction Featuring the Duke Energy Trains - Cincinnati Museum Center - Nov. 6 - Jan. 3, 2016.

"Holiday Junction is back and it’s going to be one of the best years yet! With more lights, new trains and lots of family-friendly activities, you’ll have plenty of reasons to be a part of the magic all season long. Duke Energy customers can get FREE vouchers to see Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Holiday Trains from Nov. 6 through Dec. 24, 2015!" (from Cincinnati Museum Center).

Antique Christmas at the Taft - Nov. 6 - Jan. 3, 2016 (FREE admission on Sunday).

"Get into the holiday mood by visiting the Taft’s annual display of antique ornaments, decorations, and toys. Thanks to generous lenders from Cincinnati and beyond, you can escape to a winter wonderland of Christmas past." (from www.taftmuseum.org).

The Art of the Brick - Cincinnati Museum Center - through May 1, 2016.

"The Art of the Brick presents LEGO® bricks in a whole new light, demonstrating the potential of creativity and the power of imagination. The Art of the Brick features over 100 works of art by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya. But rather than paint and canvas, these masterpieces are made entirely of LEGO bricks. Millions and millions of little LEGO bricks." (from Cincinnati Museum Center)

A Christmas Story, The Musical

- La Comedia Dinner Theatre - Nov. 4 - Dec. 31.