Holiday Happenings & Upcoming Events in Greater Cincinnati -Dec. 3-10, 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 Dec. 3

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

Thursday Art Play - Fabric Printing - Contemporary Arts Center - 10:30 a.m. Included with museum admission, FREE for members.

12 Days of Christmas - Loveland - various events leading up to Christmas in Loveland on Dec. 12. Julian's Deli - 4-9 p.m. Dress up your pet and get a pet photo with Santa.

Friday, Dec. 4

Christmas at Glendower Opens - Dec. 4-27 - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY) - Glendower Historic Mansion, 105 Cincinnati Avenue, Lebanon, OH 45036.

"Bring the whole family to enjoy a guided tour of this beautiful historic Greek-Revival mansion, which will be professionally decorated for the holidays. The theme this year is "Christmas Traditions." In addition, see the 1st place winners from our Gingerbread House Contest on display throughout the house. $1 of every ticket sold will be donated to Warren County Community Services." (from Warren County Historical Society).

Redsfest - Duke Energy Convention Center - 3-10:30 p.m.

"Redsfest is the official annual winter warm-up of the Cincinnati Reds. Traditionally held in early December at the Duke Energy Convention Center, this event features games and activities for kids of all ages, including interaction with past, current and future stars of the Cincinnati Reds." (from http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/cin/fan_forum/redsfest.jsp).

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)

Tracks & Signs - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m. , 1p.m. & 4 p.m.

"Does a raccoon’s footprint look like yours? Who chewed on that stick? Tracks and signs are all around us. Join us as we look for clues to tell us who lives in our garden. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)" (from GreatParks.org)."

Ohio National Victorian Village - Friday, December 4 from 6-8:30 p.m., Saturday, December 5 from 5-8:30 p.m. FREE admission but nonperishable food donations welcomed (no glass containers, please) to be donated to the Freestore Foodbank. One Financial Way.

"A memorable outdoor event for the entire family featuring thousands of twinkling lights; miniature-sized, yet exciting fully decorated Victorian-style homes and buildings; entertainment; free cocoa and cookies; and children’s goodies and a complimentary 5x7photo (one per family, please) with St. Nick.Friday, While admission to the event is free, all guests are asked to bring a nonperishable food item." (from Ohio National Financial Services).

Christmas in the Village - Waynesville - FREE. 6-9 p.m.

"Come to Waynesville for a small town Christmas, where you can experience a warm friendly feeling among sparkling store fronts, 1300 luminaries (Friday & Saturday Evenings) Carriage rides, entertainment, enticing restaurants and holiday shopping." (from City of Waynesville on Facebook).

Brilliant Bebb - Illuminated Pioneer Village - 6-9 p.m. $10/car, $20/bus. Governor Bebb MetroPark: Covered Bridge1979 Bebb Park Lane, Okeana, OH 45053. Also Dec. 5-6.

"Take in the sights, sounds and scents of the season! The Pioneer Village will be decorated with thousands of mini lights and luminaries. Each cabin will be beautifully decorated for Christmas. Entertainment will include music, pioneer cooking demonstrations including food samples, crafts, and activities. Take your family photo on an authentic sleigh. Snacks and warm beverages will be available for purchase. And a MetroParks shop will offer holiday themed items. This holiday outing will be a new family tradition!" (from MetroParks of Butler County).

"It's a Wonderful Life" Readers' Theatre - Axis Church - 7 p.m. $5/person (2 and under free). 4503 Route 42, Mason, Ohio 45040.

"This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve." (from Axis Church).

Monroe Community Chorus - "A 1940's Christmas Homecoming" - FREE - 7:30 p.m. 206 East AvenueMonroe, OH 45050.

12 Days of Christmas - Loveland - various events leading up to Christmas in Loveland on Dec. 12. Loveland United Methodist Church - 6-9 p.m. "A Living Nativity".

A Charlie Brown Christmas - The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati - Taft Theatre. 7:30 p.m.

Chistmas Saengerfest - Over-the-Rhine (also Dec. 5) - 5-11 p.m.

"See award winning choirs from the World Choir Games and visit four great venues in Over-The-Rhine. Tour the Churches and Brewery. Help support numerous organizations with one ticket. Get around Christmas Saengerfest by shuttle buses. Buses will be available to take patrons from venue to venue." (from www.christmassaengerfest.com).

The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5

Santa Visit - Skidaddles Mason - 12:30-1:30 p.m. FREE - Also FREE registration and a fun open house.

12 Days of Christmas - Loveland - various events leading up to Christmas in Loveland on Dec. 12. Loveland Middle School - 9 a.m. - 1p.m.

"Please join us for our 2nd Annual Breakfast with Santa event! Kids will have the opportunity to meet Santa, get their picture with Santa, create their wish list, crafts, cookie decorating and more! A continental breakfast will be served ($5 Per Person, $20 Max Per Family). Register today!" (from 12 Days of Christmas on Facebook).

Lebanon Horse Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival - 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. - Downtown Lebanon. Parades at 1 and 7 p.m. FREE.

Zachariah Johnson, 1898 Christmas Storyteller - 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The Village Green at the Warren County History Center, 105 S. Broadway, Lebanon, OH. FREE.

"Stop by before or after the famous Horse Carriage Parade and experience the famous Lebanon citizen Zachariah Johnson, 1898 Storyteller, who will delight children and adults of all ages with Christmas stories of days gone by." (from Warren County Historical Society).

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

"Build your own “Holiday Ornament” board game with Happen, Inc. or sing carols with Melodic Connections." (from WashingtonPark.org).

A Charlie Brown Christmas - The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati - Taft Theatre. 2 p.m.

Redsfest - Duke Energy Convention Center - 11 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - various departure times.

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)

Ohio Valley Hutchingson Jingle Bell Run/Walk - 10 a.m. - VOA MetroPark. Click here to register.

Holiday Market - Findlay Market - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The Nutcracker - Cincinnati Museum Center - 12:30 & 2:30 p.m. Reakirt auditorium. FREE (parking additional).

Tracks & Signs - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m. , 1p.m. & 4 p.m.

Oxford Holiday Festival - All day - FREE.

At the Community Art Center Craft Fair: 11am-7pm - Entertainment:– Noon: FLowing Grace Dance– 1:00: Singing Strings– 2:00: Bel Canto– 3:00: Fermata Nowhere– 4:00: THS Jazz Band– 6:00: Oxford Community BandLive Reindeer: 4:30-6:30pm, Kid Korner Krafts: 4:30-7:30pm, Santa Meet & Greet: 6:30-8:30pm
At the Uptown Parks Chamber Holiday Walk-Business Open Houses- 5:00-8:00pm, Musical Entertainment 5:30-7:00pm, Oxford Mayor Lights the Tree and Santa Arrives 6:00pm.

Christmas in the Village - Waynesville - FREE. Noon-9 p.m.

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.

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.

Ohio National Victorian Village - Saturday, December 5 from 5-8:30 p.m. FREE admission but nonperishable food donations welcomed (no glass containers, please) to be donated to the Freestore Foodbank. One Financial Way.

Brilliant Bebb - Illuminated Pioneer Village - 6-9 p.m. $10/car, $20/bus. Governor Bebb MetroPark: Covered Bridge1979 Bebb Park Lane, Okeana, OH 45053. Also Dec. 5-6.

"It's a Wonderful Life" Readers' Theatre - Axis Church - 6 p.m. $5/person (2 and under free). 4503 Route 42, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Monroe Community Chorus - "A 1940's Christmas Homecoming" - FREE - 7:30 p.m. 206 East AvenueMonroe, OH 45050.

Chistmas Saengerfest - Over-the-Rhine - 5-11 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6

Holiday Market - Findlay Market - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Christmas in the Village - Waynesville - FREE. Noon-5 p.m.

The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - various departure times.

Brunch with Santa - Mill Race Banquet Center - Great Parks of Hamilton County - call for availability. 10 a.m. & 12: 30 p.m. seatings. Call 513-728-3551, ext. 285. Also Dec. 13.

A Charlie Brown Christmas - The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati - Taft Theatre. 2 p.m.

Tracks & Signs - Highfield Discovery Garden - 1p.m. & 4 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.)

Taft Museum of Art - FREE admission on Sunday! Antique Christmas exhibit now open.

Babes in Toyland & Mother Goose - Hosted by The Arts Alliance & Deerfield Twp. Art making activity at 2 p.m. (free). Show is at 3 p.m. (doors open for seating at 2:30 p.m. - tickets only $2/person). Kings High School.

Brilliant Bebb - Illuminated Pioneer Village - 6-9 p.m. $10/car, $20/bus. Governor Bebb MetroPark: Covered Bridge1979 Bebb Park Lane, Okeana, OH 45053. Also Dec. 5-6.

"It's a Wonderful Life" Readers' Theatre - Axis Church - 7 p.m. $5/person (2 and under free). 4503 Route 42, Mason, Ohio 45040.

Journey to Bethlehem - Heritage Presbyterian Church - 5-8 p.m. - FREE - 6546 S. Mason Montgomery Rd., Mason.

"Experience a walk through the City of Bethlehem, during the time of Christ's birth. A simple meal will be served throughout the evening. Explore the culture of Bethlehem in Jesus' day. Listen to the music of prophecy sung by the Little Miami Select Women's Chorale. Sense the mystery of the Annunciation through liturgical dance. Watch Joseph and Mary's journey in a puppet show. Meet the Innkeeper. Talk to the Wise Men and the Shepherds. Appreciate a live nativity." (from Heritage Presbyterian Church).

Christmas in Warren County - FREE concert - Mason United Methodist Church - Carols we Love - 7 p.m. 6315 S. Mason-Montgomery Rd., Mason.

Arrival of St. Nicholas - Mainstrasse Village, Covington - 6 p.m. - FREE.

Wed, Dec. 9

Krohn by Candlelight - 5-7:30 p.m.

"Enjoy the beauty of the Krohn exhibit by the light of holiday twinkle. Make it take it holiday bows, photos by Nicholas Viltrakis Photography and visits from Santa from 5p.m.- 7p.m." (from Cincinnati Parks).

Thurs., Dec. 10

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer - 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m. $25/ticket.

"There's nothing quite like the unique sound of the Albee Theater's Mighty Wurlitzer -- an orchestra and more all in one organ! 2001 Theater Organist of the Year Jelani Eddington, along with Cincinnati Opera Young Artist Tyler Alessi and students from the Cincinnati Ballet Otto M. Buddig Academy, will perform holiday favorites with all of the bells, whistles, and special effects that only an instrument as grand as the Mighty Wurlitzer can create! Relive your memories of yesterday as you create new memories of tomorrow with your friends and family!" (from cincinnatiarts.org).

Ongoing Holiday Events:

Christmas at Glendower - Dec. 4-27 - Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY) - Glendower Historic Mansion, 105 Cincinnati Avenue, Lebanon, OH 45036.

The Christmas Ranch - Nov. 27 - Dec. 31, Sun-Thursday, 5-9 pm, Fri & Sat - 5-10 pm, Admission - $20/car Fri, Sat. & Sun, $15 Mon-Thurs. Closed Christmas Even & Christmas Day. Holiday light display. 3205 S. Waynesville Road in Morrow, Ohio 45152.

Cinderella - Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati - Dec. 2 through 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." (from Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati)

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

12 Days of Christmas - Loveland - various events leading up to Christmas in Loveland on Dec. 12. Loveland Middle School - 9 a.m. - 1p.m.

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.

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

"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)

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.