Holiday Happenings & Upcoming Events in Greater Cincinnati -Dec. 17-24, 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. 17
Thursday Art Play - Fiber Arts- Dec. 17-Contemporary Arts Center - 10:30 a.m. Included with museum admission, FREE for members.
Winter Plants - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
"Even though it may be cold outside, plants are still all around us. Learn which plants stay green in the winter, which ones are used for crafts and decorations, and which ones produce those familiar holiday smells. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)" (from GreatParks.org)."
The Art of Yoga - Contemporary Arts Center - Noon-1 p.m.
(photo courtesy of Marvel Universe Live)
Marvel Universe Live! - Opening Night - US Bank Arena - Dec. 17-20 - Kids tickets start at $20.
Friday, Dec. 18
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.
"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).
Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-8 p.m. - every Friday & Sat. through Dec. 19 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.
Winter Plants - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
"Even though it may be cold outside, plants are still all around us. Learn which plants stay green in the winter, which ones are used for crafts and decorations, and which ones produce those familiar holiday smells. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)" (from GreatParks.org)."
The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - various departure times.
Marvel Universe Live! - US Bank Arena - Dec. 17-20 - Kids tickets start at $20.
DigiTour: Slay Bells Ice - Dec. 18 - 5:30 p.m. - Bogarts.
Frisch's presents "The Nutcracker" - Opening Night - Aronoff Center for the Arts - Dec. 18-27. Cincinnati Ballet & Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday, Dec. 19
CAC @21C - Contemporary Arts Center and 21C Museum - two tours, one hour - FREE. Meet in lobby of 21C Museum first.
Winter Solstice Celebraton Weekend- Cincinnati Museum Center - Dec. 19-20, Noon-3 p.m.
"Come and celebrate holidays from around the world! Enjoy a weekend of fun, hands-on activities about Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa and La Posada." (from www.cincymuseum.org).
Santa Skates - Fountain Square Ice Rink - lace up your skates and skate with Santa from Noon-1 p.m. - Dec. 19-20.
Homemade Holiday - Krohn Conservatory -"Make it EVER(green) - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - plant a recycled K-cup.
"How to Catch Santa" - Storytime at Barnes & Noble in West Chester - 11 a.m. - FREE.
Wild n Wooly Nature Trivia - Sharon Woods Nature Center - 1-3 p.m. - FREE.
Holiday Crafts Weekend - Dec. 19 - Woodland Mound - Seasongood Nature Center - ages 5-12 can make a craft - $1/craft - 1-3 p.m.
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).
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)
Winter Plants - Highfield Discovery Garden - 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m. & 4 p.m.
"Even though it may be cold outside, plants are still all around us. Learn which plants stay green in the winter, which ones are used for crafts and decorations, and which ones produce those familiar holiday smells. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)" (from GreatParks.org)."
Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-8 p.m. - every Friday & Sat. through Dec. 19 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.
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.
Marvel Universe Live! - US Bank Arena - Dec. 17-20 - Kids tickets start at $20.
Sing in the Holidays - "Handel's Messiah" - Lebanon Symphony Orchestra - Dec. 19 - Lebanon Presbyterian Church - 7:30 -10:30 p.m. - Tickets needed (dinner by the bite prior to the show, optional at 6 p.m.).
Circus Mojo's Christmas Show- Dec. 19 - 7:30 p.m. - Benefits The Social Cirucs Foundation - St. Boniface & James Church, 304 Oak St., Covington, KY. Suggested donation of $10/adults and $5/children.
Sunday, Dec. 20
Taffy Pull - Dec. 20 - 1 p.m. - Farbarch-Werner Nature Preserve - $6/person (registration required).
Winter Solstice Celebraton Weekend- Cincinnati Museum Center - Dec. 19-20, Noon-3 p.m.
"Come and celebrate holidays from around the world! Enjoy a weekend of fun, hands-on activities about Hanukkah, Lunar New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa and La Posada." (from www.cincymuseum.org).
Santa Skates - Fountain Square Ice Rink - lace up your skates and skate with Santa from Noon-1 p.m. - Dec. 19-20.
Holiday Crafts Weekend - Dec. 20 - Woodland Mound - Seasongood Nature Center - ages 5-12 can make a craft - $1/craft - 1-3 p.m.
"Handel's Messiah" - Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra - Music Hall - 2 p.m. - Children's tickets only $10.
The North Pole Express - LM&M Railroad - Lebanon - various departure times.
Winter Plants - Highfield Discovery Garden - 1p.m. & 4 p.m.
"Even though it may be cold outside, plants are still all around us. Learn which plants stay green in the winter, which ones are used for crafts and decorations, and which ones produce those familiar holiday smells. Glenwood Gardens/Highfield Discovery Garden (Program included in Highfield admission: $2/person)" (from GreatParks.org)."
Santa at Macy's Fountain Place - Noon-6 p.m. - every Sunday through Dec. 20 - FREE. Bring your own camera for pictures.
Marvel Universe Live! - US Bank Arena - Dec. 17-20 - Kids tickets start at $20.
Monday, Dec. 21
Ongoing Holiday Events (now categorized)
Nativities:
Crib of the Nativity - Krohn Conservatory - Dec. 12 - Jan. 2, 2016 - FREE (outdoor display).
68th Nativity Display - Comboni Missionaries - opens Dec. 13, 4-9 p.m. and runs through Dec. 30 (6-9 p.m. daily, 3-6 p.m. Christmas Eve and Closed Christmas Day). FREE - donations for local food banks welcomed. 1318 Nagel Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio 45255.
St. Francis Seraph - Live Nativity - outdoor courtyard - 1-7 p.m., daily through Jan. 6, 2016 - FREE - enter through gates off of Liberty.
Christmas Creche Display (from St. Francis Serpah) - FREE.
"The annual Christmas Creche display has moved this year to the Christian Moerlein Tap Room, 1621 Moore Street, with extended viewing hours. Dates are November 28 through January 1, 2016."(From http://sfsparish.electricembers.net/advent/
Wed/Thurs 4 – 10 pm
Friday 4 – Midnight
Saturday Noon – Midnight
Sunday 1:00 pm – 7 pm
Holiday Shows/Performing Arts:
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some) - Cincinnati Shakespeare Company - Dec. 16-27. 719 Race St., Cincinnati.
Frisch's Presents "The Nutcracker"- Aronoff Center for the Arts - Dec. 18-27 - Cincinnati Ballet & the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra perform.
Awaited, A Christmas Experience - Cossroads Oakley - FREE but tickets required to attend. Dec. 4-23 - various times.
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)
A Christmas Carol - Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park - Nov. 25 - Dec. 30.
A Christmas Story, The Musical - La Comedia Dinner Theatre - Nov. 4 - Dec. 31.
Photos with Santa:
Photos with Santa - Liberty Center - Make a reservation to see Santa. Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sun, Noon-6 p.m.
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).
Santa at Kenwood Mall - through Nov. 24. Reserve your time online and save on pre-purchased Santa pictures. Click here for Santa times.
Fridays and Saturdays, November 27—December 19, 12-8 p.m.
Sundays, November 29—December 20; 12-6 p.m.
Monday – Thursday, December 21-24, 12-5 p.m.
Visit with an African American Santa from 3-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 3, 10, and 17!
Carriage Rides:
Carriage Rides - Liberty Center - $10/adult and kids 15 and under are FREE - through Dec. 23.
Holiday Displays:
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.
"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).
Gingerbread House Display - 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.
12 Days of Christmas - Loveland - various events leading up to Christmas in Loveland on Dec. 12. in dowtown Loveland.
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).
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).
Santa's Workshop - Featuring the Shillito Elves - open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays and closed Christmas Day) - 6940 Madisonville Rd. Tickets are $4/person with one child 3 and under FREE with a paying ticket. Tickets at entrance of display.
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).
Light Displays:
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.
Light Up Middletown - Nov. 26 - Dec. 31 - Smith Park, downtown Middletown - 6-10 p.m. nightly. Cash donation for admission.
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.
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.
Light up the Levee - Newport on the Levee - through Jan. 1 - FREE - light show every 20 minutes beginning at 5 p.m. to 1:50 a.m.
Holiday in Lights - Sharon Woods - Nov. 20 - Jan. 2, 2016 (Santaland through Dec. 23).
"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.
Trains:
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.
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).
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).
North Pole Express - Hop aboard an actual train. Departs from LM&M Railroad station in Leabanon - various departure times. Get your tickets in advance since many rides have sold out.
Ice Skating:
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).
Other Ongoing Events:
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)
Snow Tubing - Beach Mountain - The Beach Waterpark - Get discount coupons on eReach.com (save $3).
Disclaimer: Double check with venue in case dates/times have changed or to see if event cancelled due to inclement weather.
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