COVER

THE Winter Guide

76 things to do in Cinci i when , s c d o side

BY CITYBEAT STAFF

Winter is set to descend upon Cincinnati,

and with it come a flurry of seasonal attractions. Many arrive with the trappings of the holidays — Santa suits, vague Christian imagery, dancing nutcrackers — while others offer an enticing alternative to sitting on your couch under a weighted blanket. So if you’re looking to make merry this December, here’s a list of things to do, from ice skating and checking out light displays to drinking in igloos and catching a live reading of the Die Hard script.

15 Light Displays

Christmas Glow at Land of Illusion

A haunted horror town during Halloween and a family-friendly splash zone during the summer, Land of Illusion transforms into a drive-through holiday light display each winter. Christmas Glow o ers more than 3.8 million lights, singing penguins and reindeer, a petting zoo, carnival rides, boozy beverages in the Elf Lounge and a Christmas village with a 45-foot-tall tree. rough Dec. 30. $9 online. 8762 omas Road, Middletown, lando llusion.com.

Coney Island’s Nights of Lights

Drive through this dazzling light display and see “more than 2 million lights synchronized to a mix of traditional and rocking holiday music,” per Coney Island. ere will be a giant Christmas tree, illuminated snow akes, light tunnels and other glowing thematic displays. rough Jan. 2. $25 Monday- ursday and $30 Friday-Sunday for 1-8 person vehicles; $50 9-15 person vehicles; $50 16+ person vehicles. 6201 Kellogg Ave., California, coneyislandpark.com.

Deck the Y’alls Lightfest

e Florence Y’alls omas More Stadium will be overrun with holiday lights and interactive displays during Deck the Y’alls Lightfest. Guests are invited to walk directly onto the eld and experience the magic of the season, complete with 2 million lights choreographed to music, multiple themed displays and several interactive elements. e centerpiece will be a whopping 50-foot animated tree. ere will also be an ice rink, s’mores-friendly re pits, holiday shopping and Friday reworks displays. rough Jan. 1. $14-$22 adults; $10-$18 ages 4-12; $12-$18 seniors/military. omas More Stadium, 7950 Freedom Way, Florence, decktheyalls.com.

PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Voted the No. 1 zoo light display in

Photo: Provided

America by readers of USA Today, the 40th-annual PNC Festival of Lights takes over the zoo with more than 4 million LED bulbs. Wander in the “Wild Wonderland” to take in twinkling displays, watch a synchronized musical light show on Swan Lake or walk under giant glowing jelly sh. ere will be wintry treats available, plus hidden Fiona fairies and a 24-foot-tall Fiona nutcracker will greet visitors. rough Jan. 8. Included with zoo admission (prices vary by day). 3400 Vine St., Avondale, cincinnatizoo.org. replaced the Holiday in Lights drive-thru display at Sharon Woods with a new Holidays on the Farm event. Parky’s Farm will be decorated in festive lights, inviting guests to explore lit-up nature trails at Winton Woods. Activities include wagon rides, an illuminated beer garden, food trucks, caroling, holiday movie showings and a meet-and-greet with Santa. rough Dec. 23. $12 advance and $15 door adults; $10 ages 2-12; free 23 months and under. Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm, 10073 Daly Road, Greenhills, greatparks.org.

Holidays on the Farm at Winton Woods/Parky’s Farm

Great Parks of Hamilton County has

Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum

e drive-through light show features

over a million lights, as well as scenic holiday displays and artist installations, some of which are new this year. e park partnered with independent artists and the community to bring the show to life in new ways, including an expanded installation from the Yarn Bombers and two new displays by projection artist Doug Borntrager. rough Jan. 1. $25 carload nonmembers; $15 carload members; free for Hamilton residents on Tuesdays. 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton, journeyborealis.com.

Light in the Forest at the Cincinnati Nature Center

Wander the woods in this themed light display set up along the Cincinnati Nature Center’s trails. is year’s expanded attraction includes more lights, displays by local artists, live music, a decorated historic home, a bon re and shopping. Dec. 1-Jan. 1. $12 non-member and $10 member adult; $7 non-member and $5 member child. 4949 Tealtown Road, Milford, cincynature.org.

Light Up the Fair

is Northern Kentucky drive-through light display spans two miles with over a half-million dazzling lights, synchronized to music through each visitor’s car radio. rough Dec. 31. $7 per person or $25 per carload (4-8 people); free for children under 4, active military and rst responders. Boone County Fairgrounds, 5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington, lightupthefair.com.

Light Up Middletown

is “fantasy drive-thru light display” in Middletown’s 100-acre Smith Park not only decks the halls with tons of glowing holiday displays, it also serves as a fundraiser for Middletown City Parks. rough Dec. 31. Cash donation. Smith Park, 500 Tytus Ave., Middletown, lightupmiddletown.org.

Light Up Oakley

e entire neighborhood gets in on the action during Light Up Oakley, a holiday contest that aims to set the streets aglow.

Photo: Provided

Businesses and residents can enter their light displays in categories such as Best Window, Best emed and even the coveted Griswold Award. Winners announced Jan. 3. Free to wander. Oakley, oakleynow.com/lights.

Winter Nights & River Lights at the Purple People Bridge

e Purple People Bridge will be adorned with thousands of lights, glowing yarn art and themed holiday projections this winter, all set to seasonal tunes. A 25-foot Christmas Wish Tree will help “provide gifts for individuals in need such as troubled teens, disabled individuals, and disadvantaged seniors,” per an event description. rough Jan. 8. Free admission. 1 Levee Way, Newport, purplepeoplebridge.com.

Legendary Lights of Historic Clifton Mill

For the 35th year, Clifton Mill will be decked out in dazzling lights this winter — 4 million of them. e historic Yellow Springs mill, plus the surrounding trees, riverbank and covered bridge, will all be illuminated from bottom-to-top in colorful lights. rough Dec. 30. $10 MondayWednesday; $15 ursday-Sunday; free for 3 and under. 75 Water St., Yellow Springs, cliftonmill.com.

The Christmas Ranch

is winter wonderland features 1 million lights synchronized to music. Drive along an animated, illuminated route or park the car to visit the Christmas village with six shops, a bakery and café, and train and wagon rides. A portion of proceeds bene t St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Little Miami Food Pantry, Neediest Kids of All and Shriners Hospital for children. Timed tickets required. rough Dec. 23. $22 per carload; $33 oversized vans; free parking. 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow, thechristmasranch.com.

Let it Glow at Rockwern Academy

is drive-through Hanukkah display celebrates the festival of lights with glowing in atables, handmade decor and more. ere will be a special community night on Dec. 18 with hot cocoa, donuts and food for purchase. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 18-22 and Dec. 24. Free admission. 8401 Montgomery Road, Kenwood, rockwernacademy.org.

ChristmasTown at the Creation Museum

Helmed by the fundamentalist Answers in Genesis Christian group, the Creation Museum puts the “Christ” in Christmas as it transforms its botanical gardens into a giant holiday light display, complete with a live nativity, petting zoo, ice skating rink, gift shop and zip line. rough Dec. 30. Outdoor exhibit is free; some attractions require a ticket. 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, Kentucky, creationmuseum.org.

Opposite: Deck the Y’alls Lightfest. Left: Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill.

3 Ice Sk ing Rinks

Fifty West Brewing Co.

e brewery transforms into a seasonal winter wonderland with the addition of an ice skating rink. rough Feb. 27. $10 (includes skate rental). 7605 Wooster Pike, Columbia Township, ftywestbrew.com.

Fountain Square Ice Rink

is Downtown rink o ers both bumper cars and ice skating. Opt for skating only or split your time. Stop by the heated tent on-site for concessions. rough Feb. 20. $10 skating; $15 bumper cars and skating. 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Summit Park Ice Rink

Skate under the colored-glass canopy at Summit this winter and enjoy a hot chocolate or boozy beverage. Check the calendar for themed nights. rough Jan. 8. $7 (includes skate rental). 4335 Glendale Milford Road, Blue Ash, summitparkblueash.com.

6 Igl Bars

AC Upper Deck

Get a birds eye view of the Banks from the igloos at the AC Upper Deck. Each can seat eight people and includes a heater. ere is a food and drink minimum. $32 reservation fee. 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, the Banks, acupperdeck.com.

Bridgeview Igloos

Head to Bridgeview Box Park at Newport on the Levee for some cozy igloo action. Each is decked in holiday decor, with food and drinks available from Rotolo. Igloos seat up to eight people and reservations are required 48 hours in advance. rough Jan. 8. $40 per hour with a twohour minimum. Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport, newportonthelevee.com.

Photo: Provided by City of Blue Ash Photo: Provided

IGLOOBAR at Braxton Brewing Co.

Keep cozy in one of 10 heated rooftop igloos, featuring a ski-resort theme. Order a butter board or beer cheese, cocktails and Braxton brews. Seats up to eight people for 2.5-hour time slots and includes a Bluetooth speaker. $35 to reserve. 27 W. Seventh St., Covington, braxtonigloo.com.

Frosthaus

Enjoy frozen cocktails, ice cream, tater tots and atbreads in a private igloo for up to eight people. e igloo can be reserved for two or three hours, and there is a food and drink minimum. $35 to reserve, $100 tab minimum for all evening reservations. 115 Park Place, Covington, frosthauscov.com.

The View at Shires’ Garden

e rooftop deck at Shires’ Garden has brought back its igloos and special garden greenhouses for the winter. Reservations are required in advance for parties of two, four and up to eight people to snag a spot for up to two hours. Each dome has a heater and individual speakers, plus a food and drink minimum. $50 deposit. 309 Vine St., 10th Floor, Downtown, theviewatshiresgarden.com.

Vista at Lytle Park Snow Globes

e rooftop at Vista at Lytle Park will be decked out with heated “snow globes,” a.k.a. igloos, all full of themed winter decor, r trees, ornaments and woodsy ephemera like cute critters and pinecones. Get hot chocolate, food and cocktails delivered. 311 Pike St., Downtown, vistaatlytlepark.com.

3 Tiny Trains

Celestial Holiday at Krohn Conservatory

e conservatory will be transformed into “a glowing winter wonderland surrounded by sparkling lights and shining

Photo: Provided

stars,” as well as thematic winter orals. e centerpiece model train display features locomotives zipping through botanical recreations of local landmarks, utilizing material like wood and moss to make mini versions of the spectacular originals. rough Jan. 7. $10 adults; $7 ages 5-17; free for 4 and under. 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mt. Adams, cincinnati-oh.gov/ cincyparks.

Holiday Junction at the Cincinnati Museum Center

Holiday Junction features the 75th appearance of the wildly popular and intricate Duke Energy Holiday Trains. e display includes more than 300 toy rail cars and 60 locomotives that run on 1,000 feet of track in a wintry diorama. Guests can get a unique birds-eye view from a variety of walkways, try their hand at a garden railway scavenger hunt or wander the Brickopolis LEGO display. rough Jan. 2. $10; free 2 and under; free for members. 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate, cincymuseum.org.

Holly Jolly Holidays at the Behringer-Crawford Museum

e museum is o ering an expanded winter display this year, with the return of Holiday Toy Trains and the addition of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: e Exhibit. e show will feature Edith Head-designed costumes from the 1954 holiday classic White Christmas, along with lm memorabilia. rough Jan, 8. $9 adults; $8 seniors; $5 ages 3-17; free for members. 1600 Montague Road, Covington, bcmuseum.org.

10 Onstage Events

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens’ feel-good Christmas favorite graces the West Side with “the most famous haunters of all.” e ghosts of Christmas past, present and future visit Ebenezer Scrooge for a whimsical musical production of a truly wonderful holiday tale that everyone should see at least once. Dec. 1-23. $31 adults; $28 seniors/students. Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., Covedale, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Cincinnati Ballet presents a true holiday classic: e Nutcracker. e enchanted dreamland comes to life once again thanks to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score and the brilliant Cincinnati Ballet company. It’s a traditional way to get into the spirit with the whole family. Dec. 15-24. Tickets start at $59. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cballet.org.

Far left: Summit Park Ice Rink. Left: Braxton Brewing Co. Igloos. Below: Holiday Junction at Cincinnati Museum Center.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

Acrobat Santa doesn’t need a sleigh. Holiday spirit will soar through Cincinnati in this Broadway-style production featuring contemporary circus artistry, dazzling holiday costumes and festive feats of acrobatics. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3; 1 p.m. Dec. 4. Tickets start at $33.75. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!)

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company presents another season of “high-octane jollity and frivolity.” NSFW or true Santa believers, it’s a light-hearted spoof of classic Christmas tales like It’s a Wonderful Life and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that promises an evening of Santa-style belly laughs. Dec. 8-31. Tickets start at $14. Otto M. Budig eater, 1195 Elm St., Over-theRhine, cincyshakes.com.

Hip Hop Nutcracker

Hip-hop legend Kurtis Blow — the rst rapper ever signed by a major label — emcees the 10th season of this reimagined version of Tchaikovsky’s e Nutcracker. e 130-year-old ballet has been transformed into a dance spectacle and lively holiday celebration. Characters navigate modern-day New York City and nd themselves in the land of sweets. Seasonable rhymes sprinkle holiday cheer as the show makes its way to 30 cities across the country. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. Tickets start at $30. Taft eatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, tafttheatre.org.

Holidazed

e Village Players of Fort omas present a series of nine new plays celebrating the season. With titles like Merry Whatever, A Christmas Uncarol and Santa’s Hard Road to Ho, these original stories are merrily unique and sure to be entertaining. A “fun and funny holiday pick-me-up” performed by local talent. Dec. 2-10. $20. e Village Players of Fort omas, 8 N. Ft omas Ave., Ft. omas, villageplayers.org.

Live Script Reading of Die Hard

Yippee ki-yay, motherfuckers. e six-annual script reading of Die Hard comes to Woodward eater as local comedians transform themselves into John McClane, Hans Gruber, Karl and the gang for a one-night-only, actionpacked holiday event. Formal attire recommended. 6:30 p.m. doors Dec. 19. Free admission,

but reserve seating in advance. Woodward eater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine, instagram.com/ gorillacinemapresents.

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas

Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash come together to perform holiday hits and classic songs with a jingle bell twist in this “heartwarming holiday rock ‘n’ roll musical.” It’ll be a hunk of burning Christmas love in this jam-packed night of holiday medleys with a jolly rock n’ roll are. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20. Tickets start at $39. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig’s Holiday Party

is season, while the Cincinnati Playhouse hits pause on its annual production of A Christmas Carol due to venue construction, the Ghost of Christmas Past visits to usher you back to the Victorian-era holiday party of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig. Held at the Phoenix, interactive festivities include mingling with carolers and actors, arts and crafts, Victorian-era dance lessons, games, puppet shows and more, all to get you in the holiday spirit. 7 p.m. Dec. 14-17; 2 p.m. Dec. 17-18. Tickets start at $60. e Phoenix, 812 Race St., Downtown, cincyplay.com.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.

A spirited adaptation of classics Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Holly Jolly Christmas, this play glitters with stars like Santa Claus, Rudolph, Yukon Cornelius and one jolly giant who is possibly the most exciting of them all: the Abominable Snow Monster. A perfect expression of holiday magic for children. Public performances Dec. 10-18. Tickets start at $37.25. Taft eatre, 317 E. Fifth St., Downtown, thechildrenstheatre.com.

10 H iday Concerts

Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine

Local folk rockers Over the Rhine bring their annual Christmas concert to Memorial Hall. 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17; 4 p.m. Dec. 18. $44$74. Memorial Hall, 1225 Elm St., Overthe-Rhine, memorialhallotr.com.

A Boy Band Christmas

It may be cold outside, but it’s about to be 98 degrees inside Hard Rock Casino for A Boy Band Christmas. is holiday concert features all your favorites from the 1990s: Drew Lachey, Justin Je ree and Je Timmons of Cincinnati’s hometown harmonizers 98 Degrees; members of All-4-One and O-Town; and Ryan Cabrera.

Photo: Provided by Friends of Music Hall Photo: media assets

Photo: Tony Arrasmith, Arrasmith and Associates

8 p.m. Dec. 17. Tickets start at $74. Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Downtown, hardrockcasinocincinnati.com.

A Very Motherfolk Christmas

Local indie group Motherfolk presents their annual Christmas show. 6:30 p.m. Dec. 17. $20. Bogart’s, 2621 Vine St., Corryville, livenation.com.

Christmas with No Promises

Local a cappella ensemble No Promises hosts multiple holiday shows featuring tunes from the likes of Pentatonix, Gordon Lightfoot and Andy Williams. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 ($25) at the Carnegie, 1028 Scott Blvd., Covington, thecarnegie. com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 (free) at Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road, Montgomery, nopromisesvocalband.com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 (free) at St. Columban Parish, 894 Oakland Road, Loveland, nopromisesvocalband.com. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 ($25) at Warsaw Federal Incline eatre, 801 Matson Place, Price Hill, cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer

Music Hall’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ comes to life with holiday classics and vocal performances from the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus. Dancers from the Cincinnati Ballet’s academy will also perform pieces from e Nutcracker. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. $32; $27 students/seniors. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatiarts.org.

Holiday Pops

John Morris Russell conducts the Cincinnati Pops, with additional appearances by the Annie Moses Band and local high school ensembles, in a program of winter and holiday hits. 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Tickets start at $26. Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, cincinnatisymphony.org.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Listen to the sound of Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas classics, plus songs by founder and leader Chip Davis. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 26. Tickets start at

Above left: Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer. Above: Over the Rhine. Left: Mr. & Mrs. Fezziwig’s Holiday Party.

$31.50. Arono Center, 650 Walnut St., Downtown, cincinnatiarts.org.

Santamania 2022

e self-described “annual wild-ass holly jolly Jingle Ball” is back at the Mockbee with all of Cincinnati’s best underground bands on three di erent stages. Acts include Tweens, Leggy, Vacation, Fruit LoOops, Blood Chill and more, including a handful of acts from Lexington, Philadelphia and Columbus. 6 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17. $10, e Mockbee, 2260 Central Parkway, Brighton, facebook.com/themockbee.

The Christmas Schmidtacular with Mandy Gaines

e jazzy Steve Schmidt Trio plays seasonal songs with Mandy Gaines. 7-8:15 p.m. and 9-10:15 p.m. Dec. 15. $10-$40. Ca e Vivace, 975 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, ca evivace.com.

Maurice Mattei & The Tempers Christmas Show

Local musical storyteller and singer/ songwriter Mattei presents his Christmas show with his band the Tempers. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Southgate House Revival, 111 E. Sixth St., Newport, southgatehouse.com.

7 Shopping Pop- Ups

Art on Vine

Art on Vine o ers two pre-holiday shopping ops at Rhinegeist. Browse goods from more than 80 local artisans and crafters. Noon-7 p.m. Dec. 11 and 18. Free admission. Rhinegeist, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, artonvinecincy.com.

The City Flea

e ea’s holiday market takes place over

Photo: Hailey Bollinger

the course of two days, with one night session and one during daylight hours to double the charm and double the chance to snag some gifts. 4-9 p.m. with an 11 a.m.-4 p.m. earlybird market Dec. 17; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 18. Free admission. Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine, thecity ea.com.

Fern Holiday Market

More than a dozen local makers will be taking over the Fern College Hill location, including Baqette, Four Eyes Ceramics, Prospect Jam Co. and Una Floral. Local artists will create custom portraits, and Kiki, Mom ‘n ‘em and Goosefoot Cook & Grow will o er concessions. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 4. Free admission. 6040 Hamilton Ave., College Hill, fern-shop.com.

Holiday Market at Findlay Market

Farmers, makers and crafters head to the market for a two-day seasonal celebration. ere will be gifts, seasonal cocktails and tree sales, which include a commemorative ornament from Lucca. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 3; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 4. Free admission. 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, ndlaymarket.org.

Market Bleu

Shop local artist-made goods while taking in the marvel that is the Contemporary Arts Center. ere will be live printmaking demonstrations, as well as live painting and live textile dyeing. 6-10 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown, marketbleu.com.

Wave Pool Holiday Bazaar

is holiday bazaar is an art show and sale featuring goods from makers throughout the community. Noon-5 p.m. Dec. 10. Free admission. 2940 Colerain Ave., Camp Washington, wavepoolgallery.org.

Winter Market at Washington Park

Little artisan huts are returning to the park to be lled each weekend with local vendors. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 18, except during the City Flea holiday market hours (see above). Free admission. 1230 Elm St., Over-theRhine, washingtonpark.org.

22 Winter Events

A Christmas Nightmare at Dent Schoolhouse

e Halloween ghouls at Dent have been replaced by Krampus, Mrs. Claws and an evil crew of elves, bent on terrifying instead of bringing cheer. 6-9 p.m. Dec. 9 and 10. $30; $50 fast-pass; $60 front of line. 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent, dentschoolhouse.com.

Cincinnati SantaCon

It’s about to get sloppy. Hundreds of humans dressed in Santa out ts will be taking over Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Newport and Covington in a holiday pub crawl. ere will be singing and drinking; proceeds bene t the Cure Starts Now, a nonpro t focused on cancer research. Noon-midnight Dec. 10. $10 registration fee. Check in at Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton, cincinnatisantacon.com.

Downtown Dazzle at Fountain Square

e ice rink and giant tree on Fountain Square will be complemented by Downtown Dazzle, which features Santa rappelling from a nearby skyscraper and a reworks show to close out the night. 6-8:30 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 17. Free admission. 520 Vine St., Downtown, myfountainsquare.com.

Hanukkah on Fountain Square

e Mayerson JCC, Jewish Federation of Cincinnati and Chabad of Southern Ohio are hosting this event on Fountain Square featuring an outdoor menorah lighting, a light show and access to the ice rink.

Photo: Provided Photo: Provided

Photo: Adam Doty

6-8 p.m. Dec. 21. Free admission. 520 Vine St., Downtown, mayersonjcc.org.

Holiday Display at the Taft Museum of Art

e Taft o ers two holiday displays this year. e Duncanson Foyer will feature a tree, produced in collaboration with Wave Pool’s Welcome Project, featuring the work of artists Gabriela Falconi-Piedra (Ecuador), Pedro Moreno (Bolivia) and Fabiola Rodríguez Ornelas (Mexico). e 6-foot installation, titled “Vuelo Sin Fronteras/Flight Without Borders,” will be covered in paper and fabric birds, butter ies and owers to “explore the concepts of migration, belonging, and diversity,” per the museum. e Taft will also display silver tea and co ee services and holiday decor in the dining room, authentic to the home’s 19th-century heyday. rough Jan. 8. $12 adults; $10 seniors; free children and members. 316 Pike St., Downtown, taftmuseum.org.

Clockwise from top left: Miracle at Overlook Lodge; Holly Days at Heritage Village Museum; Bird by Gabriela Falconi-Piedra at Taft Museum of Art; Mt. Adams Reindog Parade.

to Christmas songs, make some crafts and visit Mother Christmas. Noon-4 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. $10 adult; $5 ages 5-11; free for members and those under 4. Heritage Village Museum, Sharon Woods, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville, heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

Independence Christmas Walk

e 26th-annual City of Independence Christmas Walk features a 5K, strolling Santa, craft vendors, a tree-lighting ceremony and a lighted Christmas parade. 1-9 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Independence, Kentucky, facebook.com/ cityo ndependenceKY.

Holly Days at Heritage Village Museum

Heritage Village is a recreated 19th-century village and living museum. During Holly Days, go back in time and meet Charles Dickens, listen to a reading of A Christmas Carol, see homes decorated in traditional Victorian holiday decor, listen

Lebanon Horse-Drawn Carriage Parade & Festival

e 33rd-annual parade and festival features two (!) processions of horse-drawn carriages, plus a whimsical festival featuring live entertainment, craft vendors, holiday activities and plenty of food in Lebanon’s quaint downtown. It’s like the

setting of a Hallmark movie. Parades at 1 and 7 p.m.; festival 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. Lebanon, Ohio, lebanonchamber.org.

Light Up College Hill

Downtown College Hill gets a holiday makeover with a tree lighting, train rides, live reindeer, a visit from Santa and tons of family-friendly winter activities. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 8. Free admission. College Hill Business District, College Hill, chcurc. com/lightupcollegehill.

Light Up St. Bernard

St. Bernard is hosting a friendly competition. e seventh-annual event pits home against home to see which has the best holiday light display. Houses will be judged on Dec. 3 and visitors can vote by dropping canned goods in containers outside their favorite. e event gene ts the St. Clement Food Pantry. 5-8 p.m. Dec. 3. Free admission. St. Bernard, searchable on Facebook.

Light Up Wyoming

Wyoming will be aglow with luminaria during this community celebration. Santa will be at the Village Green gazebo with a live reindeer display and some holiday vendors. Check out ice carvers, listen to holiday tunes or grab a snack. 6-8 p.m. Dec. 10. Free admission. Downtown Wyoming, Wyoming, jwcwyoming.org.

Miracle at the Overlook Lodge

e Shining-themed Overlook gets a holiday makeover and transforms into Miracle, a kitschy winter wonderland. ere will be themed cocktails, such as the tequila-infused Grandma Got Run Over by a T-Rex (in a dinosaur mug), plus tons of over-the-top decor, including tinsel, fake trees, strands of lights and ornaments stuck in every nook and cranny. Advance tickets are required for a one-hour experience that includes a welcome shot and two drinks. rough Dec. 25. Tickets start at $35 for a seat at the bar and go up to $280 for eight people. 6083 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge, thatshiningbar.com.

Mt. Adams Reindog Parade

For more than two decades, decorated pups have taken to the streets of Mt. Adams for an annual costumed Reindog Parade. is year, Santa leads the procession. 2 p.m. Dec. 10. Free to register (12:30-1:45 p.m.). e Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place, Mt. Adams, mtadamscincy.org.

North Pole Express

Take a ride on the Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad’s North Pole Express. Hop on the vintage-style train for a journey that includes a visit with Santa and his elves, holiday lights and hot

Photo: Provided by 3CDC Photo: Provided

Photo: Provded by Kings Island

chocolate. Kids can ring a special bell and get a cookie. rough Dec. 23. $22-$50; $5 infants. 16 E. South St., Lebanon, lebanonrr.com.

OTR Raildog Parade

e 10th-annual costumed puppy parade will take dogs and their owners from Queen City Radio to Washington Park and back for some holiday cheer. Time TBD Dec. 17. Free admission. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Overthe-Rhine, search OTR Kennel Club on Facebook.

Pennifold’s Pub Holiday Magic

e Pennifold’s Pub pop-up brings Christmas to the Wizarding World with a themed drinking experience. Cocktails include a warm butterscotch ale, like Harry Potter’s Butterbeer, and a Pumpkin Delight with whiskey. Kids are welcome until 9 p.m. rough Dec. 31. $5 bar seat; $10 table for two; $20 table for four. Cosmic Gorilla, 1834 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, pennifoldspub.com.

Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium

e man in red goes underwater in this annual holiday display at the aquarium. Back for the 20th year, Santa will greet fans and listen to wishes while elves and sand tiger sharks keep him company. rough Dec. 24. Tickets start at $29.99 adult and $14.99 child. 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, newportaquarium.com.

Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt

e Servatii Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt aims to bring some European air and holiday traditions to the Banks, with warm glühwein (spiced wine), food, and items like authentic cuckoo clocks, nutcrackers, ornaments, candy and more for sale. Visitors can also create personalized Christmas stockings and ornaments. ere will also be entertainment throughout the season, plus rentable igloos. rough Dec. 31. Schmidlapp Event Lawn, Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown, cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com.

Above left: Shillito’s Elves. Above: Scuba Santa at Newport Aquarium. Left: WinterFest at Kings Island.

Shillito’s Elves at the Foundry

e famous Shillito’s Elves will be on display at the Foundry near Fountain Square. e decades-old elves rst got their start in the storefront window of Cincinnati’s rst department store, Shillito’s, in the 1950s. e mechanized gures depict various Christmas scenes, like the elves building toys in Santa’s workshop and sorting mail to Santa. rough Jan. 3. Free to see. e Foundry, 505 Vine St., Downtown, downtowncincinnati.com/elves.

Sippin’ Santa at Tiki Tiki Bang Bang

Old Saint Nick is feeling the mele kalikimaka spirit at Tiki Tiki Bang Bang. e Sippin’ Santa pop-up goes tropical for the holidays with island decor and rum cocktails. Free admission, no tickets required. 965 E. McMillan St., Walnut Hills, discoveryrumclub.com/sippin-santa.

WinterFest at Kings Island

Nostalgia descends on Kings Island for WinterFest, a nighttime holiday experience featuring ice skating under the theme park’s version of the Ei el Tower, millions of lights, live carolers, a Wonderland Parade, shopping, crafts and plenty of food. rough Dec. 31. Tickets start at $29.99. 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason, visitkingsisland.com.

Winter Solstice Celebration at Fibonacci Brewing Co.

is nanobrewery is celebrating the return of the sun and marks the end of the longest night of the year. Noon-11 p.m. Dec. 17. Fibonacci Brewing Company, 1445 Compton Road, Mt. Healthy, bbrew.com.