Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL – A Groundbreaking performance
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Friends,
On behalf of the City of Cincinnati, I am thrilled to welcome you! We are honored to host you in our great city, and I can’t wait for you to learn all about what makes us special.
You’re going to have a wonderful stay as you get to know our 52 diverse, vibrant, and walkable neighborhoods. Each community in our city is home to distinct and rich cultures, business centers, and personalities – but together, they make up one unified and proud Cincinnati. From downtown to College Hill, from the West Side to the East Side, you will find stunning architecture, exciting entertainment opportunities, and energetic residents ready to welcome you. We love our home, and we can’t wait to show you why.
Key Magazine Cincinnati is a great resource for learning about all the amazing attractions we have to offer in the area. With top-rated museums, theaters, parks, and restaurants – and one of the highest ranked zoos in the nation – there is something for everyone in the Queen City.
We are honored to welcome thousands of visitors among our guests each year, and we know your decision to visit will not leave you disappointed. Thank you for coming to Cincinnati, and we’re excited to see you back here soon.
Sincerely,
Aftab Pureval Mayor, City of Cincinnati
www.idlewildwoman.com
Cover and cover story photos by Olivier Brajon KEY/CINCINNATI MAGAZINE P O BOX 37137 CINCINNATI, OHIO 45222 513-235-7965
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Abreakthrough ice experience…
CRYSTAL is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd creation and explores the artistic possibilities of ice for the first time. This unique production pushes boundaries of performance by combining stunning skating and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.
Watch as world-class ice skaters and acrobats take their new frozen playground with speed and fluidity as they challenge the laws of gravity with never-before-seen acrobatics.
Follow our lead character, Crystal, on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she
dives into a world of her own imagination.
CRYSTAL invites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to a colorful life with astounding visual projections and an original score that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil.
CRYSTAL features an international cast composed of figure, extreme and freestyle ice skaters, acrobats, musicians and acomic character. Eighteen different nationalities are represented in the cast.
CRYSTAL by Cirque du Soleil at The Heritage Bank Center January 9-12, 2025
ARONOFF CENTER FOR THE ARTS
650 Walnut Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-621-2787 [ARTS]
Funny Girl: 12/1
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: 12/1
Toymaker’s Daughter: 12/5
Cirque Dreams Holidaze: 12/612/7
Hollapolooza: 12/7
‘Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical: 12/8
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical: 12/1012/15
David Choate’s Hot Chocolate: 12/13-12/15
Kenny Allan Smith-Home for the Holidays: 12/19
The Magical Polar Experience: 12/20
BOGART’S
2621 Vine St.: 9/3-9/15
Cincinnati, OH 45219
513-872-8801
Benjamin Tod & Lost Dog Street Band: 12/6
Tropidelic: 12/7
Arin Ray: 12/8
A Very Motherfolk Xmas: 12/14
Juvenile: 12/15
Zakk Sabbath: 12/18
The Prince Experience: 12/20
Sixteen Candles: 12/27
The Wonderlands Holiday Show: 12/28
CINCINNATI ART MUSEUM
953 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-721-ARTS (2787)
Discovering Ansel Adams: 9/271/19-25
George Bellows: American Life in Print: 10/25-2/9/25
CAMaraderie: Artists of the Cincinnati Art Museum: 11/81/5/25
CINCINNATI BALLET COMPANY
1555 Central Parkway Cincinnati, OH 45214 513-621-5219
The Nutcracker: 12/20-12/29
CINCINNATI BENGALS
vs. Steelers: 12/1 vs. Browns: 12/22 vs. Broncos: 12/29
CINCINNATI CYCLONES
vs. Komets: 12/4 vs. Nailers: 12/7 vs. Hearltanders: 12/17 vs. Heartlanders: 12/18 vs. Nailers: 12/27 vs. Walleye: 12/31
CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER
1301 Western Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45203 513-287-7000
Holiday Junction: now to 1/6/25
CINCINNATI PLAYHOUSE IN THE PARK
962 Mt. Adams Circle Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-3888 (Box Office)
The Second City 65th Anniversary Show: 10/24-12/22
A Christmas Carol: 11/22-12/29
CINCINNATI POPS ORCHESTRA
1241 Elm Street Cincinnati, OH 45202
General Information: 513-6211919 or Box Office: 513-3813300
Film in Concert: Home Alone: 11/30-12/1
Holiday Pops: 12/13-12/15
Let’s Misbehave: The Music of Cole Porter: 12/31
CINCINNATI SHAKESPEARE
COMPANY
719 Race Street
ART BEYOND BOUNDARIES
1410 Main Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-8726
Changing Perceptions: Reunited: 11/30-1/10/25
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-381-2273
Twelfth Night: 11/15-12/7
Every Christmas Story Ever Told: 12/13-12/29
CINCINNATI SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
1241 Elm Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
General Information: 513-6211919 or Box Office: 513-3813300
Bach’s Christmas Oratorio: 12/612/7
CINCINNATI ZOO
3400 Vine Street
Cincinnati, OH 45220
513-281-4700
PNC Festival of Lights: 11/211/5/25
CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTER
44 E. 6th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-345-8400
Chip Thomas and the Painted Desert Project: now to 1/5/25
Barbara Probst: Subjective Evidence: now to 2/9/25
Terra Futura: 11/1-2/10/25
ENSEMBLE THEATRE CINCINNATI
1127 Vine St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-3555
Alice in Wonderland: 11/2312/30
GO BANANAS COMEDY CLUB
8410 Market Place Lane
Cincinnati, OH 45242
513-984-9288
Sam Evans: 12/1
Mark Chalifoux: 12/5-12/8
Caleb Synan: 12/12/12/15
Dave Waite: 12/19-12/22
Ranta Claus and His Helpers: 12/25
New Year’s Eve with Ran Barnaclo: 12/31
HERITAGE BANK CENTER
100 Broadway Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-4111
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Lost Christmas Eve: 12/6
Redneck Brawl 8-Rednecks Get Wild: 12/14
Hoops Classic presented by CareSource: 12/20
The Harlem Globetrotters: 12/28
KROHN CONSERVATORY
1501 Eden Park Drive Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-4086
Solstice Glow: 11/2-1/5/25
MUSIC HALL
1241 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-621-2787 (ARTS)
Happy Holidays with The Might Wurlitzer: 12/6 Winter Ball: 12/7
NANCY AND DAVID WOLF HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER
1301 Western Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45203
513-487-3055
Weekly Holocaust Speaker Series via Zoom every Wednesday at 11:00am: https://www.holocaustandhumanity.org/speaker-series/ Hear My Story Gallery Talk: A Conversation with Zahava Rendler: 12/8
Little Acts, Big Impact: Mini Upstander Play Sessions with the Children’s Theatre: 12/14
NEWPORT AQUARIUM
1 Aquarium Way Newport, KY 41071
1-800-406-3474
Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland: 12/1-12/24
TAFT MUSUEM OF ART
316 Pike St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 513-241-0343
Posing Beauty in African American Culture: 10/51/12/25
Resilience: New Ceramic Works by Terri Kern: 10/12-2/16/25
Holiday Traditions Old & New: 11/13-1/5/25
TAFT THEATRE
317 E. 5th St. Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-232-6220
Santa Claus: The Musical: 12/7-12/15
Straight No Chaser: 12/18
Kings Island WInterfest
Kings Island Amusement Park
6300 Kings Island Dr.
Kings Island, OH 11/29-12/31
Christmas Glow
Land of Illusion Adventure Park
8762 Thomas Road Middletown, OH 12/1-12/30
Cincinnati’s Night of Lights
1000 Locust St. Owensville, OH 12/1-1/5/25
Spirits by Starlight Tours
Heritage Village Museum 11500 Lebanon Road Cincinnati, OH 12/7
Chanukah Bazaar Holiday Art Show
Adath Israel Congregation 3201 E. Galbraith Rd. Cincinnati, OH 12/8
Cin City Reptile Show
Holiday Inn West 5800 Muhlhauser Rd West Chester, OH 12/8
A Christmas Nightmare
The Dent Schoolhouse 5963 Harrison Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 12/13-12/14
Winter Gem & Jewelry Show
Sharonville Convention Center 11355 Chester Rd. Cincinnati, OH 12/13-12/15
ArtisanFest513: Small Business Flea
Washington Park 1230 Elm St. Cincinnati, OH 12/14
Cincinnati SantaCon
On-site registration (occurring the day of event) at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati 1000 Broadway St. Cincinnati, OH 12/14
Reindog Parade
Mt. Adams 941 Pavilion St. Cincinnati, OH 12/14
Sharonville Christmas on the Loop 3327 Creek Rd.
Sharonville, OH 12/14
Taylor Swift Laser Show
Drake Planetarium 2020 Sherman Ave. Cincinnati, OH 12/15 and 12/19
Hotel Covington and North by Hotel Covington
This holiday season, experience the magic of the local boutique hotel, where two historic buildings are beautifully preserved with festive charm, blending rich history with modern elegance. With 114 luxurious guestrooms and 53 apartment-style suites, it offers a sophisticated retreat filled with warmth, style, and a dash of holiday cheer. Hotel Covington occupies the iconic 1910 Coppin’s Department Store – Kentucky’s first modern skyscraper and high-end shopping destination, now reimagined with a seasonal sparkle. The North by Hotel Covington extension resides in the historic YMCA building, offering an enchanting getaway where luxury meets festive joy.
Combining timeless design with holidayinspired finishes, North delivers an unparalleled holiday escape, while complementing Hotel Covington’s nationally recognized, locally infused experience. Rated as one of the best lodging destinations in the country by Tripadvisor and U.S. News & World Report, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the season. Conveniently located just one mile from downtown Cincinnati, it offers easy access to all the holiday events and attractions the city and Northern Kentucky have to offer.
With world-class cuisine, seasonal delights, and vibrant nightlife, this festive destination invites all who wish to embrace the holiday spirit and be part of something truly special this season.
Upper Eden in Mt Adams is a Celebration of the Creation in Stones, Glass and Art.
Only in Mt Adams can you find the most unique shopping experience. This inspiring boutique is showcasing gorgeous jewelry…
Charles Albert with his one of a kind gemstones, Zina Sterling Silver from Beverly Hills and Designer Handbags worldwide just to name a few.
Art Glass hand blown from all corners of the world. Last but not least……. An Art Gallery featuring local artists. Absolutely a destination well remembered. Upper Eden is delighted to be featured in Cincinnati Magazine’s Edition of the 60 Best Little Shops in Cincinnati! Visit Upper Eden at 1120 St. Gregory St. in Mt. Adams.
Make Upper Eden your destination for inspiration and style.
Art Beyond Boundaries Gallery will showcase our annual inclusive exhibition, ‘Changing Perceptions: Reunited,’ ABB will display a variety of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other media by talented, local, and regional artists with and without disabilities. This exhibition runs from Dec. 7, 2024 to Jan. 10, 2025.
Art Beyond Boundaries provides a professional, mainstream fine arts exhibition venue for artists with disabilities, located at 1410 Main Street in the historic Over-the-Rhine arts district. With your support, we can continue providing a gallery, workshops, programs, and services for our artists and people with disabilities. For more information,
“friend” or “follow” the gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and/or contact the gallery.
Exquisite beauty from the heavens. Profound wisdom from dynasties past. Discover authentic Chinese culture, as Shen Yun Performing Arts, the world’s premier classical Chinese dance and music company, comes to Aronoff Center in February.
Shen Yun, a New York-based company, was founded in 2006 by an impressive group of Chinese artists. Their dream was to create a renaissance for mankind’s most ancient heritage. Today, their wish has become an international phenomenon.
Shen Yun performs in 150 cities worldwide. With breathtaking dances, gorgeous costumes, live orchestra, and dynamic backdrops, this is a show brimming with themes of courage, hope, and triumph of good over evil. Shen Yun is the world’s only company depicting Chinese culture as it had been before it was nearly destroyed by decades of communist rule.
Each year, the company debuts a new lineup of original music and choreography, ranging from classical Chinese dance to
traditional ethnic and folk dance styles to theatrical depictions of beloved stories.
Shen Yun features hundreds of handmade costumes—showcasing apparel from China’s 5,000 years of history. Their exquisite colors blend seamlessly with the animated backdrops, instantly transporting the audience to another world.
Prepare for an experience that will take your breath away.
Shen Yun at Aronoff Center February 1516. For tickets and more information, visit shenyun.com/cincinnati.
6111 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45213
513-620-8526
Our mission at Café Alma is to encourage the habit of healthy eating, living a well-balanced lifestyle and spreading the knowledge we have about the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.
7255 Ohio Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45236
513-791-6577
Low-key haunt for burgers, sloppy joes & other hearty American eats, plus craft beer & sports on TV.
3200 Madison Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45209
513-407-3631
A contemporary American farm to table restaurant located in the Oakley neighborhood of
Greater Cincinnati. Offering an upscale casual dining experience with an emphasis on classic culinary techniques and slow, careful preparations. Enjoy forty wines by the glass, 200+ by the bottle, house made craft cocktails and a comprehensive list of micro-brewed beers.
4618 Eastern Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45226
513-533-4222
A quirky joint doling out beers and jumbo burgers with adventurous toppings in a neon-lit room.
6860 Plainfield Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236
513-791-7000
A brewery with a scratch kitchen making sustainable choices from the onset of each project. We love beer and believe beer is best with a good meal with locally sourced food.
115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-421-2337
Prominently situated in the dynamic Smale Riverfront Park, the Moerlein Lager House offers a guest experience unlike any other - a working microbrewery producing a full line of Moerlein craft brews and delectable fare reminiscent of foods served in the city’s celebrated 19th century beer gardens.
940 Pavilion St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-381-6112
Mexican inspired sports bar in historic Mt Adams!
1505 Race St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-873-1995
The heart of Fillo’s dinner menu lies in its Mezedes - traditional Greek small plates designed for sharing and celebrating the joys of together-
ness. From classic favorites like tzatziki and spicy feta dip to irresistible moussaka, each meze bursts with the authentic flavors of Greece, prepared with love and care.
580 Walnut St., Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-579-0720
Known for its USDA Prime Steaks, exquisite cuisine, extensive wine selectionand outstanding service.
On 6th Street Between Main & Walnut 580 Walnut Street Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
513-873-7529
Street City Pub offers urban gourmet fare, live music, a street-side patio, and all-day happy hour.
THE PARK POUR
4815 Cooper Road
Blue Ash, Ohio 45242
513-376-7247
Great coffee, light bites, cocktails and exciting wines. A comfortably familiar spot for conversation with friends, work meetups or grabbing a bottle of wine on your way home.
BROWN DOG CAFE
1000 Summit Place
Blue Ash, OH 45242
513-794-1610
Chef Shawn and his culinary team proudly present an ever-changing, eclectic menu featuring sustainable Hawaiian fish, steaks, and more.
9440 Montgomery Rd. Montgomery, OH 45242
513-791-3482
Cincinnati’s famous rib joint!
7875 Montgomery Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45236
Reservations: (513) 794-0670
Carryout: (513) 794-0676
Banquets: (513) 794-0672
Stop by Maggiano’s at Kenwood Towne Centre for season-fresh Italian food in Cincinnati, prepared by Chef Karl Lenz and inspired by Nonna’s traditional recipes.
2220 Grandview Dr. Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
859-341-8439
One of Northern Kentucky’s premier food and beverage entertainment business. Established in 2007 and still going strong. Over a decade of research and development has forged a casual upscale concept, second to none.
200 E. 3rd. St., Newport, KY 41071
859-491-7200
The first authentic Hofbräuhaus in America, modeled after the legendary 400+ year-old Hofbräuhaus in Munich, Germany! Guests are now able to enjoy many of the traditions from Germany that have made Hofbräuhaus famous. From the traditionally decorated rooms in the
building to the beer that is brewed on-site, and of course the excellent German fare.
600 Washington Ave., Newport, KY 41071
859-581-3065
Pompilio’s has been serving the tri-state area home-cooked Italian meals for 80 consecutive years!
617 W. 3rd St. Covington, KY 41011
859-261-4800
Whether you’re craving carry out pizza, pasta, chicken parmesan with spaghetti, a fresh salad, or a hoagie, Riverfront Pizza offers gourmet Italian food that will satisfy your appetite.
Kurtzman Plastic Surgery offers procedures that can help you put your best face (legs, midsection, bust-line, and so much more!) forward. Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 25 years of experience. He provides top-notch care in a comfortable, private, positive environment. As a solo practi tioner, Dr. Kurtzman is available for his patients 24/7. He offers personalized care for every patient. Procedures performed in-office or surgery center, which is far more pleasant and personal than a hospital – and provides a smoother and quicker in and out for patients.
Dr. Lawrence Kurtzman, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery – it does make a difference.
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