It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas, New Year’s… this time of year there’s plenty of festive, fun and family friendly activities to go around. And while you’ll likely be shopping up a storm for the upcoming holidays, there are plenty of free activities for your family to enjoy.
Here are 20 free things to do in Cincinnati this November:
Teen Tech Club: Gingerbread White House
Nov. 1, 6-8 p.m. at the Clifton Branch Library
In honor of the presidential election, construct the White House out of sugar cookies, icing, and candy!
Happy Sandwich Day!
Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Blue Manatee
It’s Sandwich Day! Created in 1762, the sandwich has been around for a long time and has *many* varieties! Join us on this delicious day as we read a couple of our favorite sandwich stories and create our own version with a “yummy” craft. Free; best for ages 3-6. Call 513-731-2665 to reserve a spot.
All-City Boychoir Festival
Nov. 5, 4-8 p.m. at the Aronoff Center
For one day only, any and every boy in the region is invited to join us for a fantastic day of singing, music theory games, and cookies to end the day. On stage at the 2000-seat Procter & Gamble Hall in the Aronoff Center for the Arts, boys engage their voices in song, meet new friends, and experience what it’s like to be a member of the Cincinnati Boychoir. Best of all? It’s free!
Antique Christmas
Exhibit open Nov. 4-Jan. 8 at the Taft Museum. Free admission on Sundays.
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. This year you will see a miniature log cabin in Christmastime woods; an antique clockwork Santa; an exhibit of early German nutcrackers; antique Christmas feather trees trimmed entirely with delightful red and pink ornaments, and a large-scale tree with old patriotic ornaments in red, blue and white. Festive greenery will deck the halls and exterior of the house, and the Dining Room will be set for the holidays with sparkling china, crystal and silver.
It’s Election Day! Let’s Play the “Who Was…” Trivia Game!
Nov. 8, 1-3 p.m. at Blue Manatee
Happy Election Day! We thought that holding a “Who Was…” trivia game this afternoon would be a great way to honor this day. Join us for a fun-filled friendly game and maybe even learn a little something along the way! The game is based on the Who Was biography series and we are offering 20% off any Who Was/Who Is title during this event! Free; best for ages 8-11. Call 513-731-2665 to reserve a spot!
Blue Manatee Customer Loyalty Night
Nov. 10, 6-8 p.m. at Blue Manatee
Calling our Cool Customers! Are you ready for some early holiday shopping? We are opening the store just for you this evening in appreciation for being loyal ManaFriends. Present your Cool Customer Card and you will receive 20% off your entire purchase. Check those lists and begin crossing things off tonight! We will be open from 6:00pm-8:00pm for this special shopping soiree!
Thanksgiving on the Ohio Frontier
Nov. 12, 2-5 p.m. at Shawnee Lookout
Step back 200 years in the past to the first Thanksgiving on the Ohio frontier. The Society of Northwest Longhunters reenactors will portray Shawnee Native Americans, early European settlers and military personnel. Exchanges between Native Americans and settlers will occur on the half hour. Samples of period fare will be available.
Family Story Time: Holiday Craft Workshop
Nov. 14, 6:30-7:15 p.m. at the Covedale Branch
Join us for simple crafts to make your holidays bright!
Yoga for Kids
Nov. 15, 4-5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Branch
Yoga for kids presented by a kid! Come and meet Vivienne Konz who is certified to teach yoga. She would love to introduce you to the world of yoga.
Thank Goodness for Cookies!
Nov. 16, 3-4 p.m. at the Oakley Branch
Join us as we welcome Lisa Donaldson from Cincinnati Cake and Candy Supplies and learn to decorate delicious cookies! Ages 5-12. Registration recommended. See branch staff for more information.
Third Sunday Funday: Dancing Turkeys
Nov. 20, 1-4 p.m. at the Taft Museum
Get into the Thanksgiving spirit with the Taft. Make a turkey decoration to adorn your dinner table, learn about animal textures at the Art Cart, and enjoy a guided or self-guided tour of the Museum. At 2 p.m., join hip hop dancers from Elementz as they teach us a few moves to help work off our Thanksgiving Day feast. Free admission and parking.
Macy’s Light Up the Square
Nov. 25, 5-10 p.m. at Fountain Square
Join us on Friday, November 25 for the 2016 Macy’s Light Up the Square event. Festivities will begin at 5:00pm with live music from Second Wind and a special appearance by Santa Claus. Fountain Square will also feature plenty of food, music, ice skating and a fireworks show that’s sure to be a “blast!”
Ho! Ho! Ho! It’s Santa at Macy’s Fountain Place
Nov. 25-26, 12-8 p.m.
FREE! Bring your own camera for photos with downtown’s only Santa in a festive North Pole setting.
#OptOutside Green Friday Hike
Nov. 25, 8-10 a.m. at Shawnee Lookout
Burn off that Thanksgiving Day turkey on the trails at Shawnee Lookout. We’ll start with hot chocolate around the fire before heading out for a 5-mile hike. Traveling through tall woods and past ancient earthworks, we’ll enjoy gorgeous overlooks of the Ohio River and try to spot some bald eagles. Free.
Macy’s Downtown Dazzle
Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 5:45-8 p.m. at Fountain Square
See Santa and his friends rappelling down the side of the Huntington Center to the Macy’s rooftop to kick off a spectacular fireworks display. This 20-minute family-friendly program features performances from local choirs, cool lighting effects, and a few surprises. Free!
Story time with Mrs. Claus at Macy’s Fountain Place
Nov. 26, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10, 7:15-8 p.m. at Fountain Place
After the fireworks, enjoy balloon-twisters and face painters while you cozy up for story time with Mrs. Claus inside Macy’s Fountain Place. Free.
Westwood’s 4th Annual Deck the Hall
Nov. 27, 3-6 p.m. at Westwood Town Hall Recreation Center
A free community even that features live holiday music, free kid’s crafts, an artist fair, Madcap Puppets, The Cincinnati Kinderballet’s production of “The Nutcracker,” free food, drink and more!
Holiday Season Kickoff at the Taft
Nov. 27, 1-4 p.m. at the Taft Museum
Enjoy free activities for the whole family at the Holiday Season Kickoff. The house will be decorated inside and out with lights, garlands, and Antique Christmas displays. Take a picture with Santa, make an old-fashioned ornament, and enjoy carolers in the galleries. Café reservations required.
Holiday Giftshop: DIY Frames
Nov. 30, 3-4 p.m. at the Oakley Branch
Make your own picture frame to give as a gift this holiday season! Ages 5-12.
Cincinnati Ballet Academy Children’s Division classes
Register for a FREE class for your 2-8 year old in November!
Read more about this acclaimed program here.
For more fabulous, family friendly activities, be sure to bookmark our Online Calendar!