It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The weather is cold and bright, and holiday spirit is everywhere in Cincinnati. This weekend offers families lots of unique opportunities to see Santa, take in the holiday lights and experience some of Cincinnati’s most beloved holiday traditions. (Oh, and many of these festive events are FREE!)
Here are 10 Festive Family Events in Cincinnati this Weekend:
Cincinnati Kinderballet Presents “The Nutcracker”
Dec. 9 from 3-4 pm at the Groesbeck Library
The Cincinnati Kinderballet will be performing their fall production of “The Nutcracker.” FREE.
Holiday Pops
Dec. 8-10 at Music Hall
Cincinnati’s smash-hit holiday tradition comes home to Music Hall! Make new family memories with a joyful blend of holiday favorites, starring Tony-winning singer Laura Benanti along with Denzal Sinclaire, a classic crooner in the style of Nat King Cole. Warm your heart and send your holiday spirit soaring with dancers and singers from the Classical Roots Choir and May Festival Chorus.
North Pole Express
Dec. 8, 9 and 10 at LM&M Railroad
The LM&M railroad’s North Pole Express has become a Christmas tradition for many families. We invite you to experience the magic of a train ride with Santa Claus himself during the Christmas season.
Downtown Dazzle
Dec. 9 at 6:30 pm
Each Saturday Santa rappels down the Huntington Center at 525 Vine St., to the Macy’s rooftop to kick off a spectacular fireworks display. This 20-minute family-friendly program also features performances from local choirs. Then, come inside to Macy’s Fountain Place to warm-up with holiday fun. FREE!
Brunch with Santa
Dec. 10 at Winton Woods/Mill Race Banquet Center
Start a family holiday tradition! Celebrate holiday cheer with Santa and enjoy a delicious buffet of more than 25 items. Santa will greet children and listen to wish lists. Each child will receive one complimentary photo. Advance registration is required. Tickets are $18.35/adult, $8.75/child ages 2-12 plus tax and free for children under 2.
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Dec. 5-10 at the Aronoff Center
Ralphie Parker wants only one thing for Christmas: An Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-shot Range Model Air Rifle. A CHRISTMAS STORY The Musical is the hilarious account of Ralphie’s desperate quest to ensure that this most perfect of gifts ends up under his tree this Christmas. A CHRISTMAS STORY captures holiday wonder with such deliciously wicked wit that it is sure to delight children and grown-ups alike.
Holly Days
Dec. 9-10 at Heritage Village
Travel back in time to feel the warmth and beauty of a 19th Century holiday season. Some of our historical buildings will be decked out with traditional decorations from the 1800’s. See our Village come alive with storytelling, craft making, model train displays, music, holiday treats, and more! Admission is $10 adults, $6 children 5-11 and free for kids 4 and under and museum members.
Second Sunday Family Showtime: Celebrate the Season
Dec. 10 at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center
From beloved classics to contemporary, multi-cultural surprises, every show is a special way to wrap up your weekend. Show begins at 2pm each month and is followed by a community reception. Tickets available for purchase starting at 1pm the day of the show.
The Cincinnati Choo Choo
Daily through Jan. 7 at Krohn Conservatory
Discover the magic of being home for the holidays aboard the Cincinnati Choo Choo at Krohn Conservatory! The 2017 Holiday Show will bring you back in time to holiday festivities in the city and remind you of the best family traditions. Delightful botanical architecture surrounded by many miles of train track will be created in natural components by the Applied Imagination team. The traditional large evergreen tree donated by Dixie View Nursery is decorated by the wonderful Krohn Crafters with handmade natural ornaments.
Holiday Lights on the Hill
Nightly through Dec. 31 at Pyramid Hill
Holiday Lights on the Hill is a 2-mile round trip drive-through annual light display. $20/carload on Monday-Thursday; $25/carload on Friday-Sunday (members pay $15).