in partnership with
and heard every Friday on the Weekend Rundown with JonJon and Friends on
Tour de Cincinnati does the research for fun things to do around the city so you don’t have to! Check out the list below for goings on ranging from markets and live music, to brewery fun and food events. Events are subject to change or cancellation. Be sure to click on their respective links for more information.
Be sure to listen to the Weekend Rundown with JonJon on Kiss107 every Friday. If you are unable to tune in on the radio, you can listen to Kiss on the iHeartRadio app or you can listen live here.
[If a link is broken, feel free to reach out for information.]
Thursday
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) Opening Night
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
Fresh and fun annual tradition that sends up everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high octane jollity and frivolity. Through December 30.
Friday
Sankt Nikolaus Party
Kantine Biergarten, 5p
Brewhouse goulash, spätzel, brats and metts, feuerwurst, glühwein, Krampus beer. Powered by Mustard Club and Cincideutsch.
A Visit from Krampus
Third Eye Brewing, 5–8p
Enjoy a pint (or two) of Something Naughty, a Vanilla Porter specially-brewed just for Krampus. A portion of sales of the Vanilla Porter, all crowler-pull proceeds, and any tips/donations that Krampus collects will support the Ronald McDonald House.
Nook Kids Night: Winter Wonderland
Spooky Nook Sports Champion Mill, 5–9p
Parents can enjoy a night out while kids (ages 4–12—must be potty trained) have a night of sports & games, pizza party, play time at the Champion Mill Arcade, movie, crafts, and Winter Wonderland fun.
Tickets are $25/child ($10 for each additional) and can be purchased here.
Click here to read more about Holiday Events in Cincinnati
Friday and Saturday
Winterfest Winter on the Hill
East Walnut Hills
Friday: holiday-themed Walk on Woodburn, including henna tattoos from Lumen Ink, stilt walkers, carolers, and a visit from Santa
Saturday: cheer-filled Farmer’s Market, cookie decorating, live music, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
A Christmas Nightmare
The Dent Schoolhouse, 6–10p
Not your mall visit with Santa …
Friday–Sunday
North Pole Express
LM&M Railroad
Experience the wonder of the holiday season by journeying down the train tracks of Warren County, Ohio. Passengers spend time with Santa and his elves on the one hour and 15 minute festive train ride. Additional dates: December 12–23.
Coach Class seats starting at $30
Holiday Pops
Music Hall
Beloved Cincinnati tradition.
Saturday
Sip & Slay Charity Drag Brunch
16 Lots Southern Outpost, 10a–3p
Holiday-themed charity drag brunch hosted by Queen City Charities and benefitting local LGBTQ+ organizations. First seating (11a) is sold out, but tickets are still available to the second seating (2p).
NARNIA The Musical Opening Day
Taft Theatre
The Children’s Theatre production based on C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
Sip n Shop
Smoke Justis, 11a–3p
Boutique shopping experience featuring exclusive deals from hand-picked local artisans. Holiday drink menu will be available (Spiked Apple Cider, Espresso Martinis, Mimosas, Wine, and more).
16th Annual Cincinnati Santacon
Hard Rock Cincinnati, 12p
Starting at Hard Rock before going out to Downtown Cincinnati, OTR, the Banks, Covington, Mt. Adams, Newport on the Levee, and Factory 52 in Norwood. Benefiting The Cure Starts Now.
Register here
Holiday Artisan Market
Alexandria Brewing Company, 12–6p
Family friendly event featuring local art and craft vendors. Food will be available from Benders Pub Grub inside the brewery.
Free admission
2nd Annual Holiday Market
Northwood Cider Co, 1–5p
Sip cider, enjoy food from Pretzelfuls, shop for gifts from a dozen vendors, and take in the festive vibes—all indoors.
34th Annual Reindog Parade
Mount Adams, 2p
Raffles and prizes for top dogs. Proceeds benefit the League for Animal Welfare.
Registration from 12:30–1:45p
Santa Paws
Streetside Brewery, 2–4p
Grab your Christmas sweater and some dog treats and bring your furry friend to Streetside for professional pet portraits with Santa. Suggested donation of $20 to Tusculum Street Fest.
Fire Roasting and Toasting with Santa
Braxton Barrel House, 4p
Photos with Santa, Jubilee tapping, and live music on the heated patio from 6 to 10.
Holiday BRIGHT Ride
Findlay Market, 6p
Decorate yourself and your wheels with your battery-operated, shiny, sparkly finest. This will be a short, slow, flat, fun ride for everyone (including the kids).
Holiday Celebration with Light Up Wyoming
Village Green and Wyoming Avenue, 6–8p
Visit Santa and a live reindeer display, do some holiday shopping, enjoy holiday music, grab a bite to eat, and experience the tree lighting ceremony.
Downtown Dazzle
Fountain Square, 6–10p
See Santa rappel from a Cincinnati skyrise and watch a fireworks display. Music and festivities start at 6:30p and the Downtown Dazzle show begins at 7. Enjoy a drink or hot cocoa at Fountain Square’s Bar or have fun at the ice rink.
A Scary Little Christmas
Brimstone Haunt
(Additional date: December 16)
CincyBlackPride blackOUT Christmas Party
Esoteric Brewing Company, 9p
Two floors of music, cash and prizes for the ugliest sweater, and a fantastic holiday vibe.
Saturday and Sunday
The City Flea
Factory 52, 11a–4p
Shop local for curated handcrafted goods by local artisans. Food will be available at The Gatherall food hall.
Winter Market
Washington Park, 11a–5p
Regional artisans and crafters in cozily designed huts.
Sunday
Mojave Market – Holiday Edition
Mojave East, 10a–12p and 12:30–2:30p
Curated lineup of some of Cincinnati’s most unique vendors. Also featuring food and drinks and holiday music.
$5 general admission, $20 VIP tickets (tickets get you entry to one time slot)
LearningCurve Toy Pop-Up Shop
Fable Cafe, 10a–2p
Shop small and intentionally for the learners in your life with LearningCurve’s thoughtfully curated, creative toys and gifts.
Holiday Family Funday: Bluegrass Holiday
Taft Museum of Art, 10a–4p
Free music, art-making, and gallery experiences.
Registration not required but encouraged
Art on Vine
Rhinegeist, 12–6p
Sip, shop, and be merry, featuring local artists and makers showcasing and selling fine arts and handmade goods.
Mount Adams Walking Tour
Meet at Mount Adams Bar and Grill, 1p
Guided walking tour of Cincinnati’s first suburb given by knowledgeable residents of Mount Adams. Tours every Sunday May through October.
Ongoing
Union Terminal Rotunda Tours
Cincinnati Museum Center
Fridays at 1:30p, 2:30p, and 3:30p
Saturdays at 11:30a, 12:30p, and 1:30p
Sundays at 12:30p, 1:30p, and 2:30p
Through December 29
Fiona: The Musical
Ensemble Theatre
Based on the true story of the hippo that store the world’s heart. Showing through December 29.
Sports
Xavier Musketeers MBB vs. Cincinnati Bearcats MBB
Crosstown Shootout
Cintas Center
Saturday at 6:30p
Watch: FS1; Listen: 700 WLW
Cincinnati Cyclones vs. Toledo Walleye
Heritage Bank Center
Saturday at 7:30p
Christmas Ornament Giveaway
Week 14: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Indianapolis Colts
Paycor Stadium
Sunday at 1p
Watch: CBS, WLWT; Listen ESPN 1530, 102.7 WEBN, 700 WLW
Cincinnati Bearcats WBB vs. Xavier Musketeers WBB
Crosstown Shootout
Fifth Third Arena
Sunday at 2p
Watch: ESPN+; Listen Fox 1360
Events are subject to change or cancellation. Please click on the link for more information.
Catch-a-Fire Pizza to Close Inside MadTree. What’s Next? [cincinnati.com]
Cincinnati Named Number 8 on Best Cities for Christmas List [wallethub.com]
Don’t Eat the Oatmeal! The Curious Case of the Dayton Street Poisoner [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Foodie News You Can Use [cincinnatimagazine.com]
Heritage Village Museum to Host Sensory-Friendly Christmas Event [citybeat.com]
Must-See Light Displays in Greater Cincinnati [consistentlycurious.com]
Newport on the Levee’s LEGO Cafe Opens This Weekend [citybeat.com]
Shake Shack Opening First Greater Cincinnati Location Thursday [citybeat.com]
Vote for the Cincinnati Black Wine Fest [cincinnatimagazine.com]
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