Find Cincinnati events near you this week: Dec. 5-11

Luann Gibbs, Cincinnati Enquirer
·10 min read
The 15th annual Cincinnati SantaCon takes place Saturday, Dec. 10 at more than 40 venues in Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Mount Adams. The event raises funds for The Cure Starts Now.
The 15th annual Cincinnati SantaCon takes place Saturday, Dec. 10 at more than 40 venues in Downtown, Over-the-Rhine and Mount Adams. The event raises funds for The Cure Starts Now.

Monday, Dec. 5

FILM: “The Center of Nowhere," 7:30 p.m., Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. A film by longtime Chicago Sun Times columnist Dave Hoekstra. Featuring musical legends Merle Haggard, Dan Penn, Brenda Lee and more. $15, $12 advance. Thecenterofnowhere.com.

HOLIDAY: The Shillito Elves, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., The Foundry, Fifth St., Downtown. The elves made their debut in the 1950s in the windows of Shillito's department store. See the mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa's workshop. The Mail Sorter, Little Woodshop, Pete the Painter, Lazzie Bear, Gift Wrap and more will be on view through the windows of the Foundry. Runs Nov. 25-Jan. 3. Free.

RECREATION: Skiing and Snowboarding, daily, Perfect North Slopes, 19074 Perfect Lane, Lawrenceburg. perfectnorth.com.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

THEATER: Jesus Christ Superstar 50th Anniversary Tour, Aronoff Center for the Arts. Runs Dec. 6-18. Cincinnatiarts.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

OUTDOORS: Full Moon Hike, 5:30 p.m., Valley View, Pattison entrance, 5330 S. Milford Road, Milford. Semi-guided hike followed by bonfire. Free. Weather dependent. Check for updates at roadsriversandtrails.com.

SHOPPING: Fort Thomas Holiday Market, 3-7 p.m., Mess Hall, Tower Park, 801 Cochran Ave., Fort Thomas. Artists, crafters and more. Runs Wednesdays Nov. 30-Dec. 14.

SPORTS: Cyclones vs Nailers, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. $2 Beer Night. cycloneshockey.com.

Skywatch:For 31 minutes on Dec. 7, Mars will disappear behind the moon

Catch "The Dancing Princesses" at Ensemble Theatre through Dec. 30.
Catch "The Dancing Princesses" at Ensemble Theatre through Dec. 30.

THEATER: The Dancing Princesses, Ensemble Theatre, 1127 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine. This whimsical adaptation of the classic fairy tale is about a kingdom where an enchanting mystery is afoot. This family-friendly musical is suitable for all ages. Runs Nov. 30-Dec. 30. ensemblecincinnati.org.

Thursday, Dec. 8

COMEDY: Sean Patton, Go Bananas Comedy Club, 8410 Market Place Lane, Montgomery. Runs Dec. 8-11. gobananascomedy.com.

FILM: Dinosaurs of Antarctica, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Dinosaurs have never been cooler. See these prehistoric beasts in action in this new Omnimax film. Runs Oct. 14-Jan.15. $9.50, $7.50 ages 3-12. cincymuseum.org.

HOLIDAY: Holiday Junction, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Cincinnati’s beloved holiday tradition, the Duke Energy Holiday Trains, returns to the museum center. $10, or $5 with the purchase of any other museum experience. Cincymuseum.org.

HOLIDAY: Christkindlmarkt, 4-10 p.m. Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday, Schmidlapp Lawn adjacent to Moerlein Lager House, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. Runs Thursday-Sunday Nov. 25-Dec. 31. Open Christmas Eve 11 a.m.-6 p.m., then 4-10 p.m. daily Dec. 26-31. New Years Eve celebration. Features food, drinks and seasonal items from open-air stalls. Traditional choral music, lighted decorations and more. Free admission. cincinnatichristkindlmarkt.com.

HOLIDAY: Holiday Wine Tasting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Rootie's, 3609 Harrison Ave., Cheviot. Taste six wines from around the world, paired with appetizers. $25. Reservations: eventbrite.com.

MUSIC: The Struts, Bogart's.

THEATER: Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some), Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Dec. 8-31. cincyshakes.com.

THEATER: Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn, Sorg Opera House, 63 S. Main St., Middletown. Runs Dec. 8-11. Cincyticket.com.

THEATER: Plaid Tidings: A Plaid Christmas, 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Mechanic Street Playhouse, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon. Runs Dec. 8-11. ltcplays.com.

THEATER: A Christmas Carol, Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Ave., West Price Hill. Runs Dec. 1-23. 513-241-6550. cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.

Nashville comedian Dusty Slay performs Dec. 9-10 at Funny Bone Comedy Club in Liberty Township.
Nashville comedian Dusty Slay performs Dec. 9-10 at Funny Bone Comedy Club in Liberty Township.

Friday, Dec. 9

COMEDY: Dusty Slay, Funny Bone Comedy Club, 7518 Bales St., Liberty Township. Runs Dec. 9-10. liberty.funnybone.com.

DANCE: Revolution Dance presents Hot Chocolate, 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aronoff Center for the Arts. Runs Dec. 9-10. $35. cincinnatiarts.org. SOLD OUT

DANCE: Mutual Dance Theatre: Rojo and Nightcap, 7:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Mutual Arts Center, 8222 Monon Ave., Hartwell. $25. Cincinnatiarts.org.

DANCE/HOLIDAY: The Nutcracker Jazzed Up, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday, De La Dance Company, 5141 Kennedy Ave., Columbia Township. 1 p.m. Sunday performance is a one-hour children’s performance. $25-$35. Deladancecompany.org.

FOOD: Basil Hayden Bourbon Dinner, 7 p.m., The Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St., Newport. 3-course dinner with bourbon tasting and wine pairing. $50. 859-491-8000.

HOLIDAY: Yuletide Village, 5-10 p.m. Friday, 3-10 p.m. Saturday, Renaissance Park, Harveysburg. Runs Nov. 25-Dec. 17. yuletidevillage.com.

HOLIDAY: Halle-Bration, 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, New Vision UMC, 4400 Reading Road, North Avondale. Unique vendors, entertainment, workshops, kids craft workshop and Taste of Halle-Bration. First 200 kids receive free toy from Santa. 513-961-4817.

MUSIC: Al Jardine and his Endless Summer Band, Ludlow Garage.

MUSIC: Campus Rex, Jay Hill, Anonymous Club, Blucone, Radio Artifact.

MUSIC: Cincinnati Pops Orchestra: Holiday Pops, 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Saturday’s evening performance will be livestreamed. cincinnatisymphony.org.

MUSIC: Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer, Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine. Cincinnatiarts.org.

MUSIC: A Merry Little Christmas Cabaret, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Liberty Exhibition Hall, 3938 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. Holiday favorites with Queen City Cabaret. $25-$35. Eventbrite.com.

MUSIC: Holiday Swingin': A Kat Edmonson Christmas, Caffe Vivace.

MUSIC: Blue Christmas Charity Show, Band of Helping Hands Covington. Runs Dec. 9-10.

SPORTS: Cyclones vs Nailers, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. Cyclones Snow Globe Santa PuckChop giveaway. cycloneshockey.com.

THEATER: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Lyric Theater, 1530 Central Ave., Middletown. Runs Dec. 9-17. 513-425-7140; middletownlyric.org.

THEATER: Miracle at the Bayou Bowl, 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Arts Center at Dunham, 1945 Dunham Way, Westwood. $25 family admission. sunsetplayers.org.

THEATER: Elf Jr., 6 and 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sharonville Cultural Arts Center, 11165 Reading Road. Two casts for production. SOLD OUT

THEATER: Sanders Family Christmas, The Drama Workshop, 3716 Glenmore Ave., Cheviot. Runs Dec. 2-18. 513-598-8303; thedramaworkshop.org.

Saturday, Dec. 10

CHARITY: Toys for Tots, 2-4 p.m., Krypto’s Comix, 311 Second St., Aurora. Bring new, unwrapped toy and get to meet wrestler Pillman. Tristatewrestlingonline.com.

COMEDY: Helltown Comedy Showcase, 7:30 p.m., The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. Weekly showcase of local and professional comedians. This week's headliner: Dwight Simmons. Free. bombsawaycomedy.com.

COMEDY: Alphas on Christmas Vacation, 8 p.m., Clifton Comedy Theatre, 404 Ludlow Ave. Improv Cincinnati parodies National Lampoon holiday classics. $15.

CRAFT SHOW: Dixie Craft Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dixie Heights High School, 3010 Dixie Highway, Edgewood. Diverse group of crafters and vendors selling wares.

There are craft shows aplenty this weekend around Greater Cincinnati.
There are craft shows aplenty this weekend around Greater Cincinnati.

CRAFT SHOW: Christmas Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Ralph Byrley Center, 11875 Taylor Mill Road, Independence. Handmade gifts and festive treats.

CRAFT SHOW: Winter Market, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Washington Park, 1230 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs weekends Nov. 25-Dec. 18.

EDUCATION: Information Session, 9:30 a.m., Enzweiler Building Institute, 3923 Winston Ave., Covington. Learn about the institute's programs in carpentry, electric, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, masonry, welding, facilities maintenance and remodeling. Free. Reservations: 859-640-4294 or vicki@buildersnky.com.

FOOD: Holiday Drag Brunch, noon-3 p.m., BrewDog, 316 Reading Road, Over-the-Rhine. Includes complimentary beermosa. $15. Eventbrite.com.

HOLIDAY: Jingle Bell Run, 10 a.m., Northern Kentucky Convention Center, 1 RiverCenter Blvd., Covington. Wear favorite holiday costume for this fun race, which travels across the Ohio River into Downtown and finishes back in Covington. Benefits Arthritis Foundation. Jbr.org/cincinnati.

HOLIDAY: Santa Paws is Coming to Town, noon-3 p.m., MadTree Brewing, 3301 Madison Road, Oakley. Shop local pet businesses. $10 donation includes digital photo of your dog with Santa. Benefits League for Animal Welfare.

HOLIDAY: Reindog Parade, 2 p.m., The Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place, Mount Adams. Dress up your doggos and parade them through the streets in this fun holiday tradition. Register dogs between 12:30-1:45 p.m. Prizes. Benefits League for Animal Welfare. mtadamscincy.org.

HOLIDAY: White Christmas Parade, noon-8 p.m., Downtown Augusta. Parade is made up of lighted floats, antique cars, local clubs and civic organizations, churches, school bands, horses and Rosemary Clooney music performed live. Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. ohioriverrecreationtrail.org.

HOLIDAY: Santacon, 2-9 p.m., Downtown. Free.

HOLIDAY: Holiday Open House, 1-4 p.m., Hunt House, 4364 Hunt Road, Blue Ash. Enjoy holiday decorations, a storyteller and holiday refreshments. Free.

HOLIDAY: Holly Days, noon-4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Heritage Village Museum, 11500 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. Step into a storybook Christmas and meet Charles Dickens and hear an abridged version of “A Christmas Carol,” visit a little house and see it decorated as described by Laura Ingalls Wilder in the Little House series, and more. $10, $5 ages 5-11, free ages 4-under. heritagevillagecincinnati.org.

HOLIDAY: Tree Lighting Celebration, 1-3 p.m., Testerman Park, 8373 Maineville Road, Hamilton Township. Pictures with Santa, holiday performances by local students, food trucks, free cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn, ornament decoration and a fireworks finale. hamilton-township.org.

HOLIDAY: Christmas on the Avenue 2022, 5-9 p.m., First Church of Christ, 421 Ridge Ave., Greendale. Tour five historic homes. $10-$20. eventbrite.com.

HOLIDAY: A Motown Christmas, 7:30 p.m., Fitton Center, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton. $39. Fittoncenter.org.

HOLIDAY: Yuletide Celebration with Cincinnati Sound Chorus, 2 p.m., The Carnegie, 1028 Scott St., Covington. $20.

MUSIC: Mindi Abair's I Can't Wait for Christmas Tour, Ludlow Garage.

MUSIC: Dudley Taft, 20th Century Theater.

MUSIC: Club 90s presents Bad Bunny Dance Party, Bogart's.

MUSIC: Dallas Moore Band, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary. With Hellroys, Billy Don Burns.

SHOPPING: Holiday Open House, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Mid-Century Modern Rescue, 6805 Cambridge Ave., Mariemont.

SHOPPING: Holiday Market, Saturday-Sunday, Cincinnati Art Museum, 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams.

SHOPPING: Book Signings, 1-3 p.m., Ohio Book Store, 726 Main St., Downtown. Meet authors Peter Bronson, Jess Suess, Amy Brownlee, Robert Wimberg and more. Free admission.

THEATER: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr, Taft Theatre. The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati presents this 60-minute adaptation of the holiday television classic. Runs Dec. 10-19. tafttheatre.org.

THEATER: A Hallmark Christmas Movie Murder Mystery, 6 p.m., Newport Syndicate, 18 E. Fifth St. $50. eventbrite.com.

Sunday, Dec. 11

HOLIDAY: An Elegant Victorian Family Christmas, 3-7 p.m., Promont House, 906 Main St., Milford. Victorian natural motifs paired with period decor and ornamentation. Self-guided tours feature free hot chocolate and treats. Runs Sundays in December except Christmas day. milfordhistory.net.

MUSIC: Nikki Lane, Southgate House Revival, Sanctuary.

MUSIC: Charlie Brown Christmas, 7 p.m., Mansion Hill Sanctuary, 417 E. Sixth St., Newport. Featuring the Jim Connerley Trio. $20.

SHOPPING: Art on Vine Holiday Gift Sale, noon-7 p.m., Rhinegeist Brewery, 1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. More than 80 local creatives and makers. Future markets: Jan. 15, Feb. 12, March 12, April 15. Free admission. Artonvinecincy.com.

SPORTS: Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns, Paycor Stadium. Pregame festivities at The Banks, Downtown.

ENDING: Lizard Boy, Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. This thrilling queer fable, inspired by comics and packed with music, monsters and adventure, is a timely reminder of the restorative powers of loving and being loved. Runs Nov. 18-Dec. 11. knowtheatre.com.

Have an event you’d like us to know about? Send all the details to calendar@cincinnati.com with “Things To Do” in the subject line.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Things to do in Cincinnati this week: Dec. 5-11