Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Dec. 10-12
1. Reindog Parade
Dress up your pupper and parade through the streets of Mount Adams. This unique parade has been a neighborhood tradition for more than 20 years. The procession through the streets is led by Santa himself, flanked by a grand marshal. Every year, a group of celebrity and sponsor judges helps choose the best costumed dogs for prizes. Categories include small dogs, large dogs, dog/owner look-alike and multiple dogs. Food and merchandise vendors also onsite.
Details: 2 p.m. Saturday, The Monastery, 1055 St. Paul Place, Mount Adams. Registration from 12:30-1:45 p.m. No fee to register. Donations benefit SPCA. Free. mtadamscincy.org.
2. It's a Wonderful Light Festival
Storefronts along the museum's Main Street are decorated for the holiday, and festive signs from the collection are on display. Enjoy holiday crafts, live music, a visit from Newport Aquarium penguins, highlights tours at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. and more. Raffles.
Details: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, American Sign Museum, 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington. Save $2 on admission with donation of non-perishable food item. $15, $10 ages 65-up and students with ID, free for ages under 12. americansignmuseum.org.
3. Santacon
Dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, elves or reindeer and join in the fun, but remember to be respectful of the suit because you don't want to get added to the naughty list. Pick up wristbands from Hard Rock Casino, 1000 Broadway, Downtown.
Details: noon-midnight Saturday, The Banks, Downtown, Over-the-Rhine, Mount Adams and Covington. cincinnatisantacon.com.
4. A Christmas Nightmare
The haunted schoolhouse is covered with garland, lights, presents and Christmas trees, but this is not your mall visit to Santa! This haunted attraction features wicked janitor Charlie masquerading as Santa, plus lots of new holiday monsters. One weekend only.
Details: 6-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday, Dent Schoolhouse, 5963 Harrison Ave., Dent. $25-$55. frightsite.com.
5. Happy Holidays with the Mighty Wurlitzer
Includes holiday music played on the Mighty Wurlitzer, performances by dancers with the Otto M. Budig Cincinnati Ballet Academy, award-winning organist Jelani Eddington, opera singers Victoria Okafor and Avery Bargasse, and Kenny Smith's Peace & Serenity Choir. Renowned international visual artist will reveal "Sisters of Legacy," a large, original piece of mixed-media art inspired by historic Black performances in Music Hall.
Details: 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, Music Hall Ballroom, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. $27-$32. cincinnatiarts.org.
Honorable mention: The Regional
Multi-museum survey dedicated to contemporary artists based in the Midwest, featuring new and recent work by 23 artists working in painting, photography, installation and performance. Opening reception includes music by DJ Monet and a special performance by Bryan Devendorf of the National and Curt Kiser of Carriers.
Details: 8-11 p.m. Friday, Contemporary Arts Center, 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown. Runs Dec. 10-March 20. Closed Sunday-Tuesday. contemporaryartscenter.org.
Honorable mention: Revolution Dance Presents 'Hot Chocolate'
The classic Nutcracker tale is revisited with dancing dolls, falling snow and the land of sweets. Surprises ensue, however, with a brand-new story and eclectic choreography set to the more soulful sounds of Christmas.
Details: 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, Jarson-Kaplan Theater. Runs Dec. 10-11 only. cincinnatiarts.org.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 5 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend: Dec. 10-12
