Top 9 things to do in the Tri-State this weekend

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It’s a classic feel-good, family-friendly Cincinnati tradition that’s worth keeping up. Photo: myfountainsquare.com
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Posted: 12/21/2012

CINCINNATI - Looking for something fun to do this weekend? 9 On Your Side has teamed up with CityBeat to bring you the top nine picks!

1. The Cincinnati Ballet presents 'The Nutcracker'

The Cincinnati Ballet stretched and practiced their pirouettes just in time for this holiday season’s return of Tchaikovsky’s "The Nutcracker." Enter a world of magic and wonder as Clara helps the Nutcracker win the war against the Mouse King before embarking on an adventure to see the Sugar Plum Fairy.

A celebration awaits once the Sugar Plum Fairy finds out Clara saved the Nutcracker, who was, in reality, a prince. Clara has the trip of a lifetime in just one night, but was it all a dream? Decide for yourself.

Get more info here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/the-cincinnati-ballet-presents-the-nutcracker-at-the-aronoff)

2. Ice skating on Fountain Square

While our summertime version of Fountain Square holds its charm with its warm-weather hoopla of constant live music and dancing, wintry Fountain Square comes alive in its own rite with an ice rink rivaling the size of the rink at the Rockefeller Center. It’s a classic feel-good, family-friendly Cincinnati tradition that’s worth keeping up.

Warm up at any number of nearby establishments; there’s hot chocolate at Graeter’s, pizza at Via Vite, coffee at Tazza Mia and too much else to list. On-site amenities include skate rental, lockers, benches and a heated tent with snacks and drinks.

Find out more here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-ice-skating-on-fountain-square) .

3. End of the World Celebrations in the Tri-State

So, there might only be a few hours left before the end of the world, at least according to the Mayan calendar.

For those seeking to open and close a tab for the final time, here are five Cincinnati-area parties that have Mayan, apocalyptic themes for the last night on Earth.

Find out where they are here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/local_news/top-9-end-of-the-world-parties) .

4. "The Apocalypse Show" at Know Theatre

According to the Mayan calendar, the world is ending on Friday. Know Theatre is offering you the chance to go out laughing by attending one of their 9 p.m. performances of The Apocalypse Show. The plan is for a rowdy variety show that’s equal parts party and theater, blending comedy, helpful survival tips, apocalypse lore and gratuitous drinking.

The friendly folks at Know point out that after Dec. 21, your money will be worthless, so you might as well spend it on tickets for Thursday’s fundraising performance (guess that will clear up any of Know’s old obligations before the final curtain).

For ticket information and times visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/onstage-the-apocalypse-show.

5. Yelp's Jingle Bell fundraiser

Yelp Cincinnati will hold its first ever Jingle Bowl at Western Bowl, a classic old-timey Westside bowling alley, in honor of some do-good holiday fun. All Yelpers are invited to get decked out in their finest ugly Christmas sweaters/reindeer noses/elvin garb/Santa suits or anything else generally wintry and cheerful for a good old-fashioned night on the lanes.

Seven bucks earns you shoes and unlimited bowling, and Yelp will hand out stocking stuffers and free swag. A $5 donation is recommended at the door to benefit the Freestore Foodbank.

Click here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/yelps-jingle-bowl) for details.

6. Cincy Psych Fest Showcase

Following a successful inaugural event in October, the folks behind the Cincy Psych Fest — celebrating the best in local and regional Psych Rock — aren’t just hanging out waiting for next year’s festival to celebrate and revel in the trippiness. This Friday at MOTR Pub, the CPF presents its first show of the ongoing “Cincy Psych Fest Showcase Series.”

The free concert features Fort Wayne, Ind., quartet (or quintet, if you count their psych-visuals artist, Doctor Robert, and his Ocular Odyssey) Heaven’s Gateway Drugs, a highlight of the October fest, as well as Troubadour Dali, which was voted best Psych Band in their hometown of St. Louis by readers of alt-weekly The Riverfront Times (the quartet performed at the 2012 MidPoint Music Festival, as well).

Find out more here ( http:// www.wcpo.com / dpp /entertainment/ citybeat / cincy-psych-fest-showcase ) .

7. An opera for all ages: 'Amahl'

Start a new holiday tradition this weekend with a unique opera for all ages. Amahl combines child-like wonder with a deep message perfect for the whole family. Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and Madcap Puppets present the story of a shepherd boy, his mother and their miraculous, life-changing encounter with the Three Wise Men searching for the first child.

This opera features professional soloists, chorus and larger-than-life puppets.

Click here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/an-opera-for-all-ages-amahl) for details.

8. Comedian David Waite at Go Bananas

It’s been quite a year for comedian Dave Waite, highlighted by an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. “That was the best day of my life,” Waite says. “It definitely helped. It kind of solidified me as a headliner.” Waite, who has been living in New York for the past two years, came back to Cincinnati in October, but he’s not staying long. He’s going to L.A., hoping to get more TV work, and his stage persona suggests he might be perfect as the wacky neighbor.

Find out more on his visit here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/comedy-david-waite-at-go-bananas).

9. Festival of Lights

There are only a few weeks left to enjoy one of Cincinnati’s most ubiquitous holiday traditions; the zoo’s almost 2 million LED lights line a series of festive strolls through the themed areas of the zoo, including Fairyland and Candy Cane Forest.

Also check out a brand new make-your-own s’mores station, a North Polar Express Train Ride and a lights show on Swan Lake. The zoo’s cold climate animals will be out to play, including lions, red pandas, Japanese macaques, sea lions, reindeers and, of course, polar bears.

Visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-pnc-festival-of-lights for details.

Other things to do in the Tri-State:

Still have shopping left to do? Don't forget about local shops. Check out our local shopping guide here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/local_news/dont-be-malled-this-holiday-local-shops-provide-unique-holiday-shopping-experience) .

Collective Espresso, a new coffee shop in Over-the-Rhine, places heavy emphasis on serving every customer the perfect cup of coffee through a methodical, love-infused brewing process. Read CityBeat's review here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/otr-welcomes-anticipated-new-coffee-shop-to-the-neighborhood) .