Top 9 things to do this Thanksgiving weekend

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The 30th anniversary of one of Cincinnati’s most ubiquitous holiday traditions is upon us; the zoo’s almost two million LED lights line a series of festive strolls through the themed areas of the zoo. Photo provided by Cincinnati Zoo.
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Posted: 11/21/2012

Looking for something fun to do this holiday weekend? 9 News has teamed up with CityBeat to give you the top nine picks!

1. Black Friday shopping

With Thanksgiving under our belts (quite literally), the holiday shopping season kicks off with the biggest shopping day of the year. Millions of Americans will brace the crowds to made a dent on their shopping lists.

9 News has compiled a Black Friday shopping guide that includes deals, tips and need-to-know information to optimize your shopping.

Find out more here (http://www.wcpo.com/generic/money/personal_finance/Black-Friday) .

Happy shopping!

2. Small Business Saturday

For those who worship at the altar of shopping, there is an unofficial trinity of retail: Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and--sandwiched in between-- Small Business Saturday .

It’s an initiative started by American Express in 2010 to, in the words of Amex, to “help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year.”

The Small Business Saturday website provides an interactive map to point shoppers to stores and eateries in their area that are participating in Small Business Saturday.

If you don’t have an American Express card, the satisfaction you derive from buying at a locally owned boutique or neighborhood shop will have to be its own reward.

To view the interactive map or for more details visit http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/news/amid-big-box-blitz-a-focus-on-small-business .

3. Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt at Fountain Square

This weekend celebrate the beginning of the holiday season at the first Cincideutsch Christkindlmart held at Fountain Square.

The German Christmas Market will feature vendors selling unique holiday gifts, baked goods, sweets, and mulled wine.

The tradition originated in Germany and Austria and is now held worldwide, typically in a town square fashion. Cincideutsch, a group of Cincinnatians who celebrate German culture and language, decided to bring the celebration to the Queen City.

The event runs Friday through Saturday, which a special ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday morning. Click here (www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/cincideutsch-christkindlmarkt-at-fountain-square ) for more information.

4. PNC Festival of Lights

The 30th anniversary of one of Cincinnati’s most ubiquitous holiday traditions is upon us; the zoo’s almost two 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.

Click here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-pnc-festival-of-lights) for more info.

5. Holiday bazaar in OTR

Last year, more than one million people came together to shop small in their communities on Small Business Saturday. Celebrated every year between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday is dedicated to supporting small businesses nationwide.

Hit the snooze button to sleep in on Black Friday this year and celebrate Small Business Saturday at OTR’s first holiday bazaar instead. Hosted by the Spotted Magpie, this holiday gift market will feature local artists, crafters and vintage, homeware and jewelry vendors with unique treasures perfect for your gift-giving needs.

Get more details here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/bazaar-in-otr) .

6. Upcycling for the Holidays

Gift giving and receiving make the holidays an especially fun time, but the impact on our ecosystem from wrapping and packaging can be detrimental if we’re not conscious of the way we do so.

Imago hosts an upcycling event just in time to make last-minute homemade gifts for the holidays for all you earth-friendly folks. Learn how to reduce holiday waste while making earth-friendly wrapping paper, ornaments and gifts from your own trash.

Find out more here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/event-upcycling-for-the-holidays) .

7. Comedian Rodney Perry at Funny Bone

Comedian Rodney Perry considers himself more of a reporter than a writer, relaying to his audiences the nuances of his life and relationships with high energy.

“I kind of report my life and what I see. What you see from me on stage is the world as seen through my eyes.” That view is essentially of a husband and father, though his material isn’t strictly limited to relationships and the domestic life. “It’s my job just to pay attention. Whether I’m at Walmart, or I’m talking to my wife and she says something silly, or I’m with my children.” The delivery is high-energy.

He performs at the Funny Bone this weekend. Get details here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/comedy-rodney-perry) .

8. Patrick Sweany and the Kickaways

Northern Ohio singer/guitarist Patrick Sweany’s profile has risen considerably since he first started making stops in Greater Cincinnati nearly a decade ago, usually playing small acoustic shows in the area. While attention from the U.K. (courtesy of some high praise in the music press) and the U.S. (outside of his initial Midwest touring radius) has presented Sweany greater opportunities, he hasn’t changed his dynamic musical approach much.

He’s still taking his curiosity for and intuitive grasp of Blues and other forms of Roots music (gleaned early on from his dad’s record collection during his upbringing) and putting his own compelling spin on it, but he’s doing so on a wider canvas and with ever-sharpening skills.

He plays at MOTR Pub this weekend. Find out more here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/local_music/patrick-sweany-with-the-kickaways) .

9. Holiday in Lights at Sharon Woods

It's that time of year again! The Holiday in Lights exhibit at Sharon Woods is open for its 22nd season.

The outdoor light display is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season and you can enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your own car. Starting Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. the display runs everyday, including holidays, through Dec. 31. Admission is $12 per car and $45 for buses and 15 passenger vans.

Get more details here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/holiday-in-lights-opens-at-sharon-woods) .

Other things to do this weekend:

Aunt Flora serves old-school desserts and comfort food to the masses at her newly opened The Cobbleria downtown, and is planning to open two more foodie establishments. Read CityBeat's review here (http://www.wcpo.com/dpp/entertainment/citybeat/aunt-flora-serves-old-school-desserts-and-comfort-food-to-the-masses) .