Holiday events
Do you have friends and family coming home for the holidays? There are plenty of things to do while they are here. Check out our holiday event guide for ideas. Here are two suggestions to get you started:
Santa's Workshop: This may be your last chance for a while to see Santa Claus and his elves, which were displayed at Shillito's Department store from the 1950s through the 1980s. Owner Bill Spinnenweber said lack of foot traffic is forcing him to shutter the display at the end of this year. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. 6940 Madisonville Road, Mariemont. $4 admission; children ages 3 and under free.
Kings Island Winterfest: Winterfest, a Cincinnati holiday tradition, is back at Kings Island after more than a decade's absence. Enjoy lights, live entertainment and more than 17 rides. 5-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 4-10 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday. Kings Island Amusement Park, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Free admission for Gold Pass members; $25 general admission.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
A trip to U.S. Bank Arena during the holidays to hear the musical experience that is the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a must. The orchestra will host two performances of its new "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve" touring show on Thursday. The rock opera will feature enduring fan favorites "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24," "O’ Come All Ye Faithful," "Good King Joy," "Christmas Canon," "Music Box Blues," "Promises to Keep" and "This Christmas Day."
4 and 8 p.m. Thursday. U.S. Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Downtown. $40-$86. www.usbankarena.com
'Home for the Holidays'
Are you looking for something fun to do that doesn't involve bundling up to see outdoor displays? Check out "Home for the Holidays" at the Woodward Theater. The evening will be full of great live music by performers such as the Afrochine Players, This Pine Box, Malcolm London and Genesis Renji. If you go, bring a fresh pair or pack of socks -- the theater will donate them to Our Daily Bread. The local nonprofit will make sure those in need receive them.
6 p.m.-midnight Friday. The Woodward Theater, 1404 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. Ages 18 and up. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
'Everything Beautiful Is Far Away' Film Screening
Be moved by the cinematic work of two Ohio natives during Mini Microcinema's screening of "Everything Beautiful is Far Away." The movie, which Pete Ohs wrote and directed, tells the story of three companions seeking salvation while traveling in a surreal landscape. Ohs began his video production career in Cincinnati and has since won four regional Emmy Awards. Cincinnati native Andrea Sisson co-directed the movie, which won the U.S. Fiction Cinematography Award at the 2017 LA Film Festival.
7-10 p.m. Friday. The Mini Microcinema, 1329 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. $5 suggested donation. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Craft Menagerie Last Minute Holiday Market
Are you a last-minute holiday shopper? Check out this Saturday's holiday market at Arnold's Bar and Grill. Dozens of local artisans and vendors will pack the market with unique crafts and other last-minute gift ideas.
11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Arnold's Bar and Grill, 210 E. Eighth St., Downtown. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Rosedale OTR Grand Opening
The newest bar in Over-the-Rhine will open its doors Saturday. Rosedale occupies the space that previously was the Famous Neon's Unplugged, which closed in December 2016. Rosedale owner Four Entertainment Group (4EG) spent months renovating the location after announcing the new bar in May.
6 p.m.-close Saturday. Rosedale, 208 E. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Nightmare Before Christmas Holiday Party
Let's be honest: For some of us, the holiday season can be a real nightmare. That's why the folks at Queen City Radio decided to host a "Nightmare Before Christmas" party on Saturday. The party will include eggnog and hot cider cocktails spiked with Maker's Mark, a free Framester photo booth and an open invite to come dressed in your ugliest holiday attire. And even if you don't like the holidays, giving is always in season: The bar will accept donations to help Lighthouse Youth Services continue its mission to end youth homelessness.
8 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. Queen City Radio, 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine. Free. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
C & D Northside's Festivus Party
WCPO contributor Garin Pirnia recommendschecking out C&D Northside's Festivus Party on Saturday. As Pirnia explains, Dec. 23 marks Festivus, a holiday Frank Costanza invented in the famous "Seinfeld" episode "The Strike." C&D Northside is throwing a Festivus-themed party, replete with a Festivus pole, the Airing of Grievances, Feats of Strength, a potluck dinner, Old Style beer on tap for $2, happy hour, free pool, board games and pinball.
7 p.m.-midnight Saturday. C&D Northside, 1714 Hanfield St., Northside. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
Puerto Rico fundraiser
The year has been tough for the people of Puerto Rico, which is continuing to rebuild following hurricanes Irma and Maria. That's why local bands Fists of Love, Darlene, Sky Hank & The Heady Weed and Butt decided to host a benefit show Saturday. The Comet agreed to match up to $500 in donations, which will be given to United for Puerto Rico. The nonprofit was established to raise money to help the victims of both hurricanes.
9 p.m.-midnight Saturday. The Comet, 4579 Hamilton Ave., Northside. For more information visit the event Facebook page.
