Weekend Planner 12.12-12.14
Friday, December 12th, 2025
A Magical Cirque Christmas
A Magical Cirque Christmas is a dazzling holiday variety show that captivates audiences of all ages. Bursting with festive charm, laugh-out-loud comedy, and heartwarming magic, this high-flying spectacle showcases the extraordinary talents of the world’s most elite cirque performers. From gravity-defying acrobatics to jaw-dropping feats of strength and agility, every act is set to a modern soundtrack of beloved Christmas classics. It’s a spellbinding winter journey through music, movement, and holiday joy-perfect for the whole family. Aronoff Center. 7p.m. $59.00. cincinnatiarts.org/events/detail/a-magical-cirque-christmas-3
ANIMALS ALIVE
Meet and learn all about wildlife during this up-close encounter. Nature Center at The Summer, 6-7 p.m. Free. greatparks.org
CINCINNATI CYCLONES V WINGS
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Night. Heritage Bank Center 7:30 p.m. $21-35. cycloneshockey.com
HOLIDAY CRYPTIDS & HOT CHOCOLATE
Get creative at the hot chocolate bar then sit back, relax and chat about folkloric creatures tied to winter and holiday traditions. Hartman Log Cabin, 6-7 p.m. Free. clermontparks.org
HOLIDAY POPS
Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry returns to the stage for an evening of Holiday magic. Music Hall, 11 a.m and 7:30 p.m., Dec. 13, 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14, 2 and 7 p.m. $26+. cincinnatisymphony.org
HOLLY & HEARTH NIGHT
Tour the Village and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Along the way, learn about holiday traditions from the past, enjoy music, crafts and more! Heritage Village Museum, 6-9 p.m. Free-$8. heritagevillagecincinnati.org
TALES OF A WINTER WONDERLAND
Take shelter from the cold inside the barn’s cozy woodland scene and explore songs, stories and so much more during this exciting pre-k program. Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, 10:30-11 a.m., available Dec. 12 and 19. Free. greaparks.org
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
ARTISANFEST
Browse local wares that would make great gifts at this Holiday Market. Washington Park, 10 a.m. Free. washingtonpark.org
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND ELVES
Make youngster’s dreams come true with a Santa meet and greet, sing-along with elves and a delicious buffet, too. Receptions Fairfield, 10 a.m.-noon. $34.95. receptionsinc.com
CANDY CANE COURSE
A fun and sweet Christmas-themed 5K/12K that is perfect for the whole family. Rentschler Forest Park-Cummins Shelter, 9 a.m.-noon. $22-44. runsignup.com
A CHRISTMAS NIGHTMARE
Naughty boys and girls enter at your own risk! The schoolhouse has turned into a wintry haunt with garland, lights, presents and frightful holiday monsters. Dent Schoolhouse, 6:30-10 p.m., Dec. 6 and 13. $34.99-74.99. dentschoolhouse.com
HOT CHOCOLATE COOKING CLASS
Whip up a batch of rich and creamy hot chocolate, and work together to make a batch of holiday cookies for the best winter snack ever! Class is for students ages 9-12 and students will work in pairs – sign up with a friend! Baker Hunt Art and Cultural Center, 12:30-2 p.m. $39. bakerhunt.org
DIY STAINED GLASS ORNAMENTS FOR KIDS
Participants will make a stained-glass ornament with the guidance of guest artist, Laura, from the Glass Garden Club! Clingman Park, 4-5:30 p.m. Free; registration required. clermontparks.org
FAMILY STUDIO: ART MAKING FOR FAMILIES
Create a unique work of art in this studio class designed for families with children ages 6–12. Visit the museum galleries with a museum educator to learn about an artwork or an artist. Then, enjoy a themed art-making activity. Cincinnati Art Museum, 10-11 a.m. $5- 10. cincinnatiartmuseum.org
FITTON SHOWSTOPPERS – POP ROCK CHRISTMAS
The Ultra Sonics bring beloved classic holiday hits into the 21st Century. Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 7:30-10 p.m. $54. fittoncenter.org
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Enjoy the Butler Philharmonic’s annual holiday concert. Parrish Auditorium, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Free-$35. butlerphil.org
JIM BRICKMAN LIVE: THE GIFT OF CHRISTMAS
Celebrate the gifts of family, friends, peace and love, wrapped up in sweet sounds of the season as only Jim Brickman and his piano can provide. Aronoff Center. 8 p.m. $47+. cincinnatiarts.org
MATTEO BOCELLI – FALLING IN LOVE WORLD TOUR
Rising pop star Matteo Bocelli is bringing his tour to Cincy. Taft Theatre, 8 p.m. $61+. tafttheatre.org
SANTA PAWS PET PAGEANT
This holiday event is the paw-fect way to celebrate the season with beloved companions. Well-behaved pups and cats can compete in a fun costume contest and enjoy pet-friendly activities like photos with Santa. Marcum Park, 11 a.m. Free. downtownhamiltonohio.com
Sunday, December 14th, 2025
CINCINNATI BENGALS VS. BALTIMORE RAVENS
Who Dey! Head down to the jungle to cheer on the hometown football team. Paycor Stadium, 1 p.m. see website for ticket pricing details. bengals.com
FAMILY WORKSHOPS: MELTED BEAD ORNAMENTS
Create colorful holiday ornaments by melting beads into fun shapes. Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 3 p.m. $5-80. cliftonculturalarts.org
PIONEER CHRISTMAS
Step back in time more than 150 years to simpler times. Families can sip apple cider, enjoy a molasses cookie and meet Santa. Keehner Park. 1-4 p.m. Free. westchesteroh.org
FAMILY FUNDAY: HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
This walk-in program teaches families about holiday traditions and history through music, art-making and gallery engagements. Taft Museum of Art, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free. taftmuseum.org
HOLIDAY TUNES WITH THE QUEEN’S MEN
This festive performance features a joyful mix of classic carols and contemporary holiday favorites, perfect for getting into the spirit; bring the whole family for a heartwarming musical treat. Clifton Cultural Arts Center, 2 p.m. Free, suggested donation of $10. cliftonculturalarts.org
