There are a number of naughty and nice ways to celebrate the holiday season in Greater Cincinnati this weekend. From beloved traditions like the Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker to more unexpected options like ‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas, this weekend’s roster of events will keep spirits merry, bright and delightfully overbooked.
If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the CityBeat events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to CityBeat readers.
Cincinnati Ballet’s The Nutcracker
Dec. 19-21 at Music Hall, Over-the-Rhine
Cincinnati Ballet presents a true holiday classic: The Nutcracker. The enchanted dreamland comes to life once again thanks to Tchaikovsky’s treasured score and the brilliant Cincinnati Ballet company. “When a curious young girl named Clara receives a magical Nutcracker for Christmas, her dreams come to life in the Land of Sweets,” reads the event description. It’s a traditional way to get into the spirit with the whole family.
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Dec. 19-21 at Memorial Hall, Over-the-Rhine
This year’s run of Over the Rhine holiday shows at Memorial Hall, billed as “An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine,” will undoubtedly feature a slew of offerings from their seasonal songbook as well as some surprises from the local husband-and-wife duo.
Law & Order: Santa Victims Unit
Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Clifton Comedy Theatre, Clifton
A new Christmas-themed comedy show from Improv Cincinnati’s musical improv team, Hot Mic, is showing at the Clifton Comedy Theatre this December. Law & Order: Santa Victims Unit will put an investigative spin on the holiday season. Hot Mic says the show follows the “Musical Crimes Unit,” which was called in to investigate after the nation’s top holiday treat, Santa’s Special Spearmint Santadoodles, began to put people into magical comas. Law & Order: Santa Victims Unit will feature musical numbers, plenty of holiday spirit and a dash of chaos.
National Ugly Sweater Day Bar Crawl
Dec. 19 from 7-11 p.m. at The Banks
You can get festively drunk for a good cause this weekend at The Banks with the National Ugly Sweater Day Bar Crawl. Holiday revelers can don their ugliest Christmas sweaters and visit 10 different bars and restaurants at The Banks, including Killer Queen, Holy Grail, Red Leprechaun, The Stretch, Jefferson Social, AC Upper Deck, Moerlein Lager House, Fishbowl, The Park and Tin Roof.
Tinsel Town – A Burlesque & Aerial Holiday Spectacular
Dec. 19 from 8-10:30 p.m. at Somerhaus, Over-the-Rhine
This sexy holiday tradition at Somerhaus includes a burlesque and aerial acrobatic performance reminiscent of Old Hollywood glamor. Leave the family behind and bring your honey or friends to this sensual holiday event at Somerhaus.
Countess Luann de Lesseps Christmas
Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Ludlow Garage, Clifton
The countess is back, darling. The former Bravo housewife is back, performing the holiday classics, and, fingers crossed, spilling all the Real Housewives tea.
Festive Frolic at Cincinnati Museum Center
Dec. 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Cincinnati Museum Center, West End
CMC will celebrate the winter solstice — the shortest day of the year — on Saturday, Dec. 20 with Festive Frolic, featuring puppet shows, storytimes, crafts and more. The event will also offer up a taste of some holiday dishes, like sugar plums, latkes and hot cups of wassail, from the museum’s chefs and food scientists.
‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas
Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. at Oddfellows Liquor Bar, Over-the-Rhine
Celebrate the season with fellow naughty list alumni at Oddfellows’ ode to the more frightening (but fun) side of the holidays. ‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas will feature spine-tingling performances by Smoke & Queers. “What will the Cullens find under the tree? Has Mothman been naughty or nice? Who’s the REAL villain at the Christmas brunch table if it’s not vaguely-racist Uncle Brad? Come to Oddfellows and find out at ‘Twas the Fright Before Christmas!” reads an event description.
Dec. 21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at DSGN CLLCTV, Northside
Shop from a selection of apparel, ceramics, woodworking, screen-printing, comics and more from over 30 vendors at this makers market at DSGN CLLCTV.
Holiday Drag Brunch at The Comet with The Midwest Menace
Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at The Comet, Northside
Alternative drag artists from across the Tri-State will be serving Christmas cheer at this special show at The Comet. The cast of performers includes Eve Kennedy (host and founder), Zarah Fever (co-host), Xander Mercury, Modi and Natalia Marie Milian. Music will be curated by Eve and spun by DJ Pierce Collier.