Things to do in Cincinnati: December 4 – December 10

Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests 

Cases are increasing across the country. Residents of Hamilton County can access to free COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and testing. Protect yourself and your loved ones this holiday season! 

Golden Days of Yule 

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Krohn Conservatory (Mount Adams)
Starting at $7. Kids 4 and under are free.
Experience a dazzling spectacle as brilliant stars twinkle above vibrant poinsettias, lush tropical foliage, festive holiday trees, a captivating live nativity, and extraordinary collections from the Freedom Center. Runs through Jan. 7.

Sporting Fashion + Collection Galleries 

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Taft Museum (Downtown)
Free Admission on Sundays and Mondays
Explore the dynamic evolution and ingenious designs of women’s sporting and leisure attire that seamlessly blend fashion, functionality, and feminine grace for activities from horseback riding to golfing and motorcycling. Also, enjoy the Special Exhibitions + Historic House. Runs through Jan. 14.

Food, Clothing, and Toiletries Pantry 

1 p.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal (Evanston)
Free Admission
Open to Hamilton County residents experiencing food insecurities—open Mondays and Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Call 513-531-4337 for more information. Check out our list of other Cincinnati pantries and soup kitchens. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony 

6:30 p.m.
Senior Center (Forest Park)
Free Admission
Enjoy a night of singing by the Winton Woods 3rd Grade choir, a special production by the Forest Park Girl Scouts, crafts, hot cocoa, cookies, and pictures with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. 

Jazz at Memo 

7 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $6
Enjoy an evening of vintage jazz and pop played by Queen City Cabaret as the group performs Rosemary Clooney’s “White Christmas.” Runs through Apr. 29.

Nights of Lights  

Dusk – 10 p.m.
Coney Island (Anderson)
Starting at $30 per carload of 1-8 people
Experience more than two million lights, all moving perfectly coordinated with festive and fun holiday music. Visitors of all ages and mobilities will be awed by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, fantastic tunnels of light, and more at this drive-through holiday light show. Runs through Dec. 31. 

Monday Night Football Watch Party 

8:15 p.m.
Flock Entertainment Sports Center (North College Hill)
Free Admission
Wear your game-day jersey and catch the Bengals going head-to-head with the Jaguars on large TVs, bar service, and lite bites. Catch all the matchups every Sunday and Monday on NFL game nights. 

Sister Accord Foundation 10th Anniversary Celebration with En Vogue
December 13
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
7 p.m.
Do not miss a special evening with an intimate setting and performance by En Vogue, celebrating Sister Accord’s mission to empower one billion girls and women to learn to love themselves and each other. Get your tickets today! 

NC Festival of Lights  

10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (Avondale)
Starting at $10.50
Come early to see over four million LED lights, find the 5 Fiona fairies in Fairyland, see a blacklight puppet show, marvel at the spectacular Wild Lights presentation, and more.  Show your SNAP card for discounted tickets and parking. Runs through Jan. 7. 

Black & Brown Faces Community Art Exhibit  

11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park)
Free Admission Every Day
Connect with the art of 15 Black artists from across the Midwest and see their unique perspectives on the immense influence of Black and Brown culture. While there, check out the Kehinde Wiley Two Sisters or Charles White: A Little Higher exhibits, then stop by the Terrace café. Runs through Jan. 21. 

Support this Black-owned business – Nolia Kitchen 

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Nolia Kitchen (OTR)
Experience the fine dining of James Beard Foundation award-winning Executive Chef Jeff Harris. Taste the cajun and creole flavors of classic dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish remoulade, skillet cornbread, swordfish, mille-feuille, and more. 

Mrs. Doubtfire Broadway Musical 

7:30 p.m.
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
Starting at $35
Experience everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny in a hit musical based on the film telling the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Runs through Dec. 17. 

Jazz is Dead Concert 

8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $25
Celebrate the 50th anniversary with a stellar instrumental ensemble delivering renditions of classical tunes infused with jazz influences. 

Exploring Black Women’s Economic Mobility
December 14
Alloy Development Co. (Norwood)
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Discover your full potential at Generation Now, All-In Cincinnati, and Invest in Black Women’s exclusive happy hour. Stop by to openly discuss and tackle the hurdles faced by Black women seeking upward mobility in career and entrepreneurial ventures. RSVP today!

19th Century Holiday Guided Tour 

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Heritage Village Museum (Sharonville)
Starting at $10
Take a journey through time as you explore Kemper House, Fetter General Store, Schram Print Shop, Vorhes House, Chester Park Train Station, Elk Lick House, and Hayner House. Delve into the fascinating transformation of Christmas celebrations throughout the 19th century in Southwestern Ohio. Runs through Dec. 8. 

Charles White: A Little Higher – Art Exhibit 

11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park)
Free Admission 
Features almost 50 powerful, evocative interpretations of the Black experience with a confidence and technical skill that defined his mastery as a draftsman. While there, stroll to Kehinde Wiley’s The Two Sisters or Black and Brown Faces: Verified exhibits and grab a soup, salad, or sandwich for the Terrace Café. Runs through Feb. 25. 

Ice Skating 

4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Starting at $10
Glide across the ice or watch your family from a warming tent while enjoying hot and cold snacks and beverages. Runs through Feb. 19. 

Building The Dream 1st Time Homebuyer Seminar 

4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Community Action Agency (Bond Hill)
Free Admission
Engage with knowledgeable presenters as they cover topics such as comprehending home inspections and mortgages, mastering budgeting, saving strategies, financial wellness, and understanding credit scores—more first-time homebuyer tips. 

Line Dancing  

5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. 
Bond Hill Recreation Center (Bond Hill) 
Free with membership 
Get your groove on by learning the latest trendy dances. All skill levels are welcome. 

A Christmas Carol Play 

7 p.m.
Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (Mt. Adams)
Starting at $35
A new production featuring dazzling new sets, costumes, and lighting designs, the show promises a magical holiday experience for your family like never before. Tickets are selling out, so purchase your tickets today. Runs through Dec. 30. 

Loose Ends R&B Concert 

7:30 p.m.
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
Starting at $40
Jam to the smooth, sophisticated sounds of old-school hits like “Hanging on a String,” “Choose Me,” “Rescue Me,” and “Slow Down.” 

Creole Jazz Christmas Concert 

8 p.m.
Memorial Hall (OTR)
Starting at $46
Celebrate the holiday season as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performs New Orleans classics and holiday selections with a twist. Enjoy a pre-concert reception featuring live local music, light bites, and craft beer tastings. 

Busta Rhymes Hip-Hop Concert
April 18
Andrew J. Brady Center (Downtown)
8 p.m.
Catch one of the greatest to ever do it! will be shutting the stage down, performing hits from his new “Blockbusta” album. If you missed him over the summer, do not miss him this time, it will be LIT!

RENAISSANCE: A Film By Beyoncé   

Time Varies
$22
AMC Theatres
From its inception to the opening in Stockholm and the finale in Kansas City, the tour received extraordinary acclaim, creating a sanctuary for freedom and shared joy for more than 2.7 million fans. Dress up in silver and bring all that “Energy.” Runs Thursdays – Sundays.

Diversity in STEM Series – Session 2.1 

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
1819 Innovation Hub (Clifton)
Free Admission
Explore groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and inspiring stories from diverse individuals who have made significant contributions to STEM. Understand how DEI legislation and Supreme Court rulings might affect and shape Ohio’s future. 

Exhibition X Art Gallery 

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Carnegie (Covington)
Free Admission
A loose examination of collage strategies and techniques across a range of media. Rather than organizing the exhibition from a particular thematic point of view, the curators opted for a messier, open-ended approach to bringing work together under one building. Explore creations from talented local Black artists like Terence Hammonds and M’Shinda Imani Abdullah Broaddus. Runs weekdays through Feb. 3.

Selfie Museum 

2 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Selfie Cincy (OTR)
Starting at $15
Get dressed up and plan a visit to show off! Choose from ten themed rooms to create a personalized photoshoot. 

Support this Black-owned business –OTR Funplex 

4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
OTR Funplex (OTR)
Free Admission
Dive into the thrilling atmosphere of the Board Game Lounge, where the nostalgia of games like Battleship, Dominoes, Twister, and Spades comes to life. Enjoy happy hour specials until 7 p.m. every day through Friday. For extra excitement, purchase tickets for the escape, splatter, smash, private karaoke, and cocktail crafting rooms. 

Throwback Thursdays Happy Hour 

6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Fantasy Drink Lounge (Clifton)
Free Admission
Elevate the excitement as you groove to the live beats of R&B and hip-hop while enjoying hookahs, delectable food, and irresistible fishbowl drink specials. 

A Taste of CSC 

6:30 p.m.
Walnut Hills Library (Walnut Hills)
Free Admission
Immerse yourself in creativity with a vibrant paint session with Soul Palette and indulge in delightful light refreshments in support of the Cancer Support Community of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. 

Fiona: The Musical  

7 p.m.
Ensemble Theatre (OTR)
Starting at $27
When Fiona is born two months early at only 29 pounds, the odds are stacked against her. Follow Fiona the Hippo’s journey from a premature baby to a larger-than-life heroine – a beautiful story of survival, and the cast is deliberately diverse and inclusive.  Runs through Dec. 29.

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) Opening Night 

7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (Downtown)
Starting at $14
Get in the holiday spirit by witnessing the musical performance of A Christmas Carol and a slightly irreverent look at holiday classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph, Charlie Brown, and more. Runs through Dec. 30. 

Thursday Night Football 

8 p.m.
Kickbacks (Hartwell)
Free Admission
Witness the thrilling clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots on the big screens. Elevate your game-day experience as you snag your favorite drinks from the bar and indulge in crispy wings fresh from the kitchen.

Black Barbie Movie Screening
December 15 – 16
Garfield Theatre (OTR)
Gather the girls (friends, family, associates, and church members) to see the film highlighting the brainpower behind the development and introduction of the first Black Barbie, which was 20 years in the making. Explore the various iterations of the doll over the years, the special editions for holidays, anniversaries, and the AKA Centennial Collection. 

Holiday Pops Concert 

11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Cincinnati Music Hall (Downtown)
Starting at $26
Choruses, vocalists, dancers, handbell ringers, and Queen City favorite Capathia Jenkins will deck out the halls by performing live holiday classics Runs through Dec. 10. 

11th Annual Halle-Bration 

4 p.m.- 8 p.m.
New Vision UMC (Norwood)
Free Admission
Indulge in delectable offerings available for purchase and explore a family-friendly holiday shopping experience featuring local vendors offering diverse products, including books, makeup, hair products, designer eyewear, and more. Runs through Dec. 9. 

Holidaze v.3 

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Revel Urban Winery (OTR)
Free Admission
Celebrate with the Cincinnati Young Black Professionals. Wear your ugliest Christmas sweater and enjoy an evening of holiday music and drink specials. Girls Health Period, Inc. will be accepting donations for women’s undergarments and gift cards. 

Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati 

6 p.m.
Hyatt Regency (Downtown)
Starting at $75
Witness an evening of Black excellence through a celebration of local professionals, business executives, community leaders, and entrepreneurs. 

Jazz Under The Mistletoe 

6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
The Redmoor (Mt. Lookout)
Starting at $25
Delight in an unforgettable holiday concert featuring live R&B Christmas music by saxophonist Ric Sexton, a dynamic performance by Grammy Award nominee vibraphonist Josh Strange, and the vibrant sounds of the 2nd Wind Band. 

2023 Gala: Black Tie & Diamonds 

6 p.m. – 11 p.m. 
Cincinnati Club (Downtown)
$75
Join the Greater Cincinnati Realtist Association for a sophisticated evening, including a cocktail hour, dinner, entertainment, and the Chapter Officer Installation and awards ceremony. 

She Slays 2023 

7 p.m.
Overflow Ministries Covenant Church (Mt. Healthy)
Starting at $55
Embark on a day of empowering self-care sessions designed for women. VIP registrants will enjoy exclusive benefits, including upgraded conference materials, a stylish T-shirt, a welcoming reception, and more. Runs through Dec. 9. 

Credible Play 

7:30 p.m.
Know Theatre (OTR)
$25
A bold, raw, and darkly funny show that tackles bias in the American medical system and living with chronic pain during an opioid epidemic. This true-life tale of a decade-long journey through illness celebrates the life-saving power of having your pain seen and believed. Runs through Dec. 10. 

Black Nativity Musical 

7:30 p.m.
Word of Deliverance (Forest Park)
Starting at $30
See the story of joyfulness, struggle, the birth of Jesus, and the powerful discovery of faith. Experience impactful sounds of music, praise, and dance through astonishing costumes, prophetic storytelling, and more. Runs through Dec. 16.

Hot Chocolate Ballet Theatre   

8 p.m.
Aronoff Center (Downtown)
Starting at $35
Indulge yourself in Cincinnati’s most elaborate African American Nutcracker experience, brought to life by Revolution Dance Theatre – the region’s professional Black ballet company. Enjoy soul-stirring storylines set to original music, choreography, and stellar production. Runs through Dec. 9.  

How I Learned What I Learned Play
February 17 – March 10
Ensemble Theatre (OTR)
Witness the story of August Wilson jobs, jail stints, encounters with racism, violence, music, and more. Tickets are on sale now! 

Breakfast Saturdays 

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Chef Nem Kitchen To-Go (Avondale)
Big Wil of No Pork on my Fork and Chef Nem team up to bring you soulful breakfast creations like carrot cake waffles and wings, Fruity Pebble French toast, turkey sausage and salmon burritos, shrimp and grits, breakfast potatoes, cheese eggs, and more. 

Yoga and Mimosas Fitness Class 

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
The Confetti Room (OTR)
$40
Treat yourself to a unique experience with a rejuvenating yoga flow with Brandi Bee, chilled mimosas, light snacks, and shopping with local marketplace vendors. 

Holiday Tea 

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Taft Museum (Downtown)
Starting at $25
Enjoy a festive afternoon of live holiday music, assorted teas, savory bites, and sweets, including scones and petits fours. Enjoy holiday displays and the museum’s collection of galleries. 

Narnia the Musical 

2 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Taft Theatre (Downtown)
Starting at $10
Four English schoolchildren are sent to stay in the manor house of their uncle and stumble upon (and through) a wardrobe into the magical kingdom. Runs through Dec. 17.

Downtown Dazzle 

6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Fountain Square (Downtown)
Free Admission
Have an evening of family-friendly festive fun in a winter wonderland featuring skating to live music, followed by watching Santa repel from a skyline. End the evening with a colorful and explosive fireworks display. Runs through December 16.

Winter Jazz Series: Immanuel Wilkins Quartet 

7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Caffè Vivace (Walnut Hills)
$15
Experience the riveting sounds of live contemporary jazz that captivate your senses and elevate your musical enjoyment. 

A Motown & More Christmas 

7:30 p.m.
Fitton Center for the Arts (Hamilton)
$43
Let Just Vince and the Fellas serenade you with hidden gems from the Motown Christmas catalog and soulful classics from various labels. Get ready to groove and embrace the spirit of the season.

BlackOUT Ugly Sweater Christmas Party 

9 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Esoteric Brewing Company (Walnut Hills)
$5
Wear your most festive ugly sweater and groove to the latest house beats with K. Chanta alongside funky tunes by Fred Pierce in collaboration with Cincinnati Black Pride. 

Rob 49 Hip-Hop Concert 

10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Riverfront Live (East End)
Starting at $40
Immerse yourself in a live, explosive concert that promises to set the stage on fire. Vibe to songs like “Vulture Island,” “Alright,” and “Viral.” 

Avery*Sunshine 
March 30
Ludlow Garage (Clifton)
7:30 p.m.
Experience an evening of jazz, soul, funk, and R&B. Hear songs like “All in My Head” and “Blackity Black.” You do not want to miss this one-night-only concert. 

The Ultimate Tailgate 

9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Longworth Hall Parking Lot (Downtown)
Free Admission
Get your jerseys and join the Who Dey Chicks all over the grounds. Enjoy food, live music, drinks, and games before it goes down at Paycor Stadium. Who Dey!

Bengals Pre-Game Fan Zone 

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Banks (OTR)
Free Admission
Before the showdown with the Indianapolis Colts, stop by the Bud Light Tailgate Zone to hear live music, let the kids run wild in the CareSource Play60, and enjoy interactive games, giveaways, face painting, and a live DJ in the Jungle Zone. 

Holiday Junction 

10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Museum Center (Downtown)
Starting at $10
The Northern Lights display serves as the perfect photo. Find hidden objects in the railway garden, visit the LEGO display in Brickopolis, and visit Santa. Runs through Jan. 8. 

Have brunch at a Black-owned Restaurant – Katch the Kitchen 

Noon – 5 p.m.
Katch the Kitchen (Northside)
Enjoy delectable dishes like chicken and waffles, breakfast bowls, platters, and burritos, omelets, quesadillas, sandwiches, pasta, wings, burgers, crab legs, salmon, and more. 

CCJO Jazz@First Concert 

2 p.m.
First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati (Avondale)
Starting at $10
Experience the live performance of Charlie Brown’s family-friendly music by joining the Phil DeGreg Trio and Dan Drees. Indulge in complimentary wine and cheese during the intermission for an added delight. 

AfroBeats Holiday Party & Donation Drive 

3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cove 51 (Sharonville)
Free Admission
Enjoy the vibrant beats by DJ Tizie B, savor delectable African cuisine, participate in raffles, and more. Do not forget to bring items like socks, gloves, coats, toiletries, and more for donations to homeless shelters. 

Bringing Sexy B(l)ack Holiday Party 

6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Knox Joseph Distillery (OTR)
Free Admission
Dress in your most stylish attire and groove to the vibrant beats of live Cuban dance music by La Pequeña Fiesta Cubana and DJ Robertón. Cocktails, spirits, beer, tres toros tacos, freedom wings, the KNOX burger, and other delectable bites are available. 

NFL Game Day Watch Party 

8:15 p.m.
Game On Sports Complex (North College Hill)
Free Admission
Wear your game-day jersey and catch the Eagles vs. Cowboys on large TVs, bar service, and light bites. Catch all the matchups every Sunday and Monday on game days and evenings. 

Writer,
Latoya Stiggers
The Voice of Black Cincinnati