If you’re already counting down the days until Santa shimmies down your chimney, we’ve got some ideas on how you can celebrate the spirit of the season.
First up on our list is Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights, where you can spot animal lanterns around the zoo, meet costumed characters and munch on seasonal goodies. For more Christmas magic, attend Light up the Levee’s tree lighting ceremony, where you’ll find both sparks and holiday spirit in the air. Other notable events to get you jolly include ice skating at the brand new Elm Street Plaza and strolling across the festively lit Purple People Bridge.
For the sports lovers, spectate the Hoops Classic game, Louisville versus Cincinnati, to see which of the rivals will be victorious. Another great option is to cheer on the Bengals at their home game versus the Patriots (they really need it!), or for a comedic twist, laugh along with legendary former heavyweight boxer Mike Tyson at his “Return of the Mike” show at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati.
Here are our top 10 picks for the best places to be this weekend.
Have an event you’d like us to know about? Submit it online at cincinnati.com/events, and we’ll tell the world about it. Head to that same site to peruse our full calendar of events.
1. Cincinnati Zoo’s Festival of Lights
The Cincinnati Zoo is all in for its annual PNC Festival of Lights, complete with over 5 million LED lights and 65 animal lanterns located throughout the zoo. Guests can search for Fiona fairy statues in Fiona’s Fairyland, immerse themselves in the “Under the Sea” area, and watch the Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Meet costumed characters and hop aboard the North Polar Express Train and the Conservation Carousel. If you get a bit peckish, enjoy roasted s’mores, nuts and other holiday treats.
Details: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Runs Nov. 20-Jan. 4. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Included with admission. cincinnatizoo.org.
2. Jonas Brothers concert
The Jonas Brothers are bringing their “Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour” to Heritage Bank Center, highlighting every chapter of their 20-year career. Joining them will be Jesse McCartney, Franklin Jonas and Deleasa. Hear them perform classics like “Lovebug,” “S.O.S.” and “Burnin’ Up.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.
3. Light up the Levee
Enjoy live performances by The Groove Crew, Hi-Fi Honey and Footlighters Inc. Feel the holiday magic in the air as Newport lights their 50-foot tree, followed by a Rozzi fireworks show. Get your face painted by an elf and dance your heart out at a festive silent disco. Meet Saint Nick himself (and snap a photo for the memories).
Details: 3 p.m. Saturday, Newport on the Levee, 1 Levee Way, Newport. newportonthelevee.com.
4. Elm Street Plaza ice rink opening
The decades-old Cincinnati tradition, the UC Health Ice Rink, is relocated to Elm Street Plaza this year. Grab your loved ones and hit the ice at Cincy’s newest civic space.
Details: 3-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 3-10 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Elm Street Plaza, 150 W. Fifth St., Downtown. $12. Runs Nov. 21-Feb. 16. elmstreetplazacincy.com.
5. Winter Nights & River Lights
Take a stroll over the Purple People Bridge. This Ohio River pedestrian bridge is bedecked in cheerful twinkling lights for the holidays.
Details: nightly, Purple People Bridge, Newport. Free. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 4. purplepeoplebridge.com.
6. The Hoops Classic
Watch longtime men’s basketball rivals Louisville and Cincinnati clash in what’s sure to be a tense, action-packed matchup. The game will take place at Heritage Bank Center, a neutral site sure to well represent both fan bases.
Details: 6:30 p.m. Friday, Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway, Downtown. heritagebankcenter.com.
7. Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights
Be dazzled by more than two million lights at Cincinnati’s Nights of Lights drive through holiday light show. Drive by larger-than-life Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes, light tunnels and more.
Details: Open daily 5-10 p.m., Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. $30 per car for up to 8 passengers, $50 for 9 and more. Runs Nov. 21-Jan. 3. store.queencitylightshow.com.
8. Mike Tyson at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati
Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion, will bring his new live show “Return of the Mike” to Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati. Prepare for an honest, hilarious performance as Tyson dives deep into his personal life and career.
Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, 1000 Broadway St., Pendleton. casino.hardrock.com.
9. Bengals home game
Prepare for another Sunday game. The Cincinnati Bengals play the New England Patriots. Show up early (and secure a parking spot before gametime) to the pre-game block party. Get ready to roar with live music from DV8, food and drinks, including ice cold beer from the Bud Light Tailgate Zone.
Pre-game block party: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, The Banks, Freedom Way, Downtown. Free. bengals.com.
Game: 1 p.m. Sunday, 1 Paycor Stadium, Downtown. bengals.com.
“Even More Before the Roar” Tailgate: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Smale Riverfront Park, 115 Joe Nuxhall Way, Downtown. facebook.com.
10. Christmas in Historic Springboro
Shop for holiday decor and unique gifts from over 75 craft vendors. Grab a bite to eat while you shop from one of the over 29 food vendors. Stop in the children’s tent for a meet and greet with the big man himself (Santa!) while adults can enjoy the entertainment and Warped Wing beer tents. Sign up for the 5K run and walk taking place Saturday at 9 a.m., and don’t miss the parade Saturday at noon.
Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday, South Main Street, Springboro. springborofestivals.org.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Top 10 things to do in Cincinnati this weekend, from Festival of Lights to Jonas Brothers
Reporting by Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
