Christmas Activities pt. 2
It’s that time of year - the birds are migrating, our windshields are covered in frost every morning, and if Ohio pulls through, maybe we’ll get some snow… Whether we like it or not, the holidays are approaching fast and sometimes the options for seasonal festivities can be overwhelming. For those staying home for the holidays, here are some of the most popular winter traditions.
A great holiday tradition in Fountain Square is Macy’s Downtown Dazzle. The free event, taking place on December 14th and 21st, starts at 5:30 PM. People awaiting the main spectacle can pass the time shopping or ice skating until 6:30, when Santa Claus will rappel down one of the tallest Cincinnati buildings! Saint Nick’s display of athleticism will be followed by a fireworks display.
Although less family-friendly, “Christmas Nightmare” at the Dent Schoolhouse is sure to entertain. Including Krampus, the Grinch, and a seasonal spin on fan-favorite Charlie the janitor, this elaborate haunted house is open on December 13th and 14th from 6:30-11 PM and tickets are available on the Dent Schoolhouse website. But watch out - the halls may be decked with more than holly… (Fun fact: there are more horror actors ready to scare you in Christmas Nightmare than any other Dent Schoolhouse show!)
The Playhouse in the Park Are screams of terror not what you had in mind this holiday season? Perhaps you’d prefer to sing A Christmas Carol or two! were performing this holiday classic long before any current SUA students were born. In fact, Bruce Cramer, who portrays the miser Ebenezer Scrooge, has been with the show for 22 years (acting as the stingy protagonist for the past 14). This show utilizes trapdoors, turntables, stage effects, and hundreds of costumes to bring the Dickensian world to life.
But that’s not all! Our city offers many other wonderful stage productions this winter! Always popular is The Nutcracker, which can be seen at the Cincinnati Ballet. Tchaikovsky’s iconic score is performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the best young dancers in Cincinnati. To support another wonderful school in our city, see students from the School for Creative and Performing Arts perform their production of this classic!
The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is busy this season - besides The Nutcracker, the CSO will also perform in their annual “Holiday Pops” concert, led by conductor John Morris Russell. Don’t miss their New Year’s Eve concert, which focuses on the timeless sound of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
If you’re looking for gifts for friends and family this Christmas season, try another great option - the City Flea! This urban flea market has been held monthly since 2011, but the December 14th date (held from 4:00 to 9:00 PM) is a great opportunity to buy presents for your loved ones. But while you’re at it, get a present for yourself; you deserve it!
Looking for a relaxing thing to do after exams? Look no further! Cincinnati has lots of great options, including the Taft Museum’s “Antique Christmas” exhibit. The showcase features vintage Christmas decorations from all over the world. These beautiful trinkets are sure to put anyone in the holiday mood.
Similarly, Krohn Conservatory focuses on history, but this time it’s the history of Cincinnati! Their holiday exhibit reflects the city’s German roots and iconic architecture in the beautiful natural models surrounded by fruit trees and carnivorous plants alike. Be sure to check out their permanent exhibits too! (Fun fact: Krohn Conservatory is within walking distance of SUA, so it makes a great after-school hangout spot!)
If your little siblings aren’t interested in plants, a trip to the Union Terminal museum center might be in order. For the winter season, the traditional Duke Energy train show will be housed at the historic museum. The exhibition contains hundreds of trains inside an intricate winter wonderland. Don’t miss the rest of the museum, including a great children’s play area!
Another family-friendly event is the Mt. Adams Reindog Parade. Taking place on December 14th, the festivities are hosted by the SPCA. Registration is free (although a donation to the SPCA is recommended) or you can just come and watch! The procession of pups will begin at 2:00 PM and a costume contest will award the title of best dressed to some well-deserving pooches. Bring your dog and your whole family! If you want to spend more time in beautiful Mt. Adams, come back on the 15th to see hundreds of luminaries (lanterns made out of paper bags) and hear carolers during their Luminaria event.
Baby, it’s cold outside... but even during the winter months, Cincinnatians can’t get enough ice cream! Many Ohio-based companies have new holiday flavors, including Graeter’s (peppermint stick, cinnamon, and eggnog) and United Dairy Farmers (peppermint stick, peppermint stick chocolate chip, and Santa’s cookies). Christmas aficionados can enjoy scoops of peppermint ice cream year-round at Aglamesis Brothers, where workers also serve up cinnamon and butterscotch ice cream flavors and cranberry Italian ice for the winter season. Cincinnati sweet tooths will also be able to enjoy holiday cakes and cookies at Graeter’s and Servatii, although those who prefer candy may be seeking something crunchier as the temperature drops. Doscher’s Candy Company (a local company famous for French Chews) will satisfy many a craving with their handmade candy canes this year!
Looking for something a little closer to home? Come to the SUA Library’s holiday party in the East Foyer on December 13th, bring in a Christmas treat for your advisory or one of your exam bells, or buy a fair trade candy gram for a friend. Happy holidays, Saint Ursula!