1. Maya, the Exhibition
Did you know that by studying the stars, the Maya developed a calendar more accurate than any other in the world? How about their discovery of the number zero, which opened the door to advanced mathematics? Did you know they also introduced the world to chocolate? We didn't, which is why we are excited that this blockbuster exhibition has been extended through April 4 at Cincinnati Museum Center (1301 Western Ave., Queensgate).
You'll see more than 300 artifacts on loan from the nation of Guatemala, each detailing the daily life, religion, politics and innovations of the Maya. You can check it out from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday. Note: The museum center is closed Tuesday-Wednesday, as well as New Year's Day. Tickets run $14-$21. cincymuseum.org.
2. Holiday Junction featuring Duke Energy Trains
This is the final weekend to see one of Cincinnati's most beloved holiday traditions. Holiday Junction featuring the Duke Energy Trains has been a holiday staple in the Queen City since it first debuted Downtown in 1946. Track-level views reveal intricate details of the display, where you can watch over 300 rail cars and 60 locomotives steam past passengers waiting to board.
Holiday Junction rolls through the museum center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The museum is closed on New Year's Day. cincymuseum.com/holiday-junction.
3. and 4. Holiday In Lights and Holiday Lights on the Hill: Journey Borealis
This is also the final weekend to see Holiday in Lights over at Sharon Woods (11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville) and Journey Borealis at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum (1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton). These drive-through light shows are among the few things to do on New Year's Day itself, so plan accordingly.
Holiday In Lights runs 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $15 per car, $45 for buses and 15-passenger vans. Special effects glasses are available at $2 each or 3 for $5. Remember, there's no cash accepted this year, but they will accept major credit card and debit cards. You can also pre-buy your tickets via the website. 513-769-0393; holidayinlights.com. Holiday Lights on the Hill: Journey Borealis runs from 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday and costs $25 per carload. journeyborealis.com.
5. Light Up the Fair
Another light show that ends this weekend (psst, it's open on New Year's Day) is Light Up the Fair over at the Boone County Fairgrounds (5819 Idlewild Road, Burlington). This drive-through, synchronized light show features over 1.5 million channels of computer-controlled lights, a 300-foot snowflake tunnel and a 50-foot Christmas tree made of 25,000 lights. The lights are synced to music you listen to through your car radio. Hours are dusk-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. $6 per person, free ages 3-under. lightupthefair.com.
Honorable mention: Special Engagement Weekends
The Cincinnati Art Museum will continue to open to the public for special engagement days in January. You can check out the museum's 73 permanent collection galleries for free, as well as "Black & Brown Faces," which closes Sunday, "Women Breaking Boundaries: Version 2.0," which closes Jan. 10, and "Anila Quayyum Agha: All the Flowers Are for Me." The special exhibit "Frank Duveneck: American Master" costs $10, $5 for seniors, students and ages 6-17. The exhibit is free for members and children age 5-under.
The special engagement weekends run 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday through Jan. 31. Members have special access from 10-11 a.m. and all day Fridays (beginning Jan. 8 because the museum is closed on New Year's Day). Guests should limit visit to 2 hours. Masks must cover nose and mouth at all times. Advance online registration is required. Cincinnati Art Museum is located at 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. cincinnatiartmuseum.org.
Honorable mention: Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival
Downtown's Christ Church Cathedral continues one of the city's most cherished traditions virtually this year. The 81st annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival will be streaming all day Saturday and Sunday from the church's website. The performance is a recording of the 2019 pageant, complete with enhanced audio.
The festival begins at a Christmas celebration in a 14th century manor home in England, then takes viewers back to the story of Christ's birth. The performance is interactive, encouraging viewers to sing along to traditional carols. You can access the event online by visiting cincinnaticathedral.com and clicking on the boar's head image.
Honorable mention: UC vs. Georgia Watch Party
The Bearcats take on the Georgia Bulldogs in the Peach Bowl on New Year's Day, and you can watch the game with fellow fans over at Mecklenburg Gardens (302 E. University Ave., Corryville). The watch party is held in Mecklenburg's spacious bierhall with tables spaced 6 feet apart for social-distancing purposes. You can watch on their big screen TV or at one of six 55" screens situated throughout the bierhall. The restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. Friday for a noon kickoff. 513-221-5353.
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