1. Festival of Lights
Starting Friday, the Cincinnati Zoo transforms into a lighted winter wonderland with over four million LED lights, train rides, light shows on Swan Lake, s'mores stands and more. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, see Madcap Winter Wonders nightly at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. at the Wings of Wonder Bird Amphitheater, enjoy roaming elves, Fiona fairy statues and 27 larger-than-life animal lanterns throughout the zoo.
Details: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Park hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Festival of Lights is included with zoo admission. Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 9. cincinnatizoo.org.
2. Lots of other holiday openings
- Journey Borealis, 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. See light art, installation art and projection mapping. The journey begins with glimmering trees and arches before winding through a blue and white glow of Jerusalem's Hanukkah celebration, followed by travels through Germany's Candy Cane Forest and the Grinch's Greenland, then a stop in Bethlehem before a final destination of the North Pole. Soundtrack performed by the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, with special tracks sung by the Cincinnati Boychoir. To listen, download the Otocast app on your phone prior to your visit. Runs Nov. 19-Jan. 2. journeyborealis.com.
- Holiday in Lights, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 6-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, Sharon Woods Park, 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville. This outdoor light display features over a million lights and 250 lighted displays, viewable from the comfort of your vehicle. Special effects glasses for purchase at the gate, $2 each or 3 for $5. $17 per car, $55 per 15-passenger vans and buses. $7 to walk on special nights. holidayinlights.com.
- The Christmas Ranch, 5-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 5-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 3205 S. Waynesville Road, Morrow. Features over a million dancing lights synchronized to holiday music, six Christmas shops, Santa's bakery and cafe, pictures with Santa, train and wagon rides and more. Runs Nov. 19-Dec. 23. Closed Thanksgiving. $20 per carload, $30 per oversized van (10 or more people). No buses or RVs. Free parking. Benefits multiple local charities. thechristmasranch.com.
- Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some), Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. What begins as another annual production of "A Christmas Carol" soon devolves into a slightly irreverent look at all of our favorite “Beloved Holiday Classics” including pop culture favorites. Add in topical references that always keep this annual tradition fresh and fun with everything from Dickens to Dr. Seuss for 90+ minutes of high octane jollity and frivolity. Runs Nov. 19-Dec. 26. cincyshakes.com.
3. Holiday Shopping Expo
Selection of boutiques, crafters, upcycled and repurposed merchandise, specialty stores, local businesses, wine tastings, door prizes, live performances and more.
Details: 2-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Lawrenceburg Event Center, 91 Walnut St. $6, free ages 12-under. lawrenceburgshows.com.
4. Glassheart
You already know and love the characters: an enchanted beast, his devoted servant and a kind-hearted young woman who's been locked up – in a crappy Chicago apartment!? This daringly modern twist on "Beauty and the Beast" is a new kind of fairy tale – for romantics, the broken-hearted and everyone ready to breathe a little magic back into the world.
Details: The Know Theatre, 1120 Jackson St., Over-the-Rhine. $25. Runs Nov. 19-Dec. 12. theknowtheatre.com.
5. Straight Street Hill Climb
"Two minutes of self-inflicted torture" as you attempt to climb the .36 mile assault on one of Cincinnati's steepest inclines. Walk, run, ruck climb and duathlon. Benefits Cincinnati Soap Box Derby.
Details: 9 a.m. Sunday, 500 Straight St., Clifton Heights. $10-$22.50. straightstreethillclimb.com.
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