If you're frustrated about the kids hogging Santa all season long, it might be refreshing to know that the big guy enjoys a craft beer with the grown-ups on occasion, too. Bring the family, a camera and a package of diapers or wipes for Hope House Mission (non-perishables, clothing, and toys are also welcome) and you can get a complimentary family photo with Santa. There will be plenty of beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) as well as the Barrel House Barbecue. Check it out at Rivertown Brewery & Barrel House, 6550 Hamilton Lebanon Road, Monroe, on Dec. 10 from 2-5 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-402-7135 or visit www.rivertownbrewery.com.
2. Find unique gifts at West Chester craft fair
Take a break from Amazon and the big-box retailers and find some unique gifts from dozens of unique vendors and crafters. Santa will be hanging around the Holiday Village Craft and Vendor Fair, and there will be a charity raffle to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati as well. Check it out at the Four Points by Sheraton Cincinnati North, 7500 Tyler’s Place Blvd., West Chester, on Dec. 10 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, search for “Holiday Village Craft and Vendor Fair” on Facebook.
3. Experience a Pioneer Christmas at West Chester park
A 19th-century Christmas event, Pioneer Christmas will have you entering a log cabin, cozying up to a warm fire, and tasting pioneer delicacies such as molasses cookies, apple cider, venison chili and more. Families are encouraged to continue the tradition of bringing a handmade ornament to hang on the tree and then take a picture with Santa. Check it out at the Cabin in the Clearing at Keehner Park, 7211 Barrett Road, West Chester, on Dec. 10 from 1-4 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-777-5900 or visit www.westchesteroh.org.
4. Italian singer entertains at Aronoff
Acclaimed Italian singer Giada Valenti will perform a concert mixing her interpretations of 1960s to 1980s pop hits and classic carols such as "Silent Night" and "White Christmas." See her at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35-$100. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
5. Up-and-coming country singer coming to Bogart’s
Brett Young is an up-and-coming country singer/songwriter who released his self-titled debut album last year. It has since been certified gold, and two of his singles have gone multi-platinum. See him at Bogart's, 2621 Vine St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. For more information and ticket prices, call 513-872-8801 or visit www.bogarts.com.
6. Pop-rock group performs early 2000s hits in Cincinnati
The pop-rock band Sister Hazel is best known for their early 2000s hits, "All For You," and "Change Your Mind." They released their ninth album, "Lighter in the Dark," last year. See them at Live at the Ludlow Garage, 342 Ludlow Ave., Cincinnati, on Dec. 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20-$45. For more information, call 513-616-2640 or visit www.liveattheludlowgarage.com.
7. ‘Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper’ star at Liberty Center’s Funny Bone
Mark Curry is the comedian and actor still best known for his starring role in the 1990s sitcom, "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper." See him perform at the Funny Bone at Liberty Center, 7518 Bales St., A-120, Liberty Township, on Dec. 14-16. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. Friday, and 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $20. For more information, call 513-779-5233 or visit www.liberty.funnybone.com.
8. Holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Aronoff
The Cincinnati Ballet will perform the Tchaikovsky holiday classic, "The Nutcracker." See it at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 14-24. For more information, including performance times and tickets, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
9. 98 Degrees Christmas Tour comes to Cincinnati
The boy band 98 Degrees, co-starring homegrown boys, Nick and Drew Lachey, will give a holiday performance to support their second Christmas album, “Let It Snow.” All proceeds will go to the medical expenses of Ellie Richardson, a Lachey’s Bar employee who was victimized by a random act of violence on Thanksgiving morning. See them at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. Tickets are $50.50-$70.50. For more information, including performance times and tickets, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
10. See “Shopkins Live!” in Cincinnati
The popular collectible toys, Shopkins, based on common grocery store items, are now a live theatrical show. Characters such as Slick Breadstick, Lippy Lips, Shady Diva, and others will sing, dance and solve problems as they prepare for the Funtastic Food and Fashion Fair. See them at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 16 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20-$100. For more information, including performance times and tickets, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
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