Hamilton's historic German district is holding its annual Christmas walk. Listen to strolling musicians in Dickensian attire, take a bell-jingling, horse-drawn carriage ride, buy roasted nuts and other treats, purchase crafts and gifts, visit Santa and live reindeer, and tour the St. Julie Billiart Church and listen to the choir. Check it out at Hamilton German District, N. 2nd St., Hamilton, on Dec. 1 from noon-5 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit the Annual German Christmas Walk Facebook event page.
Fairfield Parade of Lights
The city of Fairfield's Christmas opener includes a light-filled parade, a winter market, live music and entertainment from choirs and dance groups, activities, and visits with Santa. Check it out at Village Green Park, 301 Wessel Drive, on Dec. 1 from 4-7 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit www.fairfield-city.org.
“Hello, Dolly!”
This 1964 musical about a strong-willed matchmaker who travels to Yonkers, New York, to find a match for a miserly, wealthy bachelor won 12 Tony Awards during its original Broadway run, then four more on its 2017 revival, including Best Revival. See it at the Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 3-15. Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $30 and up. For more information, call 513-621-2787 or visit www.cincinnatiarts.org.
“Nuncrackers: The Nunsense Christmas Musical”
This classic off-Broadway musical is about a Mother Superior who stages a variety show to pay for the burials after the convent cook accidentally poisons most of her nuns. See it at the Parrish Auditorium at the Miami University Hamilton, 1601 University Blvd., Hamilton, on Dec. 4-8. Performance times are 7 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. For more information and ticket prices, call 513-737-PLAY or visit www.ghctplay.com.
“The Mrs. Claus Show”
When the "North Pole Pox" lays everyone low, it's up to Mrs. Claus and a few elves and other creatures to save Christmas. This family-friendly musical teaches kids about leadership, teamwork and goodwill. See it at the Fitton Center for the Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave., Hamilton, on Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $5-$7. For more information, call 513-863-8873 or visit www.fittoncenter.org.
Waynesville’s Christmas in the Village
Warren County residents (and beyond) can experience this small-town Christmas vibe while doing some holiday shopping. There’ll be 1,300 luminaries sparkling the storefronts, entertainment, carriage rides, and fine places to eat when you need a break. Check it out along downtown Waynesville on Dec. 6-8. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, noon-9 p.m. Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. There is no admission cost. For more information, visit the Waynesville Christmas in the Village Facebook page.
“Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
A stage version of the young adult classic concerns a small town that, as they produce their annual Christmas pageant, is forced to cast the Herdmans, the most awful delinquents in history, in the most important roles of the Nativity Play. See it at the Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon, on Dec. 6-15. Performance times are 7 p.m. Friday-Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, with an additional 2 p.m. show on Dec. 14. Tickets are $15. For more information, call 513-228-0932 or visit www.ltcplays.com.
Oxford Holiday Festival
The Oxford community's annual Christmas party includes a craft market, a kids' corner, live reindeer, ice skating, live music, carriage rides, Santa's arrival by fire truck, pictures with Santa, and the official lighting of Oxford. Check it out at the Oxford Community Center and Uptown Parks, Oxford, on Dec. 7 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-524-8506 or visit www.enjoyoxford.org.
Olde West Chester Christmas Walk
What better way to discover (or rediscover) the original West Chester neighborhood than with its annual Christmas walk? Kids of all ages can get a passport to explore special stops (an elf village, a winter wonderland, and the North Pole) for a special prize. The walk will also include a petting zoo, horse-and-wagon rides, live music, shopping, kids' games and crafts, photos with Santa, a community tree lighting, and a holiday parade. Check it out along 8992 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, West Chester, on Dec. 7 from 2-8 p.m. There is no admission cost. For more information, call 513-777-5900 or visit www.westchester.org.
“Trolls Live!”
First, there was the animated movie. Then there was the Netflix series. Now, here's the live-action stage version. When the Trolls' Hug Time is unexpectedly threatened, the Trolls throw an interactive Trolls party. See it at the Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Cincinnati, on Dec. 7-8. Performance times are 10 a.m., 2:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. and 11 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $23-$144. For more information, call 513-421-4111 or visit www.heritagebankcenter.com.
About the Author