Connect with us

Entertainment

Top 10 things to do on the first weekend of 2025

Published

3 days ago

on

Top 10 things to do on the first weekend of 2025

We’ve been talking about last-chance holiday events for the past couple of weeks, but there are still a few holly jolly events left this weekend if you’re still feeling the spirit. We also have a big show opening soon at the Aronoff and a bridal show that’s been relocated due to the convention center construction.

Here are the top 10 events happening in and around Cincinnati this weekend.

1. Wendy’s Bridal Expo

Engaged couples can meet with wedding professionals – including wedding planners, florists, caterers, bakers, decor specialists, DJs, photographers, live musicians and more – all under one roof. Brides-to-be won’t want to miss the runway fashion shows at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville. $13, $10 advance. Wendysbridalshow.com.

2. ‘Les Miserables’

Looking ahead to next week, the world’s most popular musical opens Tuesday (Jan. 7) at the Aronoff Center for the Arts. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Victor Hugo’s epic tale of justice, love, sacrifice and redemption boasts a magnificent score and brilliant staging. Limited tickets remain for most performances.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aronoff Center for the Arts, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Runs Jan. 7-19. $40-up. Cincinnatiarts.org.

3. A Night at Hogwarts: The Music of Harry Potter

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra performs the soaring melodies and iconic themes of the wizarding world from all eight Harry Potter films. Using only music (no film projections), the concert also includes insights from the books and films, interactive games and trivia experiences. It’s a fun – and charitable – way to start the new year, as you can participate in Dobby’s Sock Drive by bringing unused socks to be donated to Lighthouse Youth and Family Services.

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Music Hall, 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Runs Jan. 3-5. $25-up. Cincinnatiarts.org.

4. Last chance: PNC Festival of Lights

This is the final weekend to take the family to the zoo to experience the magic of four million lights, glowing animal-shaped lanterns, Fiona fairy statues, an immersive “Under the Sea” area and a Wild Lights Show on Swan Lake. Visit early to see the animals and don’t miss the nightly performances of Madcap Puppets’ black light puppet shows. Pro tip: be sure to dress for cold weather.

Details: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday, Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Through Jan. 5. Cincinnatizoo.org.

5. Last chance: Cincinnati Nights of Lights

This drive-thru holiday light show features giant Christmas trees, glowing snowflakes, dancing candy canes and more. Tickets must be booked in advance online. Due to tunnels and tight turns throughout the show, limos, RVs and buses longer than 21 feet are not permitted.

Details: 5-10 p.m. nightly, Clermont County Fairgrounds, 1000 Locust St., Owensville. Through Jan. 5. $30 vehicles of 1-8 persons, $50 vehicles of nine passengers or more. Queencitylightshow.com.

6. Last chance: Holiday Junction

The Duke Energy Holiday Trains are chugging around the Cincinnati Museum Center through this weekend, so if want to see the intricate displays featuring more than 300 rail cars and 50 locomotives, add it to your timetable before the trains leave the station for another year. The Northern Lights display is a perfect backdrop for family photos, there’s a holiday scavenger hunt featuring hidden objects in the garden railway layout, and be sure to check out the whimsical displays of Lego bricks at Brickopolis.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Monday, Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave., Queensgate. Through Jan. 6. $22.50, $15.50 seniors and children. Cincymuseum.org.

7. Last chance: Christmas at the Junction

While the Duke Energy Holiday Trains will roll again next year, it’s the end of the line for the world’s largest indoor train display. After this weekend, the beloved railroad layouts, intricate displays, funhouse, play areas and toy store will disappear forever. If you’ve never been, or just want to see it one last time, this is your last chance to spend Christmas at the Junction.

Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday, Entertrainment Junction, 7379 Squire Court, West Chester. Through Jan. 5. Entertrainmentjunction.com.

8. Last chance: Pyramid Hill Lights

Enjoy this unique art and nature-filled route lit up with over a million lights and one-of-a-kind light installations by local artists.

Details: 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, 1763 Hamilton Cleves Road, Hamilton. Through Jan. 5. $25 per car. pyramidhill.org.

9. Last chance: Solstice Glow

Celebrate the quiet magic of winter and the longest night of the year with candles, lanterns and festive displays, including model trains that glide through poinsettias and winter plants. See miniature replicas of Cincinnati icons, including this year’s newest addition, the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Details: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams. Through Jan. 5. $10, $7 ages 5-17, free ages 4-under. cincinnati-oh-gov.

10. Last chance: The Shillito’s Elves

Dating back more than 70 years, this collection of mechanized figures depicting various Christmas scenes has delighted families for generations. See The Mail Sorter, Little Woodshop, Pete the Painter, Lazzie Bear and Gift Wrap, and Elves at Home including the Piano Player Ned the Newspaper Reader, and the Bunkbed Elves.

Details: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 1312 and 1324 Main St., Over-the-Rhine. Through Jan. 5. Free. downtowncincinnati.com/elves.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading