3CDC Newsletter 11.21.24
Before we open up the throttle on holiday hubbub, there are plenty of chances to mix in a bit of merriment this week downtown! Tomorrow, one of Cincinnati’s most beloved traditions is back! The Shillito’s Elves have returned for another season of holiday magic. This year, the decades-old elves have set up shop on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine. The Shillito’s Elves, a collection of mechanized figures that depict various Christmas scenes, including Santa’s workshop, made their debut in the 1950s in the windows at Shillito’s, Cincinnati’s first department store. Over 70 years later, the Elves still put a twinkle in the eyes of Cincinnatians young and old! Nestled among Main Street’s many unique shops, the Elves’ location is perfectly situated for visitors looking to mark some items off their gift list too! Although the elves’ displays can be viewed at any time, the scenes will only be animated during select hours each day. Check out the elves’ animation schedule, read up on their history, and discover all the joyful experiences Main Street has to offer on Downtown Cincinnati’s website today!
Blocks away, spirits are just as bright at the Christkindlmarkt on the Schmidlapp Event Lawn adjacent to Moerlein Lager House! Beginning tomorrow at 5PM, experience the charm of a traditional German holiday market with plenty of Queen City flair mixed in, featuring shopping, festive décor, food, drinks, entertainment, and more! Each week of the market promises special promotions like free hot chocolate Fridays and Dickens-style carolers on Saturday nights, plus one-off experiences like woodcarving demonstrations by local artist Chris Rust this weekend! Whether you’re here for a handcrafted treasure, seasonal treats, or just to watch an artist at work, this is the perfect holiday outing for family and friends. Admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free to explore, and hours vary each day!
Cuisine Art Cocktails?! Say less! Join the Contemporary Arts Center on Saturday for their largest and most creative fundraiser of the year! Art-loving revelers can enjoy light bites from some of Greater Cincinnati's best chefs and restaurants, interactive art displays, incredible performances, architectural tours of the Zaha Hadid-designed building, and exclusive access to the galleries. You won't want to miss VIP experiences with James Beard-nominated Chef Jose Salazar and incredible mixologist Molly Wellmann. Celebrate Contemporary Cincinnati in the heart of the Fountain District and reserve your tickets today!
The wonderful thing about holiday cheer is that there’s always room for more! Let it Glow is Cincinnati’s newest holiday event, kicking off Tuesday at the Cincinnati Art Museum. For the first time, the museum’s Alice Bimel Courtyard has been transformed into an outdoor, immersive, light-filled winter wonderland! The event features many art-centric and photo-worthy attractions, including a Fractal Walk and Baubles & Bubbles, but the main feature is a 30-foot-tall interactive snow globe! Guests can enter the globe and play with themes of light, perspective, and automation, personalizing their experience and the experiences of those around them! Purchase your tickets to the magic in advance online!
