The holiday spirit truly ramps up after the first week of December, bringing with it the most iconic and longest-running musical events the Queen City has to offer. If you're looking for classical, intimate acoustics, or even a rock twist on the holidays, you'll find it here!

🎻 Grand Orchestral & Classical Performances

These large-scale shows at the historic Music Hall are the definitive soundtrack to a Cincinnati Christmas.

🌟 1. Holiday Pops

  • When: December 12–14, 2025

  • Where: Cincinnati Music Hall

  • What: The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra returns for its most beloved run of the year. This spectacle features conductor John Morris Russell, choruses, dancers, and special guests like Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Cody Fry, all delivering classic and contemporary holiday favorites.

     

🩰 2. The Nutcracker

  • When: December 18–28, 2025

     

  • Where: Cincinnati Music Hall

     

  • What: While a ballet, the live performance of Tchaikovsky’s magnificent score by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is a musical masterpiece in itself. A stunning visual and auditory experience perfect for the family.

     

🥂 3. New Year's Eve: Cabaret Café

  • When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025

  • Where: Cincinnati Music Hall

     

  • What: Cap off the holiday season with the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra in a fun, festive program to ring in the New Year. It’s an energetic musical celebration with a cabaret flair.

🎶 Acoustic, Jazz & Contemporary Shows

🎤 An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine

  • When: December 19, 20, & 21, 2025

     

  • Where: Memorial Hall OTR

  • What: A cherished local tradition! The Cincinnati-based folk band Over the Rhine offers multiple nights of intimate, heartfelt, and beautiful music that mixes their unique folk sound with seasonal cheer.

     

🎹 Jim Brickman Live: The Gift of Christmas

  • When: Saturday, December 13, 2025

     

  • Where: Aronoff Center

     

  • What: Pianist and songwriter Jim Brickman brings his signature romantic and popular Christmas melodies to Cincinnati for a perfect evening of holiday relaxation.

     

🕯️ Candlelight Holiday Concerts

  • When: Various dates, including December 18–21, 2025 (Carols) and December 20, 2025 (Holiday Special)

  • Where: Rhinegeist Brewery & National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

  • What: Experience classical Christmas music in an utterly unique setting. A string quartet performs holiday carols and selections from The Nutcracker, all bathed in the warm glow of candlelight.

🎭 Holiday Theater with a Musical Twist

🤣 Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some)

  • When: December 11–28, 2025

  • Where: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

  • What: A hilarious, high-energy holiday romp that features plenty of singing and musical interludes as three actors attempt to speed-run every Christmas classic, including the stories and songs of Rudolph, It's A Wonderful Life, and more!

🍻 Find Ambient Music at the Christkindlmarkt

If you want music while you shop and sip, the Cincinnati Christkindlmarkt offers live performances almost every day leading up to Christmas Eve. You can find everything from Live Jazz Music on Friday nights to Dickens Carolers and German Bands on the weekends, making it a great place for casual, festive entertainment.

 

Contact Andrew Hersey at The Hersey Group | (513) 835-5506 | www.herseygroup.com for a FREE 2025/2026 Market Strategy Session