The first weekend of December transforms Cincinnati into a holiday hub, filled with world-class concerts, beloved holiday classics, and unique annual cultural events. If you're visiting the Queen City from Friday, December 5th, to Sunday, December 7th, 2025, you're just in time for some of the season's most anticipated one-off experiences!

Here are the top ten events to make your holiday weekend shine:

 

Friday, December 5: Christmas Superstars & Classics

 

1. Christmas Together with Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith & CeCe Winans

  • What it is: A single, spectacular concert event featuring three multi-Grammy-winning Gospel and Contemporary Christian music legends on one stage, performing their expansive Christmas repertoires.

  • Why it's unique: This highly anticipated national tour stop marks the first time CeCe Winans has joined Grant and Smith on their Christmas tour since 1998, making it a rare collaborative event.

  • Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts – Procter & Gamble Hall

2. Handel's Messiah (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra)

  • What it is: A special two-day engagement where the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra performs Handel’s iconic oratorio, Messiah, joined by the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus.

  • Why it's unique: This is a one-off opportunity to hear this specific, powerful choral and orchestral performance featuring a huge cast of local talent.

  • Where: Music Hall (Continues Saturday, Dec 6)

3. Damien Escobar Concert

  • What it is: A single-night performance by the Emmy Award-winning violinist Damien Escobar, known for fusing his classical training with hip-hop, R&B, and pop genres.

  • Why it's unique: A dedicated, one-time concert by a renowned touring instrumentalist who brings a modern twist to classical music.

  • Where: Check local venue listings (likely a music hall or theater)

4. Hollapolooza

  • What it is: A single-night, special holiday performance presented by Exhale Dance Tribe, likely featuring unique, high-energy, contemporary dance routines with a festive flair.

  • Why it's unique: A one-off showcase by a local professional dance company outside of a regular season run.

  • Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts

 

Weekend-Long Events (Dec. 5–7, 2025)

 

5. Indian Film Festival Cincinnati

  • What it is: A multi-day festival showcasing powerful independent films from India, South Asia, and the local Ohio film community, featuring screenings, red-carpet events, and after-parties.

  • Why it's unique: This is a significant annual cultural festival that brings a diverse, global collection of cinema to the city for one dedicated weekend.

  • Where: Various venues (Cincinnati Art Museum, The Children's Theatre, Mariemont Theatre)

6. Light in the Forest

  • What it is: A beautiful illuminated walking tour through a 1-mile trail celebrating nature in wintertime, featuring dazzling lights, interactive activities, and live music.

  • Why it's unique: While this runs over several weekends, the first weekend features the opening ceremonial lighting of Krippendorf Lodge at 6 PM daily, kicking off the immersive nature experience.

  • Where: Cincinnati Nature Center

7. Christmas in the Village (Waynesville)

  • What it is: A three-day festival in the historic downtown of Waynesville (a short drive from Cincinnati), featuring over 1,300 luminaries, carolers, choirs, and unique holiday shopping in 40+ stores.

  • Why it's unique: A major, regional holiday festival that only runs this one weekend, transforming an entire village into a walkable, Victorian-style Christmas experience.

  • Where: Downtown Waynesville, Ohio (Northern Cincy Metro)

 

Saturday, December 6: Comedy Legend & Bourbon Bash

 

8. Jerry Seinfeld Live

  • What it is: A single-night stand-up performance by one of the most celebrated comedians of all time, Jerry Seinfeld.

  • Why it's unique: A special, high-profile tour stop for a comedy icon that is a must-see event for fans of stand-up.

  • Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts

9. Dark Charge Day Winter Block Party

  • What it is: Braxton Brewing Company's annual celebration of the release of their Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout, Dark Charge, featuring a massive block party, live music, and special beer variants.

  • Why it's unique: A one-day beer festival and block party focused entirely on a highly anticipated annual beer release, making it a pilgrimage for craft beer enthusiasts.

  • Where: Braxton Brewing Company (Covington, KY – Northern KY/Cincy Metro)

 

Sunday, December 7: Holiday Matinee & History

 

10. ABBA Holly Jolly Christmas

  • What it is: A special holiday-themed concert celebrating the music of ABBA, featuring a tribute band or production.

  • Why it's unique: A single-day musical performance that mixes the joy of ABBA's hits with the festive spirit of Christmas, offered as a special matinee performance.

  • Where: Aronoff Center for the Arts