West Chester and Liberty Township are absolutely beautiful in the wintertime. Colorful stringed lights line the Square at Union Center Pavilion. Dark green fir trees decorate the streets of Liberty Center. Fresh snow sits upon the Voice of America hill ushering happy sled riders up and down the mound. The scenes are picture-perfect as if they were pulled straight out of a holiday movie.
There is always something else that adds to the area’s holiday charm: live shows featuring seasonal music, dance and theater. This year, as the temperatures drop and cheer is on the rise, catch these exciting performances to embrace the holiday spirit.
Elf Jr.
This December, join in on the holiday fun with Performing Arts Inc. for their showcase of the beloved Christmas comedy classic, Elf Jr. With performances in Sharonville and Hamilton, the cast will put a musical spin on the magical story of Buddy the Elf, following his advice that “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
December 4-11—Fitton Center for Creative Arts
December 9-10—Sharonville Cultural Arts Center
Lakota Choirs + Bands
Lakota’s High School performance groups share the holiday spirit this winter through an array of festive concerts. Community members are invited to join Lakota East and West Bands for performances that will showcase instrumental renditions of their holiday favorites. The Lakota East and West Choirs will also perform this December, singing classical and modern pieces sure to have the audience caroling along.
December 6—East Choirs, December 9+10—East Bands, December 12—West Bands, December 14—West Choirs
A Motown Christmas
For one night only, the Fitton Center Family Theater welcomes musical group “Vince and the Fellas” for their performance of holiday hits from famous Motown stars. With seasonal music from artists including the Jackson 5 and Stevie Wonder, the show will feature an 11-piece band with four vocalists and a horn section. This classic and festive Motown music will get the whole family dancing into the holiday.
December 10
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati welcomes friends and family for their musical adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr. Following the adored story of misfit reindeer Rudolph, the show will have audience members singing along to holiday hits such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.” Join the cast and crew to relive Rudolph’s adventures as he embarks on a journey around the world to save Christmas.
December 13-16 + 19
Miracle on 34th Street
Get into the holiday spirit this winter by experiencing the heartwarming musical Miracle on 34th Street at Middletown’s Sorg Opera House. Based on the 1947 movie, the show is an uplifting classic, enjoyable for all members of the family featuring fan-favorite songs, including “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas.” The show is sure to leave audiences merry and bright by the end of this three-hour special.
December 15 + 17
The Nutcracker
Cincinnati Ballet
Walk into a winter wonderland with the Cincinnati Ballet during their annual performance of The Nutcracker. A classic show for the whole family, The Nutcracker will showcase dozens of local Ballet performers as they recount the story of the main character, Clara, and her adventure to the Land of Sweets. With stellar dance performances and music, The Nutcracker will be a spectacular holiday display for all ages.
December 18-24
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Grammy Award-winner Chip Davis’s beloved show Mannheim Steamroller Christmas will be coming to Cincinnati’s Procter & Gamble Hall this December. The special show, marking 35 years of the holiday tradition, will feature remarkable music and dazzling multimedia effects to celebrate the anniversary of Mannheim’s first Christmas album. Community members of all ages are invited to experience this one-of-a-kind performance.
December 26
