1. The Germania Society of Cincinnati’s annual Christkindlmarkt is celebrating 20 years of authentic German music, children’s lantern parades, petting zoos, traditional German fare, and unique imported gifts—all under heated tents. Grab some dill pickle soup and prost to the holiday season. November 17–19, Germania Park, Colerain Township, germaniasociety.com
2. Kick-off the festive frenzy at the Greater Cincinnati Holiday Market this weekend. Stockings (and ornaments and wool hats and local art) are hung with care throughout the Duke Energy Convention Center, nestled against tables of delicious homemade jerky, dips, jams and cookies. Stock up on gifts for the family—or for that absolutely necessary storage container of hand-painted signs and Nutcrackers that you bust out once a year—and jingle all the way home. November 10–12, Duke Energy Convention Center, cincinnatiholidaymarket.com
3. Looking to pad your pockets before the holiday gift rush? Kill two partridges with one stone and head on over to the Christmas Casino at Rising Star. Bet your luck on the Christmas Market Village to find charming holiday décor and gifts. Take the kids to Santa’s Corner and Christmas Stables for an extra dose of holiday cheer. Now thru January 2, 2018, Rising Star Casino, thechristmascasino.com
4. For one weekend in December, Findlay Market transforms into an old-timey winter wonderland. Stroll through the beautiful Italianate architecture of Over-the-Rhine while sipping hot chocolate and listening to carolers. Feel just like Scrooge after he was visited by the ghosts and was really jazzed about Christmas, and buy a prized turkey at one of the local vendors. December 2–3, Findlay Market, findlaymarket.org
5. City Flea is great all year, but their annual Holiday Market may be the crown jewel. Local artisans of all types—food, drink, art, clothing—band together to bring a truly remarkable display of Cincinnati’s finest holiday regalia and fare to Washington Park for one day in December. December 16, Washington Park, thecityflea.com
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